BMW F 900 GS

The best middleweight adventure tourer yet?

- AKSHAY JADHAV

Adventure motorcycles are not just about the taller stance, high ground clearance or the inches (Hey, I am only talking about wheel sizes!). Not everyone gets the difference between Adventure Tourers and Adventure Sport motorcycles. So much so that the F 850 GS had to bear the brunt as BMW found convincing buyers a challenge. The bike couldn't decide whether it was an Adventure Tourer or an Adventure Sports machine. So this time, BMW decided to address this by making the all-new F 900 GS!

At first glance, you won't assume it to be a BMW, as the bike does not look bulky enough to deserve the GS suffix! That's because BMW has gotten rid of the half-fairing, even the large beak is gone. The multi-panel shroud on the shoulder has been replaced by a single plastic and admittedly, this shredded avatar looks good. The headlight is compact and looks straight off the G 310 GS. Effectively, the F 900 does away with the traditional 'GS' big bike feel. The windscreen uses a beveled edge to deflect the wind, instead of blocking it. BMW has also gone in for a plastic fuel tank instead of a metal one, which saves 4.5kg.

I particularly like the exposed rear subframe—it is as minimalistic as can be and helps the bike look sporty, along with the integrated tail light bracket. In fact, the bracket also doubles up as a luggage rack and can take the weight of saddle bags. Overall, the slim look helps the 900 feel more approachable and adhere to its identity as a more outgoing and adrenaline-seeking motorcycle.