Twin-cylinder triple threat: BMW aim for the middleweight adventure top spot with advanced new F800GS and F900GS range

BMW’s hotly anticipated R1300GS isn’t the only new adventure bike coming from the German brand in 2024, with a radically different F900GS, distance-munching F900GS Adventure, and A2-friendly F800GS arriving to replace the current F850 and 750 contingent.

• We’ve ridden it: 2024 BMW F900GS review

Ready to take on an onslaught of middleweight competition from the likes of Triumph, KTM, Husqvarna, Ducati, Yamaha and more, all three machines will feature an 895cc 8v parallel twin motor using a 270-degree firing order, with differing states of tune and twin counter balance shafts.

Sticking with the 900s for now, both machines will produce a claimed 103.3bhp at 8500rpm – up from the 94bhp on the outgoing BMW F850GS motor, thanks in part to a capacity increase from 853cc.

The F900GS has also shaved a claimed 14kg, bringing the weight down to 219kg ready to roll and is distinguished from the Adventure thanks to a beakier front end, revised lighting, and generally more off-road inspired stance. A taller screen is available as an optional extra to help boost comfort over distance, with the single seat design seen in some of the promotional imagery also available for an extra fee to trim off a little more mass.  

These changes are more than just cosmetic, with a 250g lighter aluminium swingarm bolted in, as well as a revised 14.5-litre plastic fuel tank that trims a claimed 4.5kg off compared to the outgoing 850 model. BMW do concede this sacrifices 0.5 litres of capacity, but state the new shape aids leg contact with the bike – especially useful off-road.

Elsewhere, the bulkier Adventure model gets 23-litre tank and retains a more recognisable look, clearly inspired by the outgoing design. Both variants will roll on a spoked 21in front and 17in rear rim, allowing for a strong choice of off-road rubber to stray away from the tarmac.

Helping to control that performance are both ‘Rain’ and ‘Road’ riding modes as standard, as well as lean sensitive ABS and traction control. This can be taken further with the instillation of the optional ‘Pro’ set-up, which adds both a ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Enduro’ riding mode to the party – as well as ‘Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)’ which helps prevent unwanted rear wheel lockups.

The F900s can also be equipped with an ‘Enduro Pro’ pack that consists of a set of fully adjustable titanium nitride-coated upside-down forks, fully adjustable centrally mounted rear shock, handlebar risers and an M Endurance chain.

If there’s any space left on your credit card, you can also add ‘Dynamic’ electronic suspension to the F900GS Adventure and F800GS, too. On the 900 models, this option replaces a fresh set of Showa fully adjustable upside down units that are now equipped as standard.

The clever tech doesn’t end there though, with LED lighting right the way round, and a full colour 6.5in TFT display. There’s also keyless ignition and the option to equip an SOS emergency quick call system to be used in distress.

Elsewhere, the new F900 comes with a sporty road legal Akrapovič exhaust silencer, plus enduro footrests for better stability off the beaten track. You also get handguards, an aluminium side stand, and heated grips to keep your mitts toasty.

The Adventure also gets these grips, plus aluminium engine guards, and new side panels to help distinguish it from the older model.

Additional accessories across both models further include aluminium luggage, blacked-out foot and hand levers, integrated satellite navigation, and much more.

The BMW F900GS will cost £11,995 rising to £12,350 for the GS Adventure. The lower powered F800GS will cost £9995. All three models are expected to arrive in early 2024.