Go-anywhere adventure bikes: BMW's new F 800 and 900 GS
A new standard for middleweight adventure
By Inigo Roces

There’s even more options for going on long rides with BMW’s latest selection of F-series GS motorcycles unveiled. SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official distributor of BMW Motorrad in the Philippines, unwrapped the new BMW F 800 GS, F 900 GS, and F 900 GS Adventure.

With the F-series representing parallel twin cylinder configuration, the F 800 and F 900 offer the same versatility their more popular R1300 GS models offer but in the middleweight category. Positioned as touring enduro motorcycles, these models can tackle off-road, touring, and adventure rides, all-in-one.
New look

Both the F 800 GS and F 900 GS Adventure continue the recognizable asymmetric headlight design and distinctive “beak” the series is known for. The F 900 GS, on the other hand, sports a symmetric headlight and shorter beak.
Both the F 800 GS and F 900 GS have a 14.5-liter plastic fuel tank, saving 4.5-kg of weight compared to the steel tank of the previous model.

The F 900 GS features ergonomics specifically optimized for off-road use, with lower enduro footrests, a higher handlebar position, redesigned fuel tank, and an aluminum sidestand. There’s an optimized gearshift lever and a new brake lever, and a new foot brake lever in a higher position, as well. Finally, it features a completely redesigned rear with a rear silencer by Akrapovic.

Both the F 900 GS and F 900 GS Adventure have new, fully adjustable upside-down telescopic forks by Showa.
Unique to the F 900 GS Adventure is a 23-liter fuel tank capacity for extended riding range. It also comes with standard crash guards.
Nonetheless, all three are built on a bridge-type frame made of deep-drawn sheet steel parts welded together, which integrates the two-cylinder inline engine as a supporting element.
Upgraded engine

The advanced 2-cylinder inline engine receives a significant upgrade. Despite the name, all models now sport an increased capacity 895 cc (previously 853 cc). The engine has a 270/450 degree firing interval to generates a particularly emotional sound. In addition to a significant increase in peak power of 10 hp each, the new engines also boast of a much fuller torque curve, increased pulling power and faster acceleration. The F 800 GS produces 87-hp and 91-Nm of torque, while the F 900 GS and F 900 GS Adventure are rated at 105-hp and 91-Nm of torque. All models are paired with a six-speed transmission with an adjustable gearshift lever as standard.

Reigning this power in are a choice of two riding modes with ABS Pro and DTC as standard. The riding modes are "Rain" and "Road" as standard, alongside Dynamic Traction Control DTC, the cornering-optimized ABS Pro, and the dynamic brake light.
Color LCD screens

All models now come with a large 6.5-inch TFT display as standard. The screen is designed to offer information diversity, quality of presentation and, last but not least, user-friendliness. The new BMW F 900 GS is already equipped with a 12 mm holder as standard, which permits action cams or other devices to be mounted.
Optional Extras

Opt for Riding modes Pro and it comes with additional modes(Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro), riding mode pre-selection(quick select up to 4 riding modes), Dynamic Brake Control (Prevents unintentional throttle application when braking), and engine drag torque control.
Other optional add-ons include the Enduro Pro package featuring a fully adjustable central spring strut as well as handlebar risers and M Endurance chain.

The three models are now available at the following colors and prices: F 800 GS (Racing Blue Metallic) at P995,000; F 900 GS (GS Trophy colorway [light white, racing blue metallic, and racing red combination] at P1,135,000; and F 900 GS Adventure (white and aluminum matte) at P1,295,000. All three are covered by a 5-year or 500,000 km comprehensive BMW Motorrad warranty.