BMW F 900 GS 2026 — Specifications

BMW is injecting muscle and revs into its mid-size GS. The sector is booming, and it’s out of the question to let the competition settle in. The F 900 GS is showing its teeth, with significant evolutions compared to the 850. Since Triumph launched the Tiger 900 Rally, Ducati delivered its 937 DesertX, KTM is sweating adventure with its 890 Adventure, briefly, you get the idea, it’s necessary to move the cylinders to stay in the game.

It’s a spectacular update. In appearance, at least. The eight-and-a-half GS presented all the stylistic codes of the trail as it is conceived: a prominent duck beak, a long overall look, a somewhat bourgeois appearance (normal for a BMW), scents of road versatility. The new 900 goes against this stereotype: with its raised stature, its short nose, its recentered shoulders and its streamlined silhouette, it inspires much more of a rally-raid. A welcome aspect, because in the duo of mid-size GS (the 700/800, the 750/850, and now the 800/900), the “biggest” has always been the most focused on off-road.

The F 900 GS thus presents a suit worthy of prefacing with the Honda Africa Twin and Aprilia Tuareg. The riding position has evolved with the same idea, orienting towards a more off-road-focused ergonomics. The handlebar is 15 mm higher, the footpegs are 20 mm lower and now in enduro format, and the shape of the fuel tank is also reworked - all to optimize the rider's efficiency in a standing position. The designers took the opportunity to install a new rear brake pedal. The adjustable selector is retained in its functions.

With its new face and upright posture, the F 900 GS looks meaner than its predecessors. On the engine side, it is! The twin of the 850 had been eyeing its cousin equipping the F 900 R and F 900 XR for a while. Consequently, a 2 mm bore increase in the cylinders to go from 853 to 895 cm3 like its cousins. The bonus is immediate. 10 horsepower gained and a maxi of 105 horsepower in the package (at 8,500 rpm). This allows it to join the top of the category. However, torque evolves in small proportions. Only 0.1 mkg gained, for a maxi of 9.5 mkg. BMW specifies that its curve is much more “consistent.” However, it loses A2 compatibility.

But the F 900 GS is not relying solely on its power gain to make the difference. It is also reaping the benefits of a targeted diet. From one generation to the next, 14 kilos have been shed. As if it had gotten rid of a full fuel tank. Speaking of which, the fuel tank. By exchanging steel for plastic, it loses 4.5 kg. The completely reworked rear frame announces 2.4 kg less. The exhaust is now a standard Akrapovic - it’s beautiful, high-quality, singing, and 1.7 kg lighter. BMW has also lost weight with an aluminum side stand, by removing the carrier, by changing the battery, by retouching the swingarm (250 gr) and with the new headlight (600 gr). This offers a wider diffusion angle. The trail thus descends to 219 kg ready to roll. Still a bit heavy for the category...

We will care less about that thanks to the balance of Munich productions and the enrichment in equipment. BMW remains faithful to its policy of almost mandatory passage through options but is making efforts for the onboard equipment. Heated grips, handguards and a multifunctional support (for a GPS, a smartphone, a walkman...) are now standard. The chassis performs even better with a brand new Showa inverted fork now fully adjustable. The rear shock gains rebound adjustment in addition to preload. The stroke remains at 230 mm F / 215 mm R, which is among the highest values in the segment. The steel frame of the “shield” type and the wheels do not change. Their dimensions are tailored for off-road, with 90/90 - 21 and 150/70 - 17, while they accommodate 305 mm brake discs. Unlike some competitors equipped with large Brembo sport calipers (radial 4-piston), the F 900 GS relies on more classic double-piston calipers.

Only the electronics have not had an update. A shame, it would have been nice to add the “Enduro” riding mode to those already standard (“Rain” and “Road”). In addition to them, the mid-size BMW trail has reactive cornering ABS Pro, traction control, the beautiful 6.5-inch “Connectivity” screen, 12V and USB sockets, full LED lighting, and… ah no, darn! Shifter, keyless start or tire pressure control are optional. Like the Dynamic – Enduro – Enduro Pro driving modes, engine torque control, dynamic braking system control, intelligent emergency call, Dynamic ESA electronic suspension and the Enduro Pro pack.

Let’s look at the entire category: KTM 890 Adventure R, Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition, Aprilia Tuareg 660, Ducati DesertX, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, Yamaha Tenere 700 World Rally, Honda 750 Transalp, Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE – That’s a lot of people on the track. No wonder BMW has proceeded with a good upgrade to arrive at the F 900 GS. It confronts more watts and a much more present adventurer profile, but without forgetting a bit of fun. The “Passion” color takes us to Brazil with its yellow and red cocktail; black is austere like coal; while the trendy GS Trophy confirms the enduro spirit with its gold rims, its engine guard and its reinforced handguards.

M.B - Photos constructeur