I rode one today, if you want a bike between a GS1250 and a husky 701, this is it. Plush ride, lovely build quality, fast and rides lovely. Honestly, test ride one, you’ll thank me later .
Nice bike and loved the location for riding. Good speed on some of those roads!! Kate, would it be possible to have a video on your current bike gear (what you like about it, what its like for various weathers and warmth). Also just a thought, a behind the scenes video on the lead up to filming for a video such as this one - imagine you have to organise flights, find a hotel and a lot more than us viewers are aware of. Enjoying the videos 👍
Me: 'Hello, I'd like to buy this bike.' BMW salesperson: ' Aah yes, before we begin, we need to discuss packages' Me: 'Whaa?' BMW salesperson: 'For example, would you like your motorcycle painted?' 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'm sticking wi me 'busa! Black paint and WHAAHEY! fitted as standard.
That's a very decent bike - same power as my Africa Twin but 16kg lighter. Not to be sniffed at. I think if I was looking for an expedition bike it would be something like this.
I own the F900GS and have owned an African twin, the F850, as well as the Triumph tiger rally pro, and I like the F900GS best of all. Fantastic bike. Money well spent.
@rohallahhaidari2968 if you plan on doing 90% on road, the new F900GS adventure will take you anywhere you want comfortably. The motor run much cooler between the legs than the Honda and the Triumph, and the seat is much more comfortable than both.
I hate to say Kate, but I prefer these BMWs to the boxer engine ones, like your own bike…. I get my coat…….😂 But we both have Tech 7s…so we have something in common at least
Great review Kate. The on bike commentary and full detailing of the various specs and options naturally delivered whilst riding in convoy at spritely pace was pretty cool!
Integrated rear light, brake and indicators are dangerous in my opinion. Behind a GS the other day who was breaking and indicating. You could barely see the flashing orange of the indicators.
Yep, they could've easily designed an LED optic that 'joined' both sides and then disabled the red portion of the indicator when indicating. It was hard to see the indicator under braking here (and I was looking to see if they were the same as the 1300GS). It's probably even harder at night with glare from oncoming, glare from the brake lights, etc.
@@_Steven_S I also don't like the way Honda run both the front indicators at full brightness and then one will flash when tuning,. I would expect them to run at a lower brightness as DRL's. The one staying on is more visible than the one that keeps going off when indicating. BMW should have kept a small brake light in the middle and made the extra brake lights/indicators turn off the brake light element. I would have to change things a bit if I owned one of these models. It's really not safe.
However premium prices . Don,t have a problem with Chinese building engines and whole bikes . However I do have a problem with BMW producing their product in china then expecting us the users to pay premium prices
Love your commentary. I got that very bike spec’s the same. I talk to myself just like you do.This was the absolute best review of this bike from a real world perspective. Keep up the great work Kate!
Very Good Review as usual Kate :) very informative quite good package for the money thanks and keep safe all :) very well done kate on your riding way up there wow !!! ❤🤟✊
you have to be one of the most competent vertically challenged riders out there! (and this is coming from a short rider so I can say it lol), seriously impressed how you tackle this seat height, you inspire me!
Oh it's a good looking bike that! 😎👍 Recently bought an F850GS & blown away by the sheer selection of seat heights that are available & been riding mine with the regular & also the comfort, which is a bit taller, but being a 30" leg owner myself, I'm waiting on my low seat arriving any day now!!! 🤣👍 Great vid by the way, although your waaaaay better on the dirt than you think mate! 😉✌️
Love the F900GS but I'll stick with my older F800GS which is just as tall, well balanced, came standard with heated grips. Like the rear tank which makes its weight distribution better than the modern ones. Only thing I miss is tubeless tyres.
Great lookin thing but unless I need another egg, or was having a particularly lethargic day, I threw my leg over one and couldn't lift the bastard level off the sidestand. Top heavy twat of a thing. 🤣 R12 9T or Duke 900 is more up my street by the look of it.
Nice review. I don't know if you prefer ADV bikes, but for someone your height and inseam, I recommend the KTM 890 ADV, the relatively new Honda Transalp, or the new Royal Enfield Himalayan, or even the Aprilia Toureg with the lower seat.
That’s a big bike which even scares me even though I used to ride a 1700 V-Twin that weighed over a thousand pounds. I ride a KTM 890 ADV now which handles rather easily off road due to its relative lightness when wet and its low center of gravity. I have never dropped it yet.
Been on the BMW configurator and whilst very easy to spec this to £14000 which I guess is very competitive against the opposition however still too expensive . Really good used r1250gs,s with 2 year warranty for the same money . Looking down the accessories I cannot find the luggage for it . Maybe Iam looking in the wrong place 😮 .
@@richardbarton2709 awesome! I live between London and Porto!! I can't wait to ride in Portugal - can any more info be shared on the specific location or tour provider?
Looks like a decent bike! Not too heavy - I think we don´t need to argue that it is well over engineered for anything, but that´s just the way all modern bikes are. It reminds me a little bit of my Tuareg 660... just a bit ;) Great review BTW
Love your transparency on the corners and loose gravel. I feel the same and I live on a dirt road so it’s almost every time I’ve the same thoughts. The Karoo4’s are great. Expect 3500 miles tops on the rear.
It is strange how anything bmw brings out the worst in people it also happens with the cars. Not sure why its just a bike same as anything else they make some good ones some crap ones. For me the list price is irrelevant just buy second hand. No one buys them new anyway they are just effectively rented. However anyone who thinks they are a better than someone else just because they have a bmw is just a little bit sad (unless your peter hickman). No point in blaming the reviewer for the price she always does an excellent unbiased job from what i have seen.
why does it keep getting heavyer and heavyer? My 2008 F800GS is 208KG this is 50KG more, for what reason ? Time goes on, material science advances, but we get a 25% heavyer bike ? This is not what people want, wake up bmw...
This is a awesome midveigh all-rounder adventure bike! But!! I don't know how bmw engeniers could do that mistake to pun in this hing end bike, only 14.5Lfuel tank!? It isn't a stupid thing !??
Wow - fantastic review Kate. I have also just watched your review on the Himalayan 450. With the speed you were all doing on the road section and the tricky off road part, I wonder if you would have had just as much fun on the Himalayan - ha.
I do like the look of the new models. Both the 900 and the 1300 GS models. I don't like the idea of the tail light incorporated in the indicators though. That would probably be a deal breaker for me, specially in the 900 GS if I was going to do much off-road riding. Another thing that I don't like is the gold coloured wheels. I would much rather have silver rims any day of the week.
I would never dream of taking the big GS bikes off road. However, I would love to take that over the sand dunes back in Wales and nail it up the 7 mile long Cefn Sidan beach racing seagulls in the winter off season. Hey Kate take heart in the fact you took the tall thing off road and all was ok. I remember reading when I was young that the hardest sports on your entire body are Boxing, Motocross and downhill slalom ski racing. Luckily you do not look like a boxer
I’ve been on an 850gs for 3 years now and it’s been a great bike. I am considering an upgrade to it and for the price here in the US I can get a fully loaded Triumph tiger. The GS is awesome but I had to add quite a bit aftermarket to get the features that the Tiger comes stock with. Might be switching. We’ll see after the test rides at the end of this month.
I've owned the F850GS and the Rally Pro, the F900GS is best than both. The Tiger has nice features and build quality, but too many issues. The new firing order ruined the smoothness of the triple and the bar vibrations are painful. The speedo being off by 6 mph and no way to fix it will drive you nuts. And having to take it to the dealer to clear the oil change light is a pain (there is a hack, but can void the warranty).
@@mikemcmurray2506which year was your Rally Pro ?? Iam on tiger xrx absolutely zero issues …I’ve heard the vibes 0n the 2024 are considerably less than the previous years
Of the BMW "Adventure" bike range, this one is the first one I really like, design wise. However: why just 14.5l tank volume? I am currently on an adventurized Husqvarna 701 "Explorer", which has only 1.5l less tank volume, but significantly less weight, at approximately same fuel consumption. Not really comforable on long straight pavement roads, but it will for sure smoke the 900GS offroad. It's always a matter of priorities.
Again, always impressed with the way you handle a bike built for much taller folk! I would be off that and eating dirt/tarmac the first time I had to pull up sharply, hit a sharp turn with gravel or found an adverse camber....Kudos!
yeah when riging in a group it's important to ride at your own pace a friend of mine was riging in a group and got split up (he took a wrong turn and ended up going on a diffrent route) as he was trying to catch the group up he was riding down a country lane (the police say he was likely speeding considering the state of his "unbreakable" glasses) the overtook a car and hit a car coming the other way head on going around 80mph (police estimate) unfortunatly he died on impact if riding slower than the group annoys them explain you don't feel safe and they will likely understand and slow down if that doesn't work break off from the group and ride by yourself your life is not worth speeding and trying to stay with the group.
I was loving the pace. If I wasn't comfortable, I'd have dropped back. When its fast you won't hear me talking on the mic because I'm concentrating too much 🤣 by the way, I'm the BIGGEST advocate of riding your own ride 👍
That’s a smart looking bike and the colours suit it very well. It looked like an amazing place to ride, I’d love to have a go off road at some point. With regards the price, I know it may seem steep but some old work colleagues who had BMWs for years before swapping to KTM recently always said you’re paying for the bike and the dealer network. When they were in Africa, a broken wheel was replaced within 24 hours. I’m not sure how many manufacturers have that kind of dealer/service coverage. If you’re buying the bike for the looks and to use primarily on the road then you pay that premium. If you’re buying the bike for off road/touring/adventures you know you have the dealer network behind you.
Congratulations Kate. You really did the loose stuff like a pro. Totally getting there. By the way. Just picked up an interesting term a few days ago. Barrophobia = the phobic fear for gravity. Sounding familiar? 🤣
so many glue-sticker's ...do you both ride some street's nearby me? sad that 1996/'97 isn't anymore the varity of different shop's aren't ...today only 10k free park-boxes 🤦at new-middle ...i'am sure that beside A45 🇩🇪 "sourland" are some stickers to spot to also it was beautyfull to uphill/downhill rides but all the trees are cutted since kyrill-storm belgium is a bit more ambient than sauerland
Nice one, UNK! Looks like rather a tasty bike, dare I say it this one blows my skirt up a bit more than the flagship R1300GS! If I had the spondoolies I think I might make a beeline for Dick Lovett Motorrad and Chuck a wad of cash down!
Great review Kate. I’ve had a couple of 850GSAs as loan bikes when my 1250 has been in at the dealer. Hands up, when I rode the 850 I did think that if I only rode solo I’d have one. I was really impressed. Seemed more fun to me. New 900 looks like it’s moved the game on even further. Do think I prefer the original “GS” look lights though. You’ve probably guessed what I think of the front of the new 1300🤮
Hei Ka Excellent test drive of BMW in Portugal.While watching your video I felt the roads and town layouts are Similar to that of Goa in India.Portuguese stayed in Goa until 1961 and influence of Architecture of Buildings,Roads,Houses, Churches in Goa are still there.I liked your video
Great review Kate. I have a F750GS 40 years model, but you’ve made me want to go test ride the 900. Great accent by the way, you sound like a fellow Yorkshire lass, I’m in Australia for 50+ years now.
This is not a bike I would have thought about, but you have peaked my curiosity. Great stuff Kate! Oh, and I like the Knox jacket! I’m considering. I hope Knox are looking after your ;-)
First time viewer. Have you ever considered doing an adventure riding course? I know BMW offer great courses with wonderful instructors. I know there are a few non-affiliated ADV instructors in the UK who are brilliant. I can personally say as a beginning ADV rider, doing the Country Trax courses gave me great confidence and helped me immensely on dirt roads.
Glad you mentioned your Tech 7s. I just bought a pair and it’s like riding in ski boots! Braking and shifting down is a total chore and shifting up is nearly impossible. Any tips on braking them in? Should I drive over them a few times? I Yi Yi ! One other thing. I’m a Triumph fan with a 22 900 GT Pro who’s about to trade to the 24 Rally. Love to see you get on one. Thanks
Does look like a nice bike. Weight and seat height. I’m a 29 inside leg also. 5’7feet. Would it do for me ? Out of many of a BMW range. This is one of the only ones that has caught my eye.. Is this engine a brand same as the Voge ? But the bike itself looks like it has street cred. Black for me would be the best colour option. Perhaps a test ride would be a good idea.. and then when I’m able to perhaps a change.. But again. Not 💯 sure… Great review you have done though. And yes can hear in your voice and breathing the challenges you had with the bike… Can you persuade me ??? We will have to see… 👍👍👍
Loved your honest review, thx! Expanded your comfort zone in your typical hilarious way. Good job. However, made me realize that I'll enjoy my Tiger a while longer. Will keep on following your adventures!
what is the helmet camera you're using? Is there a noticeable weight to your helmet or is it fairly not noticeable? i just traded my 850GS in for the new 900GS but hasn't been delivered yet. I'm so excited!
Being in the same gang as you with normal size legs, I would definitely not attempt to ride the 870mm version (my confidence / skill level would set off warning bells) however I think they have definitely increased their potential buyer market by offering the two lower options. I had the tiger 900 rally pro and took it over the Zillertal pass in Austria which has tarmac so I have never attempted similar on dirt, at 850mm that was as concerning as i want it to be lol. That said, the more you ride the better you get so who knows. I currently have my sights on adding another bike to the garage, not quite sure how that will go down with the missus though. That bike is possibly the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, seen some great reviews on it and because of the lower height it would be a great learning tool for green lanes and off road (maybe the TET)
People that complain about the R1250 not being enough of a dirt bike forget that they also make the F800-900 which is much more of a dirt bike vs the tourer that the R1250 is.
What a brave lady you cope very well at difficult times like your outlook enjoy the ceanary what is the rush good outlook why rush don't seem the point great RU-vid as always bet m8ke would like it .I would be having kittens you are one fast lady and beautiful. Sorry Mike look forward to the next one 😂❤
I like it quite a bit. Saw one in person a couple of weeks back. It would be tough to justify buying it over one of the Teneres or Tuaregs if off-road riding is truly your focus, but it looks so sharp and has everything you could want on it.
Great review Kate , top rider , but i have to say BMW do it again? Resonbly priced bike. Then lets add the extras to bring it up to what it shoukd be. Empy the wallet , its en enduro bike alot of the things that are extra should be standard. Shame on BMW.
