ADV Rider #65 issue

showdown BMW F900 GS Enduro

How does the newly refined BMW F900GS Enduro stack up against the leaders in the market?

Selecting the right adventure motorcycle can make or break your journey through rugged terrain on endless exploration. The midsize segment is very popular, and the choices today are bountiful. Not everyone can afford to have two bikes. One for tight bush sections, single trails, and hard off-road riding, and the other for long adventure tours on the road. Many people want a single bike that can be a true one-stop-shop and handle all these tasks. The midsize adventure bike hits this sweet spot perfectly, hence its popularity with many riders.

The Ultimate Midsize Adventure Showdown: BMW F900 GS Enduro

compared to the KTM 890 Adventure R and the Yamaha Tenere 700.

I have been early to eagerly awaiting the opportunity to throw a leg over the new Bavarian beast for some time. There is a lot of hype around the latest iteration, and it’s only fitting to compare the BMW F900 GS Enduro to the two market titans. The KTM 890 Adventure R and the Yamaha Tenere 700.

Our mission? A full day of riding with three experienced everyday adventure riders, each swapping bikes after completing a loop on our challenging adventure course. This setup will give us comprehensive feedback on how the BMW F900GS Enduro stacks up. For those who prefer a visual feast, head over to my YouTube channel, where you can catch the video companion to this article.

Left: Which one to ride?

Above: Dan with the KTM, BMW, Yamaha.

The Riders Profile

Simon: Our seasoned BMW owner and adventure pacesetter. He’s the kind of rider who could probably handle an adventure bike on a tightrope. John: A well-experienced rider with more adventure bike stories than a campfire has sparks. If there’s a bucket list for adventure biking, John’s probably added more items to it to have the pleasure of ticking them off.

Dan (me), AkA Dk ADv: Just another bloke with a camera strapped to his helmet and a reputation for being a previous BMW bike destroyer. Think of me as the adventurer with a dash of chaos, capturing it all on film.

Setting Off: First Impressions Matter

As we gather at the trailhead, the crisp morning air is charged with anticipation. All bikes are privately owned, so we are not obligated to anyone, and we can say what we honestly feel. The KTM 890 Adventure R strikes an imposing figure with its aggressive stance and unmistakable orange livery. It has a wet weight of 210kg and a fuel capacity of 20 litres. The 890 has the proven ability to hammer the trails with 105hp and can stay out in the bush for long sessions with its low-slung fuel tank, which gives it excellent fuel range for big trips. It exudes readiness with its rally-inspired design, featuring premium suspension and a robust chassis that promises uncompromising off-road capability.

In contrast, the Yamaha Tenere 700 stands tall, ready to pick a fight with anyone who dares to hop on. Its blue and black livery hinting at Yamaha’s Dakar pedigree. With a lighter feel, narrow profile, and wet weight of 206kg, it appeals to riders seeking agility without

“ I wanted to ensure our adventure loop covered a variety of challenges: steep hill climbs, rough and loose descents, rutted sections, high-speed stretches to test handling, and a cheeky creek crossing. ”

sacrificing ruggedness and price. Its 689cc parallel-twin engine produces 72hp and promises a punchy performance on and off-road.

Meanwhile, the BMW F900 GS exudes a refined aura, blending adventure touring comfort with off-road prowess. The F900GS Enduro engine grows from 853cc to 895cc, delivering 105hp at 8,500rpm with a notable 15hp increase over its predecessor, the F850GS. BMW has shed the kegs and now has a wet weight

of 219kg and a redesigned 14.5L plastic fuel tank. Upgraded Showa adjustable suspension and a lighter highperformance Akrapovic exhausts come standard. Its sleek lines and premium finish suggest a machine designed for serious adventures, boasting BMW’s engineering finesse and technological sophistication. I feel guilty getting it dirty.

On the Trail: Taming the Terrain

It is only fitting that I nominate myself to ride the F900GS Enduro first. I’ll be honest. It has been a little while since I have ridden a 200kg+ bike in the dirt.

Above: Dan creek crossing BMW F900GS Enduro. Below: KTM 890 Adventure R. u

tailpipe. Under my helmet, a familiar smile appeared on my face. Yep, she is ready for the big dance. There is no doubt about it.

As I jumped on and settled into the riding position, I glanced over and saw John’s intense gaze. “It’s brand-new. Take it easy, mate!” he warned. As with any new bike, it’s wise to warm up and get a feel for it. Well, that plan went out the window as soon as I switched it straight into Enduro Pro mode. The immediate confidence the F900GS Enduro instils in the rider is nothing short of remarkable. BMW has clearly focused on riders who prefer spending more time in the dirt. This bike is leagues ahead of my old 2016 F800GS Adventure.

I wanted to ensure our adventure loop covered a variety of challenges: steep hill climbs, rough and loose descents, rutted sections, high-speed stretches to test handling, and a cheeky creek crossing. Our first challenge was the steep hill climbs, filled with ruts and loose surfaces. Simon, the pacesetter, shot past me on the Tenere, guns blazing. Right! We’re on! The F900GS Enduro comfortably sat in second gear and tackled the climbs with confidence. The torque was reassuring throughout the rev range, especially in the lower range when navigating technical terrain.

Time to open it up in the next section. I get it if you’re focused on horsepower when buying a new adventure bike.

Above: Simon exerting his dominance on the Yamaha Tenere 700.

Below: Dan - KTM 890 Adventure R.

Right: Descending into the gully of fun -Simon BMW F900GS Enduro Dan KTM 890 Adventure R. u

14.5 litres. While this trim-down helps shed weight, it also significantly impacts the bike’s range. So, if you find yourself riding the BMW, be prepared for more frequent fuel stops or consider the F900GS Adventure with its 23-litre tank as an alternative.

Feedback Roundtable: Perspectives from the Saddle

After completing the loop on each bike, our riders gather to share their insights: The kTM 890 Adventure R: Is a beast off-road. Its superb suspension soaks up everything thrown at it. The engine’s torque is downright addictive, and the bike feels ready for anything. The clever weight distribution of the twin tanks, which extend down around the top end of the motor, helps keep the weight low. This bike is perfect for more aggressive riders. It’s essentially a dirt bike disguised as an adventure bike, offering the best of

both worlds.

Yamaha Tenere T7: “I love how flickable it is. It’s like riding a dirt bike with the capabilities of an adventure bike. Its pure simplicity and affordable price tag, high torque and smooth power from the CP2 parallel twin, and proven reliability make it the most well-rounded and sought-after bike in the segment.

The Tenere has had a target on its back from other manufacturers for a few years now, pushing them to create better and lighter-weight bikes for us to enjoy. Thank you, Yamaha, for setting the bar high and keeping the competition on their toes!”

BMW F900 gS Enduro: It’s about time BMW showed us what they can do with this model. The BMW F900 GS Enduro is a well-rounded adventure bike that offers a fantastic blend of off-road capability and on-road comfort. Its lighter weight, improved suspension, and powerful engine make it a compelling choice for

Above: BMW F900GS Enduro. Right: Simon on the BMW F900GS Enduro. Bottom right: The lads deep in analysis.

riders seeking a versatile and reliable adventure companion.

BMW 1300GS owners, be warned: this Bavarian beast could be the new fan favourite.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Adventure

Each of these motorcycles brings unique strengths to the table, catering to different rider preferences and styles. Personally, I have a very specific list of requirements for my adventure bike. I’m looking for a battle-hardened machine that I can ride hard in the bush without worrying about expensive parts when I inevitably drop it. It needs to be loaded with camping gear and supplies so I can live off the bike for as long as possible, avoiding civilisation. That’s what adventure riding means to me. The BMW F900GS Enduro has proven itself to be a prime contender again in the segment, and I would be happy to load it up and head bush. So, which one would I get? I can’t go past the Yamaha Tenere 700 for its simplicity and price. When you’re travelling in more technical terrain, pushing the bike can hit the back pocket hard when you drop it. The Tenere 700 is perfect for this, offering a rugged, no-nonsense approach that’s easy on the wallet.

However, if money were no object, the BMW F900 GS Enduro would be my pick, hands down. It combines top-tier comfort, advanced features, and impressive performance, making it the ideal choice for those who can afford to splash out a bit more.

John: “The commute is a massive factor when you’re on a long trip. You have to put the road miles in, and the BMW F900GS Enduro is the most comfortable. In my point of view, the BMW gets the comfort edge over the other two.”

This bike isn’t just about power and performance; it’s also designed for longhaul comfort. Whether you’re tackling rugged trails or clocking up highway miles, the F900GS Enduro keeps you in the comfort zone, making it the ideal choice for those epic long adventures. With its well-thought-out ergonomics, plush seat, and smooth ride, it’s perfect for riders who want to cover serious ground without sacrificing comfort.

Simon: “All three of us previously owned a BMW F800GS Adventure, and they were great bikes back in the day. When the new F900GS Enduro arrived, I asked, ‘Is it going to be much better than that?’

I am honestly blown away by the improvements that have been made to the new model. If I had an endless budget, hands down, the BMW is my pick.”

I’m so impressed by the leaps and bounds BMW has made with the F900GS Enduro. While we all have fond memories of the trusty F800GS Adventure, the new model takes everything up a notch. From the lighter weight to the more powerful engine and refined suspension, the F900GS Enduro is a whole new beast. But don’t just take my word for it! Be sure to swing by my YouTube channel, where you will find the full article from this comparison, along with some epic footage of our test rides.

Special thanks: A big shoutout to Steve, our resilient videographer and photographer, who captured all the action. Thanks, Steve, for making us look good on and off the bikes!