2024 BMW F900 GS On and Off Road Test Ride and First Impressions (and a VERY Expensive Mistake)

[@DorkintheRoad]

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[@Brad-RB]

Ah yes, keyless ride. A solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

[@Brad-RB]

@@atticushexcel9567 I own an R1250 GS, and the keyless ride has quit working several times and stranded me once. My next bike will not have it as it serves no purpose.

[@TheJstaples]

agree, just another thing to break or leave you stranded

[@chublez]

It's pretty great on a HD and there's an easy solution if yer fob battery dies or you loose it just gotta rtfm. Every convenience is "A solution to a problem that doesn't exist." if yer a stick in the mud though.

[@TheDogDad]

@@chublez Yeah but then you have to ride an HD.... which nobody with a functioning brain does. Seriously, HD sucks and I can't wait until they finally go out of business.

[@Brad-RB]

@@chublez BMW has a work around for the fob battery too. Unfortunately the problem is the receiver in the bike. I'm not sure having my bike start when I want it to is bing a "stick in the mud"

[@colinwiddis8530]

I'm always interested in these middleweight ADV bikes. But then I throw my leg over my DR 650, and just really appreciate the simplicity, durability, and just feel like its the " one"

[@keithquinn5624]

Dr650 best real all rounder, nice having a comfy fast tourer adventure bike as a second bike

[@asparceproton1]

"This bike is great, I just wish it had keyless start," said no one ever.

[@c0c0asauce]

​@@atticushexcel9567 Are you copy pasting the same comment on everyone talking about the key? Is BMW paying you?

[@c0c0asauce]

@@atticushexcel9567 Yikes, obviously I touched a nerve. I'll leave you to it.

[@TheDogDad]

@@c0c0asauce lol I was about to say the same thing.

[@asparceproton1]

@@atticushexcel9567 touch grass bro

[@airadaimagery692]

@@c0c0asauceBMW riders just like to moan and cry about something.

[@paulvandervyver4223]

I feel it needs a bit bigger tank, saved a bunch of weight, but fuel range is quite limited with only 3.8 gallon

[@killerx1307]

The key was there when you hit the gravel, and gone just after the 7:02 min mark

[@hakonsatvedt2146]

Oh well, not the worst thing that could happen. It does make you think about how much technology you really need/want on an ADV bike that's potentially going out in the middle of nowhere. I mean you could lose a regular key as well , but not WHILE riding 😁 The DR650 folks will probably have some thoughts here 🙂

[@AT2021Rocker]

I completely agree. Reliability needs to be the number one consideration!

[@craigmccue2841]

Sorry to all the high tech expensive bike owners out there but I'll keep my rock solid, simple, relatively inexpensive and super dependable Honda XR650L. I realize the two bikes are designed for somewhat different types of riding so I'm not comparing their capabilities. I'm just saying for me and my riding, simple is far better. I don't want the technology, complexity or expense. I took a nice 6.5 hr ride yesterday, 215.5 miles in total and 3 counties. Of the 215.5 miles, about 150 miles of highway with the rest being gravel and dirt roads. Sure, it's not as comfortable for long highway rides but it will do it all day. Nothing to lose on my bike.

[@TheJstaples]

@@craigmccue2841 i'm with you, why i love my CRF300L, simple, reliable, cheap, it takes me anywhere (a bit slower than some but who cares)

[@craigmccue2841]

@@TheJstaples I guess that's why they make so many different types of bikes. Some for us that love simplicity and some for those that want all the bells and whistles. Nothing wrong with having the choices and I choose to stick to simple, reliable and inexpensive. I hear you, I'm in no hurry to get places and I'm not trying to cross the country on highways/freeways on my bike. Puttin around locally and some more BDR's hopefully in the future.

[@colinwiddis8530]

I love the reviews. Very interested in this segment...but always so happy to throw my leg over my DR 650

[@dnwaterh]

So good to see a video of this route. I did it on a test ride also at Touratech, but no camera.... Thanks for the great initial impressions of the BMW

[@kevinbailey3041]

This is my ADV bike of choice after not riding for about 3 decades. I appreciate your reviews and like your channel. Thanks

[@soilsmanadv6673]

My 07 GSA is only ten more horsepower and weighs 45 more pounds with half a tank of gas. I love it. The bmw is the easiest motorcycle of the last twenty years to work on. I broke a blinker stalk and it took fifteen minutes to change and a phillips tip screwdriver, nothing else. Thank you for posting.

[@keithquinn5624]

What? Go get a dr650

[@theadventuresofbellatheenf4627]

Hello the lighter the bike on trails the better this is why I would use a endure 250cc to ride trails not a adv bike

[@airadaimagery692]

Lol, I luv to see “that guy” up to his shenanigans!

[@thejayman587]

Dork! Are you stalking my Google searches? I literally googled the 900 last night and then this video pops up in my feed 😂 Great video as always. Thanks man!

[@dandersonjr]

When I got rid of my KTM 1290 SAR and went to a Husky 701( realizing not your favorite brands) I pretty much jumped off the Adventure Bike wagon. Seems like many other people are also. As far as the FOB I don't see where that was your responsibility and a problem that could've been remedied with a simple key. Thanks.

[@FredricMccubrey]

My dad has one. First thing he did when he got it home was take off the passenger pegs.

[@motojon76]

I became super interested in that GS when my favorite Australian KZbinr did a video on it. After hopping on the BMW website and realizing that you have to completely custom configure the base model in order to obtain the model you’re sitting on, I saw the price. I promptly went out and bought a KTM 890 adventure R. I’ve watched several KZbinrs do a video on the BMW, and not a single one knows the actual price. Everyone keeps saying $16,000, but it’s closer to $20,000. I still think it’s an amazing bike, but it’s not KTM amazing. It’s definitely not worth double the price of a T7.

[@Blinducho]

In Australia, the T7 costs as much as the BMW 😅

[@Rollin_free]

That color scheme on the bike you picked is so odd it's lovely 😻 haha

[@JohnSherman2]

Maybe a suggestion for demo ride day sponsorship---for keyless bike(s) add Tile or Apple tag to key-fob.

[@SydewayzStan]

That's funny, it looks like the section of the road the FOB fell off was the same area where my buddy's slip on pipe came completely off and was laying in the trail at this year's rally, that area is cursed!

[@MoHogany1]

this video is making me sorry I missed touratech rally this year. I would have been the 2nd guy there without a bike of his own. See ya in Utah!

[@troy.peters]

Too much electronic crap on bikes now. Phone screen for a dash, multiple adjustments, key fobs, etc.

[@MrTmax74]

The key fob thing really boggles my mind. Why would you ever do that for a motorcycle? Simply to generate revenue? Maybe. But I will never ride a bike that has one, so BMW may be out of luck there.

[@lukefish7562]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. Think I’ll keep my Norden Expedition. 🏍️💨

[@kawabungah20]

This is a nice appetizer ride. Thank you.

[@advredbikes]

Thanks Ben for that great ride. I’ve always thought about riding one of those. They look really cool. I agree with the color. It looks ugly but cool at the same time I would not buy a car in that colour , not your fault The key fell off. Thanks for the experience. Looking forward to next video.

[@anymouse6202]

Thanks

[@FLYANDRIDE15]

Excellent video and overview 🤙

[@dstubby82]

That they STILL haven't gotten rid of the buzz, even with a total redesign, shocks me. 🤨

[@BigWhiskeyMoto-pl8qy]

I rode that exact bike at Touratech, clunky gear box, soft suspension, didn’t like it for the price. To each is own. :)

[@arcadegamesify]

He rode one without the rally suspenesion. Should be better maybe. But that package also adds a few grand...

[@arcadegamesify]

Maybe the enduro pro suspension would make it better? But that package also brings the price to $17400...

[@tolob]

I hit the like button, so I hope they found the key!

[@Blinducho]

Beautiful bike, awesome proportions....

[@sorenmelchior]

It looks like double take enduro mirrors they had installed on that GS you were riding. I am curious if they installed those so there would be less broken mirrors on these test rides?

[@airadaimagery692]

Most likely. I’ve yet to see any bike come stock with them.

[@timothytapio4252]

Two things caught my eye when I personally looked at one...parallel twin instead off a boxer...and the braking IMHO is a bit weak....(and I've seen noted in reviews I've read).

[@Alex_556]

Thanks for the review Ben. Did you get a chance to ride older F800GS 2010-2012 years? I had a chance to test ride one back in 2010 and was pleasantly surprised. They were 50 lbs lighter than new 900 and obviously less expensive. It would be nice to hear you opinion about then especially in comparison with T7.

[@THE_NEXUS]

Ben, I curious as to whether or not you found the Throttle control a little twitchy. I rode one for the duration of the GET ON ADV Fest and just couldn't get comfortable.. Thoughts?

[@tangysquid]

Is this video from last year’s touratech event? I see that this year’s starts next week and it seems there are fewer vendors offering test rides. Or are you a time traveler? 😎

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

The Harley fob is $90 plus the program and pair so I would say the BMW wold be $150 AUD the battery are $50 and last 12 months you only get two fobs when you get a new bike. BMW may only give you one. The services costs are also expensive. How many x300 verysis can you get for the same price.

[@darrylcoomer1539]

What about a head-to-head between the F900GS vs Norden 901 Expedition???

[@5395ct]

So that’s why the GS I rode at GetOnADV Fest didn’t have a key. Just kidding… In all seriousness I wasn’t nearly as much of a fan of BMW’s high tech bike as I expected to be. I am definitely looking at a middle weight bike but the GS900 just didn’t feel like the right bike for me. So far from what I have ridden the Triumph Tiger 900 is at the top of the list.

[@trailrunnermike]

Good looking bike that is a huge improvement, but more HP and tech than most need in my opinion. If the base bike was either $1-2k less or came with a better suspension many more people who are seriously looking at T7s p, Transalp and Tuareg 660 and want real off-road capabilities would be buying one of these.

[@user-cv9my1jq2r]

Cool stuff. Thanks.

[@ctjanney]

I hope they had a spare. My Triumph Scrambler has a keyless thing. Hate it. So many times I have to turn the key fob off and on to get it to register (yes, changed the battery, thank you). I'm appreciate the 900 GS, but sticking with the T7 and scrambler. I've had a GS, and it was great, but not as punchy as these two.

[@tommykawasaki9676]

“I wish my bike didn’t have a key” said no one, ever. I hate key fobs period. When vehicles required keys, They come with a handy key storage spot. It’s called the ignition switch. Ya never loose it there.

[@Snoopy-cq5jy]

Beautiful bike, just wish it was made in Germany instead of China

[@chukku2175]

It's not in the same price range as the competition because you have to add 2-2.5k to the base price for the Enduro package + the Dynamic package.

[@AAGrota]

This bike gets character when you turn the enduro Pro where you need to adjust settings of power to maximum the ABS to zero and kill off the TC with a button on the left. The Enduro mode is very laid back and boring. In fact if you want all the systems ON to help you in challenging conditions you should go for the RAIN mode instead of the enduro. Also adjust the suspension to harder terrain.

[@skiphalbakken6499]

Is it just me or were the handlebars narrow? Great video

[@louispaulter8733]

Very interesting, if possible, how does this compare to the’24 - ‘25 Suzuki Vstrom 800 DE Adventure bike? Check / compare notes with your buddy Ian at BR Moto as he is doing a long term review, esp. noting items / value for the $ !

[@checkingreality]

I sometimes wonder how a BMW would work on your channel? This video is fine, it's a good alternative to buying one. After your Nord I understand some people could be turned off of it, especially since you veer towards Japanese bikes. Keep an open mind about F900gs for a long term. You don't have to go new maybe find a year one trade in.

[@bentbars9366]

That is the reason why I sold my gs850 I could not get comfortable on it.

[@ndrew19]

I don't want to like it...but I really do. If its boring riding a sub 500lb bike with 100hp...its not the bike that is boring 😅 Eventually, you'll get one.

[@donnyjackson1908]

The question is…Is it worth $5,000 more dollars than your KTM790 ADV?

[@rhugh02]

No Way!

[@Ntmoffi]

I'd rather get a 901 Expedition.

[@LCBBuilders]

Remote key is just an over-use of tech for the sake of it. Imagine actually using this thing in a proper off-road remote situation and fob gets damaged/wet/lost. Why do it?? Triumph scrambler 1200 has gone back to a keyed ignition on latest models. I wonder why?.

[@TheJstaples]

@@LCBBuilders cool! I liked that new Scrambler but was not keen on the electric key business. They actually listened to customers!!?

[@yorkchris10]

310 just went out of production? BMW doesn't really have an entry bike. My friend didn't consider the 650 single entry level either. New BMW riders will come out of thin air?

[@burddog0792]

I'm hoping for a 410 to compete with the new KTM 390. Need some more 400-500cc thumpers. 😊

[@Ntmoffi]

They've needed to revamp that thing for awhile now. The little GS was completely outclassed by numerous other machines.

[@CraigSmith568]

I'm not a fan of keyless ignition on a bike. This is one reason. Also I really don't see an advantage.

[@TheJstaples]

@@CraigSmith568 do they do it because it is actually cheaper for them to make some wireless fob than the metal parts that make up the lock? And then charge more because its some wiz bang 'feature'?

[@CraigSmith568]

@@TheJstaples I don't know if it's cheaper or not. I do believe they think it's a selling point. I'm sure there are a lot of people who like it, I'm just not one of them.

[@defaultuser3410]

Something you could lose that easily shouldn't be that expensive or hard to replace, even for BMW.

[@dejankolsek3336]

Akrapovič is from Slovenia.

[@steveh545]

I don't know what they told you when they gave you the bike, but it looks like the key was strapped (by them) to the handlebar, so I wouldn't go as far as saying it was your fault. I think this falls in the category of "sh*t happening". It would be nice if the bike told you sooner, like when you're 100 yds from the key. Or less. What if you went to... starbucks... and left your key sitting in the garage???

[@micwell2247]

BMW. Doesn't that mean Brake My Wallet ?

[@rodsbmwadventures5663]

That key fell off that bike the second that warning appeared....i own one i am familiar with the technology...it was probably in sight of where you stopped....was probably riding down on the frame for awhile before you jared it off

[@ktomlin32]

See, I keep telling my wife that 5.5 inches is big.

[@williamzeller294]

You know, if a BSA DBD34 Gold Star showed up on my doorstep for a thousand dollars, but it had been converted to keyless/fob ignition control, I'd have to think about it. Pretty nearly the stupidest thing ever done to a motorcycle.

[@daltogaming1140]

Try tekken 250 pro 2024

[@Spool77]

So we gotta know.... Did they find the key fob or not?!?! Lol

[@GeorgeKremer]

Every part has "That Guy".....

[@ShurikGi]

No more test rides for you... 😂

[@hkmp5kpdw]

Does it smell like kung pao?

[@gzahnd]

No need for racist assholes here.

[@trey8367]

😂​@@gzahnd

[@user-dv7hb2sc9m]

I want to see how you feel after picking her up out of the mud 2-3 times? I'd have to bring a small pulley & a ratchet strap to make sure or have a chance to pick it up. But by the time you've paid for it you'd know how much she weighs. Probably as good as it gets on the road...... thanks for the review. peace

[@BadMedizin]

Better their key than your phone eh? 🤣😂🤣

[@JacobAnawalt]

I clicked Like. Did it work? :D

[@920fist4]

5.5"= MASSIVE? You're too kind

[@Kevimoto]

I wouldn't feel too bad about it. BMW should've figured out something better than that. Triumph zip ties the fob to the handlebar. That thing isn't going anywhere.

[@hunczar]

Top heavy?

[@gzahnd]

Not at all. I’m 5’9” and have ridden one extensively. Best BMW ever, in that regard. Not as good as a KTM 890/Norden in terms of center of gravity, but pretty darn good.

[@jjjjrrr678]

Only 480 lbs 😂😂😂

[@rickybobby1055]

Too many gimmicks, not for me.

[@wmbushUT]

Did they find the Key!!!??? ha

[@Ntmoffi]

I loved BMW's till I got one. Everything is too expensive for them including accessories. I'm a poor.

[@ishutwar7470]

this is your chance to win a free BMW F900 GS. First step: find the key FOB in the woods. Second step: find out where it is parked and then just claim your prize and ride off!

[@ProfessionalNoodler]

Fob keys on bikes always give me the jeebies. I just expect it to go AWOL.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I haven't lost the one for my truck yet. Honestly not having to dig my key out of my pocket after I forget and put my gloves on sounds pretty appealing to me.

[@dookieshoes141]

Nice thing about fob keys, you keep it zipped in your riding jacket and never have to worry about it unless you switch jackets a lot

[@mcnuggetapple]

My pan America has it and the battery died on the fob, you just punch in the pin and you’re on your way

[@ProfessionalNoodler]

@@DorkintheRoadI love the fobs on cars, but in the car if something bounces out of my pocket, it lands on the floorboard (not the forest). True point about gloves though, I've made that mistake more than I care to admit.

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

@@DorkintheRoad I have to admit, I won't have a car with it after a life-changing experience with an early Ford keyless everything BUT I intentionally bought a used bike with keyless ignition to see if I would like it...and I love it! I just need a dumb key for the saddlebags, helmet lock, and tank so I can leave the FOB in the "Secret Stash" pocket with my spare keys for all my other bikes never to see the light of day unless it needs a battery.

[@twowheelin7361]

Chinese motor, may as well buy a 450MT and save some cashola ✌🏽

[@tomg6284]

Screw chinabikes, just say heck no.

[@ricatiman]

I tried the BMW a couple of weeks ago on the street only, just a week after having ridden a Desert X Ducati. YAWN! ...For me there was no comparison...the Ducati was lighter, much quicker, sounded better, and looked way better. And that engine was the big winner for Ducati. It's one of the best engines ever in any motorcycle. The BMW engine was just Meh...Boring, as you said. Lacks all character completely. Just a motoring appliance. I feel sorry for riders who don't understand motorcycles are supposed to thrill the rider. If your bike doesn't make you look back after parking as you walk away, then, you unfortunately own the wrong bike!

[@muppdog390]

Does that not apply to the vast majority of German built cars and bikes? A good dose of over-engineering, electronic gimmicks galore with glitches, powerful engines and zero character. Just machines, no soul. And I expect that engine to become a 950 in two years, a 1000 thereafter and a 1050 then with 30 horses more. Not that we have not seen these trends before.

[@TheJstaples]

Real bikes have keys

[@tigerzzff]

keyless ride 😂 nobody ever asked for it 😂😂😂

[@sandwaves5642]

Luxury ⁉⁉😆😆 Really ??!! And what's the story with the Cruise Control on this bike - is stays ON if you QS up, but disconnects when you quick shift down !! - My BMW ( bike ) dealer had NO answer to that. And - it is NOT a safety feature ( touching the clutch / brake - disconnects the CC anyway ). Then - why so useless / tiiiiiny, shitty "windshield" on the "road" version ( there is an "LEGIT EXUSE" for that, on the off-road vers ...) ? - They just repel the buyers by these IDIOTID things ! Bike is still TOP HEAVY ! - The 1300GS feels much lighter - to move it around.... I DIDN'T like this bike 🤷‍♂

[@medic001465]

Hilarious how you guys (KZbinrs) hate on GS's until you ride them and make money off their content. You practically romanced the 1250! 😂 Watch Adam Riemann's review! He ripped that thing!!

[@ProfessionalNoodler]

Pretty sure BMW makes money off their (KZbinrs) content too; it's a bilateral relationship.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Really? Someone needs to send me a check, then!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Hate is a strong word. I'm just a Japanese moto guy mostly. My experience on BMW is limited.

[@DavidLPitman]

@@DorkintheRoad Your summary is that it is a nice riding mid-adventure and that gets taken by some as "hating". I don't get it.

[@terrytichey6269]

=== ALERT ALERT ALERT ---- LESS TALK ABOUT THE BIKE... WE WANT MORE TALKING ABOUT THE COMMENTS - CUZ CREATORS CAPTURED BY THE COMMENTS SECTION IS THE BEST ----- GO MAN GO

[@burddog0792]

It's pronounced Akrapovič. 🤪

[@pilotobob66]

Yes, BMW makes great bikes. Aston Martin makes great cars. But let’s talk about who is going to afford them?! I find it hilarious that you BMW guys latch onto a positive BMW review ranting, raving and can’t understand that a vast majority of us enjoying a simple backcountry recreation of ADV riding can not and are not going to spend BMW money…. Great bike or not!!! Honestly, if I had BMW money I’d still be doing road racing & track days. I can’t afford $500 to $1,000 dollar weekends for that anymore so I sure as hell ain’t going to go spend $20k (with the shit ya’ you’re going to put on it) on a “dirt” bike! I got into ADV because I can still ride, like the race track, away from most of the idiot cage drivers! I also have 22 year old son, loves off-road riding (who knew for him to not to waste money on college) that is never going to be able to afford a BMW unless he wants a beat up 50,000 mile model, and will be lucky as a “general labor” citizen to even afford a house. The purchasing crowd of these bikes is going to be dwindling as baby boomers find out they need 4-wheels as in wheel chairs…… BTW, I’m here riding in the San Juan mountains of Southwest Colorado for 12 days and seen many “off-road riders” and yet to see a BMW off highway! Also BTW; you want to hate them, but I see many $20k to $30k machines here, called UTVs (SxS) that for the same money take their WHOLE family off-road! Know why they’re not buying the whole family BMWs??? So enjoy your new BMWs, but stop acting like I can’t roll my eyes at you, like “whatever”, just like I do when I see a Ferrari driver or Ducati rider…. LOL (see, not hating, laughing)

[@Wollestar]

You sound pretty bitter man. Just saying. Let people enjoy whatever they want to enjoy. Only because you don´t understand it, doesn´t make it wrong or worthless. For being a father of a 22 year old, your comment appears very narrow minded to be honest.

[@armadilllo]

I can afford a bmw but they've let me down too many times, I want a bike to ride, if I wanted to ride in a tow truck like my last one had me doing several times I'd buy a tow truck. I no longer see value in bmw bikes as I once did. I thought Chinese bikes were supposed to be inexpensive. bmw needs to get out of the electronics business and build motorcycles again..

[@pilotobob66]

@@Wollestar no bitter here, see LOL at the end. Also said “enjoy your new BMWs” with no intended sarcasm. Made comments because there is a comment section. Just as I read other comments that could also be called narrow minded that seemed to possibly come from BMW owners…. My apologies for having an opinion difference from yours. Also trying to see where I used “worthless” when I said they’ve made some great bikes?

[@pilotobob66]

@@atticushexcel9567 Just tiny claws. I scratch at the tree though LOL

[@pilotobob66]

@@armadilllo You’re an honest owner who can call them as they see them! Be careful here though because if it seems if your opinion is anti-BMW they call you narrow minded…. Somehow that makes my point though.