After the launch of the BMW R 1300 GS in India a few months ago, BMW Motorrad India is all set to launch its new middleweight ADV, the BMW F 900 GS and the F 900 GS Adventure soon. In fact, BMW has started taking bookings for both motorcycles across the country. Expect the price announcement in a few days' time. The F 900 GS and the F 900 GS Adventure will replace the F 850 GS and the F 850 GS Adventure, which have been on sale in India for a few years now.
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Both motorcycles get a new 895 cc parallel-twin engine which makes 105 hp at 8,500 rpm along with peak torque output of 93 Nm at 6,750 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a bi-directional quick-shifter. Compared to the 850 GS range, the power goes up 10 hp and the torque goes up by 1 Nm. The 900 GS gets a smaller 14.5 litre fuel tank while the F 900 GS Adventure gets a 23-litre fuel tank. The bigger F 900 GS ADV gets bigger bodywork and road-biased tyres and weighs 246 kg while the F 900 GS is a whole 27 kg lighter and is significantly slimmer compared not only to the ADV but also other motorcycles in its segment at 219 kg.
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Both motorcycles get 43 mm Showa USDs with 230 mm travel and a monoshock at the rear with 215 mm travel. The F 900 GS is a lean-mean off-road focussed motorcycle with fully adjustable USD fork and monoshock. One the other hand, the F 900 GS Adventure gets electronically adjustable suspension and is meant more for long distance touring. Both bikes get 305 mm discs up front and a single 265 mm disc at the rear.
In terms of features, both motorcycles get ABS, cornering ABS, traction control, various riding modes and a 6.5-inch TFT screen. One surprising design feature is that the F 900 GS borrows its headlights from the G 310 R, yes, you read that right!
The current F 850 GS and the F 850 GSA are priced at Rs. 12.95 lakh and Rs. 13.75 lakh respectively. And the new F 900 GS motorcycle range is expected to be launched with prices starting at about Rs. 13.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The F 900 GS will go up against the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally, Honda XL7450 Transalp, Ducati DesertX and Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE.