With a large seat height of 875 mm, it weighs a substantial 246 kg.
High-end bikes like the BMW F 900 GS Adventure, which I recently rode on highways in the Delhi NCR, are obviously covered by this statement. Those larger than 1,000 cc can be excessively hefty and unwieldy for long-distance riders, while those less than 500 cc are somewhat helpless. The 900 cc, which is agile but strong, comes in handy in this situation.
I took the Adventure version of the F 900 GS, and it is a clumsy aircraft in city stop-and-go traffic. With a large seat height of 875 mm, it weighs a substantial 246 kg. Even though I’m 5’10”, I still had trouble keeping my feet planted firmly in traffic.
Also Read | Mild-Hybrid Systems Are Moving From 12V To 48V Setup: Offer Better Fuel-Efficiency
It has a monstrous ride. Its large weight made sure it was stable at high speeds on the highways, and in my rough acceleration test, it sped from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds. It demonstrated a range of nearly 500 km on a 23-litre full tank, indicating a fuel economy of more than 20 km/litre. The riding quality is fantastic, whether on smooth asphalt or bumpy roads.
I was more at ease on its saddle than I would have been in a car during my 200-kilometre ride. Its low centre of gravity allowed for exceptional handling and balance when off the road, but to handle it properly, you really need strong arms, legs, and core.
The lighter F 900 GS starts at Rs 13.75 lakh, ex-showroom, while the F 900 GS Adventure costs Rs 14.75 lakh. Although it’s costly and difficult to manoeuvre in Indian traffic during the summer months (the heat from the engine nearly burnt my legs), it’s an absolute pleasure to ride on the highways.
Even on highways, adventure motorcycles made in India and specifically for India, like the Royal Enfield Himalayan (about Rs 3 lakh), seem adequate. It’s a great motorcycle for long-distance riding in temperate and cold Europe, and it’s good for our roads in the winter.
Also Read | Suzuki GSX8R-Based Touring Bikes Under Production, Launch Likely In 2026
However, it doesn’t fit the bill as an all-year motorcycle that you would also ride in cities.
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE (Rs 10.3 lakh), Ducati DesertX (Rs 18.33 lakh), KTM 890 Adventure (Rs 15.8 lakh), and Triumph Tiger 900 GT (Rs 13.95 lakh) and Tiger 900 Rally Pro (Rs 15.95 lakh) are rivals.
