The BMW F 900 GS weighs 219kg wet, has a seat height of 870mm and 246mm of ground clearance, and makes 105hp. Expect about 60 mpg, for a range of around 190 miles from its 14.5-litre tank.
6/10
Holloway Green Lane Score
A genuinely focused, lighter middleweight from BMW with real off-road intent, though the smaller tank trims its range compared to older GS models. Rider ability, terrain, weather and tyre choice still move the real answer more than the bike alone does.
Four separate scores, not one blended number, so you can see what's actually driving it.
Beginner friendliness
3/5
Road usability
3/5
Technical off-road capability
3/5
Green-lane suitability
3/5
Full specs
Price (new, OTR)£12,995
Engine895cc
Power105hp
Torque93Nm
Weight (wet)219kg
Seat height870mm
Fuel tank14.5L
Real-world range~190 mi
Economy~60 mpg
Wheels (f/r)21" / 17"
Ground clearance246mm
Suspension travel (f/r)230mm / 215mm
ABSYes
Traction controlYes
Ride modesYes
Service interval6,000 miles
Licence requiredA
Stock tyre sizes (f/r)90/90-21 / 150/70-17
Where the BMW F 900 GS sits
Wet weight against ground clearance for every bike in the finder that publishes both. Light and tall, top left, is where the easiest green lane bikes sit. Tap a dot to open that bike.
Figures are manufacturer claims. Clearance is measured differently by different makers, so treat small gaps as a draw.
Will your feet reach?
The BMW F 900 GS has a 870mm seat. Enter your inside leg for a rough idea of how much foot you'll get down when stopped.
A rough guide only. A wide seat needs more leg than a narrow one, the suspension settles 20 to 40mm under you, and boots add a little. Many bikes offer a low seat or lowering link. Sit on one before you buy.
Range against similar bikes
Real-world range from tank size and typical economy, against the bikes closest to it in weight and type. Out on the lanes, fuel stops are often further apart than on a road ride.
Range only. Hard off-road riding and headwinds use more fuel, so plan fuel stops with margin.
Tyres that fit the BMW F 900 GS
It runs a 90/90-21 front and a 150/70-17 rear. 44 tyres in our Tyre Finder are made in at least one of those sizes, ranked by green lane score.
Sizes are for the standard UK model and can change between model years. Check the size on your own tyre sidewall, and ask your dealer before fitting a different size. Our size lists come from maker and retailer listings and can miss sizes, so a tyre shown for one end may still be made in your other size. Check the maker's size chart.
Owners report that this complete redesign finally gives BMW a focused, hard-hitting off-road middleweight. Riders praise the 14kg weight reduction, narrow rally tank, and fully adjustable Showa forks for making the bike feel light and agile on loose trails. The 105hp engine is celebrated on tarmac links, though long-distance tourers note that the downsized 14.5-litre tank reduces range compared to older GS models.
Pros for green laning
Substantial weight reduction: shed 14kg over its F 850 GS predecessor to weigh in at 219kg wet, drastically improving agility on loose ground.
Fully adjustable Showa suspension: 43mm USD forks and rear shock provide 230mm front / 215mm rear travel with 246mm clearance for hard off-road use.
Potent 105hp parallel twin: produces 93Nm of torque with strong mid-range drive, backed by Enduro Pro riding modes for tailored trail slide control.
Factory off-road ergonomics: comes standard with an Akrapovič titanium silencer, high-mounted bars, enduro footpegs, and a narrow rally-style fuel tank.
Cons and limitations
Small 14.5-litre fuel tank: downsized tank limits range to roughly 180-190 miles, requiring more frequent stops than traditional mid-weight tourers.
17-inch rear wheel: limits fitment of hardcore extreme-enduro rear tyres compared to standard 18-inch rims.
Still heavy in deep bogs: at 219kg, it remains a heavy motorcycle to extricate when buried up to the axles in wet British peat or clay.
Minimal road wind protection: the compact rally screen prioritises off-road visibility over highway weather protection on cold, wet road transits.
Based on manufacturer specifications and independent motorcycle press reviews.
Remember: a rank here assumes reasonable stock tyres and a competent rider in decent conditions. The right tyres, or the wrong weather, can move a lane from easy to genuinely hard regardless of what bike you're on. Check a lane's own difficulty and hazards on the map before you go, don't rely on a bike score alone.
Find where to actually ride it
Browse legal green lanes and byways across England and Wales, filtered by difficulty, on Holloway's map.
