What does it take to be nominated for “surprise of the year”?
Motorcycles nominated for this award should first and foremost surprise the jury by delivering more driving pleasure and functionality than can be expected within a segment and price range.
The candidates should be outside the “mainstream” category and not represent something everyone buys and be able to stand on their own two feet by satisfying the jury’s strict requirements:
- To surprise and or challenge everything in the “mainstream” category
- Quality
- Ergonomics
- Driving performance and production of driving pleasure
- Driving pleasure per dollar invested
- Design and sensuality/sex factor
- Smile factor
The nomination and the award will help the market to see new stars in the shadow of the mainstream models. BMW F 900 GSSegment: Adventure Technical key figures
Engine : twin in-line Volume : 895 cc Hp : 105 Nm : 85 Clutch : wet clutch, slipper Frame : Steel tubular frame Swingarm : Aluminum w/hydraulically adjustable mono damper Front wheels : 90/90-R21 Rear wheels : 150/70-R17 Front brakes : double discs, 305 mm Brembo 2P Rear brakes : single disc, 265 mm Brembo 1P Wet weight : 219 kg Length : 2270 mm Wheelbase : 1590 mm Front damper : Showa, 43 mm USD, manually adjustable Rear damper : Hyd adjustable mono damper on swing arm Damper travel : 230/215 mm Seat height : 870 mm (815 mm, 835 mm, 890 mm) Tank : 14.5 liters BMW is stepping up its game and, with the launch of the F 900 GS, is taking a strong grip on the mid-range that consists of many and very capable machines.
The F 900 GS challenges its competitors in this class where they are weakest, namely on damping and power.
The F 900 GS still has manual damper settings, but the dampers are more long-legged and better than the competitors’ standard versions.
The engine delivers what all drivers have been missing from the competition and the instrument package is of a higher standard.
The F 900 GS is tall and sleek and matches much larger bikes both on and off road.
The slender seat frame and seat is a very nice part of the ergonomics package that offers a wide and raised handlebar that is absolutely outstanding on gravel.
The asphalt capabilities of the F 900 GS are pretty insane and if you slam the whole thing into “dynamic” you can keep up with almost anything.
The F 900 GS is definitely a mileage runner, very comfortable to drive but with the driver’s help it can be turned into a hooligan that challenges most things.
Drivers in this segment are often quite tough users who place high demands on functionality, weight, power, ergonomics, dampers and brakes.
These drivers often want access to the best and what they need when they need it. The demands can sometimes be tougher than the skills, but drivers in this group usually have a desire to become better drivers and often need equipment they can grow with.
When the worst drivers in this group are at their worst, they don’t like to be limited by technical capacities.
They don’t have to do that here.
There’s a lot going on in this class, and the F 900 GS is undoubtedly at the forefront.
Sharp, fun, well-balanced but at the same time very comfortable.
This is quite simply a powerful machine that matches far larger machines; the driving experience is big and powerful.
Developments are now moving towards making these models lighter and more agile, with more power and even better driving characteristics.
The model will be presented in the Vrådals hall on Friday, September 20 at 18:00 together with the other nominees and will be available for test drives on Saturday and Sunday.
