Why BMW’s version of the V-Strom is worth the upgrade

The V-Strom is a well-known brand. Not because it has been around for more than twenty years, but because it does what we need from an adventure bike so well. It takes what made the SV650 so popular – fun and cheap to own – and translates it into a new segment.

The V-Strom brand has also grown, with the latest entrant being the V-Strom 800DE (Suzuki’s attempt at a true off-road-focused ADV).

But the king of the adventure bike segment usually belongs to one brand: BMW. And if you choose to spend a little more than a V-Strom 800DE, you can get a middleweight ADV that is arguably better value, even if it is priced significantly higher. This is why BMW’s version of the V-Strom is worth the upgrade.

Why BMW’s version of the V-Strom is worth the upgrade

The V-Strom brand is an old and respected brand, but Suzuki’s goal with the smaller V-Stroms has always been to provide a valuable alternative to the premium products in their respective segments. Nothing embodies this better than the V-Strom 650, a reliable, fun but somewhat dated product. The V-Strom 800 is a more modern version of the 650, but remains positioned as a value product, meaning you miss out on some features.

The F 900 GS is a premium product, so a premium will have to be paid. That fact cannot be denied. You have to pay almost $2,500 more for the privilege of the German badge, but you get a motorcycle that is every bit an upgrade. The Suzuki is an extremely well-made motorcycle, but the BMW is a younger platform, so it will also exhibit more refinement and better handling. With its more expensive chassis, better electronics and more options, BMW’s take on the V-Strom is worth the upgrade.

BMW F 900 GS engine

The F 900 GS has a 270-degree parallel twin engine and one of the highest horsepower in its segment. This is also a reliable engine, so it’s great that it makes enough power to challenge KTMs. It has a by-wire throttle and a six-axis IMU, so you get riding modes and cornering traction control as standard. For more features, such as additional driving modes and cruise control, you need to add the Premium Package.

A Quickshifter is surprisingly missing

A six-speed manual transmission with assist and slip clutch is standard. However, a two-way quickshifter is not, and the Premium package adds it. Unlike the big GS, the F 900 GS uses a chain to drive the rear wheel.

BMW F 900 GS vs V-Strom 800DE engine specifications

BMW F 900 GS chassis

A steel Twin Spar frame holds everything together in the F 900 GS. The suspension is fairly conventional for the segment, but the upgrade with the Enduro Pro package offers Showa forks and a ZF Sachs shock with increased travel. The upgraded rear shock also gets tool-free remote preload and rebound damping adjustment.

Meanwhile, the V-Strom 800DE gets high-performance suspension, but no tool-free adjustment. Both have a 21/17 spoke rim combination, wrapped with inner tubes. The brakes have the same dimensions and ABS can be switched off on both models.

BMW F 900 GS Dimensions

The F 900 GS is about 25 kilos lighter, but has a much smaller fuel tank, giving the Suzuki a long-distance touring advantage. The BMW’s standard seat height is also slightly higher, although lowered suspension and a lowered seat are available so you can get it to a manageable height for everyone.

BMW F 900 GS features

The F 900 GS has some great basic features, like a 6.5-inch TFT screen and fully adjustable suspension as standard, but for the most part you’ll need to spec it with some sort of upgrade package to unleash its full potential. The Premium Package increases usability, adding a two-way quickshifter, additional driving modes that offer individual control over parameters, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control, keyless ignition and a GPS mount.

The other package is the Enduro Pro package that makes it more capable off-road by adding the upgraded suspension and handlebar risers. You can also add off-road tires and an M Endurance chain to the mix. The Suzuki is a simple machine without major upgrades like the BMW.

BMW F 900 GS Competition

The F 900 GS has no shortage of competition. If you’re looking for a middleweight adventure bike that can hack through the mud, there are a plethora of options. The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro ($17,595) comes standard with everything you need for an off-road excursion. The other options are the KTM 890 Adventure R ($15,799), Husqvarna Norden 901 ($16,499) and Aprilia Tuareg 660 ($12,499). The higher price is because they have all their options pretty much factory loaded. Another option in left field is the Honda Africa Twin. This is a full-size ADV, but is priced like a mid-size.

Finally we come to the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. This parallel twin engine and the chassis built around it seem to be Suzuki’s choice to be more expensive in the premium middleweight segment, while still sticking to the affordable price tag. The result is a somewhat confused product that is just a minor revision away from guaranteeing it will also be a great option for the BMW.

Source: BMW USA, Suzuki bicycles