BMW

F 900 R / F 900 XR 2020, test, technical sheet and first impressions

In 2018, the BMW F 750 GS and F 850 ​​GS arrived on the market, two trails developed on the same platform, but with differences in components of the cycle, body part. In addition, despite being pushed by the same 853 cc twin-cylinder, they do not announce the same maximum power and torque values ​​due to different adjustments in the management systems of their respective engines. A year later, the family grew up with the staging of the F 850 ​​GS Adventure, a model with greater traveling capacities than the first “eight and a half” due to more complete equipment, a larger capacity tank and suspension with routes longer.
The diameter of the cylinders has gained 2 mm to increase the displacement of 853 to 895 cc
But the thing has not been there. If there is a brand that knows how to make the most of the same platform and squeeze its possibilities well, that is none other than BMW Motorrad, which at some times in its history has come to offer up to seven different variants developed on the same base. Thus, two new models created from the aforementioned F 750 and 850 GS have just been presented in southern Spain, but with a more asphaltic approach. These are the new F 900 R and F 900 XR, two bikes that have many common elements, but also differ in others that make them clearly different. With the "GS" they share a double-beam steel chassis, also a tubular steel subframe and a two-arm aluminum swingarm. The engine is also similar, but its cylinders have increased 2 mm in diameter to reach 895 cc. BMW Motorrad has also "pissed off" a bit, increasing its compression to 13.1: 1 and retouching the distribution diagram, now announcing 105 hp at 8,500 rpm and 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm. With that power figure neither of them can be limited and, therefore, cannot be conducted with the A2. In this case there will be to comply with the F 750 and 850 GS that announce 77 and 95 HP respectively, and if they are approved to be limited.



The F 900 R arrives to relieve the F 800 R. However, the F 900 XR opens a new market path for BMW
The F 900 R arrives to replace the F 800 R, a roadster that in Spain has enjoyed excellent acceptance throughout its long existence. In the case of the F 900 XR it can be said that it is an unprecedented model in the BMW Motorrad catalog. If it is true that his “asphalt trail” style is inspired by that of his older sister the S 1000 XR, but the F 900 XR arrives to open a new access road to the German brand and everything indicates that it will be a motorcycle With very good acceptance.

THE BMW F 900 R AND F 900 XR NOW ON SALE
Regarding the prices of our two new protagonists, mention that their starting points are at 8,995 euros for the F 900 R and at 11,950 euros for the F 900 XR. In this regard, if it is true that the nearly 3,000 euros of difference seem too much if we take into account the similarity between the two, but according to the words of some members of the BMW Motorrad team, the “R” has to compete in a segment in that there are many strong rivals and an effort has been made to adjust its price to the maximum. However, the "XR" reaches a category in which its most direct rival is the Yamaha Tracer 900 and its price is not too far from that. Of course and as usual in the German brand, a long list of options has been prepared for the new F 900 R and F 900 XR, which can be purchased separately or in packages. In the case of the motorcycles that we have tested during their international presentation held in the province of Almeria, it has been units equipped to the fullest with the Active, Comfort, Dynamic and Touring packages, so their prices amount to 11,674 euros for the "R" and up to 14,414 euros for the "XR".



Of course, we have been able to enjoy its sophisticated and effective front optical groups equipped with curve lighting and its instrumentation with an attractive 6.5 ”TFT screen with connectivity system with navigator, and other“ delicatessen ”as indicators of the degrees of inclination in the curves and the use of braking. The truth is that equipped to the maximum they are very complete to be about 900 cc motorcycles, if we also take into account that to the standard Rain and Road driving modes, Dymamic and Dynamic Pro are added that rely on an inertial platform. They can also include proximity contact key, change assistant that works in both directions, automatic speed control, traction control DTC disconnectable, rear shock with electronic regulation Dynamic ESA, emergency stop light, etc.
With the optional equipment, these two BMWs are very complete for "middle class" motorcycles
Regarding their prices, it should also be noted that BMW Motorrad has created a new online platform that will allow its first buyers to benefit from a 500 euros voucher for motorcycle / biker equipment and the first free review. In the beginning this promotion is valid until January 31 of this year only if the online reservation is made through the aforementioned platform and in the dealers adhered to this action.

BMW F 900 R
Compared to the F 800 R, the new BMW “media” Roadster is a much more apparent motorcycle. When facing it, the small front optical group contrasts with the width of its body, thus offering a muscular appearance. When observing it closely, it draws attention for its good finishes and for the care that all its details are, with well-resolved and easily operated pineapples. It also highlights its fuel tank made of plastic material, an original element that announces significant weight savings. But if the F 900 R has won in packaging when contemplating it from the outside with respect to its predecessor, when you pass your leg over it and place yourself at its controls, it surprises with its contained size and how well you feel integrated with its shapes. More than above, it is one of those bikes in which you seem to be "inside." Its handlebar is very flat and not excessively wide, and its seat with an announced height of 815 mm and correct shapes, allows you to reach the ground with the two soles of the feet if you measure around 1.80 m. With respect to the F 800 R, ergonomics are more sporty since the driving position is more advanced and slightly higher, both for the mentioned seat, and for the placement of the cuffs and stirrups. In addition, it can be said that the aforementioned ergonomics is adjustable, because as an option a handlebar with the highest fists and up to five different seats with announced heights of 770, 790, 835, 840 and 865 mm with respect to the ground is offered.



When you start your engine, it draws attention for its slightly hoarse "Ducati" sound. It works smoothly, if you barely transmit vibrations and with a very low mechanical noise. The change and the clutch also work with a lot of correction, without just making sure when performing the operation to engage the first relationship. It also draws attention to the "cleanliness" and consistency with which it goes up, responding very quickly even with the "Rain" mode selected.
The F 900 R is more manageable at all times and has a sportier feel
Maneuvering with her is extremely simple. His direction does not turn excessively, but it is more than enough. From the first moment the set feels solid and without play, transmitting quality at all times. Both in roundabouts, as in sharp curves at low speed, its driving is simple and its direction moves with very little effort, allowing us to steer the motorcycle to the desired point with little thought. By increasing the rhythm, the feeling of solidity of the set is maintained at all times, maintaining the trajectories with great precision, thanks to a large frontal aplomb and a mono-shock absorber that “holds” the rear part well. 



The set is seven somewhat hard and there are no large oscillations when performing vigorous braking, but at the same time BMW has made it comfortable and that its suspensions work well on irregular asphalts thanks to some certainly generous routes to be an asphaltic naked ( 135 mm front and 142 mm behind). The truth is that the balance achieved between comfort and sportiness is one of the most commendable aspects of this German driven by a parallel twin-cylinder manufactured by the large Chinese company Loncin Holdings, Ltd.

BMW F 900 XR
As you have been able to read, the engine and chassis are exactly the same as those used by the F 900 R, so the operation of the new F 900 XR is exactly the same as that of its naked sister. Also the feeling of robustness and the touch without slack remain unchanged. If it is true that due to the design of its body and the greater capacity of the tank, which in its case announces 15.5 liters per 13 of the Roadster, this “XR” loads more weight in front and something more voluminous is appreciated. Also, the greater travel of the suspensions (170 and 172 mm front and rear respectively) causes the motorcycle to rise more from the ground and that its direction does not move so easily in maneuvers at low speed, although always talking about some minimal differences taking Note that its weight declared in running order is 219 kg (only 8 more than the “R”).



In this way it can be cataloged as a light motorcycle, with a seat that does not get too much to separate from the ground, announcing only 10 mm more height than that of its sister of these pages. In addition, the considerably wider and taller handlebar allows us to always have everything very well controlled, facilitating changes of direction between curves. Like the F 900 R, it shines for the sense of security that its robust front train transmits in strong cornering supports and for the good braking capacity of its well-equipped braking equipment signed by Brembo.
The F 900 XR is more comfortable in all types of circumstances and treats the passenger better
One aspect in which the F 900 XR clearly imposes itself on the F 900 R is in ride comfort in all kinds of circumstances. In addition to a more upright position caused by the higher and more delayed handlebars, and by the more advanced and lower stirrups, its front protects us more than acceptable and the screen height can be manually regulated very easily even in March. 



The hand covers also provide interesting protection to our upper extremities. In addition, the greater routes of the suspensions improve comfort at all times, filtering potholes and asphalt changes even better, and allowing us to maintain higher rates when driving on third-order roads. Similarly, the passenger has a wider and more fluffy seat, which makes it more suitable for duo use. Another aspect in which the F 900 XR is better than its sister is in the lighting. If the compact led optical group of the Roadster already surprises with its good lighting, the “crossover” consisting of double optics also led clearly illuminates our path.



CONCLUSION
With the same chassis and engine base, BMW Motorrad has created two perfectly differentiated new models. Although for performance there are no discrepancies, if we find them when using them. The F 900 R is more compact, lightweight and low, and therefore adapts better to urban use. It is also more solid and firm in sports use on very rough roads with good asphalt. However, the F 900 XR is a more comfortable and comfortable motorcycle, giving us a clearly superior protection and greater ride comfort thanks to suspensions with longer runs. It also allows more aggressive driving on third-order roads and treats the passenger better. Regarding their prices, the difference of almost 3,000 euros may seem excessive, but it is true that the F 900 XR is more complete in several sections.

by Víctor Gancedo, from Spain