Test: BMW F 900 XR (2020) // Satisfies many wants and needs

The first impression when I switched to it from the big BMW R 1250 RS was very unusual. It took me quite a few miles to get used to it. At first, that’s also why I didn’t feel overly excited. It worked correctly, almost small, very light, but that’s it too. It wasn’t until later, when I took a slightly longer trip, that I became more and more fond of it from mile to mile. I sat on it well, I liked the wind protection and the upright and relaxed position behind the wide handlebars.

Anyone who is a little shorter or does not have much experience will like the ease of driving, because even in dynamic driving, shifting between corners is very undemanding and predictable. In addition to well-studied cycling, which is also due to the favorable weight of the entire motorcycle. With a full tank, it weighs 219 kilograms. The motorcycle follows the line calmly and nicely. More. Two also ride very well on it. That's why this BMW, if you don't plan to invest a mountain of money in a more touring motorcycle, will do its job very well, at least for a weekend trip.

I liked it because I was able to use it clean for all trails and occasions. He didn't tire me on the way to work, he made his way through the city crowds nicely, as he is neither too wide nor heavy. It is very agile in a small space and easy to maneuver between cars. Even on the highway, it didn’t blow too much on it. After a dose of daily happiness and freedom, I went to the nearby bends, where I took a little breath with a more dynamic ride.

So I can write that it is F 900 XR a good combination of sportiness and performance with enough comfort. Its sporty character is made possible by good driving characteristics and a powerful engine that wants you to drive it at high revs. It then cuts through bends very quickly and accurately. Due to the upright position behind the steering wheel, the control is also good when I used it to make turns in a supermoto style. In doing so, I can’t get past one good and one bad thing.

System security is good. Many innovations ensure driving pleasure and give a soothing feeling, as the Dynamic Brake Control DBC and engine torque adjustment provide greater safety, when it is necessary to brake suddenly and take off the accelerator suddenly, as well as when shifting quickly into a lower gear. The electronics nicely control the grip of the front and rear wheels. Great!

What I didn’t like, however, was the gearbox, more specifically, the operation of the shift assistant or quickshifter. Up to 4000 rpm, it’s hard and not exactly to the pride of BMW’s development department. However, when the engine is rotated over half the digital scale on a large TFT screen, it works without comment. So for a relaxed, touring ride while shifting into a higher and lower gear, I preferred to reach for the clutch lever.

Another word about the new front image and efficiency of the headlights. I like the look, which is reminiscent of the bigger brother of the S 1000 XR. You know right away which family he belongs to. The adaptive LED headlights glow well and ensure maximum safety, as they illuminate in a bend while driving. This is a big and important novelty in this class.

This class is also financially very sensitive and with a price tag of € 11.590 for the base model, this is a good buy. How and how much everyone will equip it depends on the wishes and the thickness of the wallet. This is another story then. Such a test motorcycle costs a little over 14 thousand, which is no longer so financially advantageous. Regardless of everything, I can also emphasize the (financially) favorable feature.

Fuel consumption in the test was just over four liters, which means a range of 250 kilometers when the tank is full. This is exactly what says a lot about the character of a motorcycle. He is an adventurer, but for a slightly shorter distance than, say, his brothers with boxing engines from the GS family.

• Basic data

  Sales: BMW Motorrad Slovenia

  Base model price: 11.590 €

  Test model cost: 14.193 €

• Technical information

  engine: two-cylinder, in-line, four-stroke, water-cooled, displacement (cm3) 895

  Power: 77 kW / 105 HP at 8.500 rpm

  Torque: 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm

  Energy transfer: six-speed transmission, chain, quickshifter

  Frame: steel

  brakes: front two discs Ø 320 mm, rear disc Ø 265 mm, ABS standard

  Suspension: front USD-fork Ø 43 mm, rear double aluminum arm with hydraulically adjustable central shock absorber

  Tires: front 120/70 ZR 17, rear 180/55 ZR 17

  Growth: 825 mm (optional 775 mm, 795 mm, 840 mm, 845 mm, 870 mm)

  Fuel tank: 15,5 l Capacity; consumption on the test: 4,4 l100 / km

  Wheelbase: 1.521 mm

  Weight: 219 kg

We praise and reproach

appearance

versatility

comfortable handlebar grip

two-stage windshield height adjustment by hand

favorable height (adjustable) seat for a wide range of motorcyclists

operation of the quickshifter at lower speeds

mirrors could be more transparent

the suspension is on the softer (comfortable) side, which is evident in very dynamic driving

final grade

This is a motorcycle for every day and for longer trips. It also shows its versatility with an adjustable seat height from the ground. You can adjust this from 775 to 870 millimeters from the ground, which means that anyone who has been hindered by the height of the seat so far can enter the world of touring enduro motorcycles. Also interesting is the price, which makes the whole package attractive for anyone who would like to take motorcycling a little more seriously.