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The BMW F 900 XR is one of BMW Motorrad's Adventure models alongside others such as the R 1250 GS and the S 1000 XR. The XR models from Motorrad combine a mix of sporty and touring elements to give unwavering capability as a sports tourer.
The F 900 XR is an extension of the range and includes it in the mid-range section for the first time and is aimed at both newcomers, thanks to its easy accessibility and A2 capability, and seasoned riders, thanks to enhanced technology and features.
Our BMW F 900 XR review will guide you through the current model to help you decide if its the right choice for your next bike.
The BMW F900XR is recognisable as a sports tourer model thanks to its combination of features including sporty riding modes, an upright riding position, and suitability for passengers and long distance riding.
The 900 XR has a newly designed headlight and emphasised streamlining thanks to updated fairing. The adjustable windshield gives you great rider protection whilst also emphasising the sporty look of the bike. To create a slim look at the rear the bolt-on steel frame has been redeveloped especially for the F 900 models and the plastic-welded fuel tanks are a world first in motorcycle design.
As standard, the BMW F 900 XR comes with Light White paintwork with additional details, such as the radiator cowls and middle tank cover, in Granite Grey Metallic. This is matched with a black seat and White Aluminium rims for an overall sporty aesthetic.
For an additional £205 you can upgrade to Triple Black which is a much more subtle and muted appearance and includes Black Storm Metallic paint and shatter-proof, UV-resistant plastic handguards. These provide protection over the controls on the handlebars too against wind and weather.
You can also upgrade to Sport Style which changes the paintwork to Racing Blue Metallic and adds a tinted sports windscreen. This is shorter than the standard windscreen to highlight the sporty aspects of the bike and is permanently scratch resistant. BMW developed it in their wind tunnel and as a result it offers good wind and weather protection.
The BMW F 900 XR is designed with an upright riding position which allows you to relax into the seat at a height of 825mm with long distance sporty driving in mind. This is matched with a fully adjustable hand lever and a two level windshield.
Extra options allow you to lower the seat height with the Dual Seat Low configuration. This reduces the height to 795mm to guarantee better accessibility to the ground and improved handling when the bike is stationary.
This also allows for seat reduction which fits the bike better for shorter riders. This shortens the front and rear spring travel by 20mm compared to the standard suspension adjustment.
As a parallel twin engine it's a slim and light bike, with a total unladen weight of 219kg, which makes it easy to use every day around town as well as on longer journeys when you travel further afield.
As standard the BMW F 900 XR comes with LED headlights, an LED tail light, LED flashing turn indicator, multi-controller, a 12V socket, an on-board computer, riding modes, a one-piece seat bench, adjustable windscreen, and a dynamic brake light.
As well as this you can expect dynamic electronic suspension adjustment, automatic stability control, BMW Motorrad ABS, adjustable rebound damping, an electronic immobiliser, and steering stabiliser.
In typical BMW fashion, the brand includes it's incredible 6.5 inch TFT screen which offers full colour display and use of the BMW Connected App withy our smartphone.
The aforementioned new LED headlights now have an adaptive cornering function which can provide illumination for corners at a 7 degree lean angle, a first for the mid range market. This makes it much easier to ride in poor lighting conditions as your visibility is notably better.
You can opt to add on the Touring Package for an additional £415. This includes cruise control and preparation for a GPS device including secure mounting for a BMW Motorrad Navigator which is in the best position for the rider to view, link up connectivity functions, and operation via multi-controller on the handlebars.
Additionally you can also add on a centre stand, handguards, heated grips, gearshift assist, a sport windscreen, seat height reduction, tyre pressure monitoring, keyless ignition, ABS pro, and cruise control by itself.
The BMW F900XR has a two-cylinder in-line engine with an output of 105 hp. It's based on the the original F 800 GS and has a six speed transmission to make use of as you ride. This engine has been developed further from its introduction in 2018 to increase its power output and give a fuller torque curve.
Looking at fuel economy, it performs well. Fuel consumption is estimated at 4.2 l/100km, which is 2 litres better than the BMW S 1000 XR, and CO2 emissions are low at 99 g/km, again a better performance than the bigger S 1000 XR. The front is controlled by an upside own telescopic fork with the rear shock guided by an adjustable double-sided swinging arm with central suspension strut.
Those who have driven the BMW F 900 XR say that it's handling is nimble and that the three ride modes allow you to really take control as you ride with varying throttle response and traction control. Models with Riding Modes Pro will be able to take advantage of dynamic traction control, engine brake control, and cornering ABS Pro too.
There are several options available which will allow you to improve and tailor the performance of your bike to suit your rides. This includes the M Endurance Chain which gives you more power in the rear wheel by using diamond-like carbon coated rollers to give low friction and reduced maintenance.
There's also Gearshift Assist Pro which allows for shifting up and down gears in almost all load ranges and engine speed ranges without clutch control. This reduces shifting times, relieves your clutch hand, and encourages sporty riding dynamics.
All brand new BMW Motorrad bikes now come with a 3 year manufacturing warranty, making them the first premium manufacturer to extend their warranty. This gives you access to repairs from your authorised BMW motorcycle dealer with BMW Motorrad parts and no mileage limit wherever your travels take you.
The BMW F900XR starts at £10,350 with the BMW recommended Touring Package costing an additional £415. There are then a number of additional features that you can opt for, all of which will increase the price of your bike further.
BMW Motorrad also offer their Rookie to Rider Package for £1250 which is aimed at getting you on the road. After you have passed your theory test you can then book a seven day course which takes you through CBT, Module One, and Module Two tests with BMW Ride Training.
The great thing about a BMW Motorrad bike is that they tend to hold their value well too, especially in comparison to rivals such as the Yamaha Tracer. If you decide to sell it on further down the road then you can have faith that it should still be fairly in demand.
When considering your next sports tourer the F900XR should definitely be on your list. It's well equipped, has great performance, and is a great multi-use option.
With further choices for features such as keyless ride, cruise control, and dynamic pro modes, the BMW F 900 XR is a customisable sports tourer that gives you flexibility and excellent BMW quality.
Our teams at BMW Motorrad in Aberdeen and Tayside are knowledgeable and always available to answer any further questions that you might have and get you out on a test ride.
