BMW F900XR (2020 - on) Review

[weeksy]

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-rev ... 00xr/2020/



This must tick some boxes for a fair few on here.

104bhp
825mm seat height

It’s a big-bore job on the parallel twin from the F850GS, displacing 895cc and making 68 pounds-feet of grunt and 105bhp. It feels free-revving and crisp under hard acceleration in first and second, though the sparkle fades in higher ratios; however, the twin makes up for this with roll-on flexibility and accessible thrust of normal riding.

Engine size 895cc
Engine type 8v DOHC parallel twin
Frame type steel bridge-type
Fuel capacity 15.5 litres
Seat height 825mm
Bike weight 219kg
Front suspension 43mm USD fork, no adjustment
Rear suspension monoshock, adj. preload and rebound (optional ESA)
Front brake 2 x 320mm discs, four-pot calipers, ABS
Rear brake 265mm disc, one-pot caliper, ABS
Front tyre size 120/70 ZR17
Rear tyre size 180/55 ZR17

[Taff]

Yes, it's a lovely looking bike. It caught my eye at the NEC last year and I've been to BMW Cheltenham a couple of times this year for another look, but I find myself ogling the s1000xr instead

[Mr Moofo]

But why wouldn’t you buy the 1000?

[Nordboy]

But why wouldn’t you buy the 1000?

I wondered the same, the 900 is £5k cheaper, so that may be why?

[Couchy]

Looks good but not with that engine, a tracer 900 is faster cheaper and more reliable

[derek badger]

But why wouldn’t you buy the 1000?

Maybe first big ADV bike after passing test?

[Bigyin]

But why wouldn’t you buy the 1000?

I wondered the same, the 900 is £5k cheaper, so that may be why?

I would have thought the 900 at 5K cheaper and less electronics and power was aimed at the Tracer 900 market rather than competing with the big boy 1000, 1290, 1200 and 1260 variants from KTM, Ducati etc with all the toys and 160-170 BHP

[Taff]

But why wouldn’t you buy the 1000?

At a guess....
Mainly because lots of people don't want 160bhp or the quite significant increase in physical size.

I have a friend that rides the baby GS (800cc?) And says that he rides 95% of the time in rain mode because the other modes are a bit scary

[Nordboy]

Looks good but not with that engine, a tracer 900 is faster cheaper and more reliable

I think that would probably be my choice too. I quite liked the Tracer 900 when I rode one for a day.

[KungFooBob]

My wife has the older Baby GS, the F700GS (It's still an 800cc motor just detuned).

In the 700 that lump makes 75bp (the 800GS makes 85).

I hope in the newer 850 and 900 versions they've fixed the vibes in the parallel twin. The 700 really doesn't like the higher rev range, it feels very vibey. Fun lively engine in the lower/mid range tho'.

Saying that, I've read a few owners reports that say the S1000XR has some 'odd' high rev vibes too.

[Couchy]

Looks good but not with that engine, a tracer 900 is faster cheaper and more reliable

I think that would probably be my choice too. I quite liked the Tracer 900 when I rode one for a day.

I quite like mine too tbh, handles well and wheelies well shame I don’t really have a use for it

[Rockburner]

It's a 2021 TDM

[Bigjawa]

But why wouldn’t you buy the 1000?

I chased one of them out of Belfast at 140 wondering what the fuck it was. About the only new big bike I'd want.

[Bigjawa]

It's a 2021 TDM

Is that a bad thing?

[Rockburner]

It's a 2021 TDM

Is that a bad thing?

Probably not.

Have to say I don't like those parallel twins though, they always feel harsh and a bit breathless to me.

[Bigjawa]

It's a 2021 TDM

Is that a bad thing?

Probably not.

Have to say I don't like those parallel twins though, they always feel harsh and a bit breathless to me.

Ever ride a GPZ500? They're proper mental. The TDM was better after they put the 270 crank from the TRX in it.

[Mr Moofo]

But why wouldn’t you buy the 1000?

I wondered the same, the 900 is £5k cheaper, so that may be why?

didn't see that .
I assume the toys have been reduced?

[Rockburner]

Is that a bad thing?

Probably not.

Have to say I don't like those parallel twins though, they always feel harsh and a bit breathless to me.

Ever ride a GPZ500? They're proper mental. The TDM was better after they put the 270 crank from the TRX in it.

Only a GPz305, which, tbh, I'd prefer over an F800GS.

Its not parallel twins in general I dislike, it's THAT BMW/Rotax parallel twin I don't like. (Obviously wasn't clear enough in my first post)

[Supermofo]

Not really considered one as I'd prefer the Tracer I think