THE popular adventure sport segment is set for a boost, with BMW Motorrad announcing the introduction of the F 900 R and F 900 XR in the first half of 2020, with both bikes based on a shared backbone.
The F 900 R and F 900 XR will deliver high levels of versatility and suitability for everyday riding while offering ergonomics that are designed to appeal to both experienced riders and newcomers.
Both bikes set the technological benchmark in the mid-range segment with their level of standard equipment, including connectivity and LED all round as standard, with a wide range of optional extras.
Among those extras are adaptive cornering lighting, key-less ride, dynamic ESA, riding mode pro, shift assistant pro, intelligent emergency call functionality, ABS pro, MSR, DTC, DBC and RDC.
Drive comes from a 2-cylinder in-line engine with increased capacity and power, along with new engine drag torque control. It now produces 77kW and an even fuller torque curve, thanks to an increase in capacity from 853cc to 895cc.
It complements this with an evocative sound, the result of an ignition distance of 270/450 degrees and a new underfloor silencer. In addition to the standard anti-hopping clutch, both bikes can be fitted with engine drag torque control (MSR) for the first time.
This prevents the rear wheel from slipping as a result of abrupt throttling or downshifting and ensures even greater levels of safety. The pair of rides offer rain and road modes as standard, with ABS and ASC offered at the base specification level.
Ex works option Riding Modes Pro allows the sporty characteristics of the new F 900 R and F 900 XR to be fully realised, while additional dynamic and dynamic pro riding modes, DTC and ABS Pro also available.
The new F 900 R and F 900 XR make use of a steel bridge frame that integrates the engine as a load-bearing element and a fuel tank that is now back in its classic position in front of the rider.
The lightweight plastic-welded fuel tanks with a capacity of 15.5 litres (F 900 XR) and 13 litres (F 900 R) are a world first in motorcycle construction, while the bolt-on steel rear frame has also been newly developed.
While the new F 900 R is a dynamic roadster, focusing on sporty use and therefore shorter spring travel, the new F 900 XR – with its somewhat longer spring travel – offers a noticeable increase in comfort and therefore an even wider range of potential uses.
BMW Motorrad developers attached great importance to optimum readability for the instrument cluster too, even in difficult lighting conditions, and graphics on the screen are visually adapted to sporty on-road riding.
The standard BMW Motorrad connectivity is a unique feature in the mid-range segment, offering the ability to conveniently talk on the phone, listen to music or navigate while riding.
The F 900 R offers a particularly sporty, active seating position while the F 900 XR delivers an impressively active yet relaxed riding position for touring and travelling.
The front fairing, which includes an adjustable windshield, combines a sporty look with sound rider protection.
Three colour and style variants are available for the new F 900 R and F 900 XR, with the R available in Blackstorm metallic and San Marino Blue metallic, while its Style Sport variant can be had in Hockenheim Silver metallic/Racing Red.
In addition to Light White, the new XR offers two Style variants: Style Exclusive in Galvanic Gold metallic and Sport in Racing Red. Pricing and further specifications will be provided closer to launch.
