NAKED AND UNAFRAID
Offering high technology, comfort and ample performance, the F 900 R ticks all the right boxes
solid build quality and plenty of tech onboard … which makes it a pricey 900 cm3 naked
There are many parallels between the automotive and motorcycle manufacturing worlds. Yet, several experiences are unique to motor‐ cycles. When it comes to BMW M cars, many of us might have an engine in mind (maybe an in-line six-cylinder), but when we con‐ sider BMW Motorrad’s motor‐ cycles, this is not quite the case. Yes, a large-capacity BMW GS motorcycle has always been equipped with a boxer engine but move to the smaller capacity GS motorcycles and it’s a different story. It’s the same with BMW’S road bikes.
The F 900 R and F 900 XR are mechanically nearly identical but fitted with an in-line two-cylinder engine. The cylinders sit upright and develop 77 kw at 8 500 r/min and 92 N.m at 6 500 r/min.
We spent time with both and yes, the XR will be more comfort‐ able on the open road thanks to the additional fairings at the front, the windscreen and a quick‐ shifter fitted to our test bike. How‐ ever, it was the naked R we fell in love with. Offered in three exterior colour options, our test unit ar‐ rived in Hockenheim Silver Metal‐ lic and Racing Red. The gold, anodised front forks are another visual highlight. Motorrad’s designers have done an excellent job, although, we would have ti‐ died up the tail of the rear num‐ ber-plate assembly to give the bike a cleaner stance.
Apart from that, the minimal panels and the polished exhaust make for a modern design. It may be a naked bike but up front, the small (red) fairing lends some ad‐ ded aggression together with the lower fairing in the same colour. Don’t be fooled by the optional small grey cover over the pillion seat. This is attached with rubber bands and can be removed in mere seconds.
It is one of the easiest bikes to climb onto thanks to a seat height of just over 800 mm. The hightech, modern information screen adds to the minimalist look that has become the norm on more expensive motorcycles. Without a windscreen, you have an unob‐ structed view of the tarmac.
The clutch and gearshift are easy to operate and even at low revs, the engine is surprisingly tractable up to 4 000 r/min. Head‐ ing up Franschhoek Pass, it be‐ came evident the engine is happiest between 4 500 and
8 000 r/min. At a glance – particu‐ larly as speed increases – it seems the redline is around 8 000 r/min, but the screen plays a little trick as it is actually higher, in the re‐ gion of 8 500 r/min. I kept the throttle pinned all the way to the redline and enjoyed those last few revs but it’s just as much fun to change up early and experience the full force of the torque from the two-cylinder engine.
The seat offers a comfortable base for your bottom and man‐ oeuvring through the corners is easy. The ABS braking system felt strong in all scenarios but it can be switched off if you prefer to ride without ABS.
Wind buffeting can become an issue with naked bikes but that is surely part of their appeal? At higher speeds, the acceleration does taper off, although by the time it happens you will have most likely arrived at the end of the straight and need to tip the bike into a corner.
The information on BMW’S high-quality TFT display is extens‐ ive with battery voltage and a full trip computer. More importantly, though, is its connectivity with your phone and helmet. There are special Road and Rain mappings for the engine and the suspension can be set to Road or Dynamic. Opt for the quick shifter (or as BMW calls it: Gear Shift Assist Pro)
as it enables clutchless gear changes except when pulling away at very low engine speeds.
TEST SUMMARY
The F 900 R presents style, com‐ fort and enough technology to satisfy most riders. Together with superb linear power delivery, this stable bike will be perfect for a daily commute and it won’t feel out of place on a blast up a moun‐ tain pass during a breakfast run. If longer journeys are on your agenda, the XR will be the better choice. However, with cruise con‐ trol and more luggage options, the 900 R can be transformed into a near-perfect dual personality motorcycle.