BMW reveal new F900XR
BMW’s junior ‘sports adventure’ aims to steal sales from popular 900 triple
BMW have unveiled the all-new F900XR which is designed to take the sporty adventure theme to a new level. Stylistically based on the S1000XR – to the point when it’s almost indistinguishable at 20 paces – the F900XR is instead powered by a new version of its F-series parallel twin and designed to take on Yamaha’s popular Tracer 900GT, but will it cut the mustard?
As the name hints, the parallel twin has grown, with a 2mm bigger bore pushing capacity to 895cc. There’s also a revised cylinder head. This pushes peak power to 105bhp and gives more mid-range oomph, although peak torque is unchanged. As with the 850, crank pins are offset giving a 270˚ firing interval along with a faux V-twin rumble. In addition are all the fancy electronics we’ve come to expect from BMW including two standard riding modes (more if you tick the options boxes), ABS, traction control and a 4.3in colour TFT dash. Further options include BMW’s latest ESA (only on the rear, mind), cornering ABS, keyless ignition (plus filler), a bi-directional quickshifter plus ‘engine drag torque control’ which stops the wheel locking on aggressive downshifts.
The GS’s steel frame has a shorter wheelbase and slacker head angle. The subframe is slimmer, too, along with the seat, to help keep seat height a comfortable 825mm. There’s a 15.5-litre tank, which is made from welded plastic (some sort of biking first). Brimmed, the XR weighs 219kg, making it five kilos heavier than Yamaha’s Tracer 900 while also being slightly down on power. If BMW’s typical pricing sticks then it’s likely to cost more than the Yam, too, which might make it a difficult sell.
It’s due in dealers early next year and while we might wish for it to be sub-£10K, the one you want (with all the good stuff) is likely to be north of £12,000 before it leaves the showroom.