BMW F900XR
Mike gets to start enjoying the ride… at long last
It’s still early days, but Mike is warming to the BMW. Ride modes are ace.
Things have not been going well. Not at all. Not, I hasten to add, with the BMW, in case you were wondering. No. that’s fine. Well, I think it is, because I still have not seen much of it, to be honest.
You see, I received a missive from the guys at sister magazine Fast Bikes saying they wanted to borrow it for a comparison report, so that was it. I never saw it for another three weeks. Anyway, we won’t go into that. Instead let me tell you about when I rode it to Mortons HQ.
There are three modes available on this particular model – Dynamic, Ride and Rain. I set off with it in Ride mode, because it was dry, but windy and overcast, and I am always grateful for ABS and traction control. I had travelled a mere eight miles when the heavens opened. Yes, a sudden increase in the velocity of a buffeting wind and torrential rain hammering down, courtesy of some very angry Gods, bouncing off the Tarmac, my helmet and visor. I quickly switched over to Rain mode, my safety blanket, and the bike behaved impeccably, as I knew it would, because this is a BMW, after all.
SO MUCH POSITIVITY
Having returned to collect the bike three weeks later, the day was again overcast as I set off for home from Mortons HQ. The first thing I noted was that the FB boys, typically, or should that be traditionally, had set it in the sportier Dynamic mode. What’s good for the goose… I left it there, and it was not long before I noted how instantly responsive the BMW was, powering on when I needed to pass a couple of artics.
Fun over, I am happy travelling in Ride mode until I get to know the bike better, putting more mileage in on longer runs. This particular mode feels more relaxed, yet throttle response is still positive whilst being less aggressive. It is worth noting that if you opt for the standard version of the XR, you simply get Rain and Ride modes, so it is clear that BMW’s engineers were not going to skimp on the Ride aspect.
I was also happy to switch to Rain mode whilst encountering heavy urban traffic, when throttle response became less of a priority.
IMPECCABLE MANNERS
To my mind, Ride mode is Casual mode, whereby I have enjoyed a couple of short journeys taking in the countryside views, engaging with its intuitive behaviour, which so far has proved impressive. I love the relaxed riding position, the wide bars which make tilting the bike so easy, and the smooth, almost neutral handling. The likes just keep mounting up, especially when I manage the torque in a gentle arc, knowing that the power is there when I need it, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Adventure seekers may be slightly disappointed, but for touring, for sport, for city use, and yes, even for commuting, I reckon this is going to prove one all-round smart kid on the block, make no mistake.