EICMA 2019: New BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR revealed

BMW Motorrad has updated its product portfolio with the introduction of the new F 900 R and the F 900 XR at the 2019 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. The new F 900 R is a Dynamic Roadster, while the F 900 XR is a sports/adventure tourer that joins the S 1000 XR in Bavarian motorcycle brand’s portfolio.

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Both, the new F 900 R and F 900 XR, are built around a steel bridge frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. The primary chassis is bolted to a steel sub-frame. Being a roadster, the F 900 R misses any windblast protection. The front fascia of the F 900 R includes a single-pod headlight in an aggressive design. The motorcycle features a muscular design that is further enhanced by the fuel tank extensions and the sporty engine cowl. The fuel tank is followed by a step-up, single-piece saddle that features a removable rear cowl.

The F 900 XR, on the other hand, carries better aerodynamics and windblast protection than its roadster sibling. The front fascia of the F 900 XR comprises twin-pod headlight that shares its sleek design with the new, 2020 S 1000 XR. A tall, adjustable windscreen and a semi-fairing design aim to offer windblast protection and deliver a comfortable ride experience and enhance the F 900 XR’s touring capabilities. The F 900 XR also features more comfortable and upright ergonomics than the F 900 R.

Both bikes use a light, plastic-welded fuel tanks, although the XR version of the new F 900 family packs a relatively larger fuel tank (15.5-litres vs 13-litres on the F 900 R). The new F 900 R gets three colour options – San Marino Blue metallic, Blackstorm metallic and Style Sport in Hockenheim Silver metallic/Racing Red. The F 900 XR is also available in three options – Light White, Style Exclusive in Galvanic Gold metallic and Sport in Racing Red.

The F 900 duo use an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a double-sided swinging arm with central suspension strut at the back. The F 900 XR (170 mm front and 172 mm rear) packs slightly longer suspension travel than the F 900 R roadster (135 mm front and 142 mm rear). The BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) system is available as an optional extra on both motorcycles.

Full LED lighting is standard on both motorcycles, while the Adaptive Cornering Light are also available as part of the optional extra Headlight Pro. A 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity is available as standard on the F 900 R and the F 900 XR. The system offers access to phone calls, music and navigation.

Engine specifications are common on both motorcycles. The parallel twin-cylinder motor is a revised version of the 853 cc engine made a debut on the F 850 GS in 2018. The new 895 cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder motor with two opposed counterbalance shafts pumps out 105 hp at 8,750 rpm and a peak torque of 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The engine is claimed to deliver an even fuller torque curve. BMW adds that 87 Nm of torque is available from 4,500 to 8,500 rpm. The counterbalance shafts target to deliver a smoother ride experience.

BMW also aims to attract new buyers with A2 licence. Thus, the Bavarian manufacturer has introduced a 35 kW (48 hp) version for licence class A2.

An anti-hopping clutch comes as standard, while the engine drag torque control (MSR) can be fitted as extra. Two riding modes (Rain and Road) are available as standard while Riding modes Pro (Dynamic and Dynamic Pro) are part of the optional package.

Braking department comprises twin discs at the front and a single rotor at the back. Switchable ABS and ASC Automatic Stability Control are also part of the standard trim. Other optional extras available for the F 900 duo include Keyless Ride, Shift Assistant Pro, Dynamic ESA, Intelligent Emergency Call, banking capable ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and RDC.

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BMW Motorrad India’s middleweight portfolio comprises the BMW F 750 GS and the BMW F 850 GS. The new BMW F 900 R and the BMW F 900 XR would be a perfect fit in the company's portfolio, although it has not made any comments about the possible launch in our market yet. European companies like KTM and Ducati are already present in the middleweight segment of the Indian market. The BMW F 900 R will be a perfect rival to the KTM 790 Duke and the Ducati Monster series while the BMW F 900 XR can compete with the Ducati Multistrada 950 and the likes.