2022 BMW F900R | Naked, Refined, & Advanced German Sports Bike (but... is it fun?)

[@BigRockMoto]

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[@MusicalMemeology]

I’m a simple man. I see a big rock moto video and I click and watch. Best in depth motorcycle and gear review channel. Aww your daughters so cute! 🥰

[@keithdosik]

I love that your moto gear always match the style of bike you’re reviewing!

[@einzelganger0]

I think the base model bike is a great option in the segment, for people who just want a city/hooligan bike still with some BMW refinement. Not everyone wants a Japanese naked :) Great review Ian!

[@Rakusan2]

In that scenario, I would get the R nineT.

[@bradplant0]

I'm 3 weeks into ownership of my 23 F900R and it continues to amaze me with every ride! And I haven't even hit break-in service yet. Can't wait to full send!

[@RideByNight]

Are you still riding this bike? How do you like it and how has the maintenance been?

[@bradplant0]

@@RideByNight No, I traded it for an S1000R last November. I wanted more performance. It was a great commuter bike and well rounded, but I started doing track days and the S1000R is night and day better for performance.

[@RideByNight]

@@bradplant0 Very nice upgrade. I've been considering the F900R for a while.

[@bradplant0]

@@RideByNight It's a great bike for the price. BMW fit and finish is top notch and the 3 year warranty is a benefit over it's competitors.

[@jpalcouffe7515]

Great review; I bought this bike about 16 months ago and I can say that it is an absolutely great bike.

[@mythirdeyestudio]

What is your height ? What is the lowest height of this bike ?

[@jpalcouffe7515]

@@mythirdeyestudio I am 1.78 meters - I think the lowest seat height on this bike is 770 cm.

[@olivierdefaux8651]

Agree. I have one too. I bought a R1200R thinking I would sell my F900R. But I kept it. It’s too much fun. Completely different ride.

[@onecookieboy]

Well done for reviewing a very overlooked bike, not many reviewers seem to even acknowledge it even exists.

[@bikesbabes4721]

Perhaps they have a point 😂

[@rossluhulima]

I had the 2021 model. I thought I wasn't going to ride a lot, I ended up riding 8000+ km in 3 months. Took it to Norway and Sweden and was loving the winding mountain road of Norway. The only reason I don't have it anymore is I test drive a 1200 GSA out of curiosity, and I had to take it home with me 😅If I have the money, I'll have both 😃

[@Carlnewman68]

Brilliant job , I’ve just picked one up as a loan bike while my GSA 2021 has some work done , omg it’s just as you said , in very detail . Thanks for another very true to life review. Carl 🇬🇧

[@markdenard7664]

Great review! I have one and put 4400 miles on so far. Great bike and I have no regrets at all. Got a wunderlich brake lever last week and that is great upgrade if you use two fingers

[@mladji984]

Really nice review, very detailed, that is what i always searching for on youtube. Also its good that you mention all option eq with prices and what offering. You helped me with choose, i will definitly buy this bike in comming summer. Thank you man!!

[@dajahvis3907]

Hi Ian. Just bought a hoodie. Love the honest concise review content as always but i gotta say the extended documentary style you used recently for the gs vs ducati video series was truly spectacular. I would love to see more long form documentary style reviews. Regardless your the best on youtube at this in my opinion and ill watch regardless of the format you use

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks!

[@nitus428]

Hi Ian I have an F 750gs 2019 and have seen both of your reviews on the 750 and the F 900r. Do you think the F 900r is a good upgrade from the F 750gs. I don't off road or are they much of a muchness. Thanks for your great reviews!!!!

[@drewmorg.]

This bike does not get enough shine! The price is right too. Can't wait to watch the video.

[@gregleingang9409]

Was that a custom Aerostitch your future cohost was wearing??!!

[@jimu2896]

I went from a 2020 MT09 to a 2021 F900R with options. BMW was a wonderfully put together bike and thoroughly enjoyed the available options. It is an enjoyable ride, but has a weird seating position. That said, the engine lacks punch and character, so traded her in and went back for a 2022 MT 09 SP love it! FYI - check that oil change, the oil pan has 2 bolts, there is an inner bolt that also needs to be removed.

[@gregkiester]

So, you went back to the MT-09... interesting because these are two bikes that I am looking at. I just HATE the MT-09 headlamp. 😞

[@jimu2896]

@@gregkiester, yes, while the BMW has a fabulous ride (chassis, suspension) and the list of "standard equipment" (mine was optioned with everything except adaptive headlight and electronic suspension) space is very impressive. And it's an absolutely beautiful put together bike. That being said the seating position is a little awkward, and the performance of the engine while being fine leaves you wanting a little more. This third-generation mt09 really tightened up the chassis in addition has great suspension and cruise control. I don't think you could go wrong with either Bike it's a matter of do you want Creature Comforts and niceties or do you want best performance for the class.

[@gregkiester]

I appreciate your input. What exactly is the weirdness/uncomfortableness of the seating position on the F900R?

[@jimu2896]

No problem, always enjoy talking bikes. As far as the seating position, I heard One reviewer refer to it as a Squatty Potty seating position. I didn't find it that extreme it's just, different. I wouldn't even say uncomfortable necessarily I've been on 2 1/2 - 3-hour rides just fine.

[@nikos-giorgos]

@@gregkiester So go tor the XSR, best of them all at a decent price.

[@MrLou8888]

Just found this channel and subscribed. A great review. Thorough and thoughtful.

[@davidcarter6737]

Am really enjoying your reviews Ian. I'd like you to consider mentioning whether a manufacturer supplies the service/workshop manual for their various bikes. I happen to know for an example, that BMW has stopped supplying said manuals back in 2021 for their bikes. It would make me reluctant to purchase a machine without one and would be something for you that is original to mention in your reviews, like the dropped bike lift difficulty that you do and which nobody else does. Many thanks and keep up the great work.

[@oust556]

Thank you for reviewing this bike! There isn't a whole lot out there on this one and it looks good (color options suck just like 2023 KTM 890 lol) I'm currently wildling down the selections for my next bike and the F900R is still on the list.

[@BigRockMoto]

Top in this category are KTM Duke 890R, MT-09SP and 2024 Street Triple... IMHO

[@nikos-giorgos]

@@BigRockMoto Much more expensive though

[@phenominalblak9797]

I just purchased a F900R a month ago. I’m really enjoying it. It’s my first bike and I’m not an experienced rider so I don’t have much to compare to, however I’m having a blast on this thing..(whenever the weather allows me to 🙄😅)

[@dashuntas.m4045]

How friendly is it for beginner with regard to the power delivery and throttle response? I would think it might be too much bike for a beginner

[@nahfam360]

@@dashuntas.m4045 it's actually friendly when you think about how rain mode works. I saw a few comments from people saying they got this as a beginner bike and used rain mode for a few weeks until they got the basics down

[@Win7ermu7e]

@@dashuntas.m4045 The only detriment is the weight. It's a pretty heavy bike that you can't just man-handle around if you are coming from something lighter like a scooter or dirt bike. I'm a new rider and dropped mine on a sloped driveway (had frame sliders on so no harm) but that made me decide to get a svart 401 to learn on.

[@mythirdeyestudio]

What is your height ? What is the lowest height of this bike ?

[@paulosilvestre4244]

I love mine F900R Triple Black full pack ! Great Machine !

[@michelveit8238]

Those are some really birth friendly hips in those jeans. But never the less a great, in depth review of a beautiful bike. Love to see the channel grow.

[@iandeasy9631]

Great review. Just ordered mine, picking it up next weekend. It's got the comfort and touring packs fitted. I'm really looking forward to getting it.

[@breeno59]

Shopped this segment and was completely seduced by the 23 890 Duke R. Nearly bought a NineT to get my boxer fix … but the 890 engine has tons of character and that nice fat torque curve…

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Thanks for this review. There was one for sale near me recently, and it was tempting, but I'm not ready to leave adventure riding yet, and I'm not able to become a multi-bike owner either. I've gotta be a BMW owner at some point before I have to give up riding.

[@ridingroland]

I have this bike for 2 years and really like it a lot. The only thing i didn't like is the stock seat. I upgraded to a Wunderlich seat and paired with this it is a great bike. I didn't want a big touring bike and this is great for touring, I did added a (SW Motech) luggage rack together with a dry bag and the BMW (soft) panniers since i am going camping with a tent this year. Take a look at my video's if you want a look at the added luggage rack.

[@ChasingMyLiberty]

I’m trying to get a friend into motorcycles and this bike caught his eye. Thanks for making this.

[@carlosparodiretail]

Thanks for the time you take to make great reviews Sire

[@IanPember]

1st time I’ve ever used you tube for a bike review( I’m old as ) brilliant , now a subscriber

[@BigRockMoto]

Awesome, thank you!

[@prodigyshadow]

You make the best informative videos on my Ktm 390 adv and this one!

[@nicksmith8166]

My favorite bike channel

[@brucekendall52]

Has always been well received.Good looking bike in my view.Thanks.

[@risingphoenix1187]

As always a great review, thorough, professional and non-biased. Love it!!👍🏿

[@richardfoyle4005]

Another top review. Ian is the best 👍

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you think so!

[@solisataraxia5615]

Good review and very informative keep it up!

[@BigRockMoto]

Much appreciated!

[@2wheelsgene171]

I’ve been curious about this model. Thanks for the review.

[@ollivasques]

It's real nice that you include european measurements in the video! There's a lot of people that don't have a clue about US hight and wight :) A.R from Norway :)

[@brettroman3218]

Great review Bud! Pricey but a quality piece!

[@Justin-iw7pl]

Hi Ian, Spied the beemer a few weeks ago on the gs v multi strudel video. Honestly I'm not a fan, bit of a parts bin special imo. I've previously owned a s1000r.the build quality is poor, some things are done on the cheap and very afterwards thinking. Im glad you tried it now you can try a monster sp and youll know what your missing. Triumph Street triple 765rs should also be on your radar imo Have a katoom for looking at in the garage🤣 say no more Great video 👍

[@_Makanko_]

Instant like for the Lion suit. Cute daughter! I'm sure she's never disagreeable (having two daughter myself) 🤣 Nice to get your thoughts on a not so much ADV bike.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@1990-t1j]

Adaptive headlight, heated grips, quickshifter, ABS, more riding modes... I wouldn't want any of them, apart from the ABS you have to have in most of the world. I like the look of the 'sports package', though. Great dash. Good bike, and it looks good. I always liked the look of the F800R.

[@drewmorg.]

You forgot cruise control and 6 axis IMU which is unique to these lower end bikes. Used, these bikes can be had for around $8000 and theyre only 2-3 years old. Really good value.

[@pistolpete6321]

Great thorough review!

[@jasonosullivan8068]

Wow I found your channel recently it is excellent.... I am going to buy a motorbike again soon after 30 years ! .... your channel will help so much in making a more informed choice 👍

[@regislacomme5238]

Thanks, great review!

[@1970cutlassS]

This thing and the ducati are definitely at the bottom of that list of competitors you mentioned. I'll take the performance and reliability of the Kawi or the Yamaha for $9k any day. Non-adjustable fork on a $12k bike? Seems odd to have all that adjustment and technology in the rear suspension paired up with a non-adj fork. Pretty decent looking exhaust for a stock pipe. Sounds good too. Great review as always, love your video formats.

[@chrishart8548]

Maybe bmw got an expert to set up the forks for you so they don't need adjustment.

[@boodog4023]

@@chrishart8548 Did the expert weigh the same as the commenter? On the same type roads? With the same preferences? If so valid point.

[@chrishart8548]

@Boo Dog if someone is heavier they will probably need new springs for their weight anyway.

[@NalinKhurb]

@@chrishart8548 If what you say was true, all the bikes with adjustable front forks are offering something useless?

[@freeheelsak]

@@NalinKhurbsprings front and rear are spec’d within a range. If you’re heavy and crank preload the bike behaves differently. I’ve swapped springs on every bike I’ve owned. I’m 215 and you can expect the bike to behave like someone who’s 150. What he said is true. Enjoy your stock spring

[@ramsey3114]

great review can`t wait to review the KTM 1290

[@req110]

I own the bike in full spec (except SOS button). It's great, refined, very universal. Of course, i had to do some changes - tail tidy from evotech, arrow pro race slip-on exhaust (sometimes i am riding with db killer, sometimes not), i removed all the accessories like navigation or bag mounts, bar end mirrors, and i am awaiting seat cowl.

[@brianharradine8130]

Excellent review, love to see you also test the 2023 BMW R1250R

[@MRGS48]

Such a doll❤ !! Another nice review Ian!!🤘🤘

[@keiross]

Very informative review, thanks bud, new subscriber now 🏍️

[@murraehaynes3182]

It’s a baby R1250R👍as always, great review. I have a R1250R and a F800GS… best of both worlds

[@chrishart8548]

At some point they both came in the same blue. R1200r and f800gs cordoba they would look great if you had both together in the garage

[@murraehaynes3182]

@@chrishart8548 R1250R…missed the last of your post

[@PaulsMotoZen]

Looks to be a well rounded vehicle for many.

[@lorikberisha9391]

Hi Ian, great review! What about the F900XR? What are your thoughts on that bike especially compared to the new Tracer 9?

[@MrLagnil]

In a parallel twin, both pistons reach top dead center at the same time. In a parallel twin where the pistons move up and down at the same time, the crankshaft angle is 360 degrees.

[@tiankata1]

Great review on a very cool and good looking motorcycle!

[@dgomes265]

Absolutely loved my F800r and put 90000 kms on it before trading for a R1200R. This is also a great all rounder with luggage added for touring. With the 3 year warranty, pick up an demo or slightly used one. More comfortable than the MT or Street Triple

[@quidestnunc9238]

And heavier with lower performance. See The Bike Show channel comparison of a MT-09 with this Beemers F900R...

[@ericabitbol3626]

I have a 2012 F800R and love it, with Michelin Awake Adventure tires, low windscreen, and luggage racks. It goes anywhere and handles beautifully. Am also now thinking of the next bike, looking for something with a bigger engine, and more comfortable for a pillion rider. I thought about the F900R, F900XR, S1000XR. And a Triumph Tiger... Thoughts? Love the review and comments! Thanks.

[@BlueAlgon]

thanks for the review

[@sandistropnik6544]

Thank you Ian

[@BigRockMoto]

Welcome!

[@onlyfoolriding8223]

Non-adjustable suspension is a deal killer on any motorcycle. Proper suspension adjustment is probably the most important thing for comfort and performance.

[@retroman71]

24:48 Did you say F800R?. Still great review. I do have the 2019 F800R with full specs & love it. I am wanting to upgrade to the F900R but i'm shocked that in Australia the F900R will not come with cruise control & dynamic gsa. And my 2019 F800R does have electronic rear suspension.

[@antoniocarlosacsjr7128]

Great video bro, as always. Congrats. And all we here loved your cute daughter. About the bikes and forget the prices, cause I'm talking about Brazilian market... wich bike between Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 19 on, this F900R (had owned and loved two F800R, 2012 model), Suzuki GSX-8S, or BMW F750 GS? Best regards and God bless you and your family always.

[@David..]

These things look cool. I’d go with an MT09 or GSX-S1000 (you can find these new all day for 10k or less) if you’re okay with forgoing cruise control or GSXS-1000gt if you want body work and cruise. BMW makes a gorgeous bike though.

[@elitecorsair]

Great review, will you be able to review the f900xr too?

[@PedroDVC]

I like the headlight, better looking than my F800R

[@timaurus]

Great review, really enjoyed the scenery - this one is on my shortlist, having owned an F800s a few years back. Just wondering if anyone in the comments has experience with a pillion on this bike (something to think about for future reviews)?

[@larsgeorgolsen4122]

I owned the F900R for a couple of years. I liked the engine, the build quality, the look and the trail braking when I was riding it aggressively. I hated the hard uncomfortable seat and I didn't like the clunky gearbox, the cramped seating position and the very high maintenance cost at the BMW dealership, which was about double up compared to my T7. I'll say it doesn't come close to the thrills that the MT09 gives you and there is some mismatch between the agressive riding position and the lack of performance. The many hight adjustment options makes it a great bike for many women.

[@BigRockMoto]

well said

[@cbwelch4]

Curious how this feels handling wise with the MT09. Handling?

[@nwpia]

I love how you allow your daughter to pick out the riding gear for some of your videos.

[@chrissunde1104]

Other testers have done direct side by side comparisons with other middle weight naked bikes and the BMW always comes up last. I guess in isolation last is still very good.

[@perryburns6515]

Best thing about this bike is the looks! In that colour scheme particularly looks better than most of the competition. Wouldn't buy one though

[@BigRockMoto]

i agree, nice looking bike

[@chris5k132]

I'd rather get the MT 07 or 09. The Duke 890. The new Suzuki 800 or the Hornet 750.. so many to choose from really

[@petezny4343]

Just one question, did you move to the San Jacinto Mountains just for the riding or did you move there for other reasons and just found yourself in motorcycle heaven? I'm jealous every time you get to the road or trail sections of your videos.

[@hksmith8581]

I have a 2023 BMW F900R and will never get one again the repair shop prices are insane and only after four months the brake fluid needs to be replaced.

[@JasonCzelus]

In reference to your comment on the twitchy throttle in "Road" mode.... and assuming the riding modes "Pro" works like they do on the R1250GS...you could setup your "Dynamic Pro" mode with all of the settings of "Road" mode, and then make the throttle response similar to "Rain" mode.

[@josecarlosduarte3669]

Good job.

[@tarouyamada2686]

Daww 😆 Is there any reason to move the turn signals to the body rather than flanking the headlight like the F800R or S1000R?

[@wayneh8767]

Hey Ian really nice bike, nice day for a ride there.

[@BigRockMoto]

It was!

[@gmgs31]

Great review! The co-host summarized my feelings quite well "I don't know"... I'm intrigued by this segment of bike, but I wonder who it's for? It's sounds like fun for ripping around town, but I wonder where and when I would actually ride this kind of bike. I've got a dr650 and a crf250x and am thinking about swaping the dr650 for a larger adventure ish bike. Adding something like this could be fun but a larger ADV bike probably checks more boxes for me. However this type of bike probably has a much larger fun box checked. Such a great time to be a rider with all of these choices!!!

[@BigRockMoto]

these bikes are good for shorter, sportier rides, urban use, track days, canyon carving, etc. good 2nd or third bike

[@WalkinOSF]

Yes, it is kind of heavy considering other 900s. Like MT-09 and KTM 890 Duke weighs around 190kg, which is close to 650 class bike weight.

[@BigRockMoto]

Yep

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

Heavy and under powered.

[@alfonzoed]

Rode them all bought the 2023 KTM DUKE 890R !

[@mrmeeks222]

I rode both the KTM 990 and F900R. I found the clutch and shifting soooo much better on the 900r, the electronic suspension was nice too. The Ktm def felt lighter and more agile, also felt more quick than powerful. The 900r in dynamic mode felt powerful

[@ojc8203]

Love your reviews man! I stumble upon you checking your car review and since than I am here

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you like them!

[@dennisgearside9887]

Use the quick shift properly it works well. You don’t back the throttle off on changes.😊

[@wbochonko6574]

Well done.

[@sandwaves5642]

Well, in some vehicles the riding / driving modes DO, actually cut the poser, and not only manipulate the input pedal / throttle response. And the reason to NOT go over this engine on the GS - maybe the consumption ?

[@ADV_Agenda]

Nice looking but I'm still favoring the Yamaha MT-09

[@cbwelch4]

Appreciate this review a lot. If I told you i wanted a bike that is fun but not a "crotch rocket" per se yet sporty and feels planted, not tweaky with the power it has, this would be a good option?

[@germanmariot34]

How long km do you ride a day?

[@VincentTL]

Nice review!! As a Triumph Street Triple owner, I think the Street Triple competes well in this category. If you haven’t already, you might want to give that a test ride and review. 😊 Although off the bat I’ll concede to the BMW its electronic suite which is better, IMO, than the Street Triple’s (even the new 2024 model which finally has an IMU). Just my thoughts. 😊

[@BigRockMoto]

STR all the way for me, or MT09. 2024 STR is awesome

[@VincentTL]

@@BigRockMoto Haven’t ridden one, but the MT09 SP looks awesome too. When I bought my STR, the MT09 SP was the other bike I was considering. 😊

[@VincentTL]

@@BigRockMoto Have you done a review of the STR? Took a quick look at the list of your videos and didn’t see one. If you haven’t done one, would be great if you could get your hands on a 2024!! 😄

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

Is the 900r a boxer engine like the 800r?

[@rojoracing53]

where you using the quick shifter or standard shifting during the 0-100 part of the video? Those shifts looked too delayed to be a quick shifter.

[@rojoracing53]

Nevermind, I can see you using the clutch. So I have to ask why not use the quick shifter?

[@bakabezzraka]

let the good times roll kawa powa 🏍

[@allans7281]

Another good review !! your daughter is ridiculously cute in the lion outfit

[@njohnson3331]

How is the headlight at night?

[@adventureundone]

I was actually looking at buying one of these last week. But decided to buy another 300L 🤣

[@roughrider9831]

It amazes my that 10 years ago , Husqvana took a F800 engine, increased the engine capacity to 900cc, re timed the crank and got more bhp out of its Nuda than BMW engineers can get out of their own version today. The Nuda looked better than the F900 and sounded amazing with an aftermarket exhaust. More baffling was why BMW, who owned Husqvana then sold of Husqvana, effectively shutting its engineering office. Was it sour grapes from the Bavarians?.

[@santosescobedo2828]

Where do you buy the nav5 I need one for my bike

[@MrLou8888]

B.R.M. Is 32 in. Pant leg or to the ground.

[@dstubby82]

No offroad section? 😁

[@yorkchris10]

I think BMW takes the Cake for rectifier placement. The G650's didn't look like a lug device though.

[@eksadiss]

When Kip Dynamite gets into motorcycles

[@maxou953]

Magnifique !

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

The motor is the issue! BMW would sell loads more if they produced a more exciting inline twin. Compared to the competition it's boring. The rest of the bike is on point and it looks great in the flesh.

[@chrishart8548]

It's a 270° what more do you want ?

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

@@chrishart8548 More power, higher revs, freer revving, greater refinement. It's not a bad bike, but the engine underperforms relative to its competitors. It ruins an otherwise well rounded package. Oh and less weight.

[@LasseJOugaard]

@K16 You're exactly right - and it's such a hard critique to make because it doesn't convey well on video. The BMW (Loncin..) parallel twin is just boring somehow, in a way that's hard to put your finger on. "It does the job, it's okay, it's powerful enough." In a sea of "identical" 270° parallel twins on the market, it simply does not stand out. If you compare this bike to the KTM 890 or the Triumph 765, you realize what a snooze-fest it is. Combine that with a slightly high weight and a slightly high price it's very difficult to find a USP for the BMW, besides the quality of fit&finish and the brand experience. Atleast with the old F800R, even though it was a vibrating mess, they had a unique engine. I should know, as I did over 20.000km on one 😅

[@chrishart8548]

@Lasse J Ougaard I've got a f800gs.. 4k and under its a lovely engine. In the high revs its not great that vibration is something else.

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

@@LasseJOugaard You said it... A motorcycle assembled in Germany using a Chinese made engine (Loncin). Not acceptable considering the price and its competition.

[@georgedoolittle7574]

Needs handguards as standard for premium other than that simply 🤯