BMW F900XR: how much sense does it make?

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I spent some time with BMW F 900 XR and at the end I had really strange conclusions considering that it's a BMW. I didn't expect it to be even close to S 1000 XR in terms of performance, and obviously it isn't. Let's dig in and see what it's like. My Instagram page: / thevtold
BMW S1000XR full review: • BMW S1000XR 2 gen. HON...
The 2021 BMW F900XR shown in this video belongs to BMW Inchcape Warsaw, and you can ride it here: warszawa.bmw-inchcape.pl
Background music by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

[@1TwoSpot]

I've had the F900XR for a year now and I'm still extremely happy with the bike, as you said in another comment obviously bike opinions are always going to be subjective. I've done a few 800km days on it with no problems at all, and have enjoyed every second of it. For me the light feeling you were talking about is one of my favorite parts about the bike, because I also ride in the city quite a bit and the low speed maneuverability makes it so much easier to do so. There are a few things that I did to improve the bikes usability for my use cases, that I think also could be helpful for some of the problems you brought up. 1. In my opinion the worst part about the bike from the factory is the seat. Not because of the height (obviously you can get the different height seats like you said) but because of the comfort and shape. Upgrading to an aftermarket seat made long days of riding so much better and also made it feel much more like I was sitting "IN the bike" instead of "ON a medium sized dog" like you said. (The seat I got was a Wunderlich seat and it's fantastic). 2. Bigger winderscreen. The wind screen as you said doesn't do a whole lot for actually blocking wind. For my longer trips a bigger windscreen was a must and pretty cheap. 3. Suspension adjustment. I tuned my suspension for my weight and it made the bike feel much more planted in the corners. One final thought: like you said the bike carries the XR name like it's big brother, but is a completely different bike. The S1000XR is an animal and truly a blast to ride, and the amount of power it makes is pretty nuts. The f900XR makes a lot less power obviously, but its torque curve is extremely flat, meaning the power is very predictable and there when you want it. Though the S1000XR is more fun to take out on a weekend ride, the F900XR, in my opinion, is a better daily bike, because riding it feels relaxed and more friendly. Basically the S1000XR is a weekend warrior and the F900XR is a daily rider.

[@MotoStoriesandmore]

I find this bike to be excellent. I did a 525mile ride this past Sunday (844 Km) 1/3 highway, 1/3 back road, 1/3 twists. And the bike was amazing in each area. The modes . heated grips, excellent screen, levered windscreen and the amazing ABS and electronic cruise control this bike is awesome. Obviuosly everyone's butt is different, but mine loves this bike!

[@petewebb6952]

F900XR has torque lower down. Use “dynamic” mode to get thrills. This 219 kg carries the equivalent of its own weight: 219 kg. It’s forgiving and confidence inspiring.

[@1MrBryn]

I'm coming up to two years on an F900r. I took an R120R for a spin thinking it would be a good step up, but the more powerful bike just isn't as fun as the 900. I'm a taller rider and I ended up on the BMW because it just was the best all round package for me in the middleweight category. The MT09 (at the time of purchase) felt a bit poorly finished, the KTM Duke was just too manic and the Z900 was too cramped for me. I guess I gotta try the S1000R next time around. This is my first BMW and I'm amazed by how good the overall ownership experience has been.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Right, BMW can be rewarding indeed.

[@maxop1994]

The 95 hp versión is if you want to get it límited for the A2 licence. If you have the A licence you can have the 105 hp bike.

[@HORNET6]

i think you're observation about the bike being unstable over rough surfaces due to light weight is incorrect as its a 220Kg bike. That is not light! It's the suspension set up from the factory that is not forgiving enough. I'd be interested to see another video after getting the bike set up for a more compliant ride.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks for your feedback! Surely over 200 kgs is not light by any means, I agree. In this case the feeling of the bike being light is combined with this shakiness. Usually, when you've got a bike that feels heavy, it feels heavy at all times, and when it feels light, it's also all the time. Here it's exaggerated to the point that I wished the bike felt heavier but at the same time had more stability when riding over some more rough surfaces.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

Can adjust suspension modes for bumpy!

[@2PistonRolling]

Thank you for sharing valuable information & Honest Review. Will go for BMW GSA 850 or Triump 900..

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I'm glad you find it useful. All the best with such nice choices!

[@anarkiman]

Make sure to test both bikes on the same day, and you will feel the poor quality of Triumph compared to BMW

[@virajvrooms]

Simple Question. Now that all look pretty ;) , a Pre-Owned Multistrada 1260s or the new Multi 950s/V2 or F900XR?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

If you're asking me, I'd definitely go for a pre-owned Multistrada 1260S provided that it's not damaged or with super high mileage. I'm not sure how it will stand against the upcoming Multistrada V2, but I'm certain that I'd choose a used 1260S over a new F900XR. Between Multistrada V2 and F900XR, I can't see F900XR being my choice, even though I haven't ridden the small Multi yet. I hope that this helps but it's just my personal view :)

[@virajvrooms]

@@VToldsMotoShow Thanks. All pointers going towards Ducati after checking the few ownership reviews that are online. Found a 1260s that has clocked 14000 kms and is certified fit by Ducati. The only problem, it costs same as a new F900XR. Pretty confused right now.

[@carlosprieto4580]

Multistrada is the best

[@drewmorg.]

@@virajvrooms It comes down to needing the power or not and your body weight and physical size. Personally I am 150 lbs and beyond twin 900 the power is getting insane for me. Every bike feels very fast. the 1260S and the 900XR are in different leagues of performance.

[@felipealarcon8455]

It would be great if you could compare the F900XR against the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Yeah, I will as last Saturday I finished my time with the Tracer 9 GT, gave it back and in the end I was actually surprised with the bike - really well done by Yamaha!

[@TheAskme32]

yamaha better in engine, suspension, quick shifter. bmw a bit better in fast corners and of course better TFT screen with full connectivity.

[@armystrong123g]

There is already a good video on KZbin were these 2bikes were put next to eachother

[@TheAskme32]

@@armystrong123g which one?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I have to agree that the engine of a Tracer 9 GT is much more enjoyable, more punchy and powerful throughout the range. In terms of suspension, there are fields in which both of them have some advantages but overall I preferred Yamaha - surprisingly to myself! Quickshifter I don't care about actually but BMW had a way better seat (easierst thing to replace). All in all, I'd choose Tracer and I will make a thorough review putting these two head to head and going point by point. Cheers!

[@maxop1994]

You for get to mention the fact of usability Costs this bike compared to the f1000xr. The People that like the f1000 usually like the 900xr as an more affordable alternative of the bike. Not only the price but the maitanance Costs and fuel which are very high on the f1000xr. And i think that these are very very important factors on choosing a bike. Also usually if you are looking at a f900xr and you are not quite sitisfied you will be looking for another sport touring like the yahama tracer 900 not a f850gs which is an aventure.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Hey, I believe that indeed this can be a factor for those that care for such kinds of things. But there are guys like me who don't care about fuel consumption as they don't ride so much in terms of distance covered. Same applies for maintenance costs if one doesn't ride that much. So yeah, this is very personal. I agree that Tracer 9 is close, and actually having ridden is recently, in terms of engine and performance it feels closer to S1000XR than F900XR I believe. Just as a side note.

[@maxop1994]

@@VToldsMotoShow i agree but that are still factors and they need to be mentioned. This is like talking about a sneakers and Dont telling how confortable they feel because you care only about the looks.

[@maxop1994]

@@VToldsMotoShow i agree but that are still factors and they need to be mentioned. This is like talking about a sneakers and Dont telling how confortable they feel because you care only about the looks.

[@cengizkurban]

Regarding weight, add the topcase carrier another 3 kilos, then both bikes are almost same as S1000XR comes with standard topcase carrier.

[@tomg6284]

I am sure your suspension was not setup proper. Looks kick @ss to me.

[@-R-.]

You should check about the mode! Change the mode totally change the bike behavior

[@vibehkr3320]

You have to mention xr 1000 is way more than double the price. I don't know why we are comparing!

[@goldie6579]

I thought about this bike but went with the r1250rs

[@VToldsMotoShow]

So I understand that you went with the sporty one then.

[@goldie6579]

@@VToldsMotoShow so sexy!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

for saying its lite; its dam heavy ! try getting it up on the center stand !@

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Good timing as today I was attempting to put the new Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer on a center stand and it the only bike ever which I struggled to pull that off. I hope that this puts more light on the case. However, this really doesn't mean that much as alone, all these beasts are 200-250 kg usually, so it's a lot of weight while the center stand is a mechanism that can work more easily or harder and that's it. Hope this helps. Cheers!

[@applecorp]

Try getting the Tiger 800 on it's center stand, the F900 is a piece of cake by comparison.

[@ioannisrigas]

I think is really unfair to mention 1000XR or 1250GS as a compared bike. Also I would say that 6.5/10 is way too low!But you gave 1000XR 8/10🙄 on the other hand...Say it straight, buy only GS 1250!!!Appreciate your review though. BMW F900R(super city toy😈) owner.....

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Those two bikes are simply points of reference. I myself like to have plenty of power and having that preference in mind, I appreciate it when bikes have more usable power. I'm not sure I could live with a GS and its farty sound, just like S1000XR has too weak low end for me. I'm aware of those characteristics and therefore mention them to make my perspective as clear as possible. And still, what only matters is that you enjoy your bike, its style, its benefits and your feelings towards it. I loved the first generation Suzuki V-Strom 1000 for its comfort, engine sound and looks. I knew that a later BMW R1200GS was a more sophisticated motorcycle with more tech and safety equipment but at that time would still pick the 'worse' bike just because its style suited me so mich more and the engine sound was something that I'd kill for. I hope you get my point :). Cheers and all the best with your F900R!

[@romanl.5071]

Jak jeździłeś po mieście to oglądałem. Teraz przewijam.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Ta obecna forma to maksymalny kompromis teraz. Ale tak, formaty są istotnie różne, tak jak i cele filmów. Dzięki za informację zwrotną!

[@fernandoortiz1849]

had to stop your vid, im about to cry since i just bought that bike and i cant hear you complaining about it that much T.T

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Sorry to hear that (you needing to stop watching), but if you're happy with the F900XR, then there's no need to listen to anybody else's opinion. Once you're interested in changing, then it may be a great time to get back to checking how the XR may be perceived, what your feelings about it are and then looking for a bike that ticks some of other boxes on your list to perhaps upgrade.

[@os6219]

@@VToldsMotoShow It’s only the second video I watch from you, but honestly it will be the last. You deliver information in an unbearable mix of models, facts and beliefs no one actually can really verify. And every video is negative. Sorry but no.

[@R1KTM]

I confess to be a bit confused about your considerations 🤔 Until a certain point you seemed to be on track... Than, you say that you know nothing about Dynamic esa, and that you never feel any difference. What Is...a joke?😅 Tell me It s a joke, plese 😉. Just to be clear: I don t own a 900xr, so I m not a fanboy. Second thing: I think the feeling of bouncyness you talked about has 2 reasons: - you didn t even try to "play" with Dynamic esa - you never EVER tried to ride a street triple rs, my actual bike, on rough surfaces 😅, another bike whose eccessive light weight Is NOT serving ANY advantage in real life. Because in comparison 900 xr look like a super quick japanese train, stability wise, believe me 🙄 One thing Is for sure: xr900 engine Is NOT exactly emotional, Power delivery wise... But It make "lot of Road", Is the type of engine which Mask the actual Speed you are going, till you look at the odometer. In fact, coupling the super ability in cornering plus the torque It deliver in corner exit, well... long story short: that s not a bike I would define exactly slow between curves, believe me 😉...and I don t ride a bike exactly slow or, in general , slowly. So, I think xr900 Is the typical "sleeper" ... Look like a quiet medium crossover when, in fact, in the right hands, is a Beast, between curves...It remind me A LOT my old KTM, 950sm, cornering wise, and Who knows , know what I m talking about 😉

[@panouk95]

So you made a 21 min video of you complaining about a bike with 12.500 price because it doesn't have the performance and premium features of others which costs about 21.000. For real???

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Try Yamaha Tracer 9 when looking for performance for the same kind of money.

[@panouk95]

@@VToldsMotoShow If by performance you mean top speed and accelaration I agree. Because xr has far better stopping power than tracer. And is better for everyday usage. Friendlier engine, more suspension travel, higher ground clearance, better fuel consumption.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

Cant compare the riding for tall persons ! S1000 is for short only

[@juefie3621]

No BMW with China Motor . Never ever!!!

[@drewmorg.]

Let me sum this video up: the bike sucks, don't buy it

[@VToldsMotoShow]

When put into very rough words, yes, this does represent my perspective of not being very excited about it. I think that there are better alternatives.