2020 BMW F900XR - First Ride Review

[@Brad-RB]

I was looking forward to the launch of this bike. Nice review. Dorit from BMW was a bonus too as she knows every detail of the products she manages.

[@harryviking6347]

I normally do not like the look of BMW, but this time....YES! 900XR gets thumbs up!

[@RedRupert64]

Good to hear about your real world fuel consumption. I was concerned about the small tank as I also ride hard nearly all the time. Thanks. Good info. 👍🏻

[@frodesen34]

How do you think it compares to the Multistrada 950 S?

[@fredoc9125]

A decent press review but I will wait for your in depth road test!!. You asked a lot of questions and she seemed to answered directly. I think this is a good replacement for the F800GT. The engine should be nicely tuned, I currently ride the 750 and for on road touring this is a nice engine with plenty of power for 2 up riding.

[@36moto]

Always watch your Reviews, great reports and the wheelies are ... nice

[@brucekendall52]

Always respect your reviews,thk you.

[@MrAndrew1953]

Looks a very clean design. I have a 56 litre Givi top box on my CB500F which is brilliant- it hasn’t bee off the bike since I got it. 30 litre top box BMWs biggest. Chain drive- is a centre stand fitted or an option? Large screen for me @ 5’8.

[@davidcardinal9900]

I think this is a great move. MSRP is $11,695. The China manufacturing is why the cost is so much less than the 1000XR. I think this is a great option for those who don't want the size or $ of the 1000XR. I would not care about the plastic tank. It would be great if it was a bit larger, only 100 miles on a tank is a definately on the short side. I would guess this is a lot of fun to ride, tip into and power out of corners. I think it looks great! I'm biased. I have a 2016 S1000XR and absolutely love it! It is awesome in the canyons and up the California Coast, where I live. So comfy for a 9 hour saddle day. So fast, flickable, so fun! I still have a big smile on my face every day I get on it! In terms of looks, some people think it is not pretty, I dis-agree. Maybe not the prettiest, but I know her intimately and she gets my heart pumping when I see it!

[@Buzzerd03]

As a rider who tours with my wife on the back I would like to see a site, any site- any! address passenger comfort. The very least that would be nice is to put the factory bags on and have a passenger show how much or little foot room there is. Other than that great job!

[@carlosandleon]

yeah forget this bike, you just need a glance on that backseat to make sure it's obviously not for you

[@foolishcoyote.]

why does the cruise control not turn on at times or flash "red" instead of green for cruise control activation?

[@hootsik]

They are cut belt and single side arm and said that is a good replacement for f800gt? The are serious?

[@mickhep]

Not one s1000xr reviews on the net since the press day why.? are they holding it/you back.?

[@essosa1]

I’ve noticed the same thing. Only explanation is that BMW obviously holds the journalists back from publishing the reviews about the s1000xr

[@MK-rs6cs]

Where can I buy the slim side cases?

[@vincentcausey8498]

It's a nice bike and was top of my list, but I'm now more inclined to the 900 Tracer. It just seems that while the XR is a great touring bike, it looks like it lacks that bit of excitement, whereas I keep hearing how lively and fun the 900 Tracer is to ride, which seems to have taken the "sport" part of sports tourer on board. Also disappointed to learn that the 4.2 Litre/100 Km is a BS number, and to be honest did look too good to be true. I have heard that manufacturers fuel test cycles are in no way realistic, so perhaps I'm not too surprised.

[@max77ekb]

The 900 seems a much more practical alternative to the bigger s1000xr in terms of *usable* power, suspension travel and fuel economy. And, the new 1000xr requires octane 98 fuel which is a pretty big disappointment for a *travel* bike.

[@TheWAP5]

How is this bike with two-up riding with panniers? I am okay with 250-300 km range since I do not ride hard on long tours I might be able to extract good mileage. Also, does this bike works fine on normal fuel or do we need to fill her up with the premium fuel only?

[@Roy_Godiksen]

Very good looking bike. And from what i hear, a great bike to ride. Though, all bikes are good to ride now a days really.

[@szeriman13]

Roy Godiksen yes but you at least expect from an expensive bike not to be built in China.

[@Roy_Godiksen]

@@szeriman13 Built in China doesn't necessarily mean bad quality. Just cheaper to build, and usually cheaper to buy.

[@szeriman13]

@@Roy_Godiksen agree, im just saying it shouldn't be as expensive as it is.

[@TheWAP5]

@@szeriman13 Is this built in China? Because we are getting it here in India directly from Germany.

[@szeriman13]

Mayank Chauhan motor is from Loncin for example

[@williamdavis5800]

I went with the Ducati Multistrada 950s. A bit more money than the BMW but well worth it.

[@tudajfor]

Did you ask them what is it they changed on the shift assist pro compared to the F850GS that it works better?

[@BenMargolin]

Thank you for this! Especially getting into the panniers which I was super curious about; they actually look really nice, although of course I bet they're going to be $$$. Really appreciate that you asked the salesperson questions and she seemed to give reasonable straightforward answers which was great. Looking forward to test riding this bike!

[@laurencevanpuyvelde7159]

Beautiful bike.

[@kevinjohnoflynn]

Im thinking of trading in my hypermotard 950 for one of these, they both have similar torque but im wondering it the bmw will have a nice snappy throttle like the hyper. Will it power wheelie in 2nd or is it a very soft delivery??

[@carlosbelosilva]

Chinese motors!

[@Lucan44.40]

Do yourself a favour...try the 950 multistrada smooth as silk better bike for same money

[@kevinjohnoflynn]

Ian Lord, its not the same money here in norway is a lot more expensive!!

[@max77ekb]

@@Lucan44.40 the Strada is almost 50% more expensive here in Russia. Not to mention the level of dealers support...

[@mbsbdm]

When are you going to test the S1000XR?

[@DriveMagRiders]

MBFlycam already did. The vid will be out on 2nd of March

[@2wheeledgreco271]

is this bike new for this year?

[@thumpertorque_]

What's your height for reference?

[@prabhugautham]

It has plastic tank , is it safe if encountered with a crash ?

[@nuruddin1991]

Your car bumper is made out of plastic isn't it??.... It's design to break when crash so that shallow pocket don't break... In other words, cheaper to replace

[@scottpeters2974]

@@nuruddin1991 hahahahah......Last I checked there is NO GAS in the car bumper!! But it does have a steel bumper behind the plastic for structural integrity. Not so on gas tank.

[@chrisredfield3240]

The 800gs 700gs 650gs 750gs 850gs all have plastic tanks don't they.

[@nuruddin1991]

@@scottpeters2974 bodonye.... Plastic at the outside.... Rubber bladder or steel in the inside

[@misato21]

Why do you think plastic tank is more dangerous than metal? Engineering plastic can be strong and also flexible compared to metal, isn’t it? In addition to this, your body would have much more damage than the tank when you have such an accident that fuel tank breaks...

[@trekkydelirium-vroom5821]

I really think that the new Tiger 900 GT will be more interesting than this F900XR. Lets hope it won’t be to much expensive.

[@AnReO]

Prices in Spain: Tiger 900 GT starts at 12950€, Tiger 900 GT pro at 14900€, with quickshift, heated seats, fog lights, Triumph connectivity system, centre stand, tire pressure and 1 more driving mode as extras compared to 900 GT. By comparison, a full 900xr is about same price as Tiger GT pro (you gain a fuller engine with +10hp and +5Nm, cornering light, SOS, MSR, side cases support and keyless start, but you lose triciyinder soul, heated seats and fog lights).

[@cpuuk]

300km if you drive like Miss Daisy, put it on the autobahn that will halve. Put a 20L tank on it and I'll buy one now BMW.

[@hansc8433]

CPU UK My 850GS has the same size fuel tank, and with my “enthusiastic” riding style, I easily get 300km out of those 15l. This engine is probably a bit thirstier, but I reckon you should be able to achieve 5,.5l/100km (or 51mpg). That would mean approx. 275km. Btw, put an S1000RR on the autobahn and you’ll see an avg fuel consumption of 10,5l/100km, so with its 16l tank you won’t get very far either 😉

[@teocampos8657]

Are you going to be reviewing the naked trim any time soon?

[@DriveMagRiders]

Teo Campos yes, already did. We'll edit the vid and publish it soon

[@onuro]

It's not fair that you interrupt the BMW representative lady in the middle of her talk. It's disrespectful.

[@UncleWally3]

What’s the closest price point/genre competitor? Suzuki’s “new” ‘Strom 1050?

[@DriveMagRiders]

The Yamaha Tracer 900. Looking forward to do a comparison.

[@DisableMe123]

@@DriveMagRiders tracer sadly was never an option because of pillionfootpeg placement, what keeps me from this bike here is the fuel consumption. the old f800 even while giving it the beans, easily had a consumpion of lower than 4,5 liters, that and the 15.5 liter fuel tank......i am really looking for a more powerfull upgrade from the old versys 650, but its just not happening it seems

[@R3nchi]

@@DisableMe123 I loved my versys 650..

[@DisableMe123]

@@R3nchi i absolutly dig it because it can do everything, id like a bit more power......but not loose the nimble handling and long range

[@R3nchi]

@@DisableMe123 Idk , I was always riding solo,and for my taste it was perfect bike,enough power and all.. But I wanna to try something different but same, idk is that making any sense?? Something like tracer 700/900... I dont like look of new versys headlights and all,it looks like yamaha from front.. I also liker tiger 800 visually,but they are expensive.. (Not saying that bmw is any cheaper)...

[@danielfahrni5383]

what do you think of the engine? Many testers find it unattractive

[@R3nchi]

Did you read what you wrote??

[@Aiman-w1f]

What's the lowest seat height on this bike?

[@MrRaven1981]

Good review, but... It seems like this bike doesn't have adjustable front suspension... am I right? This is a big overview by BMW.... if this is the case, this new range has just lost interest.. All the review's I have seen, everyone seems to forget to mention that....

[@DriveMagRiders]

It doesn't. But the standard one comes with a good set-up, at least that's we observed at the first ride. We'll be back with some more in-depth reviews and discuss more about the suspension.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Non of the smaller/middle size bmw bikes have adjustable suspension. There just set up to be a good compromise. Triumph and ktm are the ones with those extra's got to remember some people don't even want adjustable suspension. I'm sure these bikes will still sell ok.

[@MrRaven1981]

Yeah I know, but it is not only the rear shock that needs preload adjustment, when riding 2up or loaded with luggage, plus hydraulic damping is very important. Like this you cannot even set sag... The Tracer 900 GT is a way better option in the 17inch realm. Ps (heads up BMW): 12,000 € + bike with no suspension adjustment on the front? No thanks.. Even the Versys 650 has preload and rebound! But I guess for most BMW riders, it is the badge and bragging rights that counts 🤔

[@Tomas_Kubilius]

Paulo Pacheco I agree about strange choice not to put adjustable suspension on front. But from my experience 75% of bike rider will not and should not adjust suspension manually. Good not adjustable front fork is much better than badly adjusted best forks. To play with rebound, completion and preload you need to be quite an experienced guy. Lots of people who ride on tracks quite seriously don’t touch suspension, they pay guys who know what to do to set it up.... so in the end it comes that adjustable suspension is for bragging rights ;)

[@MrRaven1981]

Sure. They don't adjust it, because they don't know how. And some will try not knowing... but I am sure that BMW isn't concerned about the riders lack of knowledge on suspension or safety regarding bad setups on suspension. This was clearly a budget option... At this price point it is unforgivable. They should have given all round manual adjustment, and left out the electronic adjustment only on the rear. Thanks for this little discussion 👍

[@davidmallia628]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but this bike reminds me of the fun factor, and versatility of the kawasaki versys 650, but better in every spec. Also, I would love you to do a head to head comparison with the yamaha tracer 900 GT at which this bike is aimed. Thanks.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Not really any heavier than the versey's either 217kg vs 220kg but the tank is small on the bmw 15.5l. But it keeps the bike looking compact.

[@joanrusinol9815]

BMW F900XR or Tracer 900 GT, wich is the winner?

[@chrisredfield3240]

Depends if you value suspension or engine more. You can't have both unless you get a 950 multistrada. If only honda suzuki kawasaki or yamaha could build a multistrada (probably cost even more)

[@Devilcry91]

@@chrisredfield3240 exactly, but multi 950 is on another category, more "enduro-ish" with the 19" wheel....and costs a lot more. I can't decide between the 3 wich to take as second bike.

[@szeriman13]

Joan Rusinol Tracer! and i have the big GS..

[@bikefreak5787]

Honda Crossrunner 😎

[@Mik01ist]

Who buys a bike with fuel consumption in mind? come on.. :) Nice review man, and Dorit is a plus! I hope you are going to do a more in-depth review as this one was quite high level (panniers aside) - thank you

[@DriveMagRiders]

Mik01ist we'll be back with more than an in-depth review. Details coming soon:)

[@EEEBA1]

I do. I sold a few Ducati bikes because the gas tank range was 90-110 miles max per tank.

[@pawelbu4672]

I do !

[@dianahardy7916]

Fuel tank too small for my riding. With a pillion and luggage and twisty backroads which I ride with 90% of the time you would not get 250klm which means every 200km you are starting to worry about the next fuel stop. It will be the new Yam. Tracer 9gt for me.

[@immu789]

Above 22 kmpl average its superb..

[@rfk76]

If only BMW would understand that we, riders, need to use TFT for Android Auto (Google Maps Navi) too, that would be great. Just give us this option, please. Stop forcing us to buy BMW/Garmin navi... Honda already did it for 2020 Africa Twin...

[@dennisveldt9989]

Honda did it only for apple, unfortunately not for android.

[@thewoodster8607]

I get the impression that you are.........underwhelmed by it?

[@idneroon]

Yes. His body language gave it away. Maybe he's used to riding hard, which this bike is unable to provide.

[@jolantajola6659]

Looks like Yamaha MT-9 Tracer, exactly, my Yamaha 😊

[@R3nchi]

I'm 187cm and 110kg. my versys 2007y was perfect for me.. Would I be comfortable on this one?

[@DriveMagRiders]

R33mba I am 2cm shorther and weight aroung 80kg. The saddle offers more than enough room for me to move around, so I think you will do just fine.

[@R3nchi]

@@DriveMagRiders Thank you!! I'm searching something similar to my old 07y versys..

[@DriveMagRiders]

R33mba It feels a lot lighter than the Versys, you have to try it!

[@GSMicrobe]

big boy

[@R3nchi]

@@DriveMagRiders I will thank you very much! And I must say i like your scooter reviews and test's too!!Keep up the good work!!

[@АндрейЩуров-э2л]

After big fail with Hayes calipers on 1250, they offer to us crossover with China-made engine? I better will ride on my air-cooled 1200!

[@szeriman13]

Андрей Щуров agree.

[@anneakhil]

Dont know why this guy is the only person who looks disappointed after riding this bike 😑😑😑😑 everyone are saying this bikes character taken the top spot than yamaha

[@kroyvanneth6224]

Me from Cambodia 🇰🇭 💋💛love u

[@thedziukol]

Lady from BMW doesn't know what she says, in Poland this bike is 50-60% more expensive than MT09

[@sv7017]

Are you still impressed? I've heard the bike is a bit without emotions.

[@R3nchi]

I never met any thing / object that had Emotion's

[@danyel9256]

As soon as he heard BMW he got aroused 😂 His opinion is pretty coloured...

[@R3nchi]

@@danyel9256 So what? I'm fan of lots of brands but that only bring higher standards for them in my head..

[@danyel9256]

@@R3nchi I didn't refer to you....

[@R3nchi]

@@danyel9256 No, so I can't express my opinion?

[@y6682]

I still believe BMW tries to compete with the Yamaha Tracer. But she doesn't want to say this explicitly. I'm curious for a comparison.

[@DriveMagRiders]

Yuri Of course they do. And of course we'll come up with a comparison soon.

[@filipepaninho6558]

It competes with the Tracer 900 but also with the Multistrada 950 (even with 19" front) ...

[@jasonspollen8998]

In description you mention getting to ride the 3 new bikes including the new s1000xr...... Well I watched with great excitement only to find you only reviewed the 900xr. Thats like offering candy to the baby and then hiding it 😭🤣

[@uhis1686]

im gonna assume there's more videos coming and might have been multiple recording sessions

[@jasonspollen8998]

Maybe only 900 on first day.

[@carlosbelosilva]

Not for me, chinese motors... not in house motor! The same bike with a boxer motor👌

[@szeriman13]

Mike W the opposite. manufactured in china and assembled in DE.

[@G91YS]

all plastic... even the tank

[@disaar3679]

Even the tires, can you imagine!

[@mrcombi]

Plastic tank..? Game Over...

[@mrcombi]

@Mike W The tend to warp & become brittle with age and or sun exposure.. They also react to ethanol..

[@mrcombi]

@Mike W Yeah, soon there will be no escaping it..

[@leoveroude4492]

Are we sure that BMW has not addressed the ethanol and sun issues? By way of external paint and internal lining or......? Their reputation is on the line.

[@Bruno-my9uf]

Be a live !!!

[@SAMFICOM]

And it looks like Multistrada. This bike a shame for BMW.

[@A.Dude.]

This is a very UGLY commuter bike, without "bling", just as plain and ugly as the woman and same ugly as the merkel-cow! Why would anyone make a bad copy of a Multistrada???

[@moonvee1859]

No more hp no sound and many cons

[@pggp273]

Why anyone would want to pay alot of money for a bike from a so called premium brand with a crappy Chinese parallel twin in it. BMW are taking their customers as mugs once but again

[@Bruno-my9uf]

I think this bike is boring . nobody is exited after ridding it

[@MrTannerreed]

Motorrad looks like a butterfly 🦋 or ladybug 🐞 design.... girly and feminine. Perfect for liberal men. 🤣👌🏻

[@debrisbit]

Wow.. your masculinity is very easily affected....

[@MrTannerreed]

debrisbit, I’m not apologizing for simply stating the facts. The motorcycle looks feminine and girly like a Volkswagen Beetle. 🤷🏼‍♂️ The motorcycle looks like a butterfly scooter 🦋🦋🦋 🌈 🌈 🌈 🛵🛵🛵 🤣🤣🤣

[@debrisbit]

@@MrTannerreed alright big boy. :)

[@stigeilertsen5016]

Motor Made in China !

[@szeriman13]

stig eilertsen as for 310

[@MrTannerreed]

I think it looks girly and feminine. I’m disappointed with BMW’s design on this Motorrad. Liberal feminists probably designed it. I think Honda is making better motorcycles then BMW which is pathetic considering BMW is supposed to be a more “premium” company... German engineering lately seems weak... 😕

[@Greggspies]

Maybe, just maybe your not in tune with your female hormones

[@exupakias]

Chinese-german bike!!!No thanks.

[@szeriman13]

exupakias it was before also, but with taiwan the bmw 650 scooter for example.

[@mikemcclernon5784]

17 inch front wheel is pure stupidity.

[@SAMFICOM]

Dumb approach - bike like this must have 18L tank MINIMUM. This overpriced piece of crap with Made in CHina engine is not going to sell. Fire this girl.

[@Greggspies]

I want one

[@stephenthomson2196]

ducati rip off