BMW Motorrad’s XR family of motorcycles blend sporty performance with touring capability.
The first model in the series was the powerful S 1000 XR, which uses a detuned version of the 999cc four-cylinder engine from BMW’s S 1000 RR superbike.
In 2019 the F 900 XR was added to the series as a more affordable midrange model powered by a twin-cylinder engine, also available in a naked F 900 R roadster version without fairings. They have been updated with additional standard equipment, upgraded suspension and reduced weight, and BMW has announced that both the F 900 R and F 900 XR will arrive in SA in the second quarter of 2025 at prices to be announced.
A newly tuned Dynamic riding mode extracts a sportier feel from the bike, which continues to be powered by an inline 895cc engine with 77kW of power and 92Nm of torque. The other modes are Rain and Road.
The bikes have standard safety features including dynamic traction control, which quells wheelspin when accelerating; engine drag torque control, which prevents rear wheel lockup when downshifting; and ABS Pro, which offers more safety when braking in bends. Another standard safety feature is Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), which provides better safety when braking in difficult situations by preventing unintentional acceleration.
Electronically adjustable suspension is available as an option, as are features such as lowered suspension, cruise control, a quickshifter and an Akrapovič sports silencer.
On both new BMW F 900 models, the front wheel is guided by new, torsionally rigid, upside-down telescopic forks. Both rebound and compression damping as well as spring preload are now adjustable to tailor the bikes for individual requirements.
The new F 900 R and F 900 XR also feature new 17-inch cast aluminium wheels that weigh about 1.8kg less than the previous models. Along with a lighter new battery, total weight reduction is 3kg.
Other updates include a new rear end with function-integrated turn indicator lights and brake lights.
The new BMW F 900 XR comes with Headlight Pro as standard, including a daytime running light and adaptive headlight for greater safety when riding at night. The BMW F 900 XR also has a USB-C charging port and heated grips.
The XR’s long-distance comfort is improved with a redesigned wind deflector in the front fairing that reduces wind pressure on the rider.
The naked F 900 R model has optimised ergonomics with a more sporty riding position.
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