BMW F900XR (2020 - on) Review

Despite BMW's penny-pinching in not giving the F900XR adjustable forks, they at least got the compromise fixed settings pretty much right. The ESA on the rear works well, with clear differences between road and dynamic modes. Electronic fine tuning for panniers or pillion loads also works well. Brakes are powerful with good feel at the front. The rear sometimes feels like the pedal travel is longer than it should be, but nothing major. Is at its best in dynamic mode riding through rolling countryside.

What a great engine. A 270 degree crankshaft is the way to go for parallel twins. Sounds great, no undue harshness or vibration, and a good spread of torque at sensible revs.

The only negative was clutch failure at the 5,000km mark. Being an early-build bike it succumbed to an overheated clutch, which was replaced with a F850GS unit under warranty. No problems since. The rest of the motorcycle has a feel of solidity with good paint, fit and finish. No corrosion (the benign NZ climate helps I suspect) but a couple of plastic parts are starting to show signs of cooking in our harsh UV sunlight. (Only the engine and gearbox are Chinese made, by the way)

Servicing costs were initially on the high side, although no complaints about the quality of the BMW dealer's service. A recent change of official dealer has seen service costs drop slightly.

In fully spec'ed trim, the F900XR has all the equipment you'll need. The TFT display is top class. The standard windscreen fell a bit short in terms of buffeting, so that was replaced with an MRA vario-screen. The seat is definitely on the firm side although not so bad that I have got to the point of changing it. A couple of penny-pinching annoyances (other than the fixed forks already mentioned) are a cable operated clutch instead of hydraulic, and no progressive red-zone on the tacho as the engine warms.

It’s great at motorway speeds and at low speed, quite light and actually lower than I initially thought. Active suspension isn’t worth the extra as it doesn’t really make any difference unlike its boxer brothers, front brakes are good but the back is lacking power and has quite long travel.

It’s a peach of an engine and one of the best parallel twins on the market.

Panels are a little plasticky compared to the 1000/1200/1250 cc range, removing the panels to install aftermarket kit such as camera’s and charging point up front is a pain

If you don’t thrash it to get the best out of the 105bhp engine its really frugal, engine is very tractable and a joy.

Typical BMW, basic is just that and then pay for all the nice bits that we all want at what is really an over inflated cost (welcome to BMW ownership).

As per previous reviewers - Seat way too hard so replaced with a 3rd party one. Original screen gave no protection so again replaced with a 3rd party one

Nice engine but 2 oil leaks on a new bike is unacceptable

As above - Very poor build quality

Guesstimate as I bought a service plan with the bike

TFT screen is great and love the wunderwheel for selecting options. Cruise control works well. Strangely the side stand is too short and so I have had to add a booster to the bottom to stop a crazy lean angle when parked

Service costs by Bowkers isn't as expensive so far as ide expected but then it's only had its 1st and 2nd service so far.

Love the engine, even though it sounds like a bag of spanners at idle, it can really pick its feet up. It's not a ballistic bike, forget about power wheelies in 1st and 2nd, ain't happening. It'll only wheelie with abusive clutch control. But it's properly lively enough up around 100mph which is good enough for me these days.

7,000 hard miles and no issues. Some owners mention faulty clutches and oil leaks but mines been great so far. And if it does ever need a clutch out of warranty then I'd rather be fitting one to this than any of the boxer engined bmw's.

I love the tech, it's got everything. And it all serves it's purpose. Couldn't be without ESA, TC or abs now.

Ride quality is probably is superb and the bike feels very nimble for a 900cc, in fact that is what sold it to me. I think 2-3 hours would be comfortable IF the seat is replaced with an after market version.Front brakes are as you'd expect from Brembo and very good without being grabby, actually they are very progressive. Rear does the job in slow manoeuvring but like most rear brakes is quite "gentle".

The engine has a great sound if you like that kind of thing without being intrusive. I think the power is just where you want it, good torque lower down and very progressive through the range. Easy to live with and fun to ride.

So far very reliable and no sign of any issues.

First service was at 600 miles and cost £150 which seemed pretty much inline with what I've been charged before for a first service.

I had a bike with heated grips, cruise and quick shifter as standard. I think they really make the bike more useable and I couldn't live without heated grips now for year round riding. There's 3 levels of heat on the grips and level 3 is super-toasty.In my opinion the TFT from BMW is one of outstanding features. Very clear, easy to connect helmet and phone + the BMW App works well to provide navigation.Bridgestone tyres are great in the wet but perhaps not the best in the dry.

Amazing ride quality,very well balanced and great performance. The brakes are superb

5 months old 2,000 miles and no issues

£100 for first service at 600miles

TFT display is great

Does everything I want it it do. Fast enough when I want it to be. Good all round apart from the seat, but I am starting to get used to the hardness.

Smooth enough and you can tell the difference in the riding modes.

Seems OK so far. No recalls and a weekend away hurtling around SW Scotland didn't phase it.

Not too sure yet. First 600 mile service was nearly £200 which I thought was a bit steep.

Quick shifter is great but it still doesn't feel right using it when changing down. BMW Navigator VI is pricey. I got the BMW panniers but the top box is only for 1 helmet, too small.

harsh ride, front bakes grabby - rear brakes useless

Meh

the build quality ? it's awful (right up there with Suzukis of 20 years ago) paint flaking off fork lowers, corroded fasteners. the bike looks fantastic but the quaility feel is missing - just feels cheap

lots of tech but there's more to a bike than tech - BMW seem to have missed the point here

Waiting on the extra extra high seat to arrive form germany - but actually the stock seat is fine for me - i'm six foot six. Could have saved a few pennies! Seat is very hard compared with last Beemer, but my backside is getting used to it. Ok for up to 90 mins then I need to get off and stretch.

Nothing not to like. great in traffic and normal city speeds and goes like a bomb when you crank it up.

Just finished running it in.

The rider aides came as standard form BMW and i'm glad they threw in all the options. For the first time ever there is nothing I want to change on the bike (other than adding top box) and tire pressure monitoring system. Love the sound of the engine/exhaust.

It handles extremely well and gives you lots of confidence. Plenty of nose diving under heavy braking but not enough to warrant concern. The standard seat is rubbish though. Get the comfort seat and you'll be ok for long distance travel.

Now it's broken in it's much better. There's a nice understated rasp from the exhaust but its pleasing under acceleration. It's not the most characterful engine though and there is a definite vibe through the handblebars at certain revs.

Other than my clutch issue its been 100% reliable so far.

Too soon to say yet but suspect it will be ok.

Great standard equipment but the panniers and top box are a bit too small overall. I need a seat bag for weeklong trips so not great for pillion passengers. Standard dash is great as is the usual BMW click wheel switch. The windscreen mechanism is great - but you do need a better screen. The MRA one works well for me. The placement of the sat nav holder is annoying on the handlebars but I moved mine above the dash where it makes much more sense. The BWM navi is nowhere near as good as the Tom tom rider I've had in the past though. Very clunky ui.

Great all rounder, wife happy as pillion for moderate journeys.

Can’t fault the engine, wether it’s tickling through city traffic or full throttle on open roads.

No issues so far.

Main dealer services obviously, high but faultless. Economic fuel wise.

Love the riding position. I’ve changed the screen, fitted hand guards and Grip Puppies as well as a Givi rack for my top box.

As previous the seat quality is a joke not what I expected from a BMW

Front Brembos are very capable and ABS helps a lot. At low speed have to be careful with front brakes as they grab hard with only light pressure.

Capable but not exciting. 270deg timing makes for a nice throaty rattle from the crankcase. Good torque at low revs which makes for easy riding without the need for lots of gear changes.

Initial ECU software caused cold starting issues but was resolved with update in Nov 2020. Clutch a bit grabby and some owners have had this issue worse than others and bmw have warranty replaced these clutches with an 850gs clutch which apparently performs better. Mine has been adjusted and works ok most of the time and I don’t think warrants a replacement.

Fuel economy ok at 4.2 lt/100km. At best have riden just under 400km on a tank.

Has just about everything important that one might want as I opted for all bells and whistles. Love the quick shifter and the TFT display. I added crash bars, a radiator protector, higher windscreen, and some lower body faring for looks. The higher windscreen is the only option I think is essential.

Hugely agile and dare I say it but feels more nimble than my Honda CBR650R and certainly stops better with big Brembo 4 pot callipers. The seat is a little on the hard side but seems to be remedied with my new Klim padded undershorts… rode down from County Durham to Silverstone for the MotoGP and it’s definitely a mile eater and looking forward to planning a European trip next spring..

I love the twin feel and sound, when I bought it my neighbour who owns an R1 thought I’d bought a Multi Strada until he got a closer look…. And on a ride out across the North Yorks Moors over to Scarborough not once did I feel like I was having to play catch up with him and a mate on a Z1000.. Great low down power delivery and when you wind it on towards higher revs it pulls like a train… I do agree with other commentators that it can get a bit warm when the fan kicks in but other than that it’s faultless

It’s a BMW so it’s what you would expect…. Quality switchgear, Brembo brakes, high quality plastics and seems to be bullet proof in every way so far..

Haven’t needed a full service yet as bought it as an ex demo with 900 miles on the clock and pre serviced before I bought it but BMW service pricing looks to be quite reasonable

Didn’t go for the TE but as an ex demo it already had pannier mounts and heated grips fitted which will be great through the cooler months

Ride is a bit harsh for a tourer

Sounds like a ducati, lots of go. Only 100bhp so you can use the power unlike bigger bikes that break the speed limit in first. Really good fun through the twisties.

Superb build quality.

62 mpg touring, 54mpg when on it 😁

Its has it all.

For a sports tourer it’s a bit of a hard ride even on the softest damping adjustment

Clutch works intermittently with the gearbox putting out some interesting grinding noises (only done 4000 miles and not an adjustment issue) not bad enough to get it into BMW yet. Watch this space.

TFT display is awesome

Front brakes are phenomenal. Great progressive feel. They're not snatchy and are great in the wet and after a long hard slog down the twisties. The ABS and DTC are unobtrusive and work nicely in the background. Back brake is pretty solid and one of the better rear brakes I've had on various bikes. My only complaint on braking is the front suspension is pretty soft and it does nose dive quite a bit so you've got to be careful at slower speeds at it will affect balance. But it's something you get used to... Just be gentle.The only thing that lets the bike down as far as comfort goes is the seat. It is like sitting on a plank of wood. On my old Nc750 I could sit on it for hours. On the low seat after a couple of hours I'm in pain. Ever the standard seat I test rode wasn't much better. Definitely look at getting a 3rd party seat.

A really forgiving engine that doesn't judder regardless of how low you let the revs go. Hugely versatile as it pulls at pretty much any gear / speed combination.Being euro 6 compliant it runs really hot and you get some serious heat coming off of it. When the fan kicks in you get all that heat over your legs which is great in winter..... Not so great in summer.But it's so smooth for slow speed manoeuvres, copes with any amount of weight, it's exciting when pushed, smooth when cruising. It really is a cracking motor.I don't have the quick shifter but the gears are smooth, I don't have issues finding gears or neutral. Clutch isn't particularly heavy so there's no issues with hand fatigue over prolonged rides.

Everything feels premium. At the end of the day BMW have a reputation to uphold and they've done just that. I haven't come across anything loose, rattling, corroding or looking worn even after several thousand miles. I had a minor paint issue on the front bracket the brake calipers and front forks mount onto. I'm talking about a tiny paint imperfection but it could've potentially led to corrosion but BMW replaced it with absolutely no questions asked.

A full service with brake fluid change was £250. With just the oil and filters and minor tinkering etc it is £150. Bigger services with fork fluids etc are more. But it probably averages out to about £250 to £275 per year.Ok it's not the cheapest bike in the class. But you get a lot of bike for the money and with the build quality and just well thought through features, handling and performance I don't feel ripped off. I feel very happy for the price.

The screen is the star of the show. Love the well thought through BMW Connected app on the phone that will display turn by turn navigation on the screen via Bluetooth. So no wires, no mess, no ugly phone mounts etc. Love the keyless start. Didn't think I needed it but now I have it I couldn't live without it.The discreet pannier mounts really make it the jack of all trades. Sport bike and tourer.Love the windscreen that adjusts with a quick flick of a lever. Not the best screen, even at 5'8 I'm not the tallest bloke in the world and on the high screen setting I get a face full of buffeting. I find it is nicer on the lower setting as it hits my shoulders but at least the air flow is smoother so no buffeting.

This is one of my main reasons for buying. Ride quality is composed and comfortable, the esa rear suspension giving a perfectly supple ride.

Lovely engine, very responsive and virtually identical in overall power and torque to a Suzuki V.Strom 1000 I had. Ok, a bit more power would be nice but its only a 900 twin. Fast as you need up to around 100mph, then loses its ability to thrust forward although will get up to 130 no problem if you have enough road. But it doesn't get up to 130 in a flash, like my ancient zzr600 does.

At only 1500 miles its too early to evaluate reliability, but the engine and various parts including electronics have bern in use for years on other bmw bikes so im assuming long term reliability is going to be good.

1st service at £150 is identical to the 1st service on a new V Strom 2017.

Mega well equipped, but then I did pay for top spec. Centre stand, esa suspension, heated grips, tracker and keyless start are the things ide most miss. But there's loads more!

ESA not as good as on my GSA but still no complaints. Brembo brakes so they're about as good as it gets.

Plenty of power and surprisingly smooth for a twin, still has a bit of a bark in the exhaust and you can feel its a twin which I like.

The plastics are good solid quality items, only done about 800 miles but so far so good.

Will be using a BMW specialist rather than a main dealer so servicing should be reasonable.

Typical BMW with list of extras but I bought the TE with a couple of useful packs, got £1000 discount which I think made it good value. Don't like the sat nav holder, I've tried the nav 6 but prefer to use my phone which links to the screen to give turn by turn directions, very impressed, always connects and the screen layout is spot on.

See above. The seat is crippling. After a 40 mile ride i could just about walk but my other half was in tears. The comfort seat should be the standard and then improve on seats above that

Nice torque

No problems as yet 6 months old

Best feature is the red colour, looks like a multi strada. Bike should have a center stand not as an extra

Brilliant handling, comfortable, easy to ride and exciting

Fantastic engine. Power available through the entire rev range, really opens up past 6000rpm

Very well built and I can't find any faults at all. Typical BMW quality

I'm based in Australia

I love the different riding modes. I have the full spec model

Ride quality is very good from the non-adjustable front forks, BMW have got the settings spot on here. Rear shock is electronically adjustable, I mainly leave it in the single rider setting which I find excellent. Not tried riding with a pillion yet so unable to comment on the suspension for 2 up handling. Front brakes are very strong but do need a good pull on the lever. Rear brake has a lot of travel but is perfectly fine and up to the job. Overall, it’s a bike that just feels right as soon as you sit on it and is completely unflustered in every situation. Easily comfy enough for all day ride outs and would be fine for solo touring. As above, cannot comment on pillion capability yet.

Engine is a peach with loads of character and a great sound from the exhaust. Plenty of power from the 900cc twin and it feels very different to the F 850 GS twin I rode, far more rev happy. It does need revving to the upper end of the range to get the best performance and is more than happy to do so. It’s not the missile that the S 1000 XR is but could still easily get you into trouble with the law if that’s your bag.

Build quality is excellent and feels high quality. Paint looks deep and all the panels fit well. The only issue I've had was a faulty steering lock (replaced under warranty). No issues to date with reliability.

Typical BMW prices but I guess that’s because it’s a "premium" brand. £180 for the first service at 600 miles, next service due in 6000 miles or 12 months. Too early to give an opinion on running costs but I am getting 60+ mpg riding within posted limits solo.

I went for a fully spec’d up top of the range TE model so the standard of equipment is excellent – at a cost! TFT screen is brilliant and paired with a smartphone pretty much leaves the BMW Nav pointless. Love the fully keyless operation, stick the keys in my jacket pocket and forget it. Cornering headlights are not a gimmick and really do work very well. Mine came with Pilot Road 5 tyres which I had on my previous GS and found to be good and confidence inspiring wet or dry. Weather protection is surprisingly very good as it doesn’t seem to have much in the way of a fairing. Sport screen works for me in the lower position as it directs wind blast into my chest. Adjustment is very simple with a single lever

Cornering is easy. The torque is superb for pulling after a slow corner. Seat is very unconfortable.

It pull very early until 7000rpm. Very high compression ratio results in being economical even when you play with it.

So far everything works smoothly. 2 Oil changes - one at 1000km and one at 11 000km

Initial pricing seemed a bit high but the bike came with all features included. Service is around 150 euro where I live -work + oil (Bulgaria).

Colorful TFT display. Automatic LED headlights. Adjustable rear suspension - dampening and preload. Center stand. There is literally nothing more to ask equipment side.

Powerful front anchors, but you need to pull on them a fair bit and there’s a dead band in the lever. I have the dynamic ESA but leave it in Road most of the time and it seems fairly adept at dealing with the terrible British roads.

Very tractable engine. 3rd gear is good for 20-70mph.

Still early days, but everything seems solid. Although, one of the hand guards did come loose after just 45 miles.

Got a bit of a discount, but nothing special. Approx 5%.

My bike is fully loaded TE spec machine. However, I was disappointed to learn that HSC Pro (Hill start) is not a feature on the XR, despite being advertised on the BMW Motorrad website. If that’s important to you, it’s something to be aware of.