BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL BMW F 900 R AND XR

Watch the features of newly launched BMW F 900 R and XR in INDIA

 The aggressive BMW F 900 R makes a lasting first impression because it looks like it is all set to punch you in the face

                    

SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE                                                     895cc, Inline­twin, Water­cooled

MAX POWER (HP @ RPM)                       105hp at 8500rpm

MAX TORQUE (NM @ RPM)                    92Nm at 6500rpm

FRONT SUSPENSION                               43mm USD fork

FRONT SUSPENSION TRAVEL (MM)     135mm

REAR SUSPENSION                                      Monoshock

REAR SUSPENSION TRAVEL (MM)         142mm

FRONT WHEEL (INCH)                              17inch

FRONT TYRE                                                120/70 ZR17

REAR WHEEL (INCH)                                 17­inch

REAR TYRE 180/55                                        ZR17 

                                        

BMW has just launched its new F 900 R and XR in India and the bike you are reading about here is the R. This naked roadster is now the most affordable, big BMW in India. Despite that, the F 900 R makes a lasting first impression because it looks like it is all set to punch you in the face. 

                                       

The 900’s angry, broad­chested stance is far more aggressive than the F 800 R it replaces — a bike that never came to India, but was famous for being stunt legend Chris Pfeiffer’s weapon of choice. With its fat fuel tank and large side panels, the F 900 R looks more like a litre­naked than the Triumph Street Triple/KTM 790 Duke rival it actually is, and this will no doubt appeal to many big­bike enthusiasts in India. Strangely, the rear section is quite bland in comparison with the rest of the bike, aside from an interesting­looking exhaust

                        

Regarding the price, with a badge like that, it is no surprise that the F 900 R is not cheap, especially considering the fact that it comes as a CBU from Berlin. At ₹9.9 lakh (ex­showroom), it will face strong competition from soon­to­be­launched bikes like the Triumph Street Triple R and BSVI versions of the KTM 790 Duke and the Ducati Monster 821. But like we mentioned in the beginning, this is now your most affordable ticket into the exclusive world of big BMWs, and that alone will be all that matters to some riders.

                                                  

The F 900 R’s riding position is more aggressive than I was expecting. The bar is set at a reasonably sporty position, but the foot pegs are quite high up. This results in a riding position that is certainly more com

than on something like a 790 Duke. That does not mean it handles like the KTM though, and while the F 900 R is effective, it feels a lot more like an old­school roadster.

                                      

 Where the KTM and even the Triumph Street Triple are deliciously light and nimble on their feet, the BMW is more front­heavy and needs to be pushed around. The bike feels as big and heavy as it looks, and that is no surprise because it tips the scales at 211kg.

Once you get the hang of how it wants to be ridden, the F 900 R is quite a bit of fun. We rode the topspec model, which is not coming to India, but all of its features can be purchased as optional extras in our market. 

                                                

These features include two more riding modes over the standard Rain and Road, namely, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. Switching to Dynamic Pro firms up the electronically adjustable rear shock (optional in India) and sharpens up the throttle response. Meanwhile, the 43mm USD fork is non­adjustable on all models, but the setup is balanced quite well.