Not ready for a GS? Then you’ll love the BMW F900 XR

Chris is a freelance journalist who has been riding bikes and writing about them for over 30 years.

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I’m going to stick my neck out here and say BMW’s new F900 XR is going to be a winner. Of course, I can’t predict the future, and not all bikes get the success they deserve. But there’s something really quite endearing about this highly capable adventure sports bike, and the affection’s apparent within a few minutes.

We tested the higher spec TE model (from £10,685, compared to £9825 for the standard version), which was cheekily fitted with just about all of the available aftermarket extras including quickshifter, electronically controlled rear shock, keyless ignition, and cruise control. I suspect, though, that even without the additions, the Beemer’s would still be able to satisfy and entertain.

Its balance and usability are key advantages. Right from the off you feel at home on it. We only clocked up around 100 miles around the hills near Malaga, but given the choice to fly or ride home, I would have picked the XR without hesitation. It invites you to cover big miles, and thanks to a comfy riding position and excellent wind protection it feels like it would be an easy trip.

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Raising and lowering the effective hand-adjustable screen shows thoughtful design, as do things like heated grips and the factory-fitted seat height options that you can choose from. Sitting a little tall for me at 825mm in standard trim I might have gone for the 50mm lower seat. Mind you, other than fitting some of the optional aftermarket luggage, I wouldn’t need to alter anything else to be really happy. The 900 feels easy to live with, and very, very versatile. It’s a likeable bit of kit.

The parallel twin engine plays a major part in winning you over. Punchy and perky, it delivers its goods in a prompt, friendly, and usable fashion, with four riding modes to fine tune the response still further. They also alter traction and ABS intervention levels.

The motor’s not always perfect, with slightly abrupt fuelling from a closed throttle noticeable in town, which spoils a full score. But I found a way round that in time, and it couldn’t prevent me enjoying the motor, regardless of how little or hard I revved it. Helping the happiness factor is the 900’s capacity, configuration and realistic power level. In these days when adventure bikes come with bigger motors and arguably too much grunt, the XR feels more manageable, never intimidating.

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That’s the case even when you ask lots of it. I suspect it might feel a little short if tested by the weight of pillion and luggage, or up some steep Alpine climbs. But during my Spanish ride I rarely begged for more performance. It did feel a little breathless when higher up into the mountains, but running through passes 1,200 metres above sea level is bound to take the edge off the power of any engine.

The challenging twists and turns of those high elevation routes were a great place to appreciate the Beemer’s chassis. It’s not a lightweight, and hasn’t got the sportiest geometry available, but even so, chucking it about isn’t in the least bit strenuous. Want to hit those apexes? Just steer for them. The 900’s agile, accurate feel ensures that plotting a chosen course and holding it is easy work and boosts your confidence.

The electronic rear shock was a useful addition to the test bike (a £375 extra), and helped the rear tyre’s compliance to the road. The standard brakes deserve praise too, having the same friendly, usable, and effective action as the rest of the bike. I did trigger the ABS deliberately to see what it’s made of. It wasn’t easy, and the way brake pressure is so readily restored is commendable. Enhancing the ride impressively are Michelin Pilot Road 5 tyres, which felt especially capable on wetter sections of road. Yeah, it rained in southern Spain, would you believe?

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That couldn’t dampen my enthusiasm for the Beemer though. Apart from the aforementioned virtues, I was also amused by the array of recordable information that you can display on the dash or even send to your phone. These include lean angle, brake pressure, traction control intervention and the bike’s speed. It’ll track all of this along your route if you so wish, letting you brag about your progress down the pub later.

With a fruity exhaust note, and lots of character to accompany any ride, the F900XR really is an excellent and highly versatile package. There may be a host of adventure bikes to choose from these days, but the features and performance of this one helps narrow that choice a little. It’s very easy to highly recommend.

Not convinced?

Well, there's always the BMW GS...