SuperBike Magazine September 2020

32 SuperBike
BMW R 900 XR
the bike feels petty and if anything
I’m sure this will get put into the
900 GS which cannot be too far away
considering everyone else is into the
900 class now.
The two new models currently
set the technological benchmark
in the mid-range segment with
their high-quality standard equipment
(Connectivity, LED all round
as standard) and their wide range
of optional extras – in some cases
unique in this class (including Adaptive
Cornering Light, Keyless Ride,
Dynamic ESA, Riding Modes Pro,
Shift Assistant Pro, ABS Pro, engine
drag torque control (MSR), Dynamic
Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic
Brake Control (DBC), and RDC.
In addition to the standard
anti-hopping clutch, the new F 900
R and F 900 XR is fitted with engine
drag torque control (MSR) for the
first time. It prevents the rear wheel
from slipping as a result of abrupt
throttling or downshifting, thereby
ensuring even greater safety, I tried
this a few times with very hard braking
and sudden down shifts and the
automatic blipping of the throttle .
Two standard riding modes, ASC
and ABS. Riding modes Pro with
DTC, ABS Pro, DBC and MSR as ex
works options.
The new F 900 R and F 900 XR
already offer the “Rain” and “Road”
riding modes as standard. The
standard trim also includes ABS
and ASC Automatic Stability Control,
which can be disengaged.
With “Riding Modes Pro” as an ex
works option, the sporty characteristics
of the new F 900 R and F 900
XR can be experienced even more
intensively. The additional riding
modes “Dynamic” and “Dynamic
Pro”, Dynamic Traction Control DTC
and banking capable ABS Pro are
available, along with Dynamic Brake
Control (DBC) and the new engine
drag torque control (MSR).
As with the GS models in the
F Series, the new F 900 R and F
900 XR make use of a steel bridge
frame that integrates the engine as
a load-bearing element and a fuel
tank that is now back in its classic
position in front of the rider. Front
suspension is upside-down telescopic
fork and at the rear a double-sided
swinging arm with central
BMW R 900 R
suspension strut. The pre load is
automatically adjusted with a click
on the left button as most other
BMW’s on the road nowadays.
Fuel tank capacity is 13 and 15,5
litres on the various two bikes and
this should comfortably give over
300kms range ridden normally. The
fuel consumption was epic, none of
us got over 5l per 100 and we did
not go slow. Another nice safety
feature is the adaptive cornering
light with powerful LED lighting all
round. Braking is obviously ABS
and the suspension on both was
quite firm but sporty.
But what is the XR like to ride?