2020 BMW F 900 XR Review First Ride

The adventure-sport category is one of the fastest-growing segments of motorcycling. BMW is keen to get a larger slice of this pie with the release of a parallel-twin-powered XR. Say hello to the 2020 F 900 XR (starting at $11,695). The 900 slides underneath BMW’s versatile but pricey S 1000 XR ($17,645).

Editor’s Note: Peruse the 2020 BMW F 900 XR Review MC Commute to get an in-depth evaluation of the XR during commuting application. Also, read the 2020 BMW F 900 R Review First Ride to see what its naked sibling is like to operate.

Swing a leg over this Galvanic gold metallic 900 and it’s notable how thin it feels. Yet it employs a relatively broad forward fairing and two-way manually adjustable windscreen shielding the rider from the wind and road debris. However, we wish the screen was a bit taller. In standard configuration the seat height is nice and low for this 6-foot-tall rider. But for those that it doesn’t quite fit, Motorrad offers a variety of height (and density) options so riders can tailor their XR. Additionally BMW offers a suspension lowering kit that further reduces its stance.

Related: 2020 BMW F 900 R MC Commute Review

On the road this XR delivers a favorable, natural-feeling riding position that lends itself well to long days (and nights) in the saddle. There’s also room for a passenger and handy grab rails double for mounting points for bungees if you’re traveling with small luggage. Optional hard case luggage will soon be available. Bright LED lighting illuminates the road well after dark and adaptive (cornering) headlight function is another available upcharge.

Related: 2019 KTM 790 Duke Reviewed On Home Court

Oddly enough, our BMW testbike wasn’t outfitted with cruise control nor heated grips. However it did include optional $250 hand guards which do a fine job of protecting your mitts from windblast. Buyers who opt for the $1,000 Select Package gain the aforementioned upgrades as well as tire pressure monitor and saddlebag mounting hardware.

Related: 2021 BMW R 18 Power Cruiser First Look Preview

The XR gobbles up miles with ease. Its long-travel suspension (over 1 inch more travel than the R) glides over rough pavement yet offers well-supported damping at a sporting pace on twisty stretches of asphalt. Although damping and spring preload is fixed, the Showa-sourced fork offers excellent calibration. However it isn’t quite as secure feeling at lean as the F 900 R’s setup. We also prefer the feel of the R’s Bridgestone Battlax S21 tires as opposed to the more touring-friendly Michelin Road 5 GTs that are outfitted on the XR.

The shock offers a convenient adjustment knob so riders can raise or lower the back end of the XR based on handling preference or payload. Rebound damping is also offered, however we were pleased with suspension action in standard configuration.

We’re also fans of the BMW’s triple hydraulic disc brakes. Both power and brake sensitivity are especially pleasing and we appreciate the use of quality stainless steel brake hoses, radial-mount front calipers and a large-diameter rear brake disc. This makes it easy (and fun) to control speed. And in case you get too excited, ABS mitigates brake skids. Unlike prior models, fixed, always-on ABS is mandated for all production road motorcycles for 2020. Hence, ABS can no longer be manually disabled for riders who wish to show off.

In terms of engine performance, this 895cc parallel twin is a home run hit. Not only does it deliver a wide spread of V-twin-like grunt throughout its 9,300 rpm rev range, it exudes a high level of character for an enjoyable experience behind the handlebar. There is a degree of engine vibration felt through the controls, but it’s the good kind. It’s as if Motorrad engineers precisely tuned the experience like the strings of a guitar. The twin offers a pleasing growl and if a lower fairing covered the engine, you’d probably think that it was powered by a V-twin! Credit the engine’s use of an uneven 270/450 firing order which simulates the power pulses of a V block.

A clean 6.5-inch color TFT keeps tabs on vehicle settings and offers crisp fonts that look similar to the rest of its four- and two-wheel vehicle line. Instead of touchscreen functionality, the XR uses a multifunction wheel to manipulate settings. The interface and menu navigation is fairly intuitive, but does take some time to acclimate to. Riders can also pair the motorcycle to their smartphone via BMW’s Ride Connected app. This allows for onscreen turn-by-turn directions. Well done, BMW.

Our XR was outfitted with BMW’s Ride Modes Pro option ($350). This unlocks Dynamic and Dynamic Pro global engine power/throttle/ASC/ABS settings which complement the standard Road and Rain settings. This allows for more intimate engine response and less intrusive traction and ABS control. It also adds engine-brake control, in which the engine continues to fuel itself when the throttle is let off to help reduce engine compression brake effect. We were hard pressed to feel a difference between either mode. We did recognize how well calibrated these settings are, which allowed for hard-charging riding escapades across twisty tarmac.

For a savings of nearly $6,000 compared to its inline-four-powered big brother, this middleweight XR drives a hard bargain for riders who desire a versatile upright sportbike. Problem is it costs $2,700 more than its naked F 900 R brother. Is a front fairing, windscreen, and longer-travel suspension and more squishy-feeling Michelin tires worth it? We know which motorcycle we’d buy. Regardless, you can’t go wrong with the capable package Motorrad offers with its F 900 XR.

Helmet: Arai Defiant-X Dragon

Jacket: Alpinestars Oscar Charlie

Gloves: Alpinestars T-SP W Drystar

Pant: Alpinestars Copper 2

Boots: TCX Vibe WP Boots