1000km BMW F900XR - OWNER'S REVIEW 

Fantastic review, thank you! Everything you went over is exactly the sort of thing real owners and users would come across and maybe nit-pick in their head, so it’s great you’ve shared such details most moto journalists aren’t able to share because they simply don’t spend enough time with the bike. I’m in the market for a new bike and as much as I enjoy spirited riding and canyon carving, I also love taking long trips and touring and this bike seems to fit the bill. I currently own a 2019 Ninja 650 and feel it’s excellent all around for my needs, particularly as an every day commuter, but there are times in my spirited rides I wish it had just a bit more grunt and power. Would you happen to know how the XR might feel in comparison? I’m still a new rider with not even a year under my belt so I really have no personal point of comparison. Thanks again for the great review! Happy Riding!

I like your production values. Your voiceover gives a clear, coherent narration instead of the rambling steam of consciousness typical of other vloggers. From my test ride, I agree with most of your points. I am 2 inches shorter than you at 5' 11” (1.8 meters) so the wind screen worked much better for me. I rode the white one which has a taller screen than the red. I don't like the loud exhaust and the hard seat. I can fix the latter but not the former. I question if it is comfortable enough for the long distances in the USA. When I ride to the Rockies, I typically do do 700 mile days. That's well over 1000 KM per day. Comfort is more of an issue because I am getting older.

Great review, no intrusive music, no tinny intercom voice over, no wind noise, no look how clever I am at riding. Nice honest opinions. I didn’t feel like switching off half way through. Nice job Mr Rocket Man

Im from South Africa and on the website we also have a configurator. But what I learned is you can not pick the different options. Your option here is only the complete full spec with 100% everything. You can get the one with absolutely nothing extra but that will be a special order. So its either all or nothing. So I got the full spec f850GS as it was closer to budget and closest to my needs

Coming from a CB500X myself today I was looking at my usage and debating if I should go for the Tenere 700 next or not when suddenly I remembered this bike existed. I'm shocked to see somebody make a video covering everything I had been curious about and also coming off of my exactly bike now. Lucky find

I picked up my 900 XR about a week ago now in the UK and fascinated to hear your comprehensive review and whether there were overlapping opinions to mine following several longish rides. Yes there were! It certainly is a bike that excites every time I take it out (and feelings matter don't they?), fit and finish don't disappoint and it is refined, quick (if you use the gears) and torquey enough for real world riding with excellent wet and dry grip on supplied Michelin-fitted tyres. Returning a respectable 60 mpg riding in non-spirited mode while running in will surely increase further as it loosens up. I have a lowered frame (with accompanying low seat giving 775 mm seat height) so have had as a result to forfeit the ESA and centre-stand and like you, find that the supplied side-stand is both awkwardly short and has a too small foot area. A third party enlarger will surely be available soon which should help with soft ground and perhaps tilt angle as I find you have to sometimes wrestle the bike upright when getting on if there is a slightly adverse road camber. Front/rear mud guards are absurdly narrow and fling mud into all sorts of unwanted places including irritatingly the rear shock/spring and again this cries out for a jacket at least to protect this area. You could have made (even) more money BMW by providing longer guards yourself rather then leaving this to third parties... After a significant delay in the UK, BMW panniers can now be ordered (delivery April) and while a rack can also be ordered (but delivery unknown), a top box is still without a computer part-number so can not be ordered yet. A few irritations then (that should be able to be put right soon) but overall a terrific bike and one of the best out there in its class in my opinion.

Thanks for a very informative review I tested the new Triumph 900 yesterday and was very impressed, the engine sounded like a twin now they altered the firing order. My R1200GS gives me a headache with the noise when under load ie. Alps much prefer a quieter bike. Having had a BMW their warranty is the best they really look after you reluctant to move brands now they have me hooked

I ordered the performance package, i really wanted the blipper/cornering abs, slipper clutch and dynamic riding modes. and along with that came such things as centerstand/luggage rack/heated grips and the lighs, i also got the bigger windshield and the crashbars. i´m set to recive mine by the end of the week

one of the best and honest reviews I've seen! Amazing job! Mine is comming in mid april, also red.

A wonderful video. I spent 2 weeks in Portugal several years ago and enjoyed seeing some of the same roads again. Thank you for an honest and thorough review of the BMW 900.

Centre stand is an absolute must on a chain driven bike. This bike would be better with shaft drive

Great review. Good audio and pleasing video. I am right at the start of up-grading my existing BMW to a new and "larger" model and the 900 has caught my attention at the local dealership. Your thoughtful and detailed review has given me a strong base to go back now and test ride and make a decision. Thanks for taking the time.

Thanks for the great review. I test drove the XR and ordered the next day. Your issues (negative and positive) mostly match my impressions. Though I have a different opinion about the size of panniers. The 900GT ones are too small for my taste (either I don't need them at all, or I need SPACE). Apart from the fact that I envy you for already having your XR, I LOVE your scenic rides along the ocean and along those beaches!! Good riding 😎

I agree on keyless aspect, I had this future on my 2008 DYNA and loved it. No need to poke your pockets with gloves on... great review, I am leaning towards this model a lot, I took a demo F900R for a day from a local dealer and gave me much fun, but I like more upright position. I’m 6’1 / 185cm

For touring I would definitely use cruise control. Id like that standard on somewhat premium bikes.

I've ordered the gold one. That comes with the higher screen. It's a German thing but the colour scheme is its own pack - so the gold bike comes with hand guards, standard screen and no belly pan. The red bike comes with the sport screen and no hand guards and is supposed to come with the belly pan - maybe slightly different in Portugal, but in the UK the red one comes with the belly pan as part of the pack. I'm using mine for training so want the full luggage option. By the time I've got cones, speed gun, books, diagrams and spare waterproofs on board (not to mention provisions and anything the students ask me to carry for them), I need plenty of space. I also always go for the centre stand option and have never understood the fashion for leaving this off. Chain maintenance is that much easier as is cleaning the bike. The seat appears to be much like the one on the F800GT that I'm trading in. Maybe it's me, but I've spent all day on it without any discomfort. I like a firm seat and generally find them more comfortable than a softer one. So subjective as you mentioned in the video. So when it came to choices, I went for the TE model with all the packs and full luggage. I collect it in April as that is when my new tax year starts.

Thanks for your review and valueable hints. I saw the F900XR in RU-vid and was fascinated by the design. I drive a TDM900 since 13 years and was testing several bigger bikes in the meantime. I found out that 900ccm would be good enough for me. But I don‘t need to have more than 2 cylinders, so even the Tracer didn‘t convinced me. Next week I will have a test ride with the F900XR and I‘m really excited how it feels like. ✌🏻

Nice review...but i think you will need center stand ;) You'll buy it later on.

Thanks for a very informative review! You're easy to relate to, compared to the other reviewers, since your detailed comments were well thought out. I was looking at Yamaha Tracer 900 videos when I came across yours. After watching it, I decided to test-ride the BMW. I had previously tested the F800GT a year ago and found the vibration to be overwhelming. But, the F900XR I rode yesterday was silky smooth up to 6000 rpm, then I found the bars vibrated quite a bit past that. I'm wondering if the vibration bothers you at all, or if you tend to keep the revs under 6000. Also, when you tested the Tracer, did the vibration of that bike bother you? I tested one a year ago and found the bars and foot pegs vibrated quite a bit. Other than vibration, I liked the BMW a lot, especially since its weight seems to be pretty low, compared to my Triumph Tiger 800, which is very top-heavy. Thanks again! I really enjoyed the scenery from Portugal.

Not sure what I would prefer to look at, gorgeous Portugal or the gorgeous bike. Cracking review. Very thorough and informative. Plus the scenery was unbelievable to watch as you talked through the bike. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more on the 900XR 👍🏼

Great review sir. Calm, clear, no bullshit. Subscribed!

It was it was interesting to hear that you have worked with Loncin in China for 15 years. What you said about being satisfied with their reliability with their other engines reassures me about reliability with this Chinese-made engine.

Thank you! This is the best review of this bike that I've seen so far, and I've seen most of them as of today.

Yes, I would ditch those "XR" stickers on the side fairings. They are too large and conspicuous for my taste.

Brilliant review and seems to be inline with the other reviewers positives and negatives. Just bought mine today but got the TE model as I'll be commuting all year round in the UK. (London to be precise). Thanks for a review that isn't biased.

Very nice review. I finally decided to change my 12 years yamaha tdm 900 with 0 issues until now to a bmw xr mainly due to the amazing electronics and the nice display. I am between 900xr and s1000xr. I like something more strong than the tdm i used to drive for so long time.

What a great review with real ownership advice, pros and cons. I haven’t ridden for a while now and was looking at BMW and your model in particular. I have to say it looks even better ‘in the flesh’. 👍

I think heated grips are useful, because sometimes the wanderlust takes you to colder climes. I don't like that BMW forces you to take things you don't want just to get the feature you do want.

Absolutely Fantastic review.. Honest, detailed & to the point. However.. A) What is your experience with the Engine heat while riding & in stop go traffic? B) How do your find the maintenance / service expenses on this compared to your earlier motorbikes? PS: I love your voice & choice of words while explaining your thoughts... Absolutely crisp.. 👌 Thank you for this review.

Great review and very informative; I just put my deposit down on the XR last week, can't wait. Thanks for sharing 👍🏽

Absolutely incredible review!! I'm collecting my F900XR next month 💯

Great honest review, i have had my eye on this bike for that last few weeks. I noticed that the guy at 11:30 was coming near to you

Nice and honest review. Rare thing these days. I like the new bike, but I have a question: is it really worth double the price of a CB500X? Cheers V.

BMW F900XR comes with Sport Style only in Turkey. I got everything except the alarm. Very happy with my bike. The shift had an issue where I wasn't able to shift to neutral easily. Service called and replaced the whole thing. Extremely advised to buy one everyone. Cheers 🍻🥂🍻

Hi. Very nice bike. For me a bigger screen, handguards and an engine guard and the bike was perfect. The belly pan and the handguards could be stock, the bike with that belly pan is so much better. Continue the great work.

glad Im not the only one that thinks top boxes are only good for food delivery

instead of spending 350€ on a comfort seat, go to a good upholsterer and have the stock seat done to your likes, then go and spend the 200€ you save on fuel ;)

Great, honest review RocketMan. Nice looking bike you have there! I prefer the red as well. BMW does seem prone to have a few niggling annoyances on everything they build don't they? Almost like they do it on purpose to get people talking about their bikes! I'm glad they finally changed their indicator switch gear to something more standard. Overall seems like a great all rounder. Cheers!

Dude...do radio. Love your voice tone and pace and word choices. Great honest review, relaxing and comfortable to listen. I'm ready to buy the bike on the audio alone. My concern on the middleweights is peg height. I had a knee replacement and have less bend on one leg. Currently riding the big K1600 and just sold my FJR1300 and now looking to add a sub $10kUSD daily bike. Also considering the F900R / CB650R / CB1000R on long Arizona highways rides to locate twisties.

Wow, great review and thanks for sharing, reminded me of 70's kids programme (Brian Cant or Oliver Postgate), most relaxing. Anyway, I had the 765R but 1200 miles a month of fun, IAM, commuting etc it was too cramped and 'sporty' for me. I swapped that November for the Tracer 900GT which is the perfect bike except for the build quality. Oh my, the components are poor and the awful UK weather recently where a boat would have been more suitable here in the West Midlands, ACF50 has earned its money. I have since test rode the base F900XR and agree with much of what you point out (good and bad). My concerns are that previously I have never liked twins though I did like this one. Rear end protection looks poor and when I first saw the demo bike, the passenger seat was covered in muck like my old Street Triple. I would want all the toys and it's well over £12k then. Rider seat was as awful as i find the Tracers awesome (but that's personal) Screen would need replacing with MRA or similar (like the Tracer). The small tank will require more station stops (the Triumph all over again). (Currently get over 200 miles per fill) That was most useful as I think I will wait for the S1000XR and though, like yourself is way better than I will ever hope to be, I doubt I would ever want for another bike... I am sure that if I were buying right now, the BMW F900XR would be in my garage over the Tracer.. Additionally what is that little front handlebar bag, looks quite useful. All the best Bob

Nice review! Hope you will keep releasing videos on your bike and future mods.

Great review....just ordered mine today.....a real fun bike...goes like stink...traded my rt1200 in...and previous to that i had a 1600gt.....will probably invest in a aftermarket screen when they come available...plus 3 year warranty here in the uk.....try one👍

Thanks for this video. A balanced view of real world biking with the BMW.👍👌 After only riding sport 600's and having over 15 years off I'm thinking this sort of model is away to go.🤔 No track days or off road shenanigans and carrying a pillion!👍

Yes. Get rid of the hideous Xr stickers ASAP. Thinking about the r model of this. It’s a great price till you start specking it up so may go elsewhere. Street triple or mt09.

I've tested 900XR this week and was very underwhelmed, I ride a GS so thought this would fit. Not so, engine lacks character riding position cramped, preferred the new 900 Triumph engine far better and more umph

My dream ride when I get back to Portugal, Costa da Caparica to Sesimbra and Jou in the mountains, north of Porto all the way down to Faro. I ride the Fj-09 (Tracer 900 in Europe) here in southern Louisiana.

Great review. I ordered mine last November. however although it arrived the end of January BMW Uk would not allow me to pick it up until their official release date of 14 Feb. I have a Te model in white with adaptive headlights, adjustable suspension, and tyre pressure monitor. In the Uk it came with Datatool trackking for the year. Also ordered hard-cases at the same time, but as you state no one can confirm when they will actually arrive. The set up was perfect for me returning to riding after a three year break. Love the ride and engine, also agree the engine note is very acceptable with the standard exhaust. The Te as standard, comes with cruise control, heated grips and centre stand. Also added the additional ride modes.

Very interested in your review as I should take delivery of mine this coming weekend. Like you I didn’t want all the bells and whistles but with supplies being low here in the UK I’ve been given a good deal on a cancelled order that is fully loaded! I rode the Tiger900Pro and F850GS but in short, didn’t gel with them. Hope you post some updates in the future.

I was very impressed with the looks of the bike. Particularly when you approach the bike from the rear. It has a very muscular look. I am with you on the looks of the silver fairing. Especially those bmx stickers. The red body colored fairing looked the best to me. I think that you have a winner with this bike. She is a sweetie, a real keeper for sure. Take care and enjoy. Vaughn

Verry good review. One of the best on this motorcycle anyway. I used to own a bmw 1200 gs lc but I just sold it. My initial thought was to buy the bmw 1000 xr but, the price and the ecesive ammount of power for my skill level turned me to the 900 xr. I tested it a few days ago and I was verry pleased. Wind protection at highway speed is my only concern I think....Another issue is with the seat. I think I need the lower seat but I fear it will be even more unconfortable.

Hey I love your bike and review. I am a proud owner of a Tracer 900 gt. This is the only Beemer that I would consider. I love the center stand personally. Ride safe my friend.

even though I am not really interested in that bike (proud owner of multistrada950), I stayed with you till the end..excellent review!congrats!

I have the new BMW f900xr too. It's a great bike with now 2500km in two month on german streets.

Very good review. Thank you for the honesty and frankness about what’s good and what isn’t so good. Definitely keen to give it a test ride here in Aussie as I do want to do more touring rides. Thx

Great video thanks especially for the detailed breakdown of the different packs etc

I really enjoy the scenery in your part of the world. I think I'll go have a look at the F900XR, but honestly, I'm still pretty happy with my fj-09.

Hi I was hoping to try a F900XR ,but i the chinese engine situation still bugs me , so i have just purchased a pre reg cancelled order namely a Ducati Multisrada 950S complete with touring Kit and a extra 1 year waranty which is about 30 months in total 350 miles on the clock and a sieable £1500.00 discount of list .,im hoping this will be my X5 do it all bike .

Excellent review! The only thing I missed was the sound of the engine. Just so I get the feeling what it is like to ride! Thanks

Thanks a lot for the in depth review! My F900R arrives is couple of months!

I came across your channel some days ago, and so far ive really liked all your reviews, this is no exception, excellently done, i saw that your helmet was put down on the ground facing upwards, this in america means you need assistance, i saw also that you tend to overlean to the left, here we share the road with numerous lorries and we avoid that for security, i have had to get aftermarket windshields for both of my BMW as you correctly state, the oem ones are useless, go for the comfort seat its expensive but worth every coin of the price, ride safe.

Good review, thank you for giving the name of locations, I saved them on my google map, hopefully can visit these locations in near future 🤞

Couldn’t agree more about the lean angle indicator. My ‘top score’ is 43 degrees so you’ve outdone me there 😉

Great review, RocketMan! My move to Portugal has been moved out to June, but let's meet up then. I'll likely get the new S 1000 XR, but depending I might get your kind first, for the wife, and for me swopping her lowest seat for a highest. Second raving review on the F 900 XR, inspiring!

Awesome review on the bike, but for a fuller picture, if I understand what type of rider you are, I'll understand how relevant your side comments are to me. I wish I can see you sitting on this moving bike for visual comparison, and with a passenger.

Hi Paul, I have not yet pulled the trigger on the XR, I got to sit on both the R and the XR, preferred the R, will wait for ride on a Kawasaki Z900 and the R, just not sure if I want to stay with parallel twins, though the XR engine sounds better and seems no vibrations. Was waiting patiently for your review!

Also, when I last the connection between the phone and bike, I'd switch of everything and switch on again. Works like charm instead of re-pairing everytime.

Hi RM. Do you miss the 19 inches front wheel of your CB500X to be more confident on gravel roads ? Do you think that a F900 XR with a 19 inches front wheel would be interesting ? I think that, next year, BMW will put this engine in the F750/850 GS. If i was BMW, i would do a F900 GS with a 21 inches front spoked wheel off-road oriented bike & a F900 GT with a 19 inches front spoked wheel road & gravel road oriented bike to replace the actual boring F750 GS & to compete with the new Tiger 900 GT.

GREAT and USEFUL review, all the stuff people considering when buying this bike you mention in the review! Great scenery too. BMW should give you some credits for the boost of their F900XR sales! Considering to replace my 9 yrs old KTM SMT 990, and you convinced me to make a test-drive soon!

I wonder how these bikes will do with an exhaust and ECU flash as I know BMW had to restrict their S1000RR like crazy in the mid range. 900cc "hot twin" is more than enough for the street I feel. The CP3 triple is a ripper of an engine for sure but I am not sure if it really even suits the character of these bikes to be honest. It's like the highway roll-on king of this class but does it really inspire putting around town as much as a twin can at low revs? I don't think so, and one recent review directly comparing the two has said as much. On the display - absolutely gorgeous. And I LOVE the idea of keyless entry not sure why this is so looked down upon in the motorcycle world.

Good concise review,but I am more than happy with the 2018 CB500 X

After the break in period and the first service, where I assume you would be riding the bike harder, I would like to see an update on engine vibration and fuel economy. Great review.

Superb! You must be a journalist, as this is so professionally put together. Thank you for clarifying with U.S. measurements. Kilometers per liter and imperial gallons don’t compute for this mid-50s brain. I loved this video, and will now subscribe.

I would always choose the top package even if you yourself rarely use it.It broadens the choice of the next buyer.Cruise control and heated grips is always a winner.Enjoy.

Great video. Buying mine second hand, a 2021 TE model fully specced, so, I have no issues with what it has. I am not getting cases though, I think.

Comprehensive review. I reckon you might like the Speed Twin.

You can buy little Bolt on alloy foot for the sole of the side stand which lift the angle of the bike slightly

Congrats on the new bike - it looks great!! ( I may be biased, as I've had 2x 1100RT's, 1 x 1150GS, 1 x 1200RT, and now on an 1100R). Good job speccing it up to get what you do want, and not some things you don't. Be interested in how comfortable you find the seat on a really long ride if you get the chance, and to see in the coming months if you feel the need to add extras to it (apart from luggage). Bloody jealous of the weather you are riding in too!! Ride safe. Steve

Nice solid review. *Only* 105 HP ? My air cooled Griso 1200 V twin is *only* 110 HP and it accelerates like a maniac! Frankly I think 100 HP is plenty for everything except death defying thrill seeking. I recall my Kawasaki Mach3 had *only* 60HP in 1971 and it was INSANE back then! 130 HP in my opinion is dangerous without all the modern 'life preserving' electronics, and 180+ HP borders on suicidal. In 1974 I rode a 900cc Kawasaki Rickman Turbo with 15 pounds boost, (no electronics) that had been dynoed with 180 rear wheel horsepower. I almost didn't survive that ride and have NEVER wanted to EVER do something like that again. The Bmw doesn't do anything for me tho, and I'd hate to maintain it. If I was forced to buy a vertical twin I'd get a 1200 Super Tenere because I hate chain drive, love shafts and Japanese reliability. I still think your Beemer is a much better choice than that Old Indian (with one cylinder lopped off) some call a 'Rocket' ;-)

Good run down, very thorough. Beautiful bike and will really pop when you install that body pan. 👍🏼

Thank you for your honest and informative reviews.

Excellent review. Very comprehensive, honest and interesting. Subscribed!

Hi, Steve in Estepona (Spain), 68yo, BMW Urban GS. If it's no secret, can you share your route from Lisbon to Sesimbra (as shown here). Was in Lisbon/Cascais last June with the "boss", loved it, hope to get there on the bike ( if I survive this virus !!). Just road numbers will suffice. Love your videos, and your motorcycle philosophy. We have owned similar bikes. Thanks, Steve.

Really fine balance of "objective" and "subjective" insights! Thanks very much!

Reckon you made a great colour choice.... looks stunning in red. How would the side panel look in charcoal? My take on options is to choose my own! It is not like there is much (financial) advantage in pacps, and can see no point paying for something I would not use. Seems that BMW have cut corners in a few things, notably seat comfort, and (unfathomable) lack of USB connection! Glad you are enjoying the bike, reckon if I were younger I would also be tempted by one. Keep the shiny side up, Cheers, and thanks for your honest appraisal.

OK, this bike is not for me, but because of your last vlog on this topic I’ve tried the big brother to this at the weekend and I’m definitely interested. Damn you, for subjective opinion... :)

Great in depth review, thanks! Can you also comment on maintenance costs? How much do the preventative maintenance (oil changes etc) and the periodic valve adjustments cost?

Thanks for this informative and thorough review. Very enjoyable! 👍

Can't fault that ,I just in the middle of ordering mine,the bike is just what I've been looking for.

It's a lovely professional beautifully filmed review, however USB position more annoying than no centrestand????. Please ride with ear plugs, it'll give you so much more feedback from what's going on with the bike.

Old video but of interest to me. Seeing you liked it so much at this point, why did you go off it? Just spotted the video which explains this. I'll watch it. 26- litre top cases look alright RM. 1990 [Nick J]

All bikes should come with throttle by wire and cruise control as standard. There is no excuse for not having them in 2020. The other extra that should come standard is adjustable forks. What's up with BMW with those non adjustable forks?

Excellent review and beautiful scenery. Lack of cruse or luggage and nav prep and Center stand will be a deal killer when you go to resell in Canada or USA. BTW You could have used the nav prep to hold and charge your phone by adding the adapter from China $30.

Great review sir. Calm, clear, honest, no bullshit. Subscribed!

Great down to earth and practical review, looking forward to more

Thanks for your review. I am considering exchanging my CB500X and looking at BMW. The Bluetooth pairing problem appears to be a long standing problem in BMW, both bikes and cars. My 320d is constantly loosing the connection, which is a bit frustrating, especially when you are in a call...

Great review, extra interesting for me as you come from a CB500X

Fantastic review, thanks! Only 4.4l/100km? Other users are reporting 6.5/7.5.... I am considering this as my next bike but my current Versys 650 with it's 21l tank can do 400km and this is crucial for me.

Much appreciated perspective. A big thumbs up!

This review is beyond Good. Great Job!

Nice review - congrats by the way - this bike looks like it's motoring even when it's standing still. Regarding seat comfort, it's such an individual thing isn't it? - apart from seats that tilt forward by design there's not not much you can do about them if they don't fit you as stock - as you know i've always found it hard to get a standard seat on a bike to be comfy - for me the 2nd hand Corbin seat I had on my BMWR1100RT was the best I ever had - but you could have sta on the bike and it might not have suited you so it's horses for courses. Hope you get many smiles per miles riding this great looking bike. Steve