I'm 3 weeks into ownership of my 23 F900R and it continues to amaze me with every ride! And I haven't even hit break-in service yet. Can't wait to full send!
I think the base model bike is a great option in the segment, for people who just want a city/hooligan bike still with some BMW refinement. Not everyone wants a Japanese naked :) Great review Ian!
I had the 2021 model. I thought I wasn't going to ride a lot, I ended up riding 8000+ km in 3 months. Took it to Norway and Sweden and was loving the winding mountain road of Norway. The only reason I don't have it anymore is I test drive a 1200 GSA out of curiosity, and I had to take it home with me 😅If I have the money, I'll have both 😃
Great review! I have one and put 4400 miles on so far. Great bike and I have no regrets at all. Got a wunderlich brake lever last week and that is great upgrade if you use two fingers
I just purchased a F900R a month ago. I’m really enjoying it. It’s my first bike and I’m not an experienced rider so I don’t have much to compare to, however I’m having a blast on this thing..(whenever the weather allows me to 🙄😅)
@@dashuntas.m4045 it's actually friendly when you think about how rain mode works. I saw a few comments from people saying they got this as a beginner bike and used rain mode for a few weeks until they got the basics down
@@dashuntas.m4045 The only detriment is the weight. It's a pretty heavy bike that you can't just man-handle around if you are coming from something lighter like a scooter or dirt bike. I'm a new rider and dropped mine on a sloped driveway (had frame sliders on so no harm) but that made me decide to get a svart 401 to learn on.
I went from a 2020 MT09 to a 2021 F900R with options. BMW was a wonderfully put together bike and thoroughly enjoyed the available options. It is an enjoyable ride, but has a weird seating position. That said, the engine lacks punch and character, so traded her in and went back for a 2022 MT 09 SP love it! FYI - check that oil change, the oil pan has 2 bolts, there is an inner bolt that also needs to be removed.
@@gregkiester, yes, while the BMW has a fabulous ride (chassis, suspension) and the list of "standard equipment" (mine was optioned with everything except adaptive headlight and electronic suspension) space is very impressive. And it's an absolutely beautiful put together bike. That being said the seating position is a little awkward, and the performance of the engine while being fine leaves you wanting a little more. This third-generation mt09 really tightened up the chassis in addition has great suspension and cruise control. I don't think you could go wrong with either Bike it's a matter of do you want Creature Comforts and niceties or do you want best performance for the class.
No problem, always enjoy talking bikes. As far as the seating position, I heard One reviewer refer to it as a Squatty Potty seating position. I didn't find it that extreme it's just, different. I wouldn't even say uncomfortable necessarily I've been on 2 1/2 - 3-hour rides just fine.
Am really enjoying your reviews Ian. I'd like you to consider mentioning whether a manufacturer supplies the service/workshop manual for their various bikes. I happen to know for an example, that BMW has stopped supplying said manuals back in 2021 for their bikes. It would make me reluctant to purchase a machine without one and would be something for you that is original to mention in your reviews, like the dropped bike lift difficulty that you do and which nobody else does. Many thanks and keep up the great work.
Hi Ian. Just bought a hoodie. Love the honest concise review content as always but i gotta say the extended documentary style you used recently for the gs vs ducati video series was truly spectacular. I would love to see more long form documentary style reviews. Regardless your the best on youtube at this in my opinion and ill watch regardless of the format you use
Hi Ian I have an F 750gs 2019 and have seen both of your reviews on the 750 and the F 900r. Do you think the F 900r is a good upgrade from the F 750gs. I don't off road or are they much of a muchness. Thanks for your great reviews!!!!
Brilliant job , I’ve just picked one up as a loan bike while my GSA 2021 has some work done , omg it’s just as you said , in very detail . Thanks for another very true to life review. Carl 🇬🇧
Thank you for reviewing this bike! There isn't a whole lot out there on this one and it looks good (color options suck just like 2023 KTM 890 lol) I'm currently wildling down the selections for my next bike and the F900R is still on the list.
Shopped this segment and was completely seduced by the 23 890 Duke R. Nearly bought a NineT to get my boxer fix … but the 890 engine has tons of character and that nice fat torque curve…
I have this bike for 2 years and really like it a lot. The only thing i didn't like is the stock seat. I upgraded to a Wunderlich seat and paired with this it is a great bike. I didn't want a big touring bike and this is great for touring, I did added a (SW Motech) luggage rack together with a dry bag and the BMW (soft) panniers since i am going camping with a tent this year. Take a look at my video's if you want a look at the added luggage rack.
Thanks for this review. There was one for sale near me recently, and it was tempting, but I'm not ready to leave adventure riding yet, and I'm not able to become a multi-bike owner either. I've gotta be a BMW owner at some point before I have to give up riding.
In a parallel twin, both pistons reach top dead center at the same time. In a parallel twin where the pistons move up and down at the same time, the crankshaft angle is 360 degrees.
Adaptive headlight, heated grips, quickshifter, ABS, more riding modes... I wouldn't want any of them, apart from the ABS you have to have in most of the world. I like the look of the 'sports package', though. Great dash. Good bike, and it looks good. I always liked the look of the F800R.
You forgot cruise control and 6 axis IMU which is unique to these lower end bikes. Used, these bikes can be had for around $8000 and theyre only 2-3 years old. Really good value.
Instant like for the Lion suit. Cute daughter! I'm sure she's never disagreeable (having two daughter myself) 🤣 Nice to get your thoughts on a not so much ADV bike.
I have a 2023 BMW F900R and will never get one again the repair shop prices are insane and only after four months the brake fluid needs to be replaced.
Hi Ian, Spied the beemer a few weeks ago on the gs v multi strudel video. Honestly I'm not a fan, bit of a parts bin special imo. I've previously owned a s1000r.the build quality is poor, some things are done on the cheap and very afterwards thinking. Im glad you tried it now you can try a monster sp and youll know what your missing. Triumph Street triple 765rs should also be on your radar imo Have a katoom for looking at in the garage🤣 say no more Great video 👍
It's real nice that you include european measurements in the video! There's a lot of people that don't have a clue about US hight and wight :) A.R from Norway :)
This thing and the ducati are definitely at the bottom of that list of competitors you mentioned. I'll take the performance and reliability of the Kawi or the Yamaha for $9k any day. Non-adjustable fork on a $12k bike? Seems odd to have all that adjustment and technology in the rear suspension paired up with a non-adj fork. Pretty decent looking exhaust for a stock pipe. Sounds good too. Great review as always, love your video formats.
@@NalinKhurbsprings front and rear are spec’d within a range. If you’re heavy and crank preload the bike behaves differently. I’ve swapped springs on every bike I’ve owned. I’m 215 and you can expect the bike to behave like someone who’s 150. What he said is true. Enjoy your stock spring
Non-adjustable suspension is a deal killer on any motorcycle. Proper suspension adjustment is probably the most important thing for comfort and performance.
I owned the F900R for a couple of years. I liked the engine, the build quality, the look and the trail braking when I was riding it aggressively. I hated the hard uncomfortable seat and I didn't like the clunky gearbox, the cramped seating position and the very high maintenance cost at the BMW dealership, which was about double up compared to my T7. I'll say it doesn't come close to the thrills that the MT09 gives you and there is some mismatch between the agressive riding position and the lack of performance. The many hight adjustment options makes it a great bike for many women.
These things look cool. I’d go with an MT09 or GSX-S1000 (you can find these new all day for 10k or less) if you’re okay with forgoing cruise control or GSXS-1000gt if you want body work and cruise. BMW makes a gorgeous bike though.
Wow I found your channel recently it is excellent.... I am going to buy a motorbike again soon after 30 years ! .... your channel will help so much in making a more informed choice 👍
Those are some really birth friendly hips in those jeans. But never the less a great, in depth review of a beautiful bike. Love to see the channel grow.
It amazes my that 10 years ago , Husqvana took a F800 engine, increased the engine capacity to 900cc, re timed the crank and got more bhp out of its Nuda than BMW engineers can get out of their own version today. The Nuda looked better than the F900 and sounded amazing with an aftermarket exhaust. More baffling was why BMW, who owned Husqvana then sold of Husqvana, effectively shutting its engineering office. Was it sour grapes from the Bavarians?.
Well, in some vehicles the riding / driving modes DO, actually cut the poser, and not only manipulate the input pedal / throttle response. And the reason to NOT go over this engine on the GS - maybe the consumption ?
Other testers have done direct side by side comparisons with other middle weight naked bikes and the BMW always comes up last. I guess in isolation last is still very good.
24:48 Did you say F800R?. Still great review. I do have the 2019 F800R with full specs & love it. I am wanting to upgrade to the F900R but i'm shocked that in Australia the F900R will not come with cruise control & dynamic gsa. And my 2019 F800R does have electronic rear suspension.
Absolutely loved my F800r and put 90000 kms on it before trading for a R1200R. This is also a great all rounder with luggage added for touring. With the 3 year warranty, pick up an demo or slightly used one. More comfortable than the MT or Street Triple
I have a 2012 F800R and love it, with Michelin Awake Adventure tires, low windscreen, and luggage racks. It goes anywhere and handles beautifully. Am also now thinking of the next bike, looking for something with a bigger engine, and more comfortable for a pillion rider. I thought about the F900R, F900XR, S1000XR. And a Triumph Tiger... Thoughts? Love the review and comments! Thanks.
In reference to your comment on the twitchy throttle in "Road" mode.... and assuming the riding modes "Pro" works like they do on the R1250GS...you could setup your "Dynamic Pro" mode with all of the settings of "Road" mode, and then make the throttle response similar to "Rain" mode.
The motor is the issue! BMW would sell loads more if they produced a more exciting inline twin. Compared to the competition it's boring. The rest of the bike is on point and it looks great in the flesh.
@@chrishart8548 More power, higher revs, freer revving, greater refinement. It's not a bad bike, but the engine underperforms relative to its competitors. It ruins an otherwise well rounded package. Oh and less weight.
@K16 You're exactly right - and it's such a hard critique to make because it doesn't convey well on video. The BMW (Loncin..) parallel twin is just boring somehow, in a way that's hard to put your finger on. "It does the job, it's okay, it's powerful enough." In a sea of "identical" 270° parallel twins on the market, it simply does not stand out. If you compare this bike to the KTM 890 or the Triumph 765, you realize what a snooze-fest it is. Combine that with a slightly high weight and a slightly high price it's very difficult to find a USP for the BMW, besides the quality of fit&finish and the brand experience. Atleast with the old F800R, even though it was a vibrating mess, they had a unique engine. I should know, as I did over 20.000km on one 😅
@@LasseJOugaard You said it... A motorcycle assembled in Germany using a Chinese made engine (Loncin). Not acceptable considering the price and its competition.
Great review, really enjoyed the scenery - this one is on my shortlist, having owned an F800s a few years back. Just wondering if anyone in the comments has experience with a pillion on this bike (something to think about for future reviews)?
Just one question, did you move to the San Jacinto Mountains just for the riding or did you move there for other reasons and just found yourself in motorcycle heaven? I'm jealous every time you get to the road or trail sections of your videos.
Great review! The co-host summarized my feelings quite well "I don't know"... I'm intrigued by this segment of bike, but I wonder who it's for? It's sounds like fun for ripping around town, but I wonder where and when I would actually ride this kind of bike. I've got a dr650 and a crf250x and am thinking about swaping the dr650 for a larger adventure ish bike. Adding something like this could be fun but a larger ADV bike probably checks more boxes for me. However this type of bike probably has a much larger fun box checked. Such a great time to be a rider with all of these choices!!!
Nice review!! As a Triumph Street Triple owner, I think the Street Triple competes well in this category. If you haven’t already, you might want to give that a test ride and review. 😊 Although off the bat I’ll concede to the BMW its electronic suite which is better, IMO, than the Street Triple’s (even the new 2024 model which finally has an IMU). Just my thoughts. 😊
@@BigRockMoto Have you done a review of the STR? Took a quick look at the list of your videos and didn’t see one. If you haven’t done one, would be great if you could get your hands on a 2024!! 😄
I'm thinking about if there is a relation between how much power you ca squeeze out of an engine and the durability/longevity? you can expect from the same engine. Maybe the BMW trade off is a bike that lasts, or keeps its value, due to a possible expectation that it will last longer that other (more powerful but same category) bikes from other brands...?! 🤔 I might be overthinking this, but I hope to know BMW enough to know they have quality in mind...!
Appreciate this review a lot. If I told you i wanted a bike that is fun but not a "crotch rocket" per se yet sporty and feels planted, not tweaky with the power it has, this would be a good option?
Hello. I want to ask you if you know. Is it possible to activate the daytime running light without an activation button on the bike bmw f900r? My bike does not have the daylight button like the bike on the video.
This is not the Regina hpe Gold = m endurance chain. The Regina Gold is a z-ring dlc coated one and looks golden. 20.000km "w/o" maintenance, no joke... after heavy rain, in a very dusty Environment or if there is salt on the road I would still clean it. Bit fat at once a year will be okay too. Awesome chain tbh, give it a try! The snatchy on off throttle is the engine breaking... it is a 900 twin. The QS needs some revs. Steering is the wheelbase... not that nimble due to that. My wife got that f900 and she loves it. About pricing... if baseprice compare it to the new hornet or 8s, and there she wins hands down... it is the torque and the just better bike. Dunno if it is fair to compare her with just any triple or the kawa inline4... the time of inline4 in middleweight is sadly over. :( if you still compare her, with the weight comes the payload, the by far best in it's class... well if dad wants to ride out with mum, a yamaha gets in serious trouble ;D Anyway, enjoy ur content alot. Ty.
Morning... just to add, took me a while to adapt my brain at that chain. No idea what they did to it to make it last or how that dlc works but to ease my mind (not sure if I do her any favour) every 1000 miles I wipe her down with a rag and some diesel to ride around the block after it that it might fling off and then I wipe it with some greasy rag and let it sit over night... the Mechanic in the dealership told me tho no maintenance would be needed at all. Well it is a street bike so guess he is right. If that chain works out that way ss it is promised, it makes a shaftdrive obsolete. Maintaining, changing and replacing is so much cheaper with heat one and it weights nothing (compared to the shaftdrive)... aah... it doesn't like aluminum sprocket... that coating is too hard for that stuff. Anyway... have a good day, and maybe get a hand on that golden girl to try ;)
The problem w/all the baubles on the BMW is the baubles themselves, as BMWs so frequently have tech issues related to said baubles. I wish BMW would offer simpler models in their lineup, instead of constantly adding more and more tech. Yeah, I know lots of the younger folks love that stuff but older guys, like me, often prefer more simplistic/basic stuff and find all the baubles distractions, even if they add to certain ride qualities. For example, I'd love to own an R1250RS some day but between the MSRP and the extra unwanted tech BMW will undoubtedly add to it, I know one will never occupy my garage. Given my druthers, I'd prefer my nicely modded former '21 Z900RS again over this model.
