Can BMW F 900 R tempt me away from KTM and Triumph? 

That ending made me laugh out loud 😆👍. Nothing like picking the one that wasn’t even in the running 😉.

Wasn't expecting that! Of all the bike channels I watch, this one is by far the most real, and hence my favourite. Thank you!

Mat Durrans. Three steps ahead of everyone. Including himself! We love you, Mat!!! ❤❤❤

The clutch problem you mentioned is a known problem. I had my F900XR sorted under warranty and its solved now!

I own F900R and Im in love with it, its 2023 so I don't know how quick-shifter compares to the older models. In mine the shifts are perfect apart from 1 to 2 and 2 to 1. 1 to 2 is abrupt and works only over 6k rpm 2 to 1 never works. The higher the gear the better over 4th its seamless every time. I never use clutch from 3rd gear up or down.

I've had mine for a year. The quickshifter out if the box is a little jerky, but with some K's under the belt and an SC Project pipe, it's buttery smooth. I have no idea why it's so bad stock. But the bike is so easy to ride it's really made me a much better rider.

This recognizable, informative and great sense of humor video deserves my first RU-vid comment ever. Well done!

Good punch line ! The heart over rules the brain's sensibilities, as it always should 👍

A man with a passion, good on you. I am so glad you didn't let me down!

After dealing with my local BMW dealer and seeing at my expense the standard of workmanship I'll never give them another penny ! Japanese every time now.

I would get a last gen S1000R for that money...its still one kick ass bike..😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

To be honest, I’ve test ridden most of the bikes you mention in this video and I reckon on a good road, they’d all put a great big smile on your face! But some make the smile even bigger… and for me and my riding style the Street Triple RS put the biggest grin on my face. But the Tuono is absolutely brilliant too and you should definitely buy a bike with your heart 😊

Matt that was the perfect pick. Not everyone will agree but spec sheets can't compete with the sound&feel. The aural pleasure and handling are what really set a bike apart for me as I get older, not hp top trumps game. Great pick!

Same here on the R, bunny hopping from the line. Dealer swapped the clutch and sump under warrenty, now it is smooth, also the software update bettered the quick shifter. I really love this bike. Only downside for me at this moment is the seat, it is like a plank. (I have the standard one)

I think the F900R's strength is its versatility. It can rip up a windy road but would also be happy doing a long road trip. Cruise control, heated grips, low down torque and it even has pannier attachment points built in from the factory. Plus all those electronics and the fancy screen are pretty nice too.

The buying process really introduces yourself to you, amazing real video and review.

I went off this channel for a bit but thought I’d have another look. THIS, Mat, is about the most fun vid I’ve seen in a long time!!! 👏 👏 great stuff, and mirrors my endless wrangling over what bike to get next 😊

Yup, never try to calculate the right bike, get the one that makes you smile the most at that moment. It doesn't have to be perfect, you don't have to keep it for a lifetime. Just enjoy the falling in love and discover every part of your next almost pefect bike ❤

Spot on review of the F900R. I've owned the blue in similar trim (except the ESA). Overall luv it. The quick shifter works at higher revs and in higher gears. Too clunky otherwise. One other gripe as someone else mentioned; The difficult cold starts. I'm hoping a s/w upgrade fixes it. Rather annoying for a new F.I. bike.

The funny thing is, I ended up getting the F900R after never test driving it and was considering getting the MT-07 or G310R

Nice review. Never rode one, but I rode the F900xr. :) The same engine-wise. Thanks for sharing this. Keep up.

That came out of left field!! As you say Matt, the heart will always win when it comes to that final decision regarding a bike. Logic is so overated! Congrats brother, enjoy.

Really set up us on that one , especially the opening commentary of using logic 😂! Good luck with the new bike and safe ridings. Really do appreciate your experience and knowledge that you share with the community..greetings from Berlin.Jim

This class/genre of bike is huge now.. I have 4 classic ‘sport bikes’ but bikes like this are appealing to me more and more. I really should test ride a few..

I fell in love with Bavaria region after a one month long bicyling trip. It made me forget the bad feelings my F800R (2010) gave me after adding up repairs (with just 23k kms on it). Switching to Honda CB 650R.

Get Urselfs the new Suzuki GSX-S1000 all the goodies one want for a super competitive proce!! If max power isn't your priority the GSX-S750 is an absolute bargain for a very fun old school midle naked sporty bike.

My favourite bike channel but more important we definitely adore the same bike... The winner of your money... Tuono!! Hooray!

I haven't ridden the KTM, but i did have a F900XR as a loaner when my S1000R was at the shop. and i hated it. boring engine, got my bum aching and was generally uninspiring. it even had the same problem with the clutch. Cheers from Denmark :-)

I knew it!! There will be a twist somewhere.. haha nice one

Wow, wasn't expecting that! But I completely understand... my heart keeps getting in the way of my head as well! Cheers mate, this was good! :)

Literally going through the same buying dilemma now and finding it real tuff. Wanted to buy new 2021 mt09sp or duke890r here in Australia cause I really wanted a new bike, but for the price of them I can get some absolute firecracker hypernakeds second hand like mt10sp, 2015+ tuono and 2014+ 1290.. I will say that duke 890r is phenomenal and just as much fun as a 180hp hyper naked.

What a twist at the end - worthy of the most suspensif thriller I be seen in a while 😃. great vids with lots of useful information

Brilliant Matt. Just seen this for the first time. Going through the same process myself. My head says something sensible, but the inner hooligan wants a Tuono 😈

That ending 😆 I may do the same! Stuck between practical/affordable and fast/exciting.

I haven't watched the video, yet. And I'm very partial. But the title itself is a lot of fun. That being said, I'm confident in your ability to surprise me, and giving us (and my partial self) an interesting perspective in the end.

That V4 tuono is a thing of beauty and if I had a job I'd have one parked in the garage!

Great review, great analysis of the buying deciding process, and finaly the decision by the right reason; the heart. 🙂 Cheers!

Nice turn at the end. You are right, and I agree.

That final thought was brilliant!!

As a former owner of the Tuono I can tell you without hesitation it was the best bike I've ever owned. My problem with it was the lack of dealer support where I moved to. Originally I bought this bike back in Southern California. But I now live in Nashville where there's only one dealer and it's too far away for my liking. If I had an Aprilia service department closer I'd still own it.

Great choice looking forward to you showing it off What a bike

the ending is just soo purrrfect

Passion always over rules common sense. With a bike like that it puts a smile on your face even before you ride it.

I can say after owning a BMW I'll never buy other one the dealer maintenance cost is insane.

That totally is what biking is all about, good for you, the Aprillia is a fantastic bike👌

There are many great bikes in this segment. But none as great as the Street Triple. It will never bore you.

Love it. Should have ridden a GSX S1000.

Well you went for a hyper naked Italian thorough breed and that’s really a great choice but you’d properly would of had as much fun on the road with the MT09. Especially the SP version it would have proved easier to live with and more reliable to boot.

I rode an F 900 R as a loaner bike while my GSA was in for maintenance last week. I noted your reference to strange clutch behavior. I had the same experience - it was almost like there was a delay between clutch actuation and entering the friction zone. Quite concerning sometimes. Felt like the clutch was slipping all the until the lever was full released. Seriously, that would be a deal-breaker for me.

And in the end the right choice was made...well done!

Good choice. Lot of bike for the money, and good looking, and the sound is awesome..😊

It's a pretty bike, prolly rides something like the old boxers . Lots of torque. But for me , im too tall for it at 6 foot 2.

i dont see how for the price. compare all the features of the tiger gt pro . Country specific for sure . I like the low weight 200kg dry of the gt pro . the 900xr has all features for how much more ?

Euro bikes are awesome. There are just three problems. First I don't have a garage, and I live in the harsh weather of the Rocky Mountains (USA). Second, they always seem to cost more than the MSRP. Third, maintenance and repairs are reportedly very expensive. If I had a garage, and a better job, then yes, Euro all the way. Also, I love these standard bikes, but I want to have sidecases!

Great choice 👍🏼 I was thinking why would you downgrade from a 1000r to a parallel twin... At the end, you nailed it with the Tuono.....

Great choice!!!!, I got a standard Hypermotard 950 cause same engine as SP and did the shock and suspension😀😎👍👍

I may have missed explanation but your in france all the time now???🤔I always find it fascinating when bike reviewers spend there own money what they end up with....good stuff sir atb dave

How about the BMW R1250R?

That was certainly a curve ball you threw us finally opting for an Aprillia which wasn't even mentioned in your choices at the start😊😊

LOL, you got us at the end.

Suzuki Gsxs1000 is incredible but enjoy your Tuono.

I like rapid in an easygoing manner. I don't like revving engines too high. Apart from that, it doesn't sound too impressive: lousy quickshifter and clutch, even if it has a high quality TFT. If I was buying a BMW, it would be an RNineT Urban G/S.

Nice and unexpected twist : ) I have a Tuono 2020 Factory myself, but could easily see myself going "down" to a Ducati Monster or Hypermotard, or back to Street Triple as they are equally fun and not as scary fast as the Aprilia. Also the Kawasaki Z900 is a sweet option IMO, kinda overshadowed by the KTM, MT09 and Street Triple

Can't wait for the video where you say you hate the Aprilia and should have bought the KTM!

Ever consider a GSX-S 750 or 1000? Here in Canada they are extremely affordable

It was like the character from "the Vicar of Dibley", yes,yes,yes,yes, no. O well, we bikers always end up spending more and ride home with the one we did't expect to.

The ending Hahahahahaha such an auto journalist move/choice, that ;)

I'm waiting on BMW to release the F900 M Sport with more Carbon fiber components and track oriented.

Great vid. Great choice. But i would wait for the new gsxs1000. New bike, great perfomance and great price.

A very good Video

Best show on the web!

Great decision in the end. So called Middleweight’s are just not quite enough so why not go for something bigger and enjoy the endless mid-range 👍

Nailed it!

8:05 The clutch is a known issue that should be corrected under warranty.

If it is ten hp down on the other bikes wouldn't it be better to just get a dumbed down version of the the other bikes? Just a thought. But I will be enjoying my 2021 mt 09, put over 3000 miles the first month

Like the motorhome and trailer, copying that. Maybe the Aprilia as well?

Didnt see the Tuono coming, Ha thought it was to be the MT09

Good one,enjoy.

Spoken like a True Motorcyclist.

Your final choice is a good one, IMO

Well the modern mid size bikes are just a bit much of of a compromise. They cost quite thr amount of money new, quickly lose value and are not really future proof. Also it does not help that except GSs and old japanese bikes people still believe 100k km on a bike means it's done for

Brilliant!

The perfect choice, Aprilia Tuono #1!

So glad you didn't sacrifice. But thought the Duke R would be the one.

Was the new ducatti monster considered??

Nice video indeed, BUT you said quality for bmw?! What is quality for you sir? Because for me is something that last the time without electrical or engine failures or faded colors and flaking plastics. To cut the long story short, Yamaha MT09 SP is the only way to go. The bike have most of the features bmw have is as fast as the Aprilia and it is a quality brand. If has the three magical words "Made in Japan " in English "Last for Ever"

BMW need to sort out that engine, it's the F900's Achilles heel. Underpowered, dogdgy transmission and clutch, and an unusable quick shifter. Big thumbs down!

If you want to ride a bike, choose a bike you’ll want to ride.

I had a test drive on the 2022 model and in first gear the clutch felt drunk

The headlights on these BMW bikes look feckin crap. The headlight is a focal point on a roadster. In my opinion, it just needs to be big and round.

What year is the second hand Tuono?

Best choice.

Hahaha yeah not even a surprise there at the end 😅😂

haha, are you going to try the Tuono 660 before searching a 1100?

Tried the R1250R?

Great vid, i’m in France and ordered the mt 09 storm Fluo in April, still not arrived. Curious to know when you tried for one and what they said the wait would be. Cheers

The futile attempt trying to make a logical and sensible buying decision that all bikers know too well! Haha

Still don’t understand why not a second hand KTM 890 r though …

Ahhhhhahhh, damn you, I wanted the BMW to be soo good but now I’m confused…..

YYYEEESSS!!!