BMW F 900 R 2022 — Specifications

When Munich decides to turn a page, it doesn't do so halfway. The F 800 R had crossed a decade without ever truly shaking up the segment, an honest, hardworking Bavarian that fulfilled its contract without seeking trouble. Its replacement, the BMW F 900 R, breaks with this philosophy of just enough to come and play in the disruptors' yard.

The change begins under the fairing. Forget the 798 cm3 of the previous generation; engineers preferred to graft the engine block from the F 850 GS and inject a little more volume to achieve 895 cm3. The result is clearly reflected in the technical specifications: 105 horsepower at 8500 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm, fifteen horsepower more than the F 800 R. To achieve this, BMW didn't simply inflate the cylinders. The cylinder heads were redesigned, the pistons are now forged, the compression ratio rises to 13.1:1, and the crankshaft pins are offset by 90 degrees. With the BMW F 900 R, BMW’s sporty twin engine abandons its compromises to aim true. This parallel twin meets Euro 5 standards and is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox with an anti-slip clutch that makes handling smoother, which novice riders will appreciate. A version restricted to 95 horsepower exists for A2 license holders, even if unlocking to the 105 horsepower will not be possible.

Facing a Yamaha MT-09 that plays the excited one with its triple cylinder, or a Kawasaki Z 900 that weighs barely a kilo more for similar performance, the BMW F 900 R does not have the argument of lightness, 211 kg fully fueled. This is the only black mark on a machine that nevertheless progresses on all other fronts. The steel chassis derived from the F 850 GS has been reworked for more incisive handling, with a stressed-member engine and a wheelbase of 1518 mm that favors stability. The 43 mm inverted fork offers 135 mm of travel, the rear monoshock rises to 142 mm of stroke with rebound and preload adjustment. The riding position has also evolved, with a more advanced handlebar and raised footpegs, to involve the rider more in the dynamics without putting them on the rack.

What truly distinguishes the BMW F 900 R 2022 from its predecessors is the onboard electronics. The 6.5-inch color TFT screen radically changes the on-board experience, connected to the smartphone and controllable via a Multi Controller ring. Rain and Road riding modes are standard, as is the traction control system ASC. Dynamic and Dynamic Pro modes are obtained as an option, and with them access to the MSR engine braking, ABS Pro and the DBC dynamic braking control. The Active package adds a bidirectional quickshifter and an IMU inertial sensor. The BMW F 900 R accessory catalog then extends to cornering lights, semi-active ESA, cruise control and keyless start. Each option digs a little deeper into the budget, but the base at €9090 already constitutes a serious equipment level for the category. On the brakes, two radial four-piston Brembo calipers bite 320 mm discs at the front, a single piston works on 265 mm at the rear.

The BMW F 900 R is aimed at the experienced rider who seeks a versatile roadster, capable of swallowing daily kilometers as well as showing its incisiveness on a winding road on the weekend. It will never play the card of absolute lightness or the floor price, but it compensates with impeccable finish, rare electronic richness at this price and an engine whose progressive nature reassures without boring. Those who wonder about the BMW F 900 R used will find the 2020 and 2021 models already well-equipped, the 2022 bringing a few cosmetic and calibration adjustments. An adult roadster, built to last, which assumes its 211 kilos without excessive complexes.