F900XR test: the new Sport GT BMW motorcycle
In 2020, BMW stops the F800GT but does not abandon the segment of sporty road bikes of medium displacement. The German manufacturer launches a new F900XR inspired by the S1000XR and based on the F900R… Site was able to test it for half a day. Report.
F900XR test page 2: Almost ready for the sporting adventure
The interest of the electronic shock absorber is twofold on this motorcycle. As on the roadster, it allows the rider to have two motorcycles in one: a comfortable one in "Road" mode for everyday motorcycle-work-sleep or long journeys, and a more sporty one in "Dynamic" mode at the rear more rigorous in curves and out of bends.
Second advantage of ESA particularly useful on this XR: the shock absorber preload is adjusted on the same button on the left stalk (long press), when stationary. Small icons illustrate the solo, duo or charged modes. The difference is directly palpable: the height of the saddle varies drastically !
The only limit that the Journal moto du Net sees about ESA: time! Tested for just half a day on a new motorcycle, the system is sure to appeal. But it will take time and distance. At least the three years that the rental lasts from – from – 119 euros monthly, since this is how motorcycles are now consumed ?!
The generous suspension travel provides appreciable comfort in town and on the road, better than that offered by the roadster, which is already not stingy in this area. And despite this, the F900XR is not too reluctant to attack: the fork dives under braking but it is not complicated to keep its trajectory..
In addition to facilitating maneuvering when stationary, the large handlebars help to register the bike in a curve. The feeling of a heavy front end is also less than on the R, as is the impression that the bike is diving inside roundabouts or crossroads during the first kilometers..
The modifications made to the front axle are not unrelated to this more neutral and easier behavior of the XR compared to the R. By traversing the same winding roads as in the morning with the R, MNC connects the turns without tiring. Adventure without torture, in short !
The original trail tire fitment is more versatile than the roadster. Be careful, there is no question here of setting off on highways – "therefore take an F850GS", the BMW salesperson will advise you -, but to hold on better in the wet.
Thanks to the pair of Michelin Road 5 GTs with their fine and distinctive scalable sipes, the F900XR must be able to face all types of weather all year round. MNC who only tested the XR for a few hours can ensure that the grip is very good … on dry surfaces and under a soft sun !
Le Journal moto du Net must add that our DTC traction control – thinner than the standard ASC thanks to the inertial unit which also improves the ABS Pro – remained off during our entire ride. The latter also allowed us to note the low interest of the "Rain" mode….
By keeping the "Road" driving mode even in difficult driving conditions, future users should not be afraid: the engine is docile enough to avoid any evasion of acceleration. And at worst, by really insisting – stupidly -, the traction control intervenes effectively smoothly.
Electronics stand by, you never know ?
Same story with regard to braking since the front brake works wonderfully: simple slowing down or emergency stops, the pilot only has to pull more or less hard on the right lever (adjustable, like the left) to obtain what he wants, nothing more. So without setting in motion the ABS.
The rear brake is a little less satisfactory in comparison, due to the touch of the pedal a bit harsh. It is still useful for skilfully balancing the bike when braking, so that the passenger potential does not tighten too much on its handles to avoid falling on the rider..
More than on the F900R, MNC appreciates the discretion of the silencer, welcome on a motorcycle made for traveling. Unfortunately, the mechanical noises are more noticeable than on the roadster: the fairing does not confine them, on the contrary, while the bubble isolates external sounds.
However, the new German twin of Chinese origin (Loncin) has an advantage over the previous German twin of Austrian origin (Rotax): it vibrates less thanks to its two counter-rotating balance shafts. On a GT sport bike, this is a – good – important point !
Admittedly, Site noted slight crackling, a little more sensitive than on the F900R because of the more eccentric handlebars. But when the last gear is engaged on expressways, the pilot is quiet up to 140 km / h (5500 rpm). It is only on the sections of Autobahn without speed limits that ants are likely to attack !
With its 15.5 liter tank – back to its traditional location! – and taking into account the average consumption estimated by BMW, the F900XR must be able to travel 370 km before running out of fuel. Sixty kilometers more than the F900R with its 13-liter tank.
Site emphasizes that the tanks of the two new BMWs are made of plastic and not of steel: it is certainly lighter, but less practical for those – including MNC! – which have a bag equipped with small magnetic legs.
Finally, long-haul travel enthusiasts should appreciate the F900XR’s engine. Perfectly identical to that of the F900R – which will lack pep for fans of villainous roadsters – it has a good range of use from 3000 to 7000 rpm.
Less explosive than its main rival, the CP3 of the acclaimed Tracer 900 (847 cc) which develops 115 hp, the twin-cylinder of the new F900XR (895 cc) is however perfectly able to drive quickly and for a long time: linear admittedly, it is efficient and seems tireless. Enough to make a good place in the Sport segment GT XR? The answer in the next MNC market reports !
Related articles
-
F900XR test: the new Sport GT BMW motorcycle In 2020, BMW stops the F800GT but does not abandon the segment of sporty road bikes of medium displacement ….
-
2017 Kawasaki Z1000SX review: a super bike for the road Kawasaki is taking advantage of the switch to Euro 4 to polish its Z1000SX on many fronts:…
-
Test Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT and XCA 2018: ready for the road adventure Electric window, keyless start, hill start assistant, directional lights,…
-
Road test – F900XR test: the new BMW Sport GT motorcycle – F900XR test page 3: Technical update
F900XR test: the new Sport GT BMW motorcycle In 2020, BMW stops the F800GT but does not abandon the segment of sporty road bikes of medium displacement….
-
Test Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT and XCA 2018: ready for the road adventure Electric window, keyless start, hill start assistant, directional lights,…
-
2010 BMW R1200RT test: French bikers will continue to love it for a long time ! BMW Motorrad’s bestseller in the world is the R 1200 GS, but in France…
-
Trail – Test Honda CB 500 X 2019: the road to X – Test CB500X Page 1: Adventure every day!
2019 Honda CB 500 X Test: The Road to X Honda is refining its CB 500 range for 2019 with technical and cosmetic improvements on the three motorcycles…
-
2020 BMW S1000XR test: hyper sporty without having the RR The BMW S1000XR gets new skin, bones and muscles in 2020: launched in 2015 and updated in 2017,…
-
F900R test: the completely revised BMW roadster … with a dejà vu R BMW has just presented two major 2020 novelties to the international press: the…
-
Which A2 motorcycle to choose from Kawasaki? Test of Z900 70 kW, Ninja 400 and company… In 2018, Kawasaki launches two new motorcycles compatible with…