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 3: Technical point
Engine
Like the F900R, the F900XR receives the in-line twin that has been fitted to the F850GS since 2018. Or rather an evolution, without what the new road trail – sorry, "sporty Adventure" – BMW Motorrad would have been baptized F850XR … Indeed, the displacement of the Twin went from 853 to 895 cc, via an increase in the 2 mm bore (piston diameter).
The transition to "nine hundred" is accompanied by an increase in maximum power: 105 horsepower at 8,500 rpm, or 10 hp more than the trail. The maximum value of the engine torque does not increase (92 Nm) but its curve has "been made much more harmonious over the entire speed range", assures the manufacturer, graph in support.
In addition to the increased displacement, the mill – water – of the F900XR differs from that of the GS through its redesigned cylinder head in which the compression ratio reaches 13.1: 1. The two overhead camshafts are always chain driven and the eight valves are controlled by "light" pawls and therefore resistant to high revs.
New forged pistons appear (they are cast on the GS), while their crankshaft retains its 90 ° offset crankpins and 270/450 ° timing, thanks to which the F900XR must offer "an even more intense and richer sound. in emotions (compared to the F800GT stalled at 360 °, Editor’s note), which is similar to a V2 engine at 90 ° ", boasts the Flat Twin specialist…
For acoustics but also for aesthetics, the Munich firm and its partner in Chongqing (the Chinese manufacturer Loncin which manufactures these parallel twin cylinders and sends them to the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin for assembly of the motorcycle) have equipped the "nine hundred" from a stainless steel pot, low and short.
Inside the block, two balance shafts which rotate in the opposite direction to the crankshaft, in front and behind it, have the task of suppressing unwanted vibrations. Still in the lower engine, splash losses and reliability are respectively mitigated and optimized by the dry sump lubrication system which does not have a separate oil tank.
The wet clutch has an anti-slip function which ensures that the engine engine braking is limited during heavy braking and / or rapid downshifts. Second benefit of the system: the left lever (adjustable in spacing, like that of the front brake, on the right) is easier to grip.
“A slip clutch releases the clutch from a mechanically defined threshold to prevent locking of the rear wheel, specifies BMW.“ If the available grip is below this threshold, for example when the road is wet, the rear wheel may however slip ".
This is why the F900XR receives the electronic engine brake regulator (MSR) as standard: "depending on the grip, the butterflies can open in a thousandth of a second to reduce the inertia torque, so that the rear wheel retains its grip ", guarantee the Germans.
Unlike the F800GT which developed 87 hp when it was released in 2009 then 90 hp in 2012, the 2020 F900XR is not originally eligible for the A2 license. To do this, BMW has planned a version limited to 95 hp (70 kW) therefore restrictable to 48 hp (the famous 35 kW). Attention, "a subsequent change from 95 hp to 105 is not possible", reminds Behème..
Part-cycle
The aluminum frame and swingarm of the F800GT give way to an all-steel frame identical to those found in the 750 and 850 GS. As on "all-terrain" trails, the frame of the new trail -routier "is based on the twin-cylinder and consists of stamped parts welded together..
The rear loop is specific to the F900XR: particularly short, it should lighten the bike and its line. The fixing of the passenger footrests has been modified accordingly: attached to the GS buckle, they are mounted on the supports of the roadster’s rider footrests.
BMW has also returned to the great originality of its F series: the tank housed under the saddle returns to its traditional position. The F900XR however differs from the current GS by its welded plastic tank, "a world first in the motorcycle industry", boast the Germans, also specifying that "compared to a comparable steel tank, the weight saving is approximately 60% ". According to BMW, the tank of a XR would weigh "only 2.8 kg".
The new F900XR has an inverted telescopic fork 43 mm in non-adjustable diameter, and a central shock absorber attached directly to the swingarm, adjustable in preload and rebound. Their respective travel are 170 and 175 mm (135 and 142 on the F900R for info).
Braking is entrusted at the front to a pair of discs with a diameter of 320 mm bitten by Brembo four-piston radial calipers, which "guarantees reliable and foolproof deceleration". The rear wheel has a single 265mm disc, with a single piston floating caliper.
If the angle of the steering column is the same as on the roadster, the offset of the triple trees has been revised to match the more road program of this trail. The driving position is also adapted: "it offers a significant surplus of comfort and thus, an even wider range of uses, in particular for long outings and long journeys, even with two", considers BMW.
The attitude of the pilot on the F900XR is naturally more relaxed than on its – fake – twin F900R: "greater knee angle, handlebars located 30 mm higher and 85 mm further back, footrests fixed 45 mm higher and 45 mm further back ", calculate for us the German engineers.
Same story behind where "the passenger’s position is also more comfortable. The angle of the knees is suitable for long distances thanks to a 7 mm higher foam thickness of the standard seat and a modified position of the footrests: 45 mm lower, 25 mm further forward ", specifies BMW.
The original saddle placed at 825mm in height can be replaced by a lower (775mm with the lowering kit) or higher saddle (up to 870mm). The two levers are adjustable in spacing. Standard too, yes !
To improve on-board comfort, BMW has mounted a fairing and a screen – very, very easily – adjustable in two positions. "The assertive front end with dual headlights, the dynamic and sporty fairing and the short and pronounced tail end sum up the uses of the new" small XR "in terms of form language: sport and performance, Touring and comfort as well as ‘adventure and experience’, describes BMW.
Electronic
The F900XR receives two driving modes "Rain" and "Road" as standard. The standard equipment also includes ABS (mandatory) and ASC traction control (can be deactivated, but this is of little interest, except for stunters!). In "rain" mode, the throttle response is tempered, ABS and traction control are more responsive.
Two other driving modes "Dynamic" and "Dynamic Pro" are available as options (ex works). They incorporate dynamic brake control (DBC, seconded by MSR), ABS Pro which replaces conventional ABS, as well as dynamic traction control (DTC) which replaces ASC.
As a reminder, the DBC is responsible for deactivating the accelerator (butterflies blocked in the closed position) on the braking phases in order to avoid any false maneuver, especially in the event of a problem. "The motorcycle thus keeps its stability and the braking distance is shortened", guarantees BMW.
Thanks to the data recorded and communicated by its inertial unit, "the ABS Pro goes even further than BMW Motorrad ABS and provides additional safety when braking in bends, braking assisted by ABS being possible in an inclined position", recalls also BMW to beginner bikers … or from other brands !
The ABS Pro not only takes care of preventing any wheel lock, but also of keeping the rear wheel on the ground. "In ‘Rain’ and ‘Road’ driving modes, ABS Pro is designed for road use with medium to low grip, as well as providing excellent braking stability. Regulation takes place very early.".
"In" Dynamic "driving mode, the ABS Pro is based on road conditions with very good grip. The ABS Pro is adjusted accordingly to allow optimum deceleration, regulation takes place later and detection of rear wheel take-off is reduced ".
Whatever mode is chosen, the Dynamic brake Light function is activated: the riders following the motorcycle are warned that the rider is performing strong or emergency braking by flashing the brake light, then triggering the hazard warning lights if the speed drops below 14 km / h.
In terms of lighting, the F900XR makes full use of LEDs: for its double headlight with low beam and high beam, its rear light and its indicators. To have daytime running lights (LED and fiber optic), you must however select the Headlight Pro option….
This system also integrates – and above all – additional LED modules housed at the outer ends of the headlights and fitted with reflectors which serve to illuminate the inside of the bends as soon as the motorcycle leans more than 10 ° to one side or the side. other (7 ° on the roadster). "The additional (and light, Editor‘s note) lighting is optimally visible up to an inclined position of 25 °", BMW calculated.
As an option and exclusively in the mid-displacement segment, the F900XR can be equipped suspensions an electronically controlled shock absorber: its hydraulic "adapts automatically in the space of a thousandth of a second to given situations depending on the conditions and driving", assure the Germans.
Two settings are offered by this Dynamic ESA system: a "Road" more flexible and more oriented towards comfort and long distances, or a "Dynamic" more rigid and which allows a more sporty driving. The spring preload can also be managed with a button (long, stationary and engine running) on the same ESA button, depending on whether you are driving solo, duo loaded or not..
Instrumentation
Originally this time, the F900XR receives the 6.5-inch color TFT screen present on the R1250 series (the bestseller GS but also the R roadster) and has the same BMW Motorrad connectivity. Complete and very legible, the display is controlled using the buttons installed on the left stalk and the ingenious "Multi Controller".
"When a smartphone and a helmet equipped with the BMW Motorrad communication system are linked via Bluetooth via the TFT screen, the rider can easily access the media playback and telephone functions", the manufacturer praised, "including the BMW Motorrad Connected app. free also offers very practical arrow navigation ".
“Further information and displays (angle take-off, braking force, stopwatch, etc.) are available with the optional equipment Riding Modes Pro,” adds BMW. Finally, the F900XR can be equipped with rapid assistance in emergency situations "ecall" as well as the key system by transponder "Keyless Ride".
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