BMW’s allnew 2020 F 900 R naked bike (starting at $8,995) certainly made an impression on us during its official US press ride introduction in Santa Barbara, California (learn more in the 2020 BMW F 900 R Review First Ride). And after logging a few hundred more miles on this Berlinbuilt motorcycle we’re even bigger fans of it, especially for aroundtown commuting.



In spite of its relatively hefty 465pound curb weight, the F 900 R impresses with athletic handling. It goes around lowspeed bends better than it should for a motorcycle of its size, plus the suspenders filter the effects of worn pavement well. Much of the credit goes to its wellcalibrated suspension components, which are some of the best we’ve sampled on a production streetbike at this price point. Bridgestone’s awesome Battlax S21 rubber further complements the handling—offering trackgrade grip and surefooted stability at speed.

We’re equally mesmerized with the character and power dynamic of the 895cc parallel twin. It combines the best features of a traditional Vtwin, including punchyfeeling bottomend torque, with the intrinsic rumble and rowdy intake roar that makes this configuration so lovable. Yet the engine is much more compact, which aids in packaging and reduces weight and complexity.

The engine drinks fuel from a 3.4gallon fuel tank, which could be bigger. On a side note, the F 900 XR version gets an extra 0.7gallon capacity. During spirited riding we netted a 38mpg average. This nets a range of 129.2 miles. A superslicklooking 6.5inch color display keeps tabs on machine vitals and is manipulated via Motorrad’s signature multifunction wheel—a feature introduced on the premium K 1600 GTL eight years ago. Furthemore, the display can be paired via Bluetooth with the free BMW Motorrad Connected iOS app, which allows turnbyturn navigation.

Other creature comforts include a cozy and wellsupportive rider and passenger saddle. and the ability to adjust all of the control surfaces (levers, brake pedal, and handlebar). The rider can also choose between two global riding modes (Rain and Street). For a $350 upcharge, riders can access Ride Mode’s Dynamic and Dynamic Pro settings that enable IMUpowered automatic stability control and ABS. Bold LED lighting with optional corner functionality makes the Rbike especially friendly for night rides.

Riders who desire a fun and capable aroundtown naked bike will be pleased with the F 900 R. Factor in its ultrahigh build quality and careful attention to subtle details, like the angled tire valve stems and braided steel brake lines, and you have a motorcycle that looks and rides much better than you’d anticipate based on MSRP.

Find out more: https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/st...

Video/edit: ‪@AdamWaheed‬
Photography: Kevin Wing

Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/c/Motorcyclist...
Motorcyclist Shirts: https://teespring.com/stores/motorcyc...
Shop Products We Use: https://www.amazon.com/shop/motorcycl...

See more from us: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/