2020 BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR | First Look Review

2020 BMW F 900 XR in Racing Red.
2020 BMW F 900 XR in Racing Red
2020 BMW F 900 R in Hockenheim Silver Metallic/Racing Red
2020 BMW F 900 R in Hockenheim Silver Metallic/Racing Red

BMW surprised us with two new mid-range models, the 2020 F 900 R and the F 900 XR, both based around a slightly enlarged version of the parallel twin released last year that powers the F 850 GS. With an increase from 853cc to 895cc, BMW says the new engine is good for 99 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque, and its dual counterbalancers result in a smooth riding experience.

Apart from the engine, the 2020 F 900 R and the F 900 XR also share a steel frame and rear subframe and feature unique lightweight plastic-welded fuel tanks (3.4 gals. for the R, 4.0 gals. for the XR), a 6.5-inch TFT display, LED lighting, two ride modes (Rain and Road), ABS and ASC (Automatic Stability Control) as standard.

F 900 TFT display
A 6.5-inch TFT display will come standard on both the F 900 R and F 900 XR.

Options include Riding Modes Pro, which adds Dynamic and Dynamic Pro ride modes, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), cornering ABS (ABS Pro), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and engine drag torque control (MSR), which prevents rear wheel hop when decelerating. Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension, rear only) is also available as is Headlight Pro, which adds cornering lights, and Keyless Ride.

Both models feature an upside-down fork and rear monoshock, with 5.3 inches of travel at the front, 5.6 at the rear on the F 900 R, and 6.7 front, 6.8 rear on the F 900 XR. Claimed curb weight is 465 pounds for the R and 483 pounds for the XR.

The 2020 F 900 R will be available in Blackstorm Metallic, San Marino Blue Metallic and Hockenheim Silver Metallic/Racing Red, and MSRP is $8,995.

The 2020 F 900XR will be available in Light White, Galvanic Gold Metallic and Racing Red, and MSRP is $11,695.

Check out Rider’s Guide to New Street Motorcycles for 2020

Keep scrolling for more photos….

2020 BMW F 900 XR in Racing Red.
2020 BMW F 900 XR in Racing Red
2020 BMW F 900 XR in Galvanic Gold
2020 BMW F 900 XR in Galvanic Gold
2020 BMW F 900 XR in Light White
2020 BMW F 900 XR in Light White
2020 BMW F 900 XR
Plenty of touring accessories will be available for the F 900 XR, including the lights and saddlebags as seen on the bike to the left.
2020 BMW F 900 R in Hockenheim Silver Metallic/Racing Red
2020 BMW F 900 R in Hockenheim Silver Metallic/Racing Red
2020 BMW F 900 R in Blackstorm Metallic
2020 BMW F 900 R in Blackstorm Metallic

12 COMMENTS

  1. I’m deeply ambivalent, but I think this BMW may be my next BMW. It’s sad because I held up so much hope for the new Suzuki V-Strom 1000. Having owned three new ‘Stroms (‘09, ‘12, ‘15) that have served me extremely well, I really wanted the 2020 model to be the one. Nope. Not close. So now, based on my previous experience with BMW’s lousy service and high cost of ownership, I have to seriously consider doing what I said I’d never do – buy another BMW. Don’t get me wrong, Suzuki will have a special place in my heart, I’ve owned one kind or another for over 45 years, but apparently it’s futile to resist BMW’s offerings. Damn it!

  2. The elephant in the room – the surprisingly low weight of the new KTM 790 has reset the goal posts for all 2020 middle-weight ADV bikes – so what does the new BMW F900 weigh?

    • Any information on seat heights? These adventure bikes always have seats somewhere in the stratosphere making them out of reach for the inseam challenged.

      • Seat heights…
        F 900 R: 32.1 inches (can be lowered to 30.3 inches w/ optional low seat and lowered suspension)
        F 900 XR: 32.5 inches (can be lowered to 30.5 inches w/ optional low seat and lowered suspension)

  3. How will the Moto Guzzi 85TT compare as a mid size tourer to the new BMW ? Two reasonably priced interesting options for long distance travel without riding an expensive heavyweight?

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