BMW F900R

BMW Motorrad India has launched two new middleweight motorcycles in India, the F 900 R and the F 900 XR. The former is a naked sport while the latter is an adventure sport tourer. The F 900 R is priced at Rs. 9.9 lakh. The F 900 XR Standard is priced at Rs.10.5 lakh while the F 900 XR Pro is priced at Rs. 11.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The BMW F 900 R has the right amount of muscle needed from a roadster. The exposed engine, fat rear tyre and the aggressive stance give it solid presence. The contrast side panels, sculpted fuel tank and the gold forks add even more muscle. What tops off the design is the headlamp with dual crescent shaped LEDs in the middle! Viewed in profile, the F 900 R looks like the elder sibling of the BMW G 310 GS.

On the other hand, the BMW F 900 XR is a proper adventure sport tourer. It is meant to be ridden on tarmac, for long distance if you like. It is based on the same chassis as the F 900 R but gets different panels and slightly different riding dynamics along with a taller ride height, thanks to a taller seat. The F 900 XR is also longer and wider than the F 900 R along with having a bigger windscreen.

Both motorcycles get the same 895 cc parallel-twin engine. It has a bigger 86 mm bore, with stroke remaining the same at 77 mm and is derived from the 853 cc motor of the F 750 GS and F 850 GS. The engine puts out 105 bhp at 8,500 rpm, with peak torque of 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The new engine has two balancer shafts to keep vibrations in check and it is a load-bearing member as well. The F 900 R does the 0-100 kmph sprint in 3.7 seconds while the XR does the same in 3.6 seconds.

Both motorcycles get Rain and Road mode along with automatic stability control as standard. The ABS and stability control can be disengaged fully. Other standard features include full LED lighting. Like other BMW middleweights, the bikes do get optional 'Pro' modes along with drag torque control, dynamic traction control, ABS Pro and dynamic brake control as well. Other optional feature that is on sale is the BMW electronic suspension adjustment (ESA). You could also choose to get adaptive cornering lights on them. The 6.5-inch full colour TFT screen is a standard fitment.