BMW Motorrad is all set to launch its middleweight duo of F 900 XR and F 900 R in India on May 21. The XR is an adventure tourer while the F 900 R is a naked streetfighter. Both the midweights share the new, bored out version of the F 850 GS/F 750 GS’ motor. However, the geometry is different on both the bikes (hence the rider’s triangle) and so is the suspension.
The F 900 R and the F 900 XR share the parallel-twin 895cc motor, producing 103bhp at 8,750rpm and 92Nm at 6,500rpm. BMW claims that 87Nm is available between 4,500rpm to 8,500rpm. These Bimmers also get two opposed counterbalance shafts to minimise vibrations and improve handling.
Both the bikes are loaded with electronics, featuring two riding modes—Rain and Road as standard along with ABS and stability control. BMW also offers IMU-based traction control, braking control, switchable ABS, engine drag torque control as option.
These bikes feature some unique elements as well like the plastic-welded fuel tanks, which will be seen for the first time on any motorcycle and adaptive cornering lights which again is a first in the segment. The bikes get a 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW motorcycle connectivity as standard. The cluster is already seen on the latest-gen BMWs including the S 1000 RR and R 1250 GS. You also get keyless riding and Bluetooth connectivity as an option.
We expect the F 900 XR to be priced in India as around Rs 14 lakh while the F 900 R would ideally be priced at around Rs 12 lakh for the base variants.