BMW has announced the F900 R, its latest roadster, powered by a yet-again updated version of its parallel twin platform.
The F900 R uses a 895 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, a big-bore version of the F850 platform that was unveiled a couple of years ago. The increase in capacity comes from going to an 86 mm bore, from 84 mm.
Firing order for the revised engine is 277/450 degrees. Like the F850 version, there are two balancer shafts that reduce vibration. Compression is 13.1:1, and the crankshaft has 90–degree offset crankpins. All together, this is supposed to make the F900 engine feel like a V-twin. It’s rated for 105 hp at 8,750 rpm, and 68 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.
Although the parallel twin engine isn’t as flash as BMW’s boxers or inline fours, there’s a fair bit of electro-trickery fitted to this bike as standard, and lots more as optional. Stock, it comes with Rain and Road riding modes, as well as Automatic Stability Control (BMW-speak for traction control). An anti-hop clutch is standard, but if you pay extra you can also get an up/down quickshifter and engine drag torque control system (in case of sloppy downshifts) fitted.
There are optional riding modes which give the rider snappier throttle output, leaning ABS, and all sorts of customization of the braking and traction control systems. Cornering-adaptive headlights are also optional, and so is an emergency services calling system. A keyless unlocking system is also available at extra cost.
Electronic semi-active suspension adjustment is also optional for the rear shock (front forks are USD units, fairly basic, it seems). A 6.5-inch TFT screen is standard, controlled from the left handlebar; riders can use this to control the bike’s electronics, as well as view navigation instructions or stream music.
Not all the changes are electronic; some of the simple things, like the fuel tank, are also interesting. BMW says these are the first bikes in the world with lightweight welded-plastic fuel tanks. Those fuel tanks are in front of the rider, by the way, not in back, as has often been the case with BMW’s parallel twins.
The frame is a steel bridge arrangement, using the engine as a stressed member. Wheels are 17-inchers, front and rear, as you’d expect. Wet weight is 211 kg.
As you’d expect, there is a variety of seats, heated grips, add-on windscreens and other useful bits available as well. The F900 R will be available in Canada early in 2020, with an MSRP of $10,350.
