BMW Motorrad Philippines wants to take the fight to the Japanese naked bikes with its latest “Challenger,” the F 900 R. Launched last June 20, 2020 during a digital event, the new naked roadster offers a very comprehensive package at a price point right within the hotly contested PhP590k – PhP700k middleweight naked bike segment, typically populated by Japanese offerings.
The F 900 R hopes to bring BMW’s quality, performance, and enjoyment to more Pinoy riders. It boasts of sporty riding fun, straightforward handling, and a unique range of equipment options, packaged to offer attractive value for money, from a motorcycle made in Berlin, Germany.
The heart of the F 900 R is the same twin-cylinder engine found on the F 850 GS, bored up from 853 cc to 895 cc. To help produce more power, the cylinder heads were machined and new forged pistons were used (previously cast pistons). This creates a particularly powerful, emotional sound comparable to a 90-degree V2 engine. It’s channeled through a completely new and very sporty underfloor silencer system made of stainless steel and unique, twin side exhaust muffler.
It now produces 106 Ps and an even fuller torque curve with a maximum torque of 92 Nm. Paired with a six speed transmission, it can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed over 200 km/h.
BMW Motorrad has sought to imbue it with lightness and agility. As such, the F 900 R also makes use of a steel bridge frame that integrates the engine as a load-bearing element. The 13-liter fuel tank is now back to its classic position in front of the rider. Front wheel control is taken care of by an upside-down telescopic fork, while the rear wheel is guided by a double-sided swinging arm with central suspension strut. All told, the F 900 R tips the scales at 211 kg (wet weight).
To help reign in all this power, the new F 900 R features 'Rain' and 'Road' riding modes that come as standard. These settings can be gleamed on its new full-color 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW motorcycle connectivity. Besides the ride modes, there’s also ABS and traction control fitted as standard. The bike even has a built-in lean angle sensor as well as data logger for the more technically-inclined riders. Its also started with just the press of a button, thanks to its keyless system.
Illuminating the road is the bikes all-LED lighting. LED bulbs are fitted on everything from low-beam, high-beam, brake lamps and turn signals.
Worried about the seat height? In the standard configuration, the seat height is only at 815 mm. BMW Motorrad Philippines offers three more seat options for riders of varying height. The lowest puts the seat height at 775 mm, a second at 790 mm, and a third at a higher 865 mm. Of course, these changes will cost an additional amount, yet to be determined.
The F 900 R is available in two variants: the Standard trim, and a higher-end variant called Style Sport. Style Sport adds adaptive headlights (that point into the corner), dynamic traction control, dynamic ESA (electronic suspension adjustment), Gear Shift Assist Pro, and Riding Modes Pro.
Riding Modes Pro includes additional riding modes, 'Dynamic' and 'Dynamic Pro', Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and cornering capable ABS Pro, along with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and the new engine drag torque control (MSR).
The F 900 R comes in Blackstorm metallic and San Marino Blue metallic. Exclusive to the Style Sport trim is the Hockenheim Silver metallic and Racing Red.
Finally, we get to the best part of the new F 900 R, the price. The Standard will be offered at PhP 655,000. The Style Sport will be offered at PhP 775,000. These aren't Asian-made bikes. Both trims will be German made.
In addition to the motorcycle and low seat options, BMW also has wide variety of accessories and luggage that can attach to the bike.
The F 900 R is now available at all BMW Motorrad showrooms. Due to the unique circumstances of the times, BMW requests that all interested parties contact their chosen dealer prior to the visit.
