The BMW F900R falls into that category of brilliant everyday bikes that somehow get overlooked. After a couple of weeks of riding, here's why this 895cc roadster deserves more attention than it gets.
When you think BMW motorcycles, your mind probably jumps to the S1000RR superbike, the adventure-ready GS range, or perhaps the heritage-rich R18 or R Nine T boxer range. The F900R? It's the bike that gets mentioned in passing, the one that ticks all the boxes without making a fuss about it.
There's something beautifully ironic about forgotten motorcycles. The BMW F900R sits in that peculiar space where it does everything brilliantly, yet somehow gets overshadowed by flashier siblings. It's the middle child of the roadster family, reliable, capable and criminally underrated. It's not a bike that'll have you turning around in car parks for one last look, but it is the kind of bike that quietly gets on with the job of being capable of everything you throw at it.
The Heart of the Matter: That Controversial Engine
Let's address the elephant in the room straight away. Yes, the F900R's 895cc parallel-twin engine is manufactured in China. No, that's not a problem. This engine, designed in Germany and built by Loncin, powers not just the F900R but also the F900XR, F900GS and it's genuinely excellent.
Producing 77kW (105hp) and 92Nm of torque at 6,500rpm, the numbers might not blow you away on paper, but in the real world, this engine delivers exactly what you want from a roadster. It's got character but more importantly, it's got usability. Whether you're filtering through peak-hour traffic or opening it up on a country road, the power delivery is smooth, predictable, and thoroughly enjoyable.
The quick shifter deserves special mention. BMW's quick shifters are typically excellent, and the F900R's unit works brilliantly from pretty much any gear. There's something deeply satisfying about clicking through the gears without touching the clutch, especially when that light clutch action means you barely notice when you do need to use it.
Real-World Performance: Where It Shines
This is where the F900R truly excels, in the everyday stuff that actually matters. During my time with the bike, I found myself using it for everything: daily commutes and weekend rides. The riding position strikes that perfect balance between comfort and engagement. The handlebars are slightly lower than the F900XR and the foot pegs are positioned just a touch further back, but these are subtle changes that add up to a more dynamic feel without sacrificing comfort. You can ride this bike all day without complaint.
The TFT display and switchgear are typically BMW, intuitive, well-designed, and functional. No fumbling around trying to figure out how to change settings; everything just makes sense. The rider modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Dynamic Pro) offer genuine differences in power delivery and throttle response, with Dynamic mode being my preferred setting for most riding.
How It Stacks Against the Competition
Looking at the competition, the F900R sits in a crowded field. The Yamaha MT-09 is probably the main competitor, similar price range at around $17,899, similar power output, and both are naked roadsters with aggressive styling. I actually think the BMW looks better than the MT-09, and it certainly feels more premium.
The Kawasaki Z900 is another direct competitor, also sitting around that $17,000 mark. Then you've got bikes like the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP at around $18,000 and the Triumph Street Triple 765 R (from $18,590), which are both in the same naked roadster category, though the Triumph and Yamaha are triples rather than twins.
What sets the F900R apart from this competition is the overall quality and refinement. Everything feels premium, the switchgear, the TFT display, the build quality. It's like a more premium MT-09, and that quality is immediately apparent.
The available colours, Snapper Rocks Blue, Black Storm Metallic, and Racing Blue Metallic, are all attractive, though that Snapper Rocks Blue is particularly striking. It's one of those paint schemes that photographs beautifully and looks even better in person.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits
No bike is perfect, and the F900R has a few quirks that prevent it from being the complete package. The air intakes, visible when you're riding, look unfinished, as if the fairing should extend just a bit further. It's a minor aesthetic complaint, but on a bike where everything else looks so polished, it stands out.
The tank stickers are another small gripe. They're clearly stickers rather than painted graphics, and you can see the outline. Again, it's a minor point, but when everything else feels premium, these details matter.
More significantly, cruise control isn't standard equipment, though it is available as an option. Given the bike's capabilities and the fact that it has the button blanks ready to go, this feels like an oversight. For a bike that's so well-suited to longer rides, cruise control should be standard.
Who Should Buy the F900R?
The F900R is perfect for riders who want one bike that does everything well. If you're commuting during the week, hitting the twisties on weekends, and occasionally venturing further afield, this bike will handle all of it competently.
It's also ideal for riders who appreciate quality engineering and premium touches. The BMW badge isn't just marketing, there’s genuine substance behind it in terms of build quality and attention to detail.
The Bottom Line
The BMW F900R is a genuinely excellent motorcycle that deserves more attention than it gets. It's refined, capable, and built to a standard that justifies its premium positioning. The engine works brilliantly, the chassis is well-sorted, and the feature set is comprehensive.
Is it the most exciting bike in its class? Probably not. Will it put a smile on your face every time you ride it? Absolutely.
Have you ridden the BMW F900R? Share your thoughts in the comments below, especially if you're an owner with long-term experience.