EICMA 2019: BMW Motorrad unveils F 900 R, F 900 XR, S 1000XR and R 18/2 concept

BMW adds a new roadster and a sports tourer in their portfolio. A cruiser from the German brand will soon seethe light of the day too     

BMW Motorrad has made some big announcements at EICMA this year. After a successful run with the S 1000 RR, BMW announced their comeback in the World Superbike Championship as well as the Endurance World Championship. The brand also unveiled its new motorcycles for 2020, starting with the F 900 R, a new roadster along with the 2020 S 1000 XR and the all-new F 900 XR. Another surprise from BMW came in the form of the R 18 /2, a cruiser based on the R 18 concept showcased at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este last year.

All about the F 900 R and the F 900 XR

The F 900 R and the F 900 XR share the same parallel-twin 895cc engine, 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.

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 Dynamic traction control, Dynamic braking control, ABS pro, engine drag torque control as options.

These bikes feature some unique elements as well like the plastic-welded fuel tanks, which are seen for the first time on any motorcycle and adaptive cornering light which is a first in the segment. The bikes get a 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW motorcycle connectivity as standard. The F 900 R marks BMW Motorrad’s re-entry in the super crowded mid-weight segment.

The 2020 S 1000 XR

The new BMW S 1000 XR gets a newly-developed in-line four engine based on the new S 1000 RR, tuned to suit the XR’s character along with revised gear ratios. The bike produces 163bhp at 11,000rpm and 114Nm at 9,250rpm. BMW claims that the torque is linear for better rideability.

The bike also flaunts a new flex frame, which makes the engine as the stress member, and also improves the ergonomics of the bike. The swingarm on the S 1000 XR is 19 percent lighter with directly articulated suspension strut for an even more sensitive response. The frame and swingarm are now 2.1kg lighter and the overall weight reduction is 10kg.

Electronics on the bike include a new 6-axis IMU and the standard electronics include traction control, wheelie control, slip control and engine brake function. Four riding modes include Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro and there’s also Hill Start Control Pro.

The S 1000 XR also gets the latest BMW’s latest-gen of electronically-adjustable suspension as standard. It also gets a new LED headlamp and loses the asymmetrical fascia a la the S 1000 RR.

BMW has also showcased the R 18 /2 cruiser spawned from the R 18 concept. It gets the same 1800cc boxer twin. Though the brand did not reveal more details, the bike will have a special unveiling next, maybe at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.