More radiance. More visibility. More prominence. In short – let there be light!
The full-LED swivelling headlights and adaptive headlights on the R 1250 GS and GS Adventure guarantee superior illumination to the side, up and down. In this way, the light is with you wherever you ride.
The LED turn signals with Cruising Light option provide an eye-catching appearance with constantly dimmed lighting at the front. At the rear, the multifunctional LED indicators increase passive safety. Further highlights include the Welcome and Goodbye function as well as the driving lights, which can be activated when the ignition is switched off – very practical when manoeuvring in the dark.
The BMW R 1250 GS is priced from R322 900.00
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is priced from R343 700.00
With the new Black Collection, BMW Motorrad is adding soft luggage solutions to its broad portfolio. They are the perfect biking complement for all weather conditions. True to the motto “For man and machine”, the collection was developed based on the needs of BMW Motorrad customers. Whether tank bag, rear bag or hip bag – all components of the extensive collection feature functional, innovative and consistent design. You are sure to find the perfect piece of luggage for every purpose and every adventure in the large range.
BMW South Africa has recently launched the dynamic new Roadster F 900 R and the F 900 XR in the Adventure Sport segment. In so doing, BMW Motorrad is further expanding its product range for the popular mid-range.
Both models offer sporty riding pleasure, straightforward handling and a unique range of equipment options, packaged to offer attractive value for money. Based on a powerful shared backbone, the two models differ significantly in terms of character and positioning.
The new F 900 R – the Dynamic Roadster for purist riding pleasure
Suitable for everyday riding, the new BMW F900 R is a dynamic roadster fashioned for self-confident, sporty and active bikers. Aimed at experienced riders and newcomers alike, the new F 900 R’s aggressive design, sound, engine output and torque conveys an irresistible sense of freedom.
The new F 900 XR – a genuine “XR” for the mid-range
The F 900 XR boasts sporty riding dynamics combined with upright, GS-like ergonomics, outstanding long-distance and passenger suitability and a design that conveys a powerful sense of character.
The new F 900 XR also benefits from the technology transfer from the upper class: Adaptive Cornering Light and Keyless Ride are unique features in the mid-range.
In addition to sporty riders, the XR is also aimed at newcomers thanks to its low minimum seat height and attractive entry price.
Pic Courtesy of BMW SA
Technology benchmark in the segment
The two new models – the F 900 R and F 900 XR – currently set the technological benchmark in the mid-range segment with their high-quality standard equipment (Connectivity, LED all round as standard) and their wide range of optional extras – in some cases unique in this class (including Adaptive Cornering Light, Keyless Ride, Dynamic ESA, Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, ABS Pro, engine drag torque control (MSR), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), and RDC.
Adaptive Cornering Light as a component of Headlight Pro, is unique in the mid-range and comes as an optional extra ex works
2-cylinder in-line engine along with new engine drag torque control
In the new F 900 R and F 900 XR, enhanced riding dynamics are ensured by the further development of the 2-cylinder in-line engine first introduced in 2018 in the F 850 GS. While offering a particularly emotional sound, the engine produces 77 kW of power and 92 Nm of torque.
In addition to the standard anti-hopping clutch, the new F 900 R and F 900 XR can be fitted with engine drag torque control (MSR) for the first time. MSR prevents the rear wheel from slipping as a result of abrupt throttling or downshifting, thereby ensuring even greater safety.
Pic Courtesy of BMW SA
Two standard riding modes
The new F 900 R and F 900 XR already offer the “Rain” and “Road” riding modes as standard. The standard trim also includes ABS and ASC Automatic Stability Control, which can be disengaged.
With “Riding Modes Pro” as an ex works option, the sporty characteristics of the new F 900 R and F 900 XR can be experienced even more intensively. The additional riding modes “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro”, Dynamic Traction Control DTC and banking capable ABS Pro are available, along with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and the new engine drag torque control (MSR).
Adaptive Cornering Light – unique in the mid-range segment
Even greater safety is offered by the Adaptive Cornering Light as a component of Headlight Pro, which is unique in the mid-range and comes as an optional extra ex works. Here, the rider benefits from improved illumination of the road when cornering for even safer riding at night. All lighting units in the new F models are based on LED technology as standard.
Readable colour 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity
The BMW Motorrad developers attached great importance to optimum readability for the instrument cluster – even in difficult lighting conditions. In addition, information diversity, display quality and user-friendliness are unmatched. The graphics on the screen are visually adapted to the sporty on-road world. Additional Core screens are available in conjunction with the optional Pro riding modes. The standard BMW Motorrad Connectivity is a unique feature in the mid-range, offering the ability to conveniently talk on the phone, listen to music or navigate while riding.
Cleverly designed ergonomic triangles for dynamic riding pleasure
As a dynamic roadster, the F 900 R offers a particularly sporty, active seating position.
Meanwhile the F 900 XR offers an impressively active yet relaxed riding position for touring and travelling. The front fairing – including an adjustable windshield – combines a sporty look with sound rider protection.
Various low and high seats along with the optional lowering feature also allow individual adjustment to various body heights.
Three powerful colour and style variants for an unmistakable sense of character
Three dynamic colour and style variants for the new F 900 R and F 900 XR ensure unmistakable characteristics.
The new F 900 R is available in Blackstorm metallic, San Marino Blue metallic and Style Sport in Hockenheim Silver metallic/Racing Red.
In addition to Light White, the new F 900 XR offers the two Style variants Style Exclusive in Galvanic Gold metallic and Sport in Racing Red.
In celebration of Father’s Month we caught up with adventure biker – Mnoneleli Ntshauzana and talked about his passion for motorcycles and what biking means to him.
– VUYI MPOFU – EDITOR
Fantastic Father: Mnoneleli Ntshauzana (34)
Full time job: Fantastic Father to Aziza (2)
Between 8 & 5: Works as a Transmission Controller
Brrrps around on a: BMW R 1200 GSA
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse the heavens opened up and spat on me…
– Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
1. H&H: What sparked your interest in motorcycling?
MN: My uncle, a traffic police officer, rode a Kawasaki to and from work. I was fascinated and began pestering him to take me riding. That soon escalated to sweetly requesting if I could start the bike for him when he left for work in the mornings. The sound of the bike’s engine was very different from that of any car I had ever heard. I was smitten and that’s how my love for the two-wheeled machine was born. When I was about 13 years old, I remember promising myself that I would buy a motorcycle before I bought a car. That’s exactly how things have turned out. I believe I was born to ride. I’m a biker through and through.
2. H&H: Who taught you how to ride and what was your first motorbike?
MN: My colleague taught me how to ride. I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I can’t remember what model the bike was but if memory serves me correctly it was a scrambler. During our lunch break, we would take his motorbike to a park close to our workplace. He showed me all I needed to know, from correctly starting the bike to safely pushing off. It took me 3 days to get comfortable on it and my early childhood resolve to get a motorbike was strongly rekindled. At the time, I got around using public transport but the queues at the taxi ranks were not my cup of tea. Fortunately I had saved up a bit. When I learnt that a colleague was emigrating to the USA and selling his Big Boy Voyager 250cc, I jumped at the opportunity. I felt like the king of the road on that scooter!
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
3. H&H: What made you choose the BMW R 1200 GSA over other adventure bikes on the market?
MN: I was already a staunch believer of the BMW Motorrad products as I was on a BMW R 1200 GS at the time. The 1200 GS had served me well for just under a year but as my riding experience and lifestyle evolved so too did my motorcycle needs. The GSA was therefore a natural progression for me. I was immediately attracted to the 1200 GSA as it came standard with many features. These included crash bars, wide foot peg, wide wind shield, spot lights, pannier brackets and cruise control. It also had a bigger fuel tank and slightly more comfy seat than the 1200 GS. Also, I had already determined, through owning the 1200 GS, that maintenance and running costs were within my affordability.
Later though, the dreaded – “aren’t you afraid of dying?” question came up.
– MNONELELI NTSHAUZANA
4. H&H: When you initially started out, how did your family feel about you taking up on 2-wheels?
MN: I think most bikers encounter the same negative reaction when we bring up the topic of becoming a biker. No-one really gives you the thumbs-up or fully supports you. When you start showing an active interest in motorcycles, you find that you are basically on your own. It wasn’t any different in my case. In an attempt to avoid the pre-explosion, I simply bought the bike and showed up. All I got was “your bike is beautiful”. Later though, the dreaded “aren’t you afraid of dying?” question came up. At that point, it was too late. I had made my choice.
Image courtesy of Sabie Valley Rider Academy
5. Would you encourage Aziza to ride in the future if she wanted to?
MN: If I could start her off at this early age I would definitely ride with her so she can get used to it. As she grows older and should she show interest, I will absolutely encourage her to ride. Motorcycling is an expression of freedom and I’d want her to experience the same sense of liberation which I enjoy when I saddle up.
6. H&H: Motorcycling is an enjoyable lifestyle. Share with us some unforgettable memories of your biking journey thus far.
MN: Riding home to Maclear in the Eastern Cape earlier this year easily comes to mind. I had previously made the journey on a Honda NC750x but doing so on my GSA changed the nature of the excursion completely. It was a far more comfortable, smoother and rider friendly trip. The cruise control element came in handy and the bike’s 30-litre fuel tank made the ride more fuel efficient.
I engaged my front brake and dismounted rather disgracefully from my saddle.
– mnoneleli ntshauzana
My 1200 GSA has seen more than its fair share of gravel! Some of my happiest memories include attending off-road rider training courses. These came in handy when I optimistically decided to ride solo through Naude’s Nek Pass in the Eastern Cape. Physically, I was more than prepared for the adventure but nothing could have primed me mentally. The Pass turned out to be endless. It snaked through varying degrees of gradient, offering nothing but dust, rocks and shadeless trees. Sheer vertical drops, seemingly into perpetual depths of nothingness on either side of my motorcycle made my heart beat more than I can articulate in printable English. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse the heavens opened up and spat relentlessly at me for the remainder of the ride. It was torture but I enjoyed it. That’s the love hate relationship bikers have with the elements.
Image courtesy of Sabie Valley Rider Academy
7. H&H: It can be said that riding a motorcycle is quite dangerous. What is your scariest biker memory?
I can best describe my scariest moment in 3 vivid parts.
Part 1: It all began when I dropped my bike in Swaziland, resulting in a fractured ankle. My friends and I had been riding on a sandy gravel road when I decided to change from the line I was riding in and take the line of the lead rider who was on my left-hand side. Forgetting that there would be a column of sand between the two riding lines, I attempted to cross to the left and that’s when the drama began. Immediately my from tyre bit the sand, my bike unsurprisingly started to slide out of control. What ensued over a 2-second time frame felt like 2-minutes of slow motion terror. The sand, coupled with my riding speed, was a recipe for a fall. All the rider training I knew came to play but nothing proved effective. Although I had the presence of mind to acknowledge that I was losing control of the situation I simultaneously made a rookie mistake. I engaged my front brake and dismounted rather disgracefully from my saddle.
I have learnt not to dwell on crappy situations and negative people
– MNONELELI NTSHAUZANA
Part 2: You would think that the scary part would have been the fall but you’d be wrong. Falling is not unusual however looking down at the shattered bones which just 3-minutes prior had formed my healthy ankle all but freaked me out. The pain was excruciating and I wondered if I wasn’t dying.
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
8. H&H: Biking is not just about the machine; its a life skill. What, if anything, have you learnt since taking up on 2-wheels?
I’ve learnt that there is so much more to appreciate in life than what culture and society conditions us to believe. There isn’t a template for living your life. You make your own life in your own way. BMW Motorrad’s tag #MakeLifeARide truly embodies how I live and my attitude towards every day that I am blessed with.
Part 3: I don’t know why I didn’t just pass out and wake up in a hospital bed like in the movies. If that had happened I might have been spared the third part of my scare which was mental. Thoughts of being never being able to ride or walk again, (yes in that order) hounded my mind mercilessly. Fortunately my injury wasn’t that severe. Several medical procedures later I am fully healed and have been happily riding once again.
Hanging up my helmet at someone else’s request is simply not an option.
– mnonoleli ntshauzana
Biking has also taught me that time is a gift and as such I have learnt not to dwell on crappy situations and negative people. With the understanding that my life could change in a heartbeat, it is in my best interest to be as happy as possible, as often as possible.
Of equal importance, joining the biker community has taught me about the value of friendship, brotherhood and the love that people on bikes have for on another and people as a whole. We are a misunderstood group of people, often branded as rebels, misfits, yet bikers are some of the warmest people I have ever met with a heart for other people. I don’t think the non-biking public is aware of the amazing things bikers do for communities i.e. charity work.
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
9. H&H: How often do you ride and what are some of the places you have ventured to?
I ride often because I use my bike to commute to work. I make it a point to ride off-road twice a month or just ride in search of roads not commonly travelled. Riding is a form of therapy for me and whenever I feel off-centre, I ride to re-balance my emotional and mental energy.
I have been privileged to visit extraordinary places in and around South Africa. My favorite destinations include off-the-beaten-trail hide-aways in Mpumalanga, the Free State and the North West. Lesotho and Swaziland also offer some world-class tourist sights and have roads which seem to have been designed with bikers in mind. As soon as it is permissible I will look to traveling to countries such as Namibia and Botswana.
If if were possible, I’d be the guy who would upgrade his bike each time there was a new one on the market!
– mnoneleli ntshauzana
10. If asked to hang up your helmet forever would you do so?
I hope never to be asked such a horrible question! Hanging up my helmet at someone else’s request is simply not an option. I would probably distance myself from that person because they would have demonstrated a clear lack of understanding of who I am and what makes me happy. In short, don’t ask me to do that.
11. H&H: You win the lottery and immediately start swiping your platinum card. Which bikes does the neighborhood see being delivered to your house (on a trailer of course?)
Let me start by saying that if if were possible, I’d be the guy who would upgrade his bike each time there was a new one on the market! But to answer your question, I’d get three completely different types of bikes. A city run-around, an adventure bike and a street bike. These would be:
BMW R 1250 GS: This would be my adventure bike. It looks good and has incredible technology.
BMW R Nine T: I just love this lifestyle bike. I would use it for casual riding around town, you know coffee dates and the like.
Ducati Superleggeria V4: I’m not particularly crazy about speed but I would make an exception for this monster and use it on the track.
You can follow Mnoneleli’s adventure on Instagram: @guyonbikesa
In celebration of Father’s Month we caught up with adventure biker – Mojaki Rammoneng and talked about his passion for motorcycles and what biking means to him.
Vuyi mpofu – editor
Fantastic Father: Mojaki Rammoneng (39)
Married to: Tumi (37)
Full time job: Husband and Fantastic Father of two gorgeous girls Kabelo (12) and Tshegofatso (2)
Between 8 & 5: Works as a Quality Assessor
Brrrps around on a: Honda Africa Twin Adventure CRF 1000 D (2018 model)
When I arrived home on a super bike my wife didn’t speak with me for 3 full weeks!
– Mojaki Rammoneng
1. H&H: What sparked your interest in motorcycling?
MR: I did a bit of off-road driving and enjoyed the adrenalin rush. When I stopped due to financial reasons, I realized that a cheaper way of getting the same adrenalin rush would be on 2-wheels; so I decided to explore biking.
2. H&H: Who taught you how to ride, what was your first motorbike?
MR: Surprisingly, I am self-taught. I simply dived into it! First, I bought a 250cc scrambler and headed for the bush. A couple of falls later, I started to get the hang of it. Next, I bought a road legal 250cc Motomia and hit the road. 6 months after that I took a deep breath and went for a Suzuki GSR600. Since 2018 I have been in the saddle of a Honda AfricaTwin Adventure and have made many happy memories.
Mojaki currently rides the AfricaTwin CFR 1000D Adventure bike he won in 2018. Image courtesy of Mojaki Rammoneng
3. H&H: What made you choose the Honda Africa Twin Adventure CRF 1000 D over other adventure bikes on the market?
MR: To be honest, I stumbled into the Adventure Bike category by sheer luck. I was a super bike rider at heart but decided to enter an off-road biking competition in 2018, the Honda Quest. To my delight and I emerged as the first placed winner! In fact, I won the bike I currently ride. Immediately I got home I sold the super bike because I had fallen in love with adventure riding.
Riding with Kabelo has provided us with invaluable bonding sessions
– mojaki rammoneng
4. H&H: What do you like most and least about your bike?
MR: I have a lot more likes than dislikes, hence I haven’t sold it yet. The things I like most are:
My bike is a DCT. Riding a bike with an automatic transmission makes a world of a difference especially when I go off-road. It gives me confidence and takes away a lot of things that would otherwise run through your mind during a ride.. On a manual transmission bike I would worry if I am in the correct gear; if I might stall the engine. I would also have to constantly wonder if I need to drop a gear in order to get more power. All those thoughts are not particularly conducive to a safe riding environment. The environment in an off-road situation can change in a heart beat and riders need to focus on staying upright more than anything else.
I only need to service my AfricaTwin Adventure every 12000kms. This is a much longer interval than most brands. I like that I can ride for much longer periods without having to frequently take my bike in.
Cost of ownership is “wallet-friendly”.
My AfricaTwin Adventure is incredibly comfortable, a feature whis comes in handy when I go on long haul rides. I have hardly ever arrived at a distination with a sore back.
The only think I dislike about my bike is that it is now what I would consider an older model. It lacks the latest rider-aids and technologies such as heated grips and cruise control.
I’ve learnt to enjoy my own company and often have the most enlightening conversations with myself!
– Mojaki Rammoneng
5. H&H: When you initially started out, how did Tumi feel about you taking up on 2-wheels?
MR: She didn’t take it well at all! She was ok with the 250cc scrambler. No disrespect but a 250cc isn’t very intimidating so maybe she didn’t quite consider it as a real motorbike. That all changed though, the day I came home on a super bike. The best way I can describe it is to say it became World War 3! She didn’t speak to me for full 3 weeks but I didn’t back down.
At aged 12, Kabelo is already an experienced pillion! Image courtesy of Mojaki Rammoneng
6. H&H: How do your daughters feel about you being a biker?
MR: My 12 year old daughter Kabelo loves it to bits, she insists on riding with me every chance she gets. As you can imagine it was nerve wrecking the first few times, but having her as a pillion has enhanced my safety consciousness. I find that riding with Kabelo makes me even more careful on the road. I am extremely grateful to my wife for supporting Kabelo to ride with me given her personal misgivings. It is a true testament of her trust in me and support of Kabelo’s obvious passion. My riding times with Kabelo have proved to be invaluable bonding sessions. Soon she will be teenager and it is vitally important to me that she sees me as both a parent and confidant. At age 2, Tsego doesn’t have an opinion as yet!
My tumble highlighted just how fragile and short life is.
– Mojaki rammoneng
7. H&H: Picture this. Kabelo announces that she too wants to ride ‘just like daddy’. What immediately goes through your mind?
MR: First thought? Absolutely! Second thought? What will Tumi say? Third thought? I’m dead! Assuming Tumi agrees I would definitely teach Kabelo to learn how to ride. Attending riding courses will be mandatory of course. I cannot overemphasize the importance of defensive riding skills. Biking will expand her horizons, give her something to focus on and hopefully keep her out of mischief! On a serious note though, I look forward to the first breakfast ride – with Kabelo commanding her own bike. That will truly be special.
8. H&H: Motorcycling is an enjoyable lifestyle. Share with us 3 most memorable highlights of your biking journey thus far.
MR: Without a doubt winning the Honda Quest in 2018 and riding off on an incredible machine is top of my list! I’ve also had the wonderful opportunity to ride with industry legends. Movers and shakers such as Mat Durrans (Presenter, The Bike Show) and Donavan Fourie , (Editor, Bike SA Magazine). I have watched these reputable bikers for the longest time and riding with them was quite surreal. Through biking, I have travelled to amazing places. I have ventured to stand out destinations such as Tankwa Karoo, Namaqua National Park, Vioolsdrif Richtersveld. Lesotho is one of my favorite destinations. Its breath-taking mountain passes and fantastic off-road routes make my heart sing!
Every now and then I feel the need for speed. I think the best tool for that job will be the R1 2011 Big-Bang
– Mojaki Rammoneng
9. H&H: It can be said that riding a motorcycle is quite dangerous. What is your scariest biker memory?
MR: Having an accident on my super bike easily comes to mind. Thank goodness it wasn’t fatal. The silver lining of that incident however, is that it changed my attitude towards these amazing machines. Motorcycles are not toys. They should be treated with respect at all times. My tumble highlighted just how fragile and short life is.
10. H&H: Biking is not just about the machine; its a life skill. What, if anything, have you learnt since taking up on 2-wheels?
MR: Being on a motorbike has reminded me to live and enjoy life to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised. Of course that can be said about any aspect of life. The reality is that long life is not guaranteed. We need to appreciate every day that we are blessed with. Furthermore, biking has taught me to be ‘alive’ and to be ‘present’ in all my waking moments. Biking has also taught me to be more comfortable in my own skin. I’ve learnt to appreciate my own company; so much so that I regularly have the most enlightened conversations with myself while riding – all in my helmet of course!
Image courtesy of Mojaki Rammoneng
11.H&H: How often do you ride and what are some of the places you have ventured to?
MR: I ride to work at least 3 days a week and dedicate every second weekend of the month for dirt/gravel riding. I sometimes ride with friends but I usually ride alone because that’s my ‘me time’. Time alone is a critical part of my emotional and mental health. It allows me to regain balance in my life and I re-emerge as a much better man, father and husband.
12. H&H: If asked to hang up your helmet forever would you do so?
MR: That would be a very big ask. I would turn into an extremely miserable father and husband. I sincerely hope I am never asked to do that!
Honda Goldwing
Yamaha YZF-R1 Big Bang
13. H&H: You win the lottery and immediately start swiping your platinum card. Which bikes does the neighborhood see being delivered to your house (on a trailer of course?)
MR: There’d probably be 3 bikes on that trailer.
The 2020 AfricaTwin Adventure. This bike hits all the right notes for me. It is equipped with all the rider-aids you can think of and is brilliant to ride off-road.
The Yamaha YZF-R1 Big-bang. Every now and then I feel the need for speed. I think this bike would be best tool for the job.
BMW K1600 GTL or Honda Goldwing. To prove to Tumi that you can still ride long distances with compromising on comfort. These bikes, which some people affectionally refer to as couches – are as cushy as a luxury car.
You can follow Mojaki’s adventures on @mojakirammoneng (Instagram)
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
Pic Courtesy of BMW SA
Pic Courtesy of BMW SA
