Anyone who has ever met me would be hard-pressed to use the word ‘tall’ to describe me, so, when it came to selecting a bike, I had to be mindful of which it would be.
– Crescentia Ndimande
Anyone who has ever met me would be hard-pressed to use the word ‘tall’ to describe me. Not that I am diminutive but rather it is important that any motorcycle I chose has to accommodate my particular height. So, when it came to selecting a bike to use at the 15thInternational Female Ride Day 2021 I was careful in the iron horse which I would champion.
The models on display at BMW Motorrad Fourways, were all appealing and at first, I gravitated towards the R 1600 RT; but after sitting on it I realized I would need to choose something much lower. Gift Gumbi, Motorrad Sales Executive, suggested I try the F 900 XR and I immediately remembered it as the bike which Vuyi Mpofu had used on her Pride of Africa Ride the previous year. Knowing that Vuyi is approximately the same height as me, I was hopeful that the F 900 XR would ‘fit’ me too.
Jumping onto the bike and switching on the engine, I discovered yet another pleasant surprise – the 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity.
– CRESCENTIA NDIMANDE
The model available to me was Galvanic Gold and from the moment I sat astride it I was confident the F 900 XR would suit me just fine.
To be sure, however, I asked to take it for a quick spin and discovered, to my delight, that it was a Keyless ride, further scoring it points in my book.
The convenience of it being keyless signaled I would not have to worry about searching for the key in the numerous pockets of my jacket and pants.
Jumping onto the bike and switching on the engine, I discovered yet another pleasant surprise – the 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity. Fitted as standard, I knew this feature would be handy during this and any other ride.
The screen is big enough to read comfortably while riding, which is great news for people like me who wear glasses or contact lenses. Satisfied with my final choice, I left the dealership and spent the next few days familiarizing myself with the features of the F 900 XR.
The day of the Ride finally arrived and to my dismay, it was cold and wet. Fortunately, the mid-range F 900 XR is fitted with “Rain” and “Road” riding modes as standard. I simply selected the appropriate mode to suit the wet tarmac and set off to meet the other women from all across Gauteng who would be attending the ride.
Powered by an 895cc engine, and with a fuel capacity of 15.5 litres, I didn’t have to worry about performance nor fuel efficiency. The F 900 XR weighs 219kg and at first, this had been a concern for me because I had had a tennis elbow operation on my right hand. 219kg is a hefty amount of metal but instead, the sports adventure bike proved light and easy to manoeuver.
Powered by an 895cc engine, and with a fuel capacity of 15.5 litres, I didn’t have to worry about performance nor fuel efficiency.
Of all the things I found impressive about the F 900 XR, I was most taken by its upright, yet relaxed riding position. I could quite easily see myself riding very long distances without fear of discomfort and lower back pain.
Overall, my time on the F 900 XR was too short – as if any amount of time would suffice – and I would highly recommend it to any lady looking for a motorcycle that isn’t a superbike. That said, I would want BMW Motorrad to make the Electronic Suspension Adjustment, a standard feature to make it easier for short riders to get on and off it safely and with ease.
Priced from: R 217 000 – 00
Thanks to BMW Motorrad Fourways for the bike loan
About Crescentia Ndimande
Crescentia Ndimande, mother of two, has been riding motorbikes since 2006, after being introduced in the biking fraternity by her late brother in law in 1991. Crescentia is part of Cancervive, and co-owns Dynamic Road Safety alongside her husband. Over the years, Crescentia has ridden a variety of bikes namely the Indian Chieftain, Triumph Rocket, Thunderbird 1700cc, Commander, Tiger 800cc, Harley 1200c, Hayabusa 1300cc, Honda Blackbird 1100cc, VFR 1200cc.
With the excitement of learning how to ride comes the responsibility of managing one’s safety; and a pre-ride inspection is probably the easiest way to do that.
– Vuyi Mpofu, editor, heels & horsepower magazine
Doing a pre-ride inspection helps you discover potential problems and gives you an opportunity to attend to them before they become major, life threatening issues. Experienced riders might have a quicker way of getting through a pre-ride check list but for us newbies, it is best not to take short-cuts.
Walking right round my motorbike and giving it a good looking over is the first step towards ensuring my safety.
vuyi mpofu, editor, heels & horsepower magazine
My pre-ride routine is a little detailed and adds 20 mins to my total ride time but I wouldn’t skip it for anything. Coupled with wearing proper riding gear each time I climb onto the saddle checking my ride before hitting the road gives me a lot of confidence.
Here is my pre-ride routine:
1. I walkabout the bike
As simple as this sounds, walking right round my motorbike and giving it a good looking over is the first step towards ensuring my safety. I look out for:
Loose wires and that all lights are securely fastened
Dangling parts from any part of the bike
Fluid seepage on the ground (engine oil, brake fluid, water etc)
Fluid leaks from engine parts e.g. fork seals and brake callipers
Nails and other foreign bodies embedded in the tyres
The correct tyre pressure
Dents in the rims
The chain and that it is well lubricated and is of the proper tension
The proper functionality of the engine kill switch
2. I sit on the bike without firing up the engine
I check that the various features needed for a safe ride feel and function normally. These are:
Side Stand: I check that it engages and disengages smoothly and that it ‘locks’ into place once it has been kicked up at the start of a ride.
Throttle: By rolling it back I check for good movement and that it springs back properly.
Front Brake & Clutch: By pulling on the front brake and clutch I ensure a smooth range of motion
Rear Brake: Stepping on the rear brake indicates correct pressure and setting. ‘Hard’ brakes are just at dangerous as ‘soft’ brakes.
Lastly, with the side stand down for safety and the bike upright, I swing the handlebars from side to side to check for any free play.
3. I fire up the engine
Firing up engine, I listen for any abnormal engine sounds which would indicate a mechanical issue, then check that the lights (including stop lights and headlight high beam), indicators, horn and other controls work optimally.
The 800m distance from the parking spot to my front gate gives me adequate time to further listen to the engine as well as focus on any vibrations I get from the bike.
One of the most important safety checks which I admittedly only remember once I am on the road is checking my fuel gauge. Thankfully I have never had to make a dash to the nearest fuel station on foot. Not only would it be somewhat embarrassing but I would look mighty weird bobbing down the road in my heavy-duty adventure boots with helmet in one hand and fuel in the other.
To mark the end of a difficult 2020, my Editor (and sister), Vuyi Mpofu and I, put on our big girl drawers and set off on our annual Pride Of Africa Ride, aptly themed the “Mbokodo Edition”.
– Bongiwe Didiza, motorcycle journalist, driving in heels
Pride of Africa Ride (POAR) celebrates and highlights various historical, cultural and geographical elements in South Africa while focusing on societal values that embody the meaning of Ubuntu. Unlike the 2019 PAOR, the 2020 ride was an all female team, which served as a good platform to raise awareness for Gender-Based Violence.
Riding out in style on the morning of our long-awaited departure day, Vuyi looked confident on her Racing Red BMW F 900 XR, while I perched upon a Black Storm metallic BMW R 1250 GS. We were ready for the trip ahead and determined to enjoy the adventure to Durban, KZN. Having already taken ownership of the bike a few days before the ride, I was looking forward to playing with the riding modes on my R 1250 GS, which comes standard with two riding modes (Road, Rain), Automatic Stability control, and Hill Start Control.
I was fortunate that the bike was still brand new, leaving it up to me to break in the stallion under my command.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
I happily discovered that my bike was fitted with the Pro riding mode, an optional extra which features additional riding modes (Dynamic Pro, Enduro/Pro), ABS Pro, Hill Start Control Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, and Dynamic Brake Control. I felt assured about my safety on the 600km journey which lay ahead.
The BMW R 1250 GS’s 1254 cc engine produces a power output of 100kW and a max torque of 143 Nm, which made me want to open the throttle and just get going.
Prior to leaving Johannesburg I had adjusted the bike’s seat height to its lowest position, so as to experience the as the ride from a different angle from what would be my normal. The standard seat height of the 1250 GS can be adjusted between 850mm(low) and 870mm(high).
I was fortunate that the bike was still brand new, which left it up to me to break in the stallion under my command. That said, this meant we had to ride easy for the first 200-250kms so that I could wear the new tyres in. The pace of our gentle ride turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it allowed us to have much more fun than anticipated. We frequently stopped to enjoy the scenery, take pictures and wave at passing truck drivers who tooted their foghorn-like horns at the sight of two women on motorcycles.
At our last rest and refuel stop, I noted that the bike’s fuel consumption which was at about 4.5l/100km
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
We encountered many forced stops along the way because of road works and the ever changing weather. That said, we were fully prepared, thanks to the rain riding modes on each motorcycle and the protective riding gear we had on. I was kitted in a GS dry suit and GS Pro boots, while Vuyi wore a GS Rallye suit and BMW Venture Grip boots.
At our last rest and refuel stop, I calculated that the bike’s fuel consumption which was averaging 4.5l/100km. It differed to the estimated fuel consumption of 4.75l/100km, which was rather strange. I had expected the consumption rate to be higher or at least much closer to BMW Motorrad’s estimated consumption rate.
Then it me dawned on that the 4.5l/100km was on account of the moderate riding we had done over the first 200kms as well as the rain and road works which had required us to further adjust our riding speed.
After refueling, we headed back onto the main road and continued on our trip. Aware of the fading daylight, thinning traffic and improved weather, we picked up the pace and finally arrived safely our destination. Still in high spirits we settled into our lodgings for the next few days.
As I drifted off to sleep, I reflected on the superior build quality of BMW motorcycles which are well known for long-distance comfort; in this regard, the R 1250 GS had affirmed one of the German manufacture’s long standing brand promises.
One man admitted that we are putting the male gender to shame as most men are too afraid to ride motorbikes
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
Day 2
We spent our time riding in around Durban, visiting the many tourist attractions offered by the seaside city. This included riding along the Golden Mile – a bustling stretch of beachfront, and well-known holiday destination.
We also visited many other popular destinations, such as the Blue Lagoon, Moses Mabhida Stadium and uShaka Marine World and the beachfront markets which are always filled with a rows and rows of brightly colorful Zulu arts and crafts, some made on the spot by the cheerful and skilled vendors.
At one stall, we successfully negotiated an agreeable price with one of the vendor’s for Vuyi’s traditional Zulu skirt – something she had wanted since the beginning of the trip. She wore it immediately, hopped onto her motorbike and started the engine much to the surprise of the small crowd which had loosely gravitated towards the “Joburg girls on big motorcycles”.
We had caused quite a stir from the very start of our trip when leaving Joburg. Motorists and the public in general seemed bemused at the sight of 2 Black women riding unaccompanied. Not that people have never seen women on motorbikes before, but rather, that we were on dual purpose bikes which are not usually associated with our race and gender. Some on lookers gave us disapproving scowls while other greeted us with encouraging curiosity.
That said, we were generally met by more people who enthusiastically shared positives attitudes towards us. They were inspired by what they called our bravery and demonstration of fearlessly going against the customary grain of what is traditionally acceptable behaviour, from African women.
With our Pride Of Africa Ride, Mbokodo Edition nearing the end, we visited BMW Motorrad Umhlanga, where we had our bikes inspected in preparation for a safe trip back home.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
At one rest stop, a man admitted that we are putting the male gender to shame as most men are too afraid to ride motorbikes. He added that the large majority of men were incredibly intimidated by women who rode motorcycles.
On the opposite end of the spectrum and at a different destination, a woman, accompanied by her husband, gushed about her secret desire to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Judging by the look of alarm on his face, he was hearing this for the first time. Undeterred she asked how we had gotten into the world of motorcycling, before asking how to climb onto a motorbike. As they drove away, Vuyi and I joked about the perceived mood in the car.
On an afternoon when we felt too tired to leave the hotel, we opted to do a basic maintenance chain check (clean and lubbe) on Vuyi’s F 900 XR.
We did not need to check the R1250 GS since it has a drive-shaft. The drive-shaft however does need maintenance even though its maintenance frequency is less than that of a chain. If the drive-shaft is neglected and not maintained well, rust can get to the seals and cause damage to the bearings.
Though not entirely surprising to me, I found the R 1250 GS suspension much harder in comparison to that of the R 1250 GS Adventure.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
With our Pride Of Africa Ride, Mbokodo Edition nearing the end, we visited BMW Motorrad Umhlanga, where we had our bikes inspected, in preparation for a safe trip back home.
The inspection included the paramount checks which bikers should never ignore or bypass prior to any ride: tyre pressure, front & rear brake, throttle & clutch response, lights and turn signals, hooter, oil & other fluids, and checking if the engine power cuts when the side stand engages.
While at Umhlanga Motorrad, I decided to adjust the seat height to high for a different experience. The bike felt more comfortable riding with the high seat adjustment so I decided to use that seat level on our journey back home.
We proudly raised our fists in salute to the man whose sacrifices had made it possible for us as Black women to enjoy the freedoms we now do
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
Journeying back home
Though I was not quite ready to head back home, the day finally came and the return journey back was greeted with an all-seasons type of weather conditions. Although accustomed to inclement weather, which tests both the rider’s skill & endurance and the bike’s handling & comfort capabilities, I always approach such a ride with caution and due respect.
Heading out of the city and onto the N3, our route back home first took us to Howick where we visited the Nelson Mandela capture site. Here we sealed the end of our 2020 Pride Of Africa Ride with raised our fists in salute to the man whose sacrifices had made it possible for us as Black women to enjoy the freedoms we now do.
Unlike superbikes, the GS is more forgiving in curves and bends.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
The remainder of the ride was peppered with intermittent downpours of rain and crosswinds, but my iron stallion held firmly to the road and I confidently darted between trucks and other slower moving traffic. The power of the 1250 GS never ceases to take my breath away.
As I opened the throttle and weaved my way through the delicious twists of Van Reenan’s Pass, I let loose a scream of delight then immediately heard myself laughing happily inside my helmet; if you are a biker, you’ll understand.
Another impressive thing about the 1250 GS is its leaning ability, which, if one is not accustomed to may feel daunting; but to a more seasoned rider feels as graceful as a professional ice-skater gliding effortless across the rink. Unlike superbikes, the GS is more forgiving in curves and bends. It allows you to adjust minor mistakes a rider may make as they enter the bend, making the 1250 GS a menace to superbikers on track day.
Though not entirely surprising to me, I found the 1250 GS suspension much harder in comparison to that of the 1250 GS Adventure. The dynamic pro riding mode made the bike even more responsive; the kick and the punch it produced, made me feel as though I was riding the 1250 GS.
The 1250 GS is in the adventure category, but in my opinion, informed by my 10 years riding experience and due to all the things it encompasses, the 1250 GS truly cannot be contained in just one specific category as it can be whatever you want it to be.
I can honestly say, and without hesitation that if one is looking for a versatile bike then the 1250 GS is the two-wheeler for you. That said, be warned, once you straddle this horse, there will be no coming back as you will most probably get hooked.
Bongiwe Didiza recently attended the media handover of the latest motorcycles from BMW Motorrad and spent the day playing with all three new bikes.
I won’t mention my excitement and the feelings of anticipation leading up to this day, because that will be a year long page of reading!
bongiwe didiza – biking in heels
Arriving at Gemelli Restaurant in Bryanston, for registration and Covid-19 screening I was well received with friendly smiles, exotic elbow greetings, a steaming hot cup of tea and nice breakfast. I took time to marvel at the beauties on display, the S 1000 XR, F 900 XR and F 900 R that BMW was about to handover to the media.
Being the the only rose amongst 5 young-at-heart-gentlemen bikers I felt a hint of intimidation.
bongiwe didiza – biking in heels
I could hardly contain myself, even as the presentation was well underway. Thoughts of experiencing first-hand, the various features being mentioned were making me fidget and I wondered if it was obvious to others in the room. This being my first-ever motorcycle event I felt like all bikers do when itching to get into the saddle of a new iron horse – energized.
Being the the only rose amongst 5 young-at-heart-gentlemen bikers I felt a hint of intimidation. Although my riding experience more than qualified me to be in their midst, the age-old debate about which gender is the better biker gnawed at my brain. I didn’t entertain it. I knew I was spending a day with friendly colleagues experiencing the thrill of the ride.
I figured the F 900 R might be an interesting pick for daily commuting.
bongiwe didiza – biking in heels
Daydreaming about the S 1000 XR, I marveled at how it combined the different strengths of various BMW motorcycles. by producing the S 1000 XR, BMW have effectively carved out a new and niche biking category as the S 1000 XR combines the performance capabilities of a BMW S1000RR with touring bike abilities.
I brought myself back into the moment of the presentation. My resolve didn’t last long though and I smiled slowly as I the imaged myself riding the F 900 XR adventure sport bike. It’s upright GS seating style would make me feel as though I was on my F 800 GS and that in itself, would be reassuring.
All the gentlemen were already suited up, however, a lady being a lady, I still had to get into my riding gear.
bongiwe didiza – biking in heels
Letting my mind drift to the dynamic F 900 R, I figured the F 900 R might be an interesting pick for daily commuting. Most commuter bikes are generally powered by engine capacities smaller than 900cc. I couldn’t wait to discover how a bike of this engine size would fare in a commuter-type environment.
The presentation at an end, it was time for us to formally meet the motorbikes in the metal. All the gentlemen were already suited up, however, a lady being a lady, I still had to get into my riding gear.
The bike’s responsiveness is refreshing, ithi “phuma uze kudlala”.
bongiwe didiza – biking in heels
I started off with the dynamic power of the S 1000 XR. I fumbled, before I remembered BMW has a keyless start, then laughed at myself. Off we went on my ice grey horse down Bryanston, through Krugersdorp and all the way to Magalies for our first comfort break.
That was a long enough ride for me to fiddle with the 6’5inch TFT screen and explore the different riding modes – Dynamic Pro, Dynamic, Road. I didn’t tamper with the Rain mode though, knowing it would test better on a rainy day. In Dynamic mode, I felt the S 1000 XR punch forward. Although expected, it felt exhilarating. The bike’s responsiveness is refreshing, ithi “phuma uze kudlala” directly translated that means – “come out and play”. Corny I know.
The F900R, could be just perfect as it does not restrict you because of your height
bongiwe didiza – biking in heels
The break over, it was time to hop on to the F 900 R – the Hockenheim silver/racing red commuter bike with its sizable engine. Although offering a comfortable seating position, my tall frame dwarfed it considerably and it felt too snug for me. I recalled conversations with ladies who only ride superbikes because of the tallness of the other bike models and realized that I could now confidently talk about the F 900 R as it’s height would suite most not-so-tall people. For those who may want to try something different, the F 900 R could be just perfect as it does not restrict you because of height; and while most may not want to admit it, height is not a female problem so a few guys might want to try out the F 900 R too!
The F 900 R lived up to my earlier day dreams when I had envisioned that it could easily be one of the best commuter bikes. As I rode it, it proved to be light and swift and given the capacity of its engine I can confidently say that the F 900 R would give you the freedom to quickly get out of sticky commuting situations with ease during an urban ride. Soon I was living my best life, playing on the curves along the road leading to our lunch destination, at the Cradle Moon Lodge, Muldersdrift.
Over lunch my colleagues and I shared our individual experiences thus far and discussed various features of each of the motorcycles. Oh, the joys of being in the company of those who share the same interests as yourself.
A short distance from our starting point, we had a motorcycle-journalists gone wild moment.
bongiwe didiza – biking in heels
Then came the big surprise reveal, in the form of the BMW R18 cruiser prototype. Seemingly, everyone else already suspected it lay in wait under the cover of the platform it perched on. I was the only one taken completely by surprise.
With our tummies refueled, it was time for me to saddle up on the F 900 XR. Presented in the perfect colour for me – galvanic gold metallic – I settled onto the bike I affectionatly regarded as the S 1000 XR’s little sister. The F 900 XR has loads of personality and ease of comfort for everyday riding. Riding the F 900 XR you’d be forgiven if you ‘mistakenly’ found yourself venturing on a mini adventure without a destination in mind – just to keep riding it.
A short distance from our starting point, we had a motorcycle-journalists gone wild moment. I let the ‘boys’ go wild on their powered-up toys, while I followed with my own hearty “cry-laugh” moment. The time to return the bikes had come and the ‘rowdiness’ was our way of signing off the end of an incredible experience.
Going home later on, I felt all sorts of sweet happiness. my first-ever handover experience had been amazing. the BMW Motorrad team and my media fellows had just a fantastic bunch of people and besides, its always a good day when one rides a well engineered motorbike.
I hopped into bed to remininse about the day and simultaneously made a mental, (albeit sleepy) note to book all three bikes for longer test rides as soon as possible. As my head hit the pillow I visualized myself astride the new BMW R18 cruiser set to arrive in SA in October. It gave me a glimmer of hope that even through the global coronavirus pandemic there was something to look forward to but until then I was just happy to have had a phenomenal day.
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.
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Pic Courtesy of BMW SA
Pic Courtesy of BMW SA
