When it comes to motorcycling, there is no such thing as weather that is too wet, too cold or too hot, it all depends on having the right outfit.
BMW was the first motorcycle manufacturer in the world to present its own complete rider equipment. At that time the gear was made of impregnated cowhide, but was equipped with protective zones as well as safety reflectors to increase visibility at night. This proved to be the starting signal for an unprecedented success story.
The world’s largest range of motorcycle rider equipment.
In the following decades, BMW Motorrad consistently followed its goal to make motorcycling as safe and as comfortable as possible as well as fashionably attractive and stylish.
Today it offers an unparalleled range of rider equipment surpassing all motorcycle manufacturers – always driven by the developers’ urge to make existing products even better and to develop new innovative solutions to make motorcycle riding even more fun and carefree.
More than 100 new rider equipment products for the 2023 motorcycling season.
For the coming season, BMW Motorrad presents the Gear & Garment Collection 2023 with more than 100 new products ranging from helmets, gloves and boots to rider suits, jackets, trousers, casual wear, functional wear and accessories. Developed by motorcyclists for motorcyclists, with enthusiasm, passion and a lot of love for functional details and stylish design.
Saturday’s events at the GS Trophy 2022 Qualifier South Africa culminated in the announcement of Team South Africa, destined to compete in the International GS Trophy 2022 in Albania
After the activity of the first full day of Qualifier action on Friday, the competitors were keen to catch up on some sleep ahead of another busy schedule on the final day. Just after midnight, though, the night air was pierced by sirens summoning the competitors from their tents to their motorcycles for two more night-time exercises.
They were back in their tents two hours later, only to be woken again at 05:00 for a skills test in the bush. This proved to the warm-up exercise before a hearty breakfast, whereafter the competitors continued with several sand exercises, and tackled challenges to test their resilience on steep hills and corners. One of the exercises played out at the dreaded Wall of Life at the CountryTRAX facility, a deep circular pit set at an angle of about 60 degrees that tested the competitors’ nerves, while battling gravity and a tricky entry and exit point – keeping their motorcycles upright.
The competitors were kept busy until the late afternoon, after which time it was the turn of the GS Trophy 2022 Qualifier South Africa marshals to tally the day’s scores.
Saturday evening’s dinner was followed by the final points ceremony and the announcement of Team South Africa that will compete in the International GS Trophy 2022 in Albania.
Team South Africa for the 2022 competition is: Gerrit du Toit (Limpopo), Dalton de Bruin (Free State), and Warren Venter (Gauteng).
Christelle van der Meulen and Hanneli Zondagh were the highest-ranking ladies after the GS Trophy 2022 Qualifier South Africa. The International GS Trophy 2022 organisers now have the task of determining who will compete in the final women’s teams, based on the global entries received. The announcement of the official ladies’ teams to compete in the International GS Trophy 2022 in Albania will follow.
All-in-all, the weekend’s activities near Amersfoort in Mpumalanga again demonstrated the breadth of skill held by GS riders in South Africa. Once the weekend celebrations taper off, preparations will begin in earnest in the hunt for a fourth consecutive International GS Trophy win.
The search for members of the South African team headed to Albania 2022 continues!
It was a busy day at the Country TRAX Enduro Park, the site of the GS Trophy 2022 Qualifier South Africa on Friday, 10 September. Everyone had had a good rest after the navigation ride the night before, and the day’s action started immediately after breakfast.
A static exercise on the lawn was followed by various tests of riding skill, teamwork, endurance, and technical know-how. The competitors again treated the organisers and marshals to an awesome display of the finest technical riding despite the tough competition.
After dinner, the scores were announced, and the rankings are as follows:
MEN:
Gerrit du Toit
LIM
1
Dalton de Bruin
FS
2
JP Boer
NW
3
Corzel Schoeman
FS
4
Gerrit Coetzee
EC
5
Ruhan de Villiers
WC
6
Johan Harmse
MP
7
Warren Venter
GP
8
Mark Van Rensburg Jnr
NW
9
Tyrall Cosby
EC
10
Cliff VD Westhuizen
GP
11
Mark Van Rensburg Snr
WC
12
Johan Thiart
MP
13
Braam Esterhuizen
EC
14
Chris Jonker
MP
15
Dishen Valjee
KZN
16
James Kennedy
WC
17
Tony Mc Cree
KZN
18
Bruwer Nel
FS
19
Andrèas van Heerden
NW
20
Herman Niemand
LIM
21
Mishan Valjee
KZN
22
Jurie Snyman
GP
23
Herman du Bruyn
LIM
24
WOMEN:
Christelle van der Meulen
1
Charine Botha
2
Hanneli Zondagh
3
Liesl Geyser
4
Di McLean
5
Celeste Diener
6
Bongiwe Didiza
7
Another full day of challenges will be undertaken on Saturday ahead of the announcement later that evening of the five-person Team South Africa to tackle the International GS Trophy 2022 in Albania!
A BMW veteran who has been with the group for 20 years, Deena Govender has vast experience in various divisions across the company and the auto manufacturing sector as a whole.
BMW Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa has appointed Deena Govender as the new Head of Product Communications. Mr. Govender will take responsibility for overall steering, as operational lead, the Corporate Communications and Government Affairs for BMW Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, until further notice.
Mr Govender joined the company in 2001, after completing his Master’s Degree in Engineering, and has filled various positions in Engineering Development, Production, Sales & Marketing, Customer Relations and Retail Network Development at BMW Group Germany and South Africa. The unique insights and experiences he has been exposed to in these positions will prove valuable in his new role.
I am honoured to take on the new role and am looking forward to engaging with all our stakeholders. I
Having worked on BMW’s hybrid-electric vehicles engineering development projects and having served as the BMW i Market Manager in South Africa during the launch of BMW i, electro- and future mobility is one of his key areas of expertise and interest. Deena plans to use his wealth of expertise to drive success for BMW Group South Africa and the rest of the country.
He expressed his excitement at the appointment, “I am honoured to take on the new role and am looking forward to engaging with all our stakeholders. I have had the privilege of working in a number of positions across the business, and have been able to learn from each. These lessons, combined with great relationships within the BMW Group, will enable me to fulfil my duties in the years ahead. Likewise, I will rely on my colleagues’ market knowledge and expertise to make the most of the opportunities along the way.”
Aligned to the BMW Group’s global approach and CEO Peter van Binsbergen’s vision, navigating the pandemic and ensuring business continuity will remain top of mind for the South African team. This calls for new levels of flexibility and collaboration, striving to deliver a world-class experience to all stakeholders.
Under the leadership and guidance of Mr van Binsbergen, Mr Govender’s appointment will bolster BMW Group South Africa as they further extend their segment leadership and continue to positively impact communities through CSI programmes under the umbrella of “We Build More Than Just Cars”.
BMW is relying on SportContact 6 tyres from Continental as original equipment for the new M4. The new BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive will be available in South Africa from the fourth quarter of 2021.
BMW is relying on SportContact 6 tyres from Continental as original equipment for the new M4.
The SportContact 6 has been developed in particular for sporty vehicles and is especially designed for handling, precision and driving stability at high speeds.
As the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road, tyres play an essential role in providing an optimal driving experience without compromise.
– Dr Holger Lange, head of tyre development for Continental’s original equipment business
In addition, it has been rated best in the EU tyre label in the wet grip category, meaning that it is particularly convincing in terms of braking performance on wet roads. Continental received global approvals for the dimensions 275/40 ZR18 (103Y) XL and 285/35 ZR19 (103Y) XL.
“As the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road, tyres play an essential role in providing an optimal driving experience without compromise,” said Dr Holger Lange, head of tyre development for Continental’s original equipment business. “Our engineers develop OE tyres that perfectly match the respective vehicle model and thus optimally support the car’s performance. To capture the specific requirements, Continental works closely with vehicle manufacturers on tyre development.”
Hot on the heels of the original BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé comes, the second-generation model which is due to be launched in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2021
Zanele McMurray, aka Leidee Zee, has a long standing love for cruisers but only one machine had alluded her, the BMW R 18. When the opportunity arose for her to ride it, she didn’t hesitate to pull on her leathers and take it for a spin.
I had the pleasure of riding the eye-catching BMW R 18 at the 15thInternational Female Ride Day on the 1stof May 2021. I knew I would enjoy it but boy oh boy was I in for a treat!
Steeped in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles in terms of technical features and design cues, the R 18 is an undeniably beautiful piece of mechanical artwork.
As my eyes greedily gobbled up my first up-close sighting of the BMW R 18, the first feature they rested upon, was the BMW R 18’s sleek chrome exhaust pipe closely followed by its strikingly large LED headlight.
Thereafter my gaze took in the epicenter of my ride for the day, the BMW R 18’s newly developed 2-cylinder boxer engine that is both intimidating and attractive at the same time. Finally, I paid attention to the big comfortable seat which I appreciated very much.
As a lady standing at 1,64m tall, the BMW R 18’s 690mm seat height gave me further confidence that I would be able to easily handle the cruiser, even though it has a wet weight of 345kg.
– Zanele McMurray
As a lady standing at 1,64m tall, the BMW R 18’s 690mm seat height gave me further confidence that I would be able to easily handle the cruiser, even though it has a wet weight of 345kg. Assured by a combination of the cruiser’s seat height and its low suspension I channeled my inner “Boss Lady” and felt a charge of excitement for the ride ahead.
Another feature I liked about the BMW R 18 is that It has a keyless start function
– ZANELE MCMURRAY
The BMW R 18 comes standard with three ride modes – Rain, Rock, and Roll, which, depending on the terrain, greatly assist with stability control and throttle response.
Another feature I liked about the BMW R 18 is that It has a keyless start function. This takes away the panic of losing the key, which I can attest is be a big plus among female riders as we need to fit countless other things into our small bags and pockets.
When it comes to power the BMW R 18 does not disappoint. Fitted with a 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine the cruiser holds its own in terms of speed, ride quality, stable and comfortable. Powered by its 67kW, 158Nm 1802cc engine I found myself gliding effortlessly amidst the numerous motorcycles commandeered by the hundreds of women bikers participating in the South African leg of the international ride.
Astride my brutish ride, the BMW R 18 felt much lighter in motion than when stationary. I found that the cruiser’s wide tyres (Front: 2.5 x 19 / Rear: 5.0 x 16) also helped maintain the bike’s traction. Other key highlights about the R 18 include Hill Start Control and Reverse Assist, both of which make maneuverability much easier and convenient.
As a female rider, I would recommend this beautiful beast of a bike. It is a dream to ride and if affordability isn’t an issue, I would go as far as saying this cruiser is a must-have. As gigantic as the R 18 looks it is just an adorable and playful puppy that offers an exciting yet cultivated riding experience.
That said, the only black mark I have against the BMW R 18 is the fact that it does not have a fuel gauge indicator, something I sincerely hope BMW Motorrad sees fit to add in the updated models of these otherwise impressive bikes.
Price: R 319 900-00
Thanks to BMW Motorrad Fourways for the bike loan
About Zanele McMurray Zanele
McMurray is a female motorcycle rider and mother of two teenage girls, with 15-years riding experience to her name. Her first bike was a Honda VFR 400cc and over the years she has and ridden various motorcycles including a Honda 750cc Shadow, Thunderbird 1700cc, 2 Suzuki Hayabusas, a Suzuki Boulevard 800cc, a Honda CBR 1000 and a Sukuzi B-King. Zanele is passionate about cancer awareness and has been part of cancer awareness groups such as Journey of Hope and Cancervive.
Motorcyclist journalist Bongiwe Didiza took part in the 15th International Female Ride Day astride a bike she had long wanted to ride.
I had marked the 1stof May on my calendar as International Female Ride Day (IFRD), the only day in the year which celebrates women motorcyclists from all walks of life. For me, the 2021 Ride was going to be particularly exciting because the motorbike I would be riding, the BMW R nineT Pure, is one I have been drawn to for quite a while.
First introduced in 2013, the R nineT range has grown to include the R nineT Urban G/S, the R nineT Scrambler, and the R nineT Pure. Sporting a combination of classic design meets modern technological invention, the R nine T derivatives carry the signature BMW roadster styling cues, reminiscent of early BMW Motorrad days.
Also fetching their rides at the same time were Zanele McMurray and Crescentia Ndimande
– Bongiwe Didiza, motorcycle journalist, DRIVING IN HEELS
I collected my loan motorbike from BMW Motorrad Fourways, two days prior to the Ride. I wanted a bit of time to get used to its features ahead of the big day. Looking at it, I was struck by its stylish vintage design, which complement its seemingly playful look.
At first glance, the air/oil-cooled, 1170Cc boxer engine of the R nineT Pure didn’t look like much, which made it all the more difficult to believe it could produce 81kW of power and 116 Nm of torque.
Also ferching their rides at the same time were Zanele McMurray who would be riding the BMW R 18, and Crescentia Ndimande who had chosen the the BMW F 900 XR.
Following a brief meeting with the dealer principal – Rodney Serfontein, and a bike orientation, we took possession of the keys for our respective bikes and rode out of the dealership.
As usual when I am on a bike, I have a gigantic smile under my helmet but while I was cheerfully enjoying my ride home a warning light came up on the circular instrument cluster.
When I arrived at home, I gave it a quick check, hoping I might spot the problem. Satisfied that everything looked fine to me, but opting to err on the safe side, I made arrangements to take it back for an assessment the following day.
I had not known that the R nineT Pure did not have a fuel gauge indicator.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
Arriving at Motorrad Fourways, Sales Executive Gift Gumbi whisked the motorbike into the workshop but returned almost immediately. He was in stitches, laughing hysterically and between bursts of fresh laughter he spluttered that the warning light was the fuel light indicator and that the bike was very low on fuel.
When he had calmed down reasonably enough to hear me, I tried – with little success – to explain why I had misinterpreted the fuel icon. Of course I know what a low fuel icon light looks like but the R nineT Pure does not have the standard icon we are familiar with in a car.
Added to that, I had not known that the R nineT Pure did not have a fuel gauge indicator; instead, its warning light is a simple triangular orange light.
The more I tried to explain my rationale to Gift, the more he laughed and teased me
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
If there was a fuel guage I would probably have noticed that the fuel was low and may have made a connection between the warning light and the low fuel indicator.
The more I tried to explain my rationale to Gift, the more he laughed and teased me. Suffice to say, the experience taught me 2 things; the first being just how basic the R nine T Pure is and the other being that I will probably never live down this ‘oopsie’.
On a positive note, the blunder taught me that the R nineT Pure has a 17-litre tank and consumes 5-litres per 100kms. As I rode home, still chuckling to myself in disbelief, I was immensely grateful that the bike had not completely run out of fuel, leaving me stranded and bewildered at the side of the road.
Arriving at our meeting venue, I couldn’t help but notice how stunning the ladies looked, most of whom wore gear matching their rides.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
From then on, I became acutely aware of just how basic the R nineT Pure is and soon realised it does not come standard with my favourtie creature comforts being riding modes, heated grips, and cruise control. That said, heated grips and cruise control are available as optional extras which customers can fit at will.
Putting the humbling moment firmly behind me, I eagerly awaited IFRD. Organized by The Lithas , the 2021 Ride comprised of two routes, on an on-road. Had I not chosen to ride the sexy little roadster, I would have elected to ride on gravel.
The long anticipated day arrived, uncharacteristically accompanied by light winds and drizzle. Undettered, I headed out and arrived at Triumph Motocycles, Sandton, our meeting venue. The ladies looked stunning on their machines, most wearing riding gear that matched their bikes.
Excited to be reunited with female riders I had not seen in a long time due to lockdown regulations, we mingled, enjoyed the delicious welcome refreshments, posed for photos, and signed the event day banner.
The formalites and safety briefing dispensed with and the weather clearing up, the ladies got into formation and rode to our first stopover – Fire it Up in Randburg, then onto ROC Harley Davidson in Alberton where we were received with excitement, refreshments and gifts.
Even in the sea of other beautiful motorcycles, I was aware of motorists admiring my R nineT Pure as they drove past us.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
The Ride was leisurely and the ladies maintained a steady pace. I was amazed at how smooth my bike rode even at such low speeds. It cornered beautifully and maintained its balance.
Even in the sea of other beautiful motorcycles, I was aware of motorists admiring my R nineT as they drove past us. It had already caused a stir from the start of the day, and at each stopover. My fellow lady Pure riders truly appreciated it, commenting on its unique and classical good-looks. A few ladies who own more than one bike expressed a desire to add it to their existing motorbike collection because of its sassy beauty.
The R nineT Pure is a no-frills, “shut-up & ride” sort of bike.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
At our final destination, Bikers Warehouse in Randburg, a stunning high tea had been setup for us to mark the close of a safe and successful Ride as well as recognize and celebrate the Biker Queens we all are.
The R nineT Pure is as its name suggests a no-frills, “shut-up & ride” sort of bike. As basic as it is, it offers absolute riding pleasure and is aimed at anyone on the market looking for an uncomplicated motorbike.
That said, it is a very capable machine and is suited for leisurely trips to scenic destinations or unhurried rides around suburbia for a coffee meeting with the girls. It is the type of bike I ride to attend a vintage motorbike show. Similarly, I would pack it onto a train for use to tour the Garden Route in summer.
The R nineT Pure I was riding is powered by a four-stroke, two-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engine and is available at BMW Motorrad Fourways at R145 000. It is a 2018 model wrapped in Option 719 colors.
If however, you are looking to buy a newer R nineT Pure, the 2021 derivatives come with the following standard features:
80kW power, 116Nm of torque
Road and Rain riding modes
ABS Pro with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
LED headlight and white LED indicators
New suspension strut with travel-dependent damping (WAD)
Priced from R203 400-00
About Bongiwe Didiza
About Bongiwe Didiza Bongiwe Didiza is a motorcyclist with 10 years riding experience on various type of motorcycles; ranging from superbikes and cruisers to dual-purpose and adventure bikes. She is the first Black female motorcycle journalist registered with the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists. Bongiwe is the biking contributor for Driving In Heels where her test ride reviews and bike travel articles are published. She currently rides an R 1200 GSA but has owned a Suzuki GSX-R 750 and a BMW F 800 GS in the past.
35 years after the first BMW M3 took to the stage, BMW M GmbH is presenting the latest generation of its high-performance sports cars at the premium end of the midsize class.
The new BMW M3 Competition Sedan and new BMW M4 Competition Coupé elevate their unmistakeable combination of track-optimised performance and supreme everyday usability to a whole new level.
Like their distinct vehicle concepts – one a sedan with space for up to five occupants, the other a four-seat coupé – the range of available powertrain options also offers customers unusually generous scope for configuring the cars to their personal requirements.
In the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan and new BMW M4 Competition Coupé, the 375 kW version of the high-revving unit teams up with an eight- speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The two Competition models will also be available with the M xDrive all- wheel-drive system.
The engine powering the high-performance Competition models blend the high-revving tendencies for which M models are renowned with the latest version of M TwinPower Turbo technology. Maintaining peak torque across a wide rev band, with 650 Nm on tap maximum output of 375 kW is developed at 6,250 rpm, with the engine’s red line arriving at 7,200 rpm.
These performance characteristics deliver a deeply impressive driving experience. The Competition models each accelerate from 0 to100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 12.5 seconds. A model-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps provides an emotionally rich soundtrack.
The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic in the Competition models enables both fully automatic gear changes and manual shifts with the M-specific selector lever or shift paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission’s shift characteristics are adjusted using the Drivelogic button integrated into the selector lever. The driver can access three clearly distinct setups in both automatic and manual mode.
For the first time in the history of the BMW M3 and BMW M4, customers will be able to specify an all-wheel-drive system for the high-performance sports cars as an alternative to traditional rear- wheel drive.
The selection of exterior paint finishes includes the new and exclusive shades Sao Paulo Yellow non-metallic, Toronto Red metallic and Isle of Man Green metallic. An optional M Carbon exterior package and model-specific BMW M Performance Parts can be ordered.
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.
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.
He expressed his excitement at the appointment, “I am honoured to take on the new role and am looking forward to engaging with all our stakeholders. I have had the privilege of working in a number of positions across the business, and have been able to learn from each. These lessons, combined with great relationships within the BMW Group, will enable me to fulfil my duties in the years ahead. Likewise, I will rely on my colleagues’ market knowledge and expertise to make the most of the opportunities along the way.” 
Astride my brutish ride, the BMW R 18 felt much lighter in motion than when stationary. I found that the cruiser’s wide tyres (Front: 2.5 x 19 / Rear: 5.0 x 16) also helped maintain the bike’s traction. Other key highlights about the R 18 include Hill Start Control and Reverse Assist, both of which make maneuverability much easier and convenient. 
Excited to be reunited with female riders I had not seen in a long time due to lockdown regulations, we mingled, enjoyed the delicious welcome refreshments, posed for photos, and signed the event day banner. 
The R nineT Pure I was riding is powered by a four-stroke, two-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engine and is available at BMW Motorrad Fourways at R145 000. It is a 2018 model wrapped in Option 719 colors. 
Pic Courtesy of BMW SA
Pic Courtesy of BMW SA
