The 2022 F 900 XR is a plus-size middleweight adventure sport from BMW Motorrad. When BMW introduced this model for the 2020 model year, we were there for the official press introduction; see the 2020 BMW F 900 XR Review First Ride and 2020 BMW F 900 XR Review MC Commute. The German brand hasn’t changed a whole lot on the bike besides the price for the 2022 model year, and that isn’t a bad thing.
Despite this 895cc parallel twin’s older-style architecture (remember the engine is based on the original F 800 GS and is a bit long in the tooth), it just plain works. It offers gobs of torque at lower revs. It has a pleasing V-twin-esque character and is a fun engine to operate.
The drive gearing inside the six-speed transmission is a little on the tall side, so when riding at 80 mph on the freeway, this twin isn’t spinning at ridiculously high revs. That makes for both more comfort and better fuel economy. We averaged right around 36.5 mpg. Still, that’s where one of the real gripes come from. The 4.1-gallon fuel tank is a tad too small for an adventure sportbike. We’d like to see more fuel capacity in the next version.
Something we really like about this bike is its nimble handling, surprising considering its nearly 500-pound curb weight. We love how easily this bike handles around turns and in the city. It’s a very easy motorcycle to ride.
This particular 2022 F900 XR is fitted with BMW’s premium package, which comes at a $2,400 upcharge. With that package you also get the select package, which in turn comes with all the bells and whistles. We have electronic semi-active suspension adjustment, heated grips, cruise control, and keyless ignition. It also includes hard luggage mounts, although the accessory luggage was unavailable for our test ride.
We value this bike’s high level of comfort and nice upright riding position. The seat is particularly comfy. This bike is really well suited to spending long days in the saddle.
BMW’s slick 6.5-inch color TFT display is awesome. The company has used this display since the ‘19 R 1250 GS (read the 2019 BMW R1250GS Adventure First Ride Review) debuted, and the panel is class leading; no motorcycle manufacturer makes a better display than BMW Motorrad right now. The thumb wheel apparatus introduced on the 2012 K 1600 GTL also still works really well, making it easy to navigate the well-designed menus. We also like the BMW connected app that’s available for iOS and Android-powered smartphones, which allows turn-by-turn directions right on the display. You can also check maintenance intervals, fuel level, and do all other kinds of fun things with that app.
Bright LED lighting is another welcome feature. The adaptive headlights that come as part of the premium package. Those are all really nice features, as is the two-way-adjustable windscreen. But we wish the windscreen was a little bit taller in its high position.
Overall, we enjoy riding this ‘22 F900 XR, especially at its $11,695 base price. But tack on the $2,400 premium package, with another $250 for our bike’s special black paint and plastic hand guards, and now the bike costs nearly $15,000. That’s a lot of money for a midsize adventure bike. It’s still worth considering, if you’re looking for a streetbike that’s very easy to ride, nimble, compact, and versatile enough to run errands well around town. If that’s what you want from a light-duty tourer that’s fun on sporty stretches of roads, then this F 900 XR might be good for you.
Gear Box
Helmet: Shoei RF-SR
Jacket: Rev’It Blackwater
Gloves: Rev’It Kinetic
Pant: Rev’It Piston
Boots: TCX Rush 2 Air
2022 BMW F 900 XR Technical Specifications and Price
| PRICE | $14,990 (as tested) |
| ENGINE | 895cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 8-valve |
| BORE x STROKE | 86.0 x 77.0mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO | 13.1:1 |
| FUEL DELIVERY | BMS-M electronic fuel injection |
| CLUTCH | Wet, multiplate slipper clutch; cable actuation |
| TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE | 6-speed/chain |
| FRAME | Steel bridge frame in monocoque design |
| FRONT SUSPENSION | Showa inverted 43mm fork; 6.7 in. travel |
| REAR SUSPENSION | Sachs shock, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable; 6.8 in. travel |
| FRONT BRAKES | Radial-mount 4-piston calipers, dual 320mm floating discs w/ ABS |
| REAR BRAKE | 1-piston floating caliper, 265mm disc w/ ABS |
| WHEELS, FRONT/REAR | Die-cast aluminum; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 5.5 in. |
| TIRES, FRONT/REAR | Michelin Road 5 GT; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17 |
| RAKE/TRAIL | 29.5°/4.1 in. |
| WHEELBASE | 60.0 in. |
| SEAT HEIGHT | 32.5 in. |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 4.1 gal. |
| CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT | 483 lb. |
| WARRANTY | 24 months, unlimited mileage |
| AVAILABLE | March 2022 |
| CONTACT | bmwmotorcycles.com |
