By Inaki Jose
When you encounter the name BMW, what’s the first thing that comes into your mind ? Most would say German engineering and luxury. When I think of BMW, the first thing that pops into my mind is comfort with security. I have tried a lot of motorcycles and there is a lot of performance out there, each motorcycle brand has their own X factor but only a chosen few models, yes models and not brand that gives you that certain factor which I look for in a bike. I’m at a point in my riding that I look past the givens which are, performance, features and styling because I believe that each brand is beautiful and have these factors in their own way. What I look for in a bike is that extra riding confidence which will give you that extra boost in riding skills. A boost in riding skills and bike management equals a boost in riding safely. This is where the BMW F900 shines.
This time my test bike is the F900R Standard, a 985 cc, 105 horsepower, parallel twin cylinder naked motorcycle. What attracted me to the F900R is the overall bike management, very precise and comfortable to ride and no one does this better than BMW. Example given, the BMW GS series which is in a class of its own when it comes to comfort, from throttle management to braking and suspension management. Now take all those attributes and put it in a thinner, smaller and lighter bike. Presto ! You now have the F900R which is BMW’s entry to the affordable, midsize naked bike class, P655,000 for the standard and P775,000 for the Style Sport package. With a mid range power band, the F900R is easier to control and maximize the power. It delivers smooth power as you roll the throttle but releases an instant burst of continuous manageable power when you reach that 5000 RPM sweet spot.
I also tried the F900R style sport, basically the only difference is electronic convenience like the up and down quickshifter, the electronic suspension, adaptive cornering headlights and the additional dynamic ride mode which can be preset. Although the standard’s suspension can be manually adjusted, I find it more precise when adjusted properly to my ride settings and style, it’s just a hassle because there is a lot of tiring trial and error process unlike the Style Sport where all you have to do is click on the button and select your setting. Other than that they are both the same, in terms of power and nimbleness.
Overall, you can take the F900R Sport from urban commute to the sacred twisties of Marilaque without any riding adjustment. The ride precision and confidence it gives the rider in the city streets multiplies 3 times in the twisties. So if you are looking for breakneck power and constantly challenging the bike to its limits, this is not the bike for you. But if you are one of the riders who want to enjoy an exciting bike confidently, then this is the BMW F900R for you.
Although I wish that the F900R packs more horses, I think that would be asking for too much because that would make the F900R a perfect bike and we all know that a perfect bike only exists in myths and legends.
See you on the road. Ride safe, ride smart, ride aware.
