The Problems Of Owning A BMW 900 XR
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- I get into all the costs, problems, issues, nitpicks of owning a 900XR after one year.
Thank you Becker-Tiemann for trying to fix the rear brake fade problem and the TFT fit & finish issue. I have no complaints with this dealer, the issue is with BMW Corporate, they should have replaced the TFT because the little metal wire will just keep braking off little by little every year to the point to where it will become a problem over time.
Note: If you see any factual errors in my videos, please feel free to politely let me know in the comments. For any questions/enquiries please send an e-mail to nothingtoprovemoto@gmail.com, I'm not on any other social media platforms.
Video Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:04 Service & Costs
3:19 Problems & Issues
5:30 Rear Brake Fade
8:35 Is It Fixed?
9:54 Engine Sound
11:39 TFT Not Under Warranty
15:33 Quick Shifter
16:52 Suspension
18:35 Seat
20:10 Quality Fit & Finish
22:05 Wind Screen - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Great video Scott, nice to have a real honest opinion from an owner rather than a journalist's hype after a 2 hour ride.
Think the TFT and the brake issue should be addressed Scott. I would persevere until the matter was resolved, especially the rear brake. Great honest review. 👍
My service tried to shorten the movement of the pedal whith a screw of regulation, but in a while the oil heat up because just a touch on the pedal pushed the brake and my wheel got almost blocked. I had to stop, wait a while for the oil to cool down, go back to service and set it as it was before. It's quite a pain in the xxx...
Thank you for your honest review. BMW HQ should contact you and fix everything to your satisfaction. We are watching BMW.
Der erste Test überhaupt, in dem jemand detailiert die Kosten für Wartung und die Intervalle erklärt, dafür ganz klar einen Daumen nach oben, denn das gehört genauso zu einem Motorradtest, wie Aussagen über Motor und Fahrwerk. Vielen Dank dafür.
Great work ! I hope more reviewers come clean and present the issues with bikes like you did here.
Thanks for your honest and relaxed review. Relaxed even when remembering the coments of the dealer regarding your TFT screen 😆 👍
Great honest review. This bike is NOT cheap that's for sure, and those issues all seem avoidable or something they should have ironed out over the couple years they've been offering this thing. Especially the rear brake issue. Heard so many people complain about the BMW comfort seat at this point there's no way I'd risk it.
Despite the shortcomings of the X-R, I just love what I can only describe as it’s ride-ability.
I don’t get out on mine much but when I do, it just feels so reassuring and easy to ride.
Same with my multistrada 1200 !!!!! 😃😃😃😃😃😃
Thanks for the honest feedback.
Great rider review , it is cool to watch an experience rider's review summing all the faults, from a honest point of view - Thanks.
Wow I like this honest and no BS review! Subscribed.
This bike seems to be even worse than I would have expected.
A superior quality than Suzuki or Kawasaki? With my Suzuki V Strom 650 I have had no issues at all. Everything works as it is has been designed.
I have 12000km on it, two services and I could fetch the bike on the same day.
And although I took the full accesory kit including a metal panniers and topcase I saved several thousands of euros to the BMW.
All I need is a bullet proofed engine, a good working gear box and chassis and a comfortable seat and seating position. The comfort of the standard seat and even the lower seat option is awesome.
I have no need to the features the BMW provides like a quick shifter, TFT-screen, Electronic suspension or keyless go. I think the base items has to work properly before adding such ammenities.
Even the shift-cam technology BMW brags about was first and foremost pioneered by Suzuki!
I agree..... I have owned both Suzuki and Kawasaki (and Honda) bikes and have had NONE of the issues that Scott is having.... actually, absolutely zero issues with 4 of the these bikes that I have owned ove the last few year. Maybe I am not as picky and maybe the bikes are not as sophisticated..... but they are very solid bikes that perform "good enough" for the typical rider. Not glamorus.... but they don't do multi-night sleep-overs at the stealership.
exactly, enjoying thorougly my 650 strom, have about 22 000 kms in two years, 0 issues, all of them through Schwarzwald (1st bike, need practice before going longer :) )
Thanks for your honesty…. truly much appreciated. I was considering buying this bike based on your videos, but am now really rethinking following upon BMW’s lack of support regarding brake and TFT that are clearly faulty… not owner negligence.
Service in asia on screen , techy stuff is non existent . All parts, spares are 3 months, from germany !
Another great, honest review, thanks Scott. Many of us have been told the engine noise at idle is the clutch box. It's true that pulling in the clutch gets rid of it, but it's rather embarrassing all the same. Had a lot of clutch issues that were mostly sorted at first service. (163 euros here in Spain). The Wunderlich seat is infinitely better. The Givi screen throws wind onto my head shoulders (1m80) so will be swapping that out for something a little wider...
Keep up the great work!
Great review, thanks for the in depth detail as always. There isn't a lot of content out there on these bikes, so I appreciate your feedback as I'm about 6km behind you (picked mine up Feb of 2021). It helps to know things to keep an eye out for. In general I'm still loving my XR, no issues to note thus far. Stay safe Scott!
So how's your experience so far?
Hi Scott, As a F900 XR owner I watch your informative contributions with great interest. I share most of your opinions about the bike but having only covered 1700 miles from new it’s been recalled by BMW for a new engine. And to further dampen my enthusiasm for the brand it’s currently back at the dealership with a flat battery fault.
Great honest review, I’m looking at buying one shortly & given me plenty of food for thought 👍
Honest and well-intentioned review. BMW should learn how to keep its customers. It seems they do not learn much. They have lost me and now I'm riding my 3rd Japanese bike for my greatest happiness without any annoying issues. Service of course could be better at Japanese workshops too, but reliability eases the shortcomings.
I think the BMW motorcycle execs are being mentored by their automobile counterparts.
Thanks for the video. This bike was on my bucket list as I have a dealer 2 miles away from me but I think I will now seriously reconsider.
Great review Scott. For me the most significant issue with my 900XR was the front end dive under heavy breaking. At times I felt like I wasn't far off coming unhinged but learnt to feel that point and keep away from it. I did 30,000Km before I traded up to a 2023 R1250RT. Like you I just LUUUV the RT. The telelever front suspension keeps it solid upright under intense braking and that has really amplified what a weakness it was with the XR. Still the XR is a great bike and I miss some of the raw feeling I had when riding compared with the RT.
Wow, loved your honesty about the good things and the bad things. This will definitely help me in my purchase decision.
Welcome back !!! My dream bike...!! Got the gs310 and I cannot wait to upgrade to that beauty
We want perfection in bikes and this is far beyond impossible. Enjoy the ride while you can!
Great review. I decided to go with the Tracer 9 GT.
Thanks a lot for the comparison
Excellent video, really enjoyed that and very informative. Thanks. Just purchased a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports, we'll see how that turns out over time.
Great honest long term review.agree about the MRA screen,got one on my Bandit had one on my previous Transalp as well. 👍🏻
Thank you very much for the honest review ✌
Nice review, hope this will help a lot of people in their decision. My previous bike was an f800 GT, it also had the "clicking" in idle. I had no major issues with it except that it does not sound as something at the price of BMW should do. The main reason why I did not stay with BMW for my next bike was the over te top maintenance costs (hourly rate and "BMW" parts) charged at the official dealership compared to 3rd party garages and other brands. I never liked the whole "You should be lucky to be allowed to buy from us" atmosphere surrounding my particular dealership at the time.
Thanks for the honest review, not the first one I have seen re F900XR quality. Hope it works out, cheers from UK
Fantastic summary of your experience! I've been riding an S1000XR for the past 3 years and have been trying other bikes, including this. I found the F900xr to be a good bike, but coming from its bigger brother, missed the performance and found the suspension a little off when pushing the bike hard in the corners. I enjoyed it more than the gen2 s1000xr however! Crazy that bmw didnt reace your screen and this sort of service is offputting. I stick with bmw because of the dealer network and service I get from my local dealer.
Thanks, I was seriously considering this bike but have decided to look elsewhere. I appreciate the owner viewpoint and headaches.
Thank you Scott for the video! I agree with your nitpicks.
Thank you for an honest review. I think we all can relate to dealers not doing what we thought they should. The trick is to find one that takes care of both bike and customer. I've been a BMW customer...never again.
And at the back of my head there's a "made in China" chanting...
A well done en unbiased review.
Thanks so much for doing this review Scott. Tell, them, at the very LEAST...one potential buyer (ME) is now going with the Tracer 9 GT instead of this XR. They should have taken care of you. I've been on the fence for 9 mths on the Tracer Vs the XR and I think I just decided.
Likewise, considering the Triumph 900GT or the Yamaha 900Tracer, love triples anyway, started with a H1 Mach III when I was 15 years old, GT750 when I was 18. Now have an R18 Classic that needs a friend at night in the garage. How to choose....??? Thanks Scott for your honesty, it can be a little hard to maintain the boundaries as a reviewer from some that I've watched. Keep it safe.
Think you're missing out by not going with the F900XR though, best display in the bunch, great connectivity through the BMW Connected App, the suspension is still great on the rear shock for when you carry a pillion or luggage. I've never had any issues with it. It is a rare gem on the road too! Good luck with your purchase though and hope you can share your experience as well!
I bought the Tracer 900 GT also because of maintenance costs vs the XR, for example i paid 70€ for the 1000km maintenance vs 160€ for the XR.
same by me . I have just decided , after that video .
@@DJDarkrobe I would opt for the Tracer especially with the F900 having a rear brake problem. You can’t beat the Japanese for reliability & after service. Ride safe
Sadly it appears that you have had my experience, great bikes but the dealers vary in quality. The dealer I have bought three GSs from have a great salesman but a very poor service department. I have my bikes serviced by another dealer, always found the dealer more important than the brand and I’ve had a lot of different bikes over the years.
Thanks for the video. I have the same exact rear brake issue on my K1300S. At least now I know I’m not alone :). Good luck 👍
You are 👌🏾 awesome. You are calm even when you are mad... lol. Great reviews keep it up.Liked and subscribed all the way from South Africa.
Great review Scott! I've had my eye on this bike for a while and this was very informative! The rear brake issue is a deal breaker for me since my 13" Hyperstrada has the same symptoms and no shop has been able to solve this, f**king hate it, it definitely is a hinderance when trying to keep up with the fast guys. The next shop I'm going to try said they had the same issue and had a customer relocate the reservoir away from the exhaust and that helped, trying that next.
Appreciate your reviews and thanks!
Michael in Sonoma's coastal and wine country..
Thank's a lot!!! very honest review!!!
That has been a very useful video !
Great review. You are bang on with the seat, it sucks for 2+ hour ride for me.
Thanks for this honest review
Due to this video, I will NOT buy this bike. Thank you so much, for mentioning the problems. You saved me a lot of money and time.
Great video! VERY INFORMATIVE!!!
I purchased the f900r and after 6 months decided to sell and upgrade to the s1000r. Quality on the bike is excellent but when comparing quick shifter with s1000r I was so disappointed with the f900r. Thank you for excellent reviews
Thanks, Scott for your honest opinion, I have a 1250RS and I will pay more attention to the issues that you mentioned, keep up the good work, disappointed with BMW. if BMW going to behave this way, this would be my last BMW.
Mystery of engineering: "How good are Brembo brakes if they don't work?' Fortunately BMW has been able to help us tackle this mystery and the conclusion is that they suck, they literally suck!
The brakes on my f700gs and now my 40th Anniversary 750 work GREAT. Brembos
You review is spot on. I have a 2020 F900 XR, after 3000 miles I noticed spots on my garage floor. At first I thought no way can that be my F 900 XR. After closer look, I noticed the entire undercarriage had blue residue from the coolant. I notified the dealer and in turn they came and picked up the F900XR. I was told that the water pump went . It been going on 4 weeks , the dealer is still waiting for parts. I Checked BMW f 900 XR owner groups it seems that the water pump is a common problem. At first I thought the F 900 Xr was a well rounded bike. It has great handling, 51 mpg, low cost insurance, the riders mode and the TFT screen are amazing, fit and finish is second to none. I loved the bike. But after having a water pump go in 3000 miles and noticed that this was a common problem has turned me off to BMW. Another issue was finding neutral. I can't get into neutral from shifting up from first gear. The only way I can get into neutral is down from second. Other than the Tiger 900 , the F 900 XR is in a class of its own. I just wish my experience was different with this bike, it checked all the boxes.
Ah gotta love the 80s intro ❤️❤️❤️
Hi NothingToProve, I know I am a year late to this video, but regarding the quickshifter issues: I'm studying this bike and learning about it and yesterday I read about it on the Italian online forums. It seems that a LOT of users have issues with the quickshifter, but that almost all of them were caused by a faulty clutch. People went 4 times to the dealership to fix the issue, until they admitted and accepted to change the clutch and users say that this fixes almost all the issues with the hard clutch (sometimes it was impossible to put it in neutral too). They say that it looks like it could be a "mass recall situation" that the company refuses to do, but that they now internally about it and so they do it only when the user requests it or that it needs to be done. Hope this helps, but I've just seen you traded it for the 1250 RT! Thanks and great videos!
Thanks for your 13,000 km review.
I too own the 900 XR and after 13,000 miles (20,800 km) over two years I agree, the quick shifter is somewhat clunky moving up through lower gears though strangely goes down nicely through ALL gears. And slowly improving.
One issue for me was an OEM chain stretched beyond adjustment at around 1000 miles (1600 km) and replaced with a good Japanese DID chain which has been good to the present day. Beyond that, the only problem was flaking paint on both front fork lowers (mentioned by others on US forums) which BMW have agreed to replace under warranty without quibble. We have a good dealer network in the UK though this sort of replacement has to be cleared with Berlin.
Yes the bike audibly 'ticks' a little under initial start up (even with an Akrapovič slip-on) and rear brake is 'fair to middling' rather than your experienced poor.
Overall, the love at first site has remained. It's a great bike.
Finally, you're the first person I've heard on a CZcams bike channel pronounce 'Wunderlich' properly!
🤣🤣 that's only because I'm currently living in Germany, so I hear it pronounced "correctly" all the time.
Thanks for your input, it's always good to hear from other owners!
take care,
Scott
I love your reviews. I bought my Honda VFR800X Crossrunner in 2019, before the F900XR was announced. But even then, for the same price, the Honda seems such a higher quality, not all plasticy looking too. I'm at 24k km and not a single issue so far. But since the model has now been removed, there isn't any touring trail on Honda's catalogue (Africa Twin are oriented off-road)...
I’ve got one of these and I think I’ve gotten really lucky, I’ve got none of the issues that others seem to experience. I completely agree about the engine sound, it’s not pleasant at idle and leaves me really envious of people on Yamahas and Ducatis. And you’re right about the seat, but stopping every couple of hours and having a drink or a little walk mitigates it a lot (and it’s important to stay hydrated so maybe BMW incorporated this as a wellbeing feature?). Is any bike perfect? I don’t know. This one has its flaws but overall I’m very happy with mine. I hope you get some good riding in this summer.
Thanks for opening up Scott about your pride & joy. Every motorcycle has its shortcomings. But, the dealership is the primary place & the brand is the second. Because unless it’s a recall to save their bacon, it’s the dealership that can try to make changes. Perhaps, the rear master cylinder is too small for the load? The brake fluid boils being near the engine? Maybe the rear pads have glazed on them? Sometimes, if the brand doesn’t help you, then it’s time to help yourself without telling them!😉 The rear brake is very important in a sharp curve to wash off some speed especially in a tightening curve.🙌
Enough information to dissuade me from this bike, in which I was quite interested.
I have had three Beemers and this lack of corporate support is an issue.
Thank you for the heads up!
Hi, I really enjoy your videos. I live in Israel and this bike coast here 25k euro with all the goodies (exclusive plus without the side boxes and extras) yes...expensive...(the same as a fully loaded versys 1000 se+...) ,you just made it so easy for me to decide!!! Tnx for that 👍
Very honest review👍🏻 The TFT issue and how BMW reacted to it is as arrogant as it gets. No words... And a bike for over 14k € should come with a working rear brake!
I had a 2009 BMW F650GS Twin. It had a few problems and several recalls in the first year, fortunately all were minor and rectified. It was a really good bike to ride. I traded it in on a 2015 R1200r and it's been excellent so far. It seems that BMW has a better standard of quality for their higher end models.
Awesome video thanks!! 👍🙏🏻
Nice honest review Scott. I had added the F909XR to my list of potential next bikes but with the TFT and rear brake issues you've had I will no longer be considering this bike, the response you've had from BMW isn't good. I've owned BMW cars in the past and really liked them but I've never had a BMW bike and probably won't now.
Sorry to hear about your issues but thanks for sharing your experiences with us, keep up the great work.Ride safe.
I can’t thank you enough for the informative video. I was thinking about to buy one but now I’m leaning towards buying the Tiger 900gt or the multistrada v2s.
Again thanks a lot.
Thanks for the video. Really nice shooting location. When I got my 750gs a year ago (almost), the engine sound/noise hit me right away, too. My hearing is very good and I don’t enjoy standing next to the idling bike. No problem once going, as you mention. How is the boxer engine compared?
Merci pour ta vidéo très instructive et pertinente. Je viens de commander cette moto et je serai très attentif à tout cela.
merci à toi .
Nicolas
Thanks for the comprehensive review. I Wonder if the Yamaha Tracer 900 Frog Man dash looking back at you would be so bad now? Still have to get a screen for it as well though..
Thanks so much for your very well done videos. I was considering purchasing an F900R or XR. I've sat on a number of them in a local dealership in the SF Bay area. The small gas tank and the rear brake issue are deal breakers for me--I need more range and I do a lot of trail braking in my commute. I will be buying either a Honda CB1000R or the new Suzuki GSX-S1000GT (2022).
One of the problems that premium brands have is that their customers often have very high expectations, and notice very small issues. That makes the list of problems seem much longer than the list on cheaper bikes, but at least part of that comes down to selling to a very discerning corner of the market. A related problem is that more features means more risk of an issue.
Agreed. I could not have said it better! 👍
Rear brake issues are NOT a small problem, any brake issue should be resolved period!!!. Someone needs to do due diligence in this process, you wouldn't accept this from your car with family aboard. Major whoa here 😳.
@@stevensullivan5287 To say that very minor issues are more frequently scrutinized with premium brands is not to say that all issues scrutinized with premium brands are very minor.
@@PMitchell106 Agree with you, as a 58 year, million miles under the belt rider (not driver egads), had brake issues only once, rear locked up on my XS11 with my deaf brother on board. Needless to say, I fixed it myself at that time. I do all my services as Im capable of splitting cases and whatever. I'm not the norm, but I've had too many service shops not up to standard minimum and never go back unless it's warranty coverage.
@@stevensullivan5287 Poor braking feel and catastrophic braking failure are dramatically different issues. Of the dozens of bikes I've ridden over the decades, many had mediocre to poor rear brake feel, vanishingly few had ideal rear brake performance, and none have ever had a catastrophic lockup or failure to engage. Of those that had poor rear brakes, most other people who rode the same bikes never noticed any problem.
Thanks for a Honest video!
Danke für dieses sehr informative Video, da ich mich mit dem Gedanken trage zur nächsten Saison auch eine 900er XR zu kaufen. JETZT weiß ich worauf ich bei der Probefahrt zu achten habe. Dieses Video ist sehr hilfreich für meine Entscheidung. Das Problem mit der HR Bremse kenne ich zur genüge von meiner 1200er GSA 😢. Ich 193 cm und bin gespannt wie mein Kniewinkel sein wird.
Thanks for the review. Guessing you have the rear brake fixed by now. But if not, Brake pedal or lever sponginess ( it is not fade) is almost always caused by air in the brake system and yours sounds like a classic case. I bet the dealer did a poor job when they changed your brake fluid. In addition, I have seen Brembo rear brakes seem to create their own air which does not make sense, but happens none the less. Sometimes you have to mess with them and even pull the caliper and tilt it around and tap it to get the air out of the bleed screw. Find another dealer, this is common knowledge. As to the engine noise, clicking and ticking of valve train is common on KTM and Ducati as well. It is the sound of high performance haha.
I’m really surprised that BMW didn’t replace TFT for you, that is not how you create customer loyalty. Great looking motorcycle!
Specially when the client is a well -known CZcamsr specialized in reviewing motorbikes
For this reason it is the final nail in the coffin for BMW, as far as I am concerned!
you have an eloquent way of speaking !
Just saw that Bike in person wow is it a looker. I also only use the rear brake if I’m on unstable terrain i.e. sand on payment etc and I want to I have no chance of the front wheel sliding out. If the rear wheel slides I can always recover
I recently just rode the 2023 Harley sportster and it had no rear brake feel similar to yours .
Your light on the subject opened my eyes I’m reluctant to buy a BMW now. You live in Germany you can just drive there and get a new part
Ready for my 1st service. Re the quality of finish I’m disappointed with some small scratches on the grey central part of the tank near the seat, which came from zip rub from a new Furygan m/c summer jacket that doesn’t have anything protecting the zip from scratching the bike. As an interim I’ve put e-tech detailing film over the area.
Also I noticed a cable from the handle bar down looking a bit twisted and not right which I’ll get the techs to look at.
I have the cover protector on the TFT so I hope I don’t get the same issues you had.
Re the rear break, the positioning of the peddle is a bit tricky, a mate of mine noticed i was first off riding with my toe on the lever without realising it lighting the brake light. Difficult to feel that peddle with my TCX leather boots.
Very pleased with the handling though, ideal for a variety of roads both rough and smooth. As good as any I’ve ridden. It does seem to like a bit of speed even in road mode: it seems a lot smoother then. It’s a bit jerky at very low walking pace needing a lot of clutch use.
A very helpful video. Thanks. (UK).
Admire your honesty , I hear countless horror stories of B M W motorcycles and dealerships . My mate bought a two year old 1200 rs had it three weeks before it broke down leaving him stranded. Battery shot £160 for a B M W replacement . Four weeks later quick shifter playing up.
First time i unrderstand a German that speeks English very good explanation and very good cinematography
Great video Scott! I guess you're off BMW now. I have a question, what is your next bike? I'm on a 2021 750GS (my first) and already wondering what would be my next. Just wanted to pick your future wish.
Same thing happened to me with KTM. Condensation in my TFT and under warranty KTM said they’re not replacing it. They lost a customer. I’ll buy a Yamaha in the future.
Hi Scott, I would like to ask, if you know, if any of these problems have been fixed in the 2024 models or just the colors changed and everything else is the same.
I would also like to ask you if you think a transparent screen protector would protect the TFT from what is happening to you.
I have ordered the new model 2024 in blue and would like to preempt any problems I have seen on you.The saddle is the first one I will replace with a hand made one from local shops that make double gel saddles for both driver and passenger.
I'm afraid I won't avoid the issue of the brakes, but it may have been an isolated incident. Although, as you mention in the video, it is a general manufacturing error that they do in all models, so I predict that it will happen to me at some point.
Thank you very much for your time!
I love honesty.
Problems like this in relation to what one pays for a Bmw, is the reason why I switched from R1200gs to Yamaha xt1200zsuper tenere
Sorry, I don’t agree. I had a XT1200ZE and this bike is so plump, heavy with a high center of gravity, really hard to handle. Can’t stand in the shadow of a GS!
It's not the handling that is a problem but the quality issues. I have to concur with NeverDrive55, after two BMWs both having rear brake issues the same as Scott (and corrosion of forks and engine) I bought a Honda VFR1200X, 80,000 km with no issues and it looks as good as new.
BMW car division is also suspect on some of their models. Once upon a time, German engineered or made used to mean quality. Not any more! It’s why I stick to Japanese. My one bike I had a warranty claim on, was European - a KTM. Condensation in the dash. Replaced, and it was even worse then the first one. Buy Japanese. Be happy.
Would love to have been able to afford a Super tenere, and if l could, l was concerned about the extra 20kg it had on my R1150GS. But it certainly seemed like the dream bike.
Did you finally think the rear brake line was not rigid enough? I fixed my BMW brake problems with braided lines.
Great video, thanks. I wonder who makes the decisions on 'one off' warranty issues at BMW HQ and how the system works? It would be interesting to take it to a different dealer to see if the response was the same but I guess life is too short and that is what they are relying on.
Have to say this is a very honest review 👍, I’ll stick with my V Strom 1000 thanks, it’s not perfect but it goes and stops really well, it’s seat and screen also suck but I’ve gotten around that with after market items. It doesn’t have the sophistication or finish of your Beemer but it’s easy to work on and keeps on going without drama.
No bike is perfect, especially the budget ones. My SV650a drives like crap around town; so jerky, even dangerous when applying the throttle in the rain. But!.... it is totally on song at speed, and in 78,000 km it never broke down and left me stranded. So, be grateful for your bike getting you home each time. I'd never buy another SV, though. But i won't sell it, it will outlive me [unfortunately!], the engine sounds like new still.
A well done en unbiased review, Scott! What can we learn? Cheap can be expensive, nobody and no bike is perfect, costs for 1.000km-service at the same dealer can vary (I had to expend more than 200€)
Why not buy Japanese; never need the crooked service department, whose only claim to fame is all the lies they can tell...
On the R9t Scrambler there's also a funny little detail about the rear brake...even tough it works very well, you physically can't adjust the leaver high enough to actually use it while cornering😂
Once in the 90 I had the same problem at the rear brake with an old Morini 3 1/2. No way to repear it. So I tied up something thick on the pedal so I was easier to push it down. Same with my f900xr, I found a pedal extension wich also add some thickness. It's a somehow contrived remedy but works.
I must say though it is wear and tear but I would not expect to see that on a new shinny BMW XR900 bike.
I agree they need to address these issues otherwise they lost me as a customer too.
Good review!
great review Scott and thanks for the update, the bike looks the nuts, still have not got mine yet, but god willing next year i will pick up an ex demo model, loving the the look with the luggage and the the colour fairing!! Enjoyed your review of the 900GT but i think that bike is just ugly, especially the dash! although yes it does sound very nice.
You are on point about the exhaust note vs engine sound... not really a nice aural experience from the rider's seat because of the noisier ticking noise. esp when you start to rev it. I hope there is a street legal exhaust (that is louder) solution to this very soon.
Looks like you finally have all the parts you ordered with the bike.
How you described the rear brake is pretty much every Harley I’ve ridden including my current FLHTP. they work, just gotta PUSH! Lol
Harley: czcams.com/video/XeuXShFIgyc/video.html
I feel like the manufacturers don't put their best stuff on their 900cc bikes, so I like the 900cc class only for naked bikes, but not for adv/sport touring. For adv/sport touring I think it's better to go for flagship bikes like the 1250 GS, Multistrada V4s, KTM 1290 SA, and then you don't get irked by the compromises of stuff like non-adjustable front suspension. But that's a higher cost route to go. I just had my KTM 1190 Adv in for it's big 18,600 mile service and the stealership hit me up for $2400 U.S. since I also needed a new front tire and the fork seals replaced. I bought it used for a reasonable price and love the bike, but the service cost sure ain't cheap.
Wow. That's outrageous. I know KTM's parts and servicing are pricey but that is taking the mick.
Excellent video! I just stumbled on this video because I am looking at this bike and other similar bikes like the Triumph 850 and 900 etc. You are no joke in your critique of this bike. I wonder if you will stay with this bike and for how long? I wish I could have seen your process for deciding on selecting this bike. Have you reviewed the bikes that I just mentioned or the Ducati that is similar? I would like to watch it. Thanks
Thx for the video! It helped me NOT to spend my hard-earned money on a BMW, even with 5y of warranty.
nicely done Scott. one thing I heard before was the engine heat. maybe not an issue in Germany but have you noticed it anyway?
Try EBC sintered HH pads on the rr brake. Totally changed the rr brake on my bike, (not xr) ... went from a woooden feel with little stopping power brake, to one that bites and binds. Amazing transformation.
Scott I have the same issue with my XR, I ride a lot through mountains (home terrain) and sometimes I feel the rear brake petal is touching the pavement…
That’s good info as I was going to update my tiger 800 xca for this bmw, great bike the tiger just a little to heavy for me.
in my honest opinion...there is no Perfect motorcycle. but this xr900 would be 9.5/10.
this is the only motorcycle that has so much tecnology on it and after all the extra packs i put on it today when i ordered it, the final price was 13.300 euros. i was between tracer 9 vs tiger 900 vs xr900. the yamaha is 810 mm height, to much for me and 14,500euros , the tiger pro 900 is 17.000 in my town, come on, to expensive, but this xr900 with the LOW SUSPENSION (50mm less) was only 13,300 . in my opinion BMW has a great engine, amazing tecnology, impressive TFT, and looks amazing. i know the seat is bad, not the best rear brake, but overall is an almost perfect machine. i am pretty sure that tiger 900 and the yamaha tracer 9gt has other kind of problems ... be happy with what you have in life, the main objective is to get up every morning and when you start the engine of your motorcycle , get a smile on your face.