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F900XR vs S1000XR BMW which trail to choose?

With the arrival of the new BMW Motorrad sport bikes, choosing between the BMW F 900 XR and the BMW S 1000 XR requires careful consideration, as both sporty touring models offer distinct features and performance. In this article, we compare these two motorcycles in detail to help you determine which BMW trail bike best suits your needs and expectations.

motorcycle comparison: bmw f 900 xr vs bmw s 1000 xr

BMW F900XR: the versatile and comfortable sport bike of 2025

This new version of the versatile sport model combines performance, comfort, and dynamism. The F900XR is equipped with an 895 cc inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering 105 horsepower (70 kW) at 8,500 rpm, with an optional reduction for beginner riders. Its modern, water-cooled engine ensures excellent responsiveness and controlled fuel consumption, ideal for both road trips and longer adventures.

The F900XR stands out with its sleek and sporty design, incorporating advanced equipment such as Dynamic ESA for adaptive suspension, LED Headlight Pro lighting for optimal visibility, and an intuitive digital dashboard. Its riding position is designed for rider comfort, offering a great balance between sportiness and ergonomics, perfect for long distances or tight corners.

This motorcycle also benefits from excellent stability thanks to its rigid frame and refined geometry, ensuring perfect trajectory control. With a 15.5-liter fuel tank, a comfortable seat and a wide range of genuine accessories options, the BMW F 900 XR is a successful blend of sporty performance and daily versatility, ideal for riders looking for occasional thrills and everyday reliability, whatever the road conditions. It meets the EU5+ emissions standard.

Thanks to the various power reduction options it offers, the BMW F 900 XR is an excellent motorcycle for beginner riders. In fact, it is accessible with an A2 motorcycle license and combines performance, ergonomics and assistance to offer beginners an excellent balance between enjoyment and safety.

rider on the bmw f 900 xr motorcycle riding along the seaside

BMW S1000XR: power and premium equipment for this BMW Motorrad adventure bike

The BMW S 1000 XR is an adventure bike (sporty, touring, and versatile), equipped with a 999 cc inline four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 170 horsepower at 11,000 rpm. This oil- and water-cooled engine offers a maximum torque of 114 Nm at 9,250 rpm, ensuring dynamic performance on all types of roads.

The motorcycle is equipped with a 6-speed gearbox with claw-shift control, and a robust chain drive. Its oil-bath multi-disc clutch with self-reinforcement ensures smooth and safe riding. In terms of suspension, the S 1000 XR features a 45 mm upside-down telescopic fork with electronic adjustments for rebound and compression, as well as an electronically adjustable rear shock preload, offering an excellent balance between comfort and riding precision.

With a 20-liter fuel tank, this motorcycle allows for long-distance riding without worry, despite an average fuel consumption of 6.2 liters per 100 km according to the WMTC standard. Its unladen weight of 227 kg remains reasonable given its performance and standard equipment or even the optional accessories.

The BMW S 1000 XR also includes modern features such as a powerful 493 W alternator, a 12 V / 12 Ah battery, and complies with EU5+ emissions standards. This motorcycle thus combines power, technology, and comfort, to offer an intense and versatile riding experience, suited both to daily commutes and sporty getaways.

rider leaning into a corner on the bmw s 1000 xr

What are the differences between the BMW F 900 XR and the BMW S 1000 XR?

Here is a comparison table of the technical specifications of these two BMW motorcycles:

SpecificationsF900XRS1000XR
Engine Water-cooled 4-stroke twin-cylinder engine with four valves operated by rocker arms per cylinder, two overhead camshafts, and dry sump lubrication Oil/water-cooled 4-stroke inline four-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder
Displacement 895 cc 999 cc
Rated output 77 kW (105 hp) at 8,500 rpm
A2: 70 kW (95 hp) at 7,500 rpm OR 35 kW (48 hp) at 5,500 rpm
125 kW (170 hp) at 11,000 rpm
Max. torque 93 Nm at 6,750 rpm
A2: 93 Nm at 6,750 rpm OR 70 Nm at 4,500 rpm
114 Nm at 9,250 rpm
Compression ratio 13.1 : 1 12.5 : 1
Fuel system Electronic indirect injection / digital engine management: BMS-X with electronic throttle actuator Electronic indirect injection / digital engine management: BMS-O with ride-by-wire
Emission standard EU 5+ EU 5+
Top speed Over 200 km/h (optional 35 kW version: 162 km/h) Over 250 km/h
Fuel consumption (WMTC) 4.2 l/100 km 6.2 l/100 km
Alternator 420 W permanent magnet alternator 493 W permanent magnet alternator
Battery 12 V / 9 Ah, maintenance-free 12 V / 12 Ah, maintenance-free
Clutch Oil-bath multi-disc, anti-hopping, mechanically operated Oil-bath multi-disc, anti-hopping, with self-reinforcement
Gearbox 6-speed claw-shifted, integrated in engine housing 6-speed claw-shifted, integrated in engine housing
Final drive Endless X-ring chain, rear wheel cush drive 525 chain 17/45
Front suspension Upside-down telescopic fork, 43 mm diameter Upside-down telescopic fork, 45 mm diameter, electronically adjustable rebound and compression (Dynamic ESA)
Rear suspension Aluminum double-sided swingarm with centrally mounted spring strut, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustable Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment, electronically adjustable preload and damping (rebound and compression)
Fuel tank capacity 15.5 L (incl. approx. 4 L reserve) 20 L (incl. approx. 4 L reserve)
Unladen weight 216 kg 227 kg
Price from €10,900 from €20,400

The differences between the BMW F 900 XR and the S 1000 XR are significant, especially in terms of engine configuration: the F900XR features an 895 cc inline twin-cylinder engine, ideal for versatile and accessible riding, while the S1000XR is equipped with a powerful 999 cc inline four-cylinder engine designed for riders seeking high-performance sport riding. These distinctions are also reflected in their equipment and pricing, offering options suited to different rider profiles.

Which model should you choose between the BMW F 900 XR and the S 1000 XR?

Choosing between the BMW F 900 XR and the S 1000 XR will mainly depend on your expectations regarding performance, usage, and budget. The F900XR is ideal for riders looking for a versatile, comfortable, and accessible motorcycle, notably thanks to its power reduction options suitable for beginners and its efficient twin-cylinder engine. It offers an excellent compromise between sportiness and comfort for both daily commuting and longer trips.

In contrast, the S1000XR is more targeted at experienced riders seeking higher performance, with its powerful four-cylinder engine and premium equipment, especially its electronic suspension and advanced technologies. Heavier and more expensive, it is perfectly suited for those who want a dynamic and uncompromising riding experience.

In summary, the F900XR is the perfect choice for versatile and accessible riding, while the S1000XR will appeal to fans of sport performance and advanced technology.

We hope this helped you make things clearer! Check out all the available motorcycle gear and accessories now in our online store.

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