We go for another ride aboard BMW’s easy-riding F 900 XR. (Joseph Agustin/)

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

All-new for the 2020 model year, the F 900 XR is a middleweight adventure sportbike from the German brand. (Joseph Agustin/)

The F 900 XR is powered by BMW’s tried-and-true 895cc parallel twin. We love its peppy sound, character, and around-town acceleration. (Joseph Agustin/)

The F 900 XR is a blast to ride around town. It’s nimble and the engine has a pleasing torque curve that makes it easy to ride. (Joseph Agustin/)

We’re big fans of the F 900 XR’s styling that appears rugged yet elegant. (Joseph Agustin/)

The one-piece seat is not only short rider friendly but it is cozy for long days in the saddle. (Joseph Agustin/)

Ergonomically, the F 900 XR is a tad small for taller riders, yet the ergonomic proportions are set well making it comfortable for a wide range of riders. (Joseph Agustin/)

A bright and crisp 6.5-inch color display keeps tabs on vehicle vitals. BMW easily employs the slickest interface in the motorcycle segment today. (Joseph Agustin/)

Brembo Monoblock calipers do a fine job of shedding speed on the 483-pound F 900 XR. Stainless steel brake lines are a nice touch. (Joseph Agustin/)

Bright LED headlamps help the F 900 XR stand out. They also perform well during night rides. (Joseph Agustin/)

We’re big fans of the F 900 XR’s smaller dimensions that make it easy to ride in urban environments. (Joseph Agustin/)

Introduced on the 2012 K 1600 GTL touring bike, BMW’s tried-and-true multi-wheel makes it easy to manipulate vehicle and display settings while riding. (Joseph Agustin/)

The F 900 XR’s cockpit is well suited for urban riding and light-duty touring escapades. (Joseph Agustin/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com