KIWI RIDER DECEMBER 2020 VOL1 | Page 57

the 900 is a stylish and slick-looking beast with only the front on view appearing a little incomplete without a screen , but that is the nature of most naked bikes . A windshield is available from BMW as an accessory . Two clear visual updates have been to move the exhaust low under the engine and the fuel tank forward to the traditional position - unlike the F800R ’ s fuel tank under the seat . Both moves improve the centre of gravity and mass centralisation . Also , moving the smallish 13 litre fuel tank forward to a more central position noticeably improves balance especially with a full tank . I found that at times on the F800R the fuel weight at the rear could be felt in the turns when getting a bit keen . That said , it was not a problem - just noticeable . The new 895cc DOHC parallel twin has a 270-degree firing order , makes 105hp at 8750rpm and 92kW of torque at 6500rpm . It also has two opposed counterbalance shafts that make for an exceptionally smooth and linear power delivery . Compared to the 800 engine , the 900 has a vastly more sophisticated feel , is a lot torquer and more flexible at lower revs too . It ’ s generally significantly more effortless . In contrast , the 800 seems to have a more raucous top-end with lots of noise and more vibration that makes it very engaging . However , the silky smooth , strong and highly capable 900 engine definitely wins the day for me .
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