MCN Fleet: Auf Wiedersehen Pet! Fond farewell to the BMW F900XR

It was a difficult year to put miles on a long-term test bike and I’ve given it back feeling like I had much to learn. Here’s a timeline of what I did manage to acheive with the bike and you can find more detailed entries below.

Jump to previous updates

• Update one: Introducing the BMW F900XR TE
• Update two: Planning the year with the BMW F900XR TE
• Update three: Getting to grips with the BMW F900XR TE
• Update four: Back to school for the BMW F900XR TE
• Update five: 1000 miles in on the BMW F900XR TE
• Update six: Covid safe travels
• Update seven: Grabbing an ice cream on the F900XR TE
• Update eight: Testing the BMW’s headlights
• Update nine: Dashing through the snow

March 2020

Excitement peaks, I’ve been allocated the BMW F900XR TE as a long term test bike for the year and plans are afoot for a European tour and a trip to the Outer Hebrides. It’s my kind of bike, I love to tour and the Beemer is designed to compete with the Yamaha Tracer 900GT, which I’ve tested previously, so a great opportunity to compare and contrast.

Then, along with the rest of the country, MCN goes into lockdown and bike deliveries grind to a halt. Plans for trips put on hold and all I can do is wait.

June 2020

Three months pass and then the glorious day arrives. At last, I take delivery of the twin-cylindered vision in gold. I’ve opted to have the Dynamic and Comfort Packages, they cost an extra £1200, so are pricey but should improve the bike. Packages include numerous elements including keyless ignition, centre strand, and Gear Shift Assist. I find this works well, with a smooth action going up the box but I don’t tend to use the down shift element and prefer to use the clutch, as I feel a little more in control.

July 2020

I’m excited and nervous, like a kid on Christmas morning, the bike’s loaded with kit and I’m off on an adventure, the first of the year. Scotland beckons stunning riding roads around Moffat and the lowlands awaits. It’s a chance to test the comfort, fuel economy and all-round grin factor of the F900XR and it doesn’t disappoint.

It’s a joy to ride on the combination of motorways, scenic A-roads and twisty B-roads, it’s comfortable, easy to handle and fuel economy proves decent, at just shy of 60 mpg. My Tracer 900GT had the most annoying problems, a noisy screen, it caused buffeting and deafened. I’m pleased to find the screen on the F900XR, with two positions, is so much quieter than the Tracer.

September 2020

It’s an early start for me and my mate, Paul, we’re both riding BMW F900XRs and want to put the Adaptive Headlights to the test. What better way than an early morning dash to the east coast, to watch the sun rise over Ness Point in Lowestoft. The LED lights are impressive, they provide a clear, incredibly bright light and the way they move, to light the inside of a corner, when you tip in, is great.

October 2020

It’s taken me till now to pluck up courage but eventually I’ve been dragged into the modern age. I don’t profess to be technically savvy but after a few idiot proof lessons from a mate, I get the fancy TFT dash connected up to a Sena headset. Why it took me six months to sort, I’ll never know, it’s reasonably intuitive and simple to use. Being able to phone home on the move and demand for the kettle to be put on, in readiness for my arrival, is a lazy luxury.

November 2020

It’s with a heavy heart I make arrangements for the bike to be returned to BMW, with a shortened loan period, it feels there’s so much I’ve still got to learn.

Update nine: Dashing through the snow

Published: 12.11.20

With so many events cancelled and charities missing out across 2020, I have hatched a plan to put the MCN Fleet BMW F900XR TE to good use, hopefully raising a few smiles and a little cash for my favourite charity.

At some point during the year, I’d usually don a silly costume and partake in a motorcycle charity event. Over the years, I’ve travelled to Glasgow to be a giant bunny in an Easter Egg Run, toured Wales dressed as Evel Knievel and taken part in numerous Christmas Toy Runs.

More long-term tests

• Bad luck on the Royal Enfield Interceptor
• Honda Fireblade SP hits Silverstone
• KTM 1290 Super Duke GT luggage

This year, with events being cancelled across the country, I’ve taken matters into my own hands. Instead of being able to participate in an organised group event, my Santa suit has come out of the loft, for me to ride one of my essential trips, to the office.

It brought a smile to the face of fellow road users, made me snigger to myself and I stuck a tenner in the pot for the London Air Ambulance – much needed funds for a very worthy cause. Give it a try, it’ll brighten up your day, I can guarantee it. .

When I’ve not been spreading festive joy and with the bike being pretty much grounded for the last month, I’ve spent time tinkering in the garage and winter prepping. I wanted to fit a full set of crash bungs but the bike was hanging, so set to work with getting rid of the road grime that had built up over recents trips.

A mate recommended Pro Green MX and looking at his near immaculate bike, I thought it was worth a try. The bike wash is really easy to use and at £7 a litre, competitively priced. Simply lather the bike in the green liquid and then hose it down; watching the dirt lift off with ease. As it starts to dry, spray it all over with the After Shine treatment (£11 a litre).

Hopefully this will mean I’ll not need to wash the bike again for a few weeks, with the magic formula acting as a dirt repellent and leaving a film on the bike. Fingers crossed it does the job.

I’d had a small spill in the summer and marked the fairing – not significant damage, but enough for me to realise I should perhaps get some crash bungs fitted. After a quick internet trawl, I found R&G had exactly what I needed and reasonably priced, too.

With the aid of my ever helpful hubby, we fitted the front fork protectors (£39.99), rear bobbins (£44.99) and engine mounted crash protectors (£74.99). All are simple to fit, using our pretty bog standard tool kit but if I don’t get my knees quite in the right place when riding, I catch the engine mounted bungs. It’s not a major issue, but caught me out on my first couple of rides with them in place.

BMW F900XR TE: The story so far

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Update eight: It’s a dark night for the BMW F900XR TE

Published: 28.10.20

It’s 3.24am. I fire up the BMW F900XR and cringe as the engine sound resonates. The sky’s clear, stars twinkle overhead and there’s an autumnal chill. Am I mad? Maybe. Am I up for an adventure? Definitely.

• Related: Full BMW F900XR review

I’m meeting my mate, who is known for stupid ideas. I mentioned I wanted to put the fancy headlights on the Beemer to the test, but rather than suggest an evening ride to a local pub, Paul decides we need to watch the sunrise at the most easterly point in the UK, which happens to be a two-and-a-half-hour ride from home.

I wait at the side of the road for Paul to arrive, and as he draws alongside, no words are spoken. I shake my head, he laughs and we head off. We join the A1 and instantly I notice the fancy LED headlights picking up the kerbs. Adaptive headlights are part of the Dynamic Package that’s fitted to the bike – the package costs £575 and includes a clutchless gear shifter, as well as the fancy headlamps.

The lights are connected to the bike’s brain. I’m not technically savvy, so won’t try be clever, but in my basic terms, it means as the bike leans and turns, the lights adjust to illuminate the inside of the corner. You can read more about this here.

It was an early start for our Office Manager @AliSilcoxMCN & riding buddy @Paul_BikeMag riding to Ness Point to watch the sun rise. Great way to spend a Saturday morning & a crazy way to test the superb headlights on their @BMWMotorradUK F900XRs pic.twitter.com/Pz3UMoTkyl

— Motor Cycle News (@MCNnews) October 17, 2020

We pick up the A47, it’s near deserted and as the journey progresses, there’s a strange comforting feel to see the lights from one of the few lorries on the road come into view. It’s easy to flick between main and dipped beam; there’s a switch on the left control, push it away and main beam glares. The same switch also acts as a passing light, if you give it a quick pull in.

LED bulbs give a clear, bright light – so bright I have a feeling I can be picked out from miles away. Equally, if not more importantly, I can see the full width of the incredibly dark tarmac ahead. Our journey takes us through rural East Anglia, passing through only a few towns and villages, so there are vast sections of road that are unlit. With these lights, I feel as confident riding in the depth of night as I do on a bright sunny day.

It’s a chilly October morning, so I’m glad I’ve got the heated grips and taken the time to wire in my Keis heated vest. These, combined with a full Michelin Man approach to layering, are keeping me toasty. In fact, the heated grips on maximum setting are too hot, so I settle for the mid-point for the bulk of the journey.

We arrive at Ness Point, and the sat-nav has led us through the industrial area of Lowestoft and there, tucked behind a wind turbine and the Bird’s Eye factory, lies the most easterly tip of the UK. I’ve proved that the extra costs for the fancy lights is worth it and that doing something daft once in a while, can be good for the soul.

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Update seven: Ice Cream Sundays for the BMW F900XR TE

Published: 23.09.20

Seems to me that BMW F900XRs are like buses, see none for ages, then two turn up at once. At least that’s how it feels when I ride out with my fellow XR riding buddy, Paul, from our sister mag, Bike Magazine.

Paul’s like me, he’s in the fortunate positon that he’s been loaned a F900XR for the year. He’s also like me, where he’d usually be commuting daily or planning the odd big trip away, rides are now limited to going on the hunt for family essentials (for family essentials read loo roll).

Rather than purely going on solo jaunts, we decided to have a couple of weekend rides around the local area, on a quest for the best ice-cream in Rutland. As we kit up to head out, first stop is to fuel up, it’s interesting to see how both of us are having the same issues with the beautifully styled, easy to read but a bugger navigate, TFT dash.

With so many riding modes, bluetooth connectivity, separate sat-nav and different buttons to press, it’s like the blind leading the blind. Ironically it was Paul who showed me how to reset the trip initially and here I am, having to remind him.

.@BMWMotorradUK F900XRs are like buses…see none for months and then two turn up!! Fun afternoon bimble with @Paul_BikeMag, topped off with the best ice cream ever pic.twitter.com/oUcKhb8Klh

— AliSilcoxMCN (@AliSilcoxMCN) September 6, 2020

We’re riding round Rutland, on some of the roads that make up the new MCN250 test route and I can see why they’ve been chosen. Rolling hills, sweeping bends and stunning scenery make for a lovely afternoon ride, the late summer sun is beaming and it’s a near cloudless sky. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon, made even more enjoyable that, although we look like a mis-matched married couple, having my mate leading the way on an identical machine brings a smile to my face.

As we pull into the local farm shop and are confronted with a vast array of ice-creams. Over my two scoops, of the best salted caramel ice-cream I’ve ever tasted, we chat bikes. I’m interested to see what Paul thinks of his XR and I’m not surprised that, like me, he finds it confidence inspiring and easy to ride. Even though I’ve only ridden about a quarter of the miles I’d usually have ridden in a year, I feel so at home, the XR’s already a firm favourite and I can’t wait for our next duo ride (not actually sure it’s all about the bike or more about the ice-cream).

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Update six: Covid Safe Travels for the BMW F900XR TE

Published: 13.09.20

It’s my first big riding adventure of 2020. In a ‘normal’ year I’d have already clocked up thousands of touring miles but 2020 is proving to be anything but normal.

Like many, my dreams of far-flung foreign adventures have been quashed. Ever-changing government guidelines mean I don’t feel comfortable travelling to the continent but want to head further afield than the twenty mile bubble I’ve stuck to in recent months.

Scotland has recently re-opened its doors to tourists and having visited the Highlands in the past, I thought this is the ideal opportunity to explore a little closer to home. Sticking a pin in the map, I chose the Lowlands, they are around five hours from home and the scenery looks breathtaking.

With my route planned I head north, a surprising amount of traffic is on the roads. For weeks I’ve spent most of my time on quiet country roads, close to home, so it’s a shock to get stuck in a massive traffic jam.

Clear of the queues and over half my two hundred and fifty mile journey under my belt, I take a break at Scotch Corner Services. What a mistake! It’s chaotic, understandably entry is limited and once inside the building, cordons are in place, to help guide visitors. With face mask on and queuing for the loo needed, it feels claustrophobic and slightly over-powering.

Luckily the sun’s shining, so I head outside to a bench in the corner of the car park, away from the crowds. Refreshed and ready to tackle the remainder of the journey, I kit up and continue north.

I near the border, traffic reduces and stunning scenery comes into view, at last, I begin to enjoy the ride. I’m basing myself in Moffat, a small spa town, nestled in the Scottish Lowlands, with a reputation for being motorcycle friendly and loads of fantastic local roads to explore.

I’m only here for two nights and my home is The Buccleuch Arms, run by motorcyclists and designed to cater for our every need. I want to make the most of my time and armed with one of the hotels many routes I head out to find the highest village in Scotland, Wanlockhead, which is about twenty miles away.

Roads are near deserted, views breathtaking and I enjoy the freedom of being on the bike – even the moist weather isn’t dampening my spirits. I’ve taken the hotel up on the offer of a picnic, not all cafes are open and with so many roads to explore, it seems the perfect way to enjoy lunch.

I wish I’d planned a longer stay, two days barely scratches the surface and all too soon I’m homeward bound. I learn from the mistake of the service station stop on the way up and find a smaller, more peaceful petrol station to fuel up and enjoy my perfectly prepared picnic.

Five Top Tips for Travelling in Covid Times

1. Guidelines and rules change daily, so before you set off check government websites for the most up-to-date info, in case of local lockdowns.
2. I’m usually a bit off the cuff with routes but it’s worth planning and check ahead that cafes and fuel stops are open.
   
3. If you need an overnight stay, book your accommodation, don’t take the chance of getting to your destination and not find a bed for the night.
   
4. Pack a ‘go-bag’ with essentials. Anti-Bac gel, wipes, small packet of tissues, snacks and some water. You can always picnic in the wilds.
   
5. Keep gloves on to fuel up. This can be a bit cumbersome but keeps contact with potential hazards to a minimum.
   

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Where I stayed: The Buccleuch Arms, Moffat

As I pull up outside the family run The Buccleuch Arms, father and son duo, Dave and Clint Smith, extend a cheery welcome. They point me towards the secure courtyard, at the rear of the hotel. The secluded garden is decked out with biker themed flower arrangements and houses a row of motorcycle garages, along with loads of paved parking, for any overspill.

With the bike tucked up for the night and before I’m able to step into the hotel, Dave commences his Covid briefing. He’s quick to explain that they’ve gone to great lengths to ensure the safety of guests. Sanitisers are located in the courtyard and dotted around the hotel, along with posters that give gentle reminders of social distancing guidelines.

There’s a few changes to how they’re running the hotel and for the time being, the bar and restaurant are only open to residents. The menu, in the award winning restaurant, is limited but this doesn’t impact on the quality or quantity of the meals served.

Picnic lunches are home-made and plentiful. At a tenner, they’re decent value and a fantastic idea. I’m self-sufficient when I’m out exploring and with lochs, mountains and stunning countryside to discover, there’s an unlimited amount of picnic stops on hand.

BMW F900XR TE: The story so far

• Update one: Introducing the BMW F900XR TE
• Update two: Planning the year with the BMW F900XR TE
• Update three: Getting to grips with the BMW F900XR TE
• Update four: Back to school for the BMW F900XR TE
• Update five: 1000 miles in on the BMW F900XR TE

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Update five: 1000 Miles and counting

Published: 10.08.20

It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here and I can’t get enough of the BMW F900XR TE. I have a tendency to be an ‘all or nothing’ kind of girl and with a month under my belt, I’ve already clocked up a thousand miles.

0 Miles

I’d got so much planned for the year but like the rest of the country, life’s constantly changing. Rather than my usual daily commute, all I do now is crawl out of bed and fall downstairs in my ‘jim-jams’ for another day in the home office – with the cat on my lap and coffee on tap.

With a new bike calling from the garage, I kit up and head out, to mock up my old commute. It may seem bonkers but gives me a reason to ride and a chance to get to grips with the Beemer.

It instantly feels familiar and the upright riding position is similar to that of the much-loved Yamaha Tracer 900GT I rode for 10,000 glorious miles a couple of years back. Seat height, on the XR is perfect for my 31 inch inside leg and the riding position is spot on.

250 Miles

I’ve taken to exploring the local countryside with bimbles around beautiful Rutland to enjoy, I’m not a throttle happy rider, so fuel economy is tipping over 60mpg. Fuel stops are easy, for once it’s a truly keyless ignition, unlike the Ducati Diavel I had on test last year, that had a keyless fob for ignition and integral key to open the fuel cap.

There’s a little lever on the fuel cap of the Beemer and once the ignition is off, it can be opened. In the current climes, I’m fuelling up with gloves on – to avoid any contact with inanimate objects – and it’s easy to opperate with a gloved hand and less hassle than fiddling around with keys.

More long-term tests

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500 miles

I’m being brave. I’m fifty miles from home, riding north to Scotland for the weekend! Naively I thought roads would be quieter but the A1 is at a standstill and I filter through mile after mile of stationary traffic.

It’s a chance to practice clutch control and the lever is in the perfect spot. At slow speeds, the bike’s well balanced and with the exception of the odd one or two vans, the mirrors slip perfectly through the gaps. One thing I do notice is the rear brake – it’s hard to locate and it could do with being about a inch up from where it is.

1000 miles

Tucked behind the adjustable screen, there’s minimal protection from the changeable weather but I don’t care. I’m exploring the heather clad hillsides of the Scottish lowlands and although not the best conditions, it doesn’t dampen my spirits. I’m having a ball, I’m ‘out out’ and it’s such a change from the recent weeks of near imprisonment at home. Now, where to next!?

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BMW F900XR TE: The story so far

• Update one: Introducing the BMW F900XR TE
• Update two: Planning the year with the BMW F900XR TE
• Update three: Getting to grips with the BMW F900XR TE
• Update four: Back to school for the BMW F900XR TE

Update four: Back to School for the BMW F900XR TE

Published: 23.07.20

I can’t lie, I’m a little nervous as I kit up and head off from home, on the BMW F900XR TE, to the World of BMW Rider Training School on the outskirts of Royston.

It’s a month since I was involved in an accident, which has dented my confidence and initially left me a little nervous on the bike. After fifteen years of near incident free riding though, I’m determined to return to my former, solo riding, self.

More long-term tests

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What better way to quash my anxiety than to brush up on my skills with a day of one-to-one tuition with head honcho, Ian Biederman.

Ian greets me, with a cheery smile and, as I enter the modern building, I’m asked to take a moment to wash my hands. We’re living in different times and the guys have worked hard to ensure Covid-19 measures are in place, with hand washing on arrival, classrooms socially distanced and anti-bac wipes evident for when shared equipment is needed.

There’s a couple of learners and their tutor preparing for their day, they’re heading out to take Mod 1 of their test. The school caters for everyone, with CBT courses, Direct Access, Advanced Riding courses and the bespoke one on one Rider Training, which I’m taking part in today.

• Find out how to pass you full motorcycle test with MCN

As Ian and I head into our classroom, we start to chat about why I’m here and what I want to gain from the day. It’s my day and will be tailored to my needs. I’ve got his undivided attention for the next eight hours. Instantly I’m at ease, Ian’s been teaching for 30 years and it’s apparent he’s a people person, he’s calm, considerate and listens.

Over a cuppa, we spend the next hour chatting about my riding experience, what led up to my accident and what could I have done differently. I can see Ian is mentally taking note of areas for us to work on during the day. Initially, it feels a little random, but as I stand in the classroom doorway and start explaining what I can see, we’re already working on the observation skills, which we’ll brush up on further on the move.

As the day progresses, I feel it’s more a therapy session, than an advanced riding course. Ian’s approach is calm, thoughtful and shows his knowledge and experience. He classes it more as a coaching session, than training and I like the way I’m learning without being dictated to or patronised.

I’ve opted to ride my BMW F900XR TE but if you prefer, for £50 you can hire one of their fleet of brand-new BMWs. With machines ranging from the novice friendly G310R, through to the R1250RT, there’s something to suit all riders.

The schools affiliated to BMW (and I’m sure if you cut Ian in half he’d have the letters BMW running through him, like a stick of Blackpool rock) but he’s happy to teach any rider, on any machine.

We link up with intercoms and I take the lead. For the first five miles Ian wants to see how I ride. The centre’s in the perfect location, with undulating hills to the south, flat Fen roads to the north and situated between the M11 and A1, there’s motorways within striking distance.

The feeling of being watched makes me act slightly out of character but I’m soon in the swing of my ride. We’d talked about the types of roads I love to ride and start on my favourites; fast, flowing A-roads. Within minutes though, we’re down tight country lanes.

At our first debrief Ian is complimentary, but we both realise there’s areas I can work on. My observation is good but not as good as it could be and I’m also spending too much time changing road position.

Ian’s all about not muddling the brain with stuff you don’t need, ensuring you’ve got capacity to concentrate on the more important bits. For example, indicting to go round a hazard, when there’s only me on the road, is pointless. Save that tiny thought to make sure I’m looking that bit further up the road to catch sight of that hidden driveway.

Ian then takes the lead and he’s talking the whole time – explaining where he’s looking, why he’s in that position on the road and what his next move is. I take confidence from the fact I wasn’t that far out with my road positioning and my observations could be sharper but are pretty decent already.

A couple of hours on the road and I’m mentally drained. I’ve learnt a couple of nuggets that I’ll apply to my day-to-day rides and more importantly, I’m rebuilding my confidence.

It’s a safe, friendly environment and I can’t recommend it enough. Little touches that to blokes will mean nothing but to ladies mean a lot, like the basket of personal hygiene products in the ladies loo, shows they care about their customers. At £345 for the day, it’s not cheap but I’m a believer that you get what you pay for and the quality of training and friendly approach make it worth it.

Three things I learned:

1. One area we concentrated on was road positioning to ensure you get the best of view the road ahead and be able to react to the conditions around. Something I’d never noticed before and not considered is to look at how road markings have worn. In particular – as you approach a tight bend – pay extra attention to the centre white line. If it’s worn away, it’s an indication that traffic cuts the corner, so position yourself slightly off the normal line, to avoid oncoming hazards.
2. Observation is key and by the end of the day this had been drummed into me – reinforcing what I already knew. Ian commented that I’m more observant than a lot of riders but as he took the lead, and talked me through his ride, I realised if I’m looking 100 metres up the road, his view is at least half that distance again. Using tree-lines and spotting vehicles way in the distance help plan the ride.
3. Vocalisation and talking through my ride; it’s something I was taught when taking my IAM course a few years ago. If you talk through the ride, it makes you more aware of what’s going on around you. It also reinforced other areas of training I’ve had in the past. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence boost I needed to feel that I am capable and that I shouldn’t be so critical of my ride. That doesn’t mean I’m over confident – just that I know that hopefully, should I get in a sticky situation in the future, I’m able to get out of it.

The Facts:

What is it? A one-day one-on-one advanced rider training session.

Price? £345

What’s included? Tuition, both classed based and on the road. Bike and kit can be hired for £50, including full insurance and fuel.

Where is it? Royston, Darlington, Exeter

Duration? One day

Where can I stay? Hotels and B&Bs are plentiful in all areas, ask the team to give you some tips.

Do I need my own bike? No

Contact: www.bmwridertraining.com

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Update three: Getting to grips with the BMW F900XR TE

Published: 17.07.20

It’s been a strange summer for us all. With the Coronavirus crisis, delivery of the BMW F900XR TE was delayed and with lockdown rules in place, like many of you, my riding plans for the year have had to change.

I’d got ferries booked for a trip to the Outer Hebrides, a plan to visit my mates in Le Mans and an aim to take part in the Iron Butt Rally and Round Britain Rally. For now though, it’s all about rides to explore some of my fantastic local roads and short hops to visit family and friends (in a socially distanced manner, of course).

From the first ride, this bike has felt familiar and it’s going to be perfect for touring and long days in the saddle. It’s exactly the kind of riding position I love, too. I had the pleasure of taking charge of a Yamaha Tracer 900GT a couple of years ago and this bike feels incredibly similar. It’s upright, comfortable and although it’s smaller than the Tracer, it doesn’t feel cramped. One of the major differences, from the initial ride, is the screen.

Anyone who’s ridden the Tracer will know that wind noise from the screen is an inherent problem. Thankfully, it’s something the Beemer doesn’t suffer from. The XR’s manually adjustable screen has two positions and, at 5ft10in, I find that it doesn’t matter which position it’s in, the noise is minimal.

My only criticism is the adjuster, which is easy to use but is on the right of the bike. From a safety perspective, I suppose it can’t be adjusted on the move, but I’m not a fan.

One thing that has got me intrigued is the BMW Connected app and the ability for my phone and bike to talk to one another. I’m a complete technophobe and far prefer maps to sat-nav and normally couldn’t care less about using an intercom. But this year might be different.

I can preload routes into the app and then, through the power of Bluetooth, hook the bike up to my phone and directions miraculously appear on the massive TFT dash. At the moment, instructions can’t be heard, so I need to explore the different intercoms and see which will be the easiest for me to use.

I do hope that, as time passes, the world becomes a little more normal, so I get the chance to explore the bike’s capabilities further and head further afield.

⏱️ Join @MikeA_Bikes for #60secondswith the all-new BMW F900XR. Find the full review here: https://t.co/sUun8tm52Gpic.twitter.com/HaYP07XWH8

— Motor Cycle News (@MCNnews) June 8, 2020

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Update two: Waiting for the BMW F900XR TE

Published: 22.04.20

It’s been a funny old start to the riding season. Well, I say funny old start, I’m yet to turn a wheel on my long-term test bike. Like the bulk of the UK, and along with the rest of the MCN team, I’m currently working from home and the only two-wheeled action I’ve seen of late is my daily hour of exercise.

I’ve swapped to pedal power, so at least my fitness is improving and there’s a fighting chance that I’ll fit in my leathers when the need arises.

Talk about bad timings! I was due to collect my BMW F900XR TE the week we went into lock-down. So rather than getting to grips with the parallel-twinned beauty, I’ve spent the last few weeks reading the reviews of our Road Test team and busy planning, for when my riding gear can come out of storage.

One review caught my eye was the recent MCN250, where the Beemer was pitched against the Yamaha Tracer 900GT – a former long termer of mine.

Chief Road Tester, Neevesy, put both bikes through their paces and I was interested to read, the power delivery of the 103bhp XR is far more docile than that of the slightly more powerful triple in the Tracer. This will be something that should suit my riding style, I’m not a throttle happy rider and love the characteristics that twins offer.

One thing that was highlighted was that the XR isn’t as roomy as the 900GT, which is a slight concern, as I’ve signed up to take part in the Round Britain Rally. It will see me spend hours in the saddle, as I tour the country to take snaps of me (and the bike) at landmarks all over the UK.

I’d paid my £35 entry fee, been issued with the countrywide list of landmarks and with the Rally due to start at the beginning of April, I’ve been poring over maps at the weekend, rather than heading out.

I’ve planned for the XR to come with a sat-nav and I’m taking my time to plot the best routes, so I can cover off the most landmarks in the shortest period. As soon as the bike arrives, I’ll use all my technical wizardary to load the nav with my desired routes, kit up the Beemer with some essentials and disappear for a couple of weeks.

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Update one: Introducing the BMW F900XR TE

Published: 10.03.20

I’ll spend the summer touring the UK on the BMW F900XR, as I take part in the Round Britain Rally, and racking up miles for my #ride5000miles target.

I’ve also planned a road-trip to the Outer Hebrides, where I may sample the odd glass of locally distilled Isle of Harris Gin!

The rider Ali Silcox, Office Manager, 50, 5ft 10in. 15 years of year-round riding, daily commuter. Alison.silcox@motorcyclenews.com

Bike specs 895cc | 103bhp | 219kg | 825mm seat height