BMW UK introduces one-make F 900 R race series
By Michael Mann
BikeSocial Managing Editor. Content man - reviewer, road tester, video presenter, interviewer, commissioner, organiser. First ride was a 1979 Honda ST70 in the back garden aged 6. Not too shabby on track, loves a sportsbike, worries about helmet hair, occasionally plays golf and squash but enjoys being a father to a 7-year old the most.
23.07.2022
We’ve been lobbying the decision makers at the Bennetts British Superbike championship for a ‘naked’ class for some time now, and we finally have our wish.
BMW UK has confirmed its new one-make race series as a support class to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship from 2023, which will see up to 40 identical track-prepared BMW F 900 R machines do battle over two races per round.
The inaugural BMW Motorrad UK F 900 R Cup offers a cost-effective opportunity at National level for aspiring or experienced racers so long as they have a Clubman ACU licence and are willing to part with £11,000 for race-ready bike that can be ordered via a local BMW Motorrad dealer.
Producing 105hp as standard, the BMW F 900 R naked bike will be offered with a standardised package of race-focused enhancements, including K-Tech fork internals, K-Tech rear shock, Arrow exhaust, rearsets, quickshifter, and race bodywork.
Pirelli have been the sole tyre supplier for the British Superbike series since 2008 and will support the BMW F 900 R Cup. Riders will be limited to two sets of tyres over a race weekend, using the latest generation Diablo Supercorsa SC and Diablo Rain tyres, depending on conditions.
Teams will have the option of purchasing a bike and having the race kit fitted by their preferred BMW Motorrad retailer, by approved partner Fortis Racing, or by their own support team. Fortis Racing will continue to be present at each round, offering on-site race support and spares for all riders.
BMW Motorrad UK Head of Marketing and PR Scott Grimsdall said: “We wanted to offer up-and-coming riders the opportunity to race at a national level with greater exposure, in a one-make series where rider talent rather than budget dictates how competitive you are. The F 900 R provides a perfect platform of power and agility for riders looking to make their mark on a bigger stage, and the new series can become a stepping-stone to Superstock or Superbike racing.”
BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs said: “A much repeated question is when can we offer an un-faired ‘naked’ bike class on our racing platform? History reminds us of simple, accessible race classes that provide great competition and action. Combined with the prestige of the BMW brand, the F 900 R Cup deserves to be a success.”
Riders interested in purchasing a race-ready F 900 R and competing in the inaugural F 900 R Cup in 2023 can register at the link.
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