The middleweight motorcycle segment is on fire right now. With more riders looking for that perfect blend of power, agility, and everyday usability, manufacturers are throwing everything they’ve got at this category. And BMW Motorrad isn’t sitting this one out.
In fact, they’ve just rolled out two new special editions in France: the F 900 R Shifter Edition and the F 800 GS Touring Edition. These bikes take what are already excellent base models and dial things up a notch.
But here’s the question—why do all these cool special editions rarely make it to the US?
BMW’s F 900 R is already a solid choice for riders looking for a punchy roadster. It’s got 105 horsepower on tap (or 95 hp for A2-license riders in Europe), sharp styling, and that signature BMW refinement. The Shifter Edition, as the name suggests, brings BMW’s Shift Assist Pro to the party. That’s really just a fancy name for a quick-shifter.
But it’s not just about function, though. The metallic blue livery gives it an extra edge, making it stand out from the standard model. And let’s not forget BMW’s three-year warranty, which adds extra peace of mind. What’s even more enticing? The price drop.
Instead of the usual 9,500 euros, BMW France is offering the Shifter Edition at just 8,500 euros (approximately $9,010 USD).
For adventure riders, BMW’s new F 800 GS Touring Edition is an even more compelling deal. The base model already delivers an impressive mix of performance and practicality, pushing out 85 hp and packing all the essential adventure-ready tech. But the Touring Edition takes things further with BMW’s Touring Pack, which includes heated grips, hand protectors, and PRO high-beam lights for better visibility on long journeys.
It also comes with pannier mounts, so you can throw on some luggage and hit the road. Wrapped in a clean white livery, this edition looks as premium as it performs. The best part? A price cut from 11,000 euros to 10,425 euros (approximately $11,053 USD).
And in case these two new special edition models weren’t enough to make you jealous, BMW’s also offering its middleweight sport-tourer, the F 900 XR, with quite a sizable discount. From an original SRP of 12,200 euros (around $12,932 USD), French would-be buyers of this bike can now get it for just 10,900 euros, or approximately $11,554 USD.
This isn’t the first time BMW has released country-specific special editions. Just last year, Europe got the F 900 R and XR Sport Editions, featuring eye-catching liveries and upgraded features. Yet, somehow, these limited-run models never seem to cross the Atlantic.
It’s a strange decision considering the growing demand for mid-sized bikes in the US. The segment is booming, with riders looking for bikes that are fun, versatile, and packed with features. If BMW is making these models more appealing and affordable, wouldn’t they sell just as well—if not even better—on American soil?
Source: BMW Motorrad France
