When BMW Motorrad launched the R nineT in 2013, it was clearly more than just a roadster based on a classic role model. From the outset, the R nineT combined classic motorcycle design and modern technology with sophisticated craftsmanship, as demonstrated by the aluminium fuel tank with brushed side surfaces, for example. In numerous components, the model also reflected the R nineT team’s fond attention to detail. The new R nineT likewise radiates this boutique manufacturing character, supported by a range of optimised features.
The new R nineT Urban G/S is quite different in style but equally classic in character. For more than 35 years, the abbreviation GS in conjunction with BMW Motorrad is been virtually synonymous with a sense of freedom and the passion for adventure on two wheels, both on-road and off-road. The R nineT Urban G/S draws on the genes of the very first and legendary BMW R 80 G/S of the year 1980, transporting them into the modern era with contemporary technology in the form of a classic enduro-style BMW motorcycle with boxer engine.
Both of the new BMW Heritage models feature the potent, air/oil-cooled boxer engine with a capacity of 1 170 cc and an output of 81 kW (110 hp) combined with a 6-speed gearbox. The two variants are both designed to meet the requirements of the EU4 pollutant class. Their exhaust systems in stainless steel with the tailpipe positioned on the left reflects classic styling.
Modular frame concepts with individual scope for customising.
Modular frame concepts provide great scope for altering the appearance and character of the two BMW boxer models according to individual preference, for example by adding different seats from the range of BMW Motorrad accessories. In the R nineT, the frame comprises four components as before: a front main frame, a rear main frame, a removable end piece and a detachable passenger frame. In the R nineT Urban G/S the frame consists of three components: a front and rear main frame with integrated end piece and a passenger frame.
R nineT now with fully adjustable upside-down fork and optimised suspension geometry. R nineT Urban G/S with suspension in enduro style.
As before, a high-quality upside-down telescopic fork takes care of front wheel control in the new R nineT, though this is now designed as a fully adjustable component. With a view to even greater steering precision, directional stability and cornering neutrality, the new edition of the R nineT has also been optimised in terms of suspension geometry. In the R nineT Urban G/S there is a conventional telescopic fork at the front while the BMW Paralever is applied in conjunction with a central spring strut at the rear, as in the R nineT.
The R nineT now has wired-spoke wheels in the dimensions 3.5 x 17 inches and 5.5 x 17 inches respectively, with tyres in the sizes 120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 180/55 ZR 17. As before, radially mounted 4-piston monoblock brake calipers ensure sound, ABS-regulated deceleration in conjunction with floating brake discs.
The R nineT Urban G/S is supplied with light alloy cast wheels. The large 19‑inch front wheel with 120/70 ZR 19 tyre is in keeping with the typical enduro-style look of a classic bike. This is matched perfectly at the rear with a 17-inch wheel bearing a 170/60 ZR 17 tyre. The new BMW boxer can be ordered ex works with the optional extra of deep-treaded off-road tyres which further enhances its classic style (standard trim: road tyres) and also with filigree wired-spoke wheels. With 4-piston brake calipers, steel-wrapped brake lines and a brake disc diameter of 320 millimetres, a high-performance ABS brake system here again ensures effective and stable deceleration. In order to prevent the rear wheel from spinning on slippery roads, there is the option of ASC (Automatic Stability Control) which is available ex works.
The new R nineT: purist roadster with boutique manufacturing character and the option of individual colours ex works.
In its new edition, the R nineT once more features the laid-back elegance and proportions of a classic BMW roadster. From all angles, the R nineT is defined by a blend of classic and modern elements of motorcycle design style combined with high-quality surfaces.
While the instrument cluster of the R nineT previously comprised two circular instruments for speedometer and engine speed display, perfectly integrated in the classic layout, the new design now features two separate instrument casings for an even more impressive appearance.
Nothing has changed in the new edition of the R nineT in terms of its boutique manufacturing character and there are numerous details which fans will love: these include the 18-litre aluminium fuel tank with elaborately brushed side surfaces, the aluminium trim panel featuring an embossed R nineT inscription which runs across the air intake duct on the right-hand side and much more besides.
While the R nineT conveyed its classic character in virtually perfect style with Blackstorm metallic combined with silver and metallic contrasts, the new R nineT nonetheless manages to go one better in this regard: to match the black-coated components such as the frame and engine housing, the Paralever swinging arm and the housing of the rear-wheel drive are now also finished in black.
For the first time, two individual paint finishes with boutique manufacturing character are available for the R nineT ex works as optional equipment items. In this way, BMW Motorrad has expanded the customising range to include the area of paintwork for the first time. The special paint finish “Blackstorm metallic / Vintage” underscores the boutique manufacturing character of the aluminium fuel tank in Blackstorm metallic / silver with a yellow application bearing the start number “21”. The latter is applied by hand and gives the bike a refined used look. The model is supplied with an aluminium hump seat and passenger pad.
The second special paint finish “Blueplanet metallic / Aluminium” emphasises the classically refined character of the R nineT with a touch of fresh style. Based on the clear-finished aluminium fuel tank with ground weld seam and aluminium hump seat – both hand-brushed – the centre section of the fuel tank and hump are finished in Blueplanet metallic with a golden surround. The colour Blueplanet metallic is also to be found on the front mudguard.
R nineT Urban G/S: traditional colouring and styling in the style of the first BMW R 80 G/S.
A look at the R nineT Urban G/S reveals it to be the spitting image of its ancestor, and it even reproduces the latter’s colour concept virtually without alteration. Just like more than 35 years ago, the fuel tank and the high-positioned front mudguard are finished in striking Lightwhite non-metallic, with a matching headlamp mask whose styling is geared entirely towards the BMW G/S style of that era. As before, the R nineT Urban G/S features fuel tank decor in two tones of blue and a two-man seat in bright red – a colour combination that interprets the BMW Motorsport colours of former years. This echoing of past times is supported by a frame finished in black.
Harmoniously matching the headlamp mask, the instrument cluster consists of a speedometer designed as an analog circular instrument, indicator lamps and a two-line LCD screen. High-end details also characterise the R nineT Urban G/S. These include the numerous aluminium forged parts such as fork bridges, the clamp for the aluminium double-butted tubular handlebars and much more besides.
One interesting detail solution in terms of creating a classic enduro look is the dual-section front mudguard. The front splash guard is attached to the lower fork bridge, thereby skilfully conveying a sense of classic enduro style. The rear splash guard is mounted just above the front wheel in conjunction with a fork stabiliser.
