The BMW R nineT is one of the most popular ‘standard’ motorcycles of recent times. Launched by BMW Motorrad in 2014, it’s a roadster with retro styling—and regarded by many bike builders as a ‘blank canvas for customizing.’
Designed by Ola Stenegärd, the R nineT has is designed to make modifications easy. The engine and chassis wiring harnesses are separate, and the rear subframe, taillights and headlight can be removed by simply undoing a few bolts.
In keeping with the classic styling, the R nineT eschews BMW’s more advanced Telelever forks for upside-down (USD) telescopics. It is powered by an air-cooled boxer engine, otherwise known as an ‘oilhead’ flat twin. This engine adds to the classic appearance and does not require the large radiator that would normally compromise looks. It produces 110bhp at 7550 rpm and maximum torque of 119Nm at 6000 rpm.
There have been up to five different variations of the BMW R nineT model available. As well as the original roadster, BMW also offers the stripped-down Pure, the Urban G/S and the Scrambler. The Racer has been discontinued.
Lionel Duke builds a little bit of everything. His Nice, France-based custom shop, Duke Motorcycles, has transformed Honda Goldwings, Kawasaki ER6s, and Ducati Scramblers into unique one-off creations in recent years. But the most interesting thing to come from his garage actually isn’t a bike at all—it’s a box full of parts. More specifically, a…
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With BMW Motorrad turning 100 this year, it’s natural to expect a slew of limited edition centenary models. But here’s one we honestly didn’t see coming. Meet the new BMW R 12 nineT—an evolution of the much-loved R nineT, ten years after its debut. Confusing nomenclature aside, there’s a lot to love about this face-lifted…
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The BMW R nineT Urban G/S is a tough pill to swallow. From a styling standpoint, we totally get it; the original BMW R80G/S was iconic, and one of the few motorcycles to ever truly pull off a red seat. Many riders give it credit for kickstarting the entire adventure riding genre—and while there’s some…
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Dieter Rams said that good design “involves as little design as possible.” Colin Chapman said “simplify, then add lightness.” Both principles are at work in this ultra-crisp BMW R nineT café racer, brought to you by Deus Ex Machina Australia. It’s certainly not the first café racer that Deus’ head wrench, Jeremy Tagand, has built.…
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BMW R nineT owners are spoiled for choice when it comes to personalization options. The bike has been out long enough that…
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You don’t often see custom shops collaborating. But as they say, a rising tide lifts all ships—and a joint venture between two…
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The custom motorcycle scene truly is a global village. We’ve featured bikes from Indonesia and Japan this week—but today we’re heading south,…
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Motorcycle historian Paul d’Orléans takes a deep dive for Iron & Air into the uneasy but essentially productive relationship between the modern-day…
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There’s a sense of self-sufficiency that’s deeply ingrained in the Batman mythos. Bruce Wayne has no superpowers—just his intellect, combat skills and…
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This week we’ve got a limited edition machine from the German car tuner Brabus, a delightful R nineT cafe racer from Switzerland,…
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Nigel Petrie is a bike builder who deserves way more attention than he gets. Despite his next-level fabrication skills and Born Free…
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The French are out in full force this week, with a Katana from Lucky Cat Garage and an R nineT from Le…
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