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 are now 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, the Racer, and the Scrambler.
With five different models in the range, there’s a BMW R nineT to suit most tastes—from the cafe-styled Racer to the classic Paris Dakar-inspired Urban G/S. But there’s one style that the Bavarian marque hasn’t attempted yet: flat tracker. The concept of a factory-built R nineT tracker is intriguing, and we’re not the only ones…
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A new limited production BMW R NineT from Germany, a slammed Sportster built by two of Jakarta’s top custom shops, and a slick new electric bike from the Swedish manufacturer CAKE. If we could put them all in our garage, we would.
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There’s a special place in the custom motorcycle scene for motorcycles that eschew practicality, in order to push boundaries. This BMW R nineT from Zillers Garage in Russia is hardly the ideal grocery getter or tourer, but the level of craftsmanship at play here is on another level. And that’s why we love it. Zillers…
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The best thing about the Japanese custom scene is that it defies all conventions. Stroll around the annual Mooneyes show for example, and sure, you’ll see plenty of choppers—but you’ll also see another realm of genre-bending machinery. So while the rest of us argue about the differences between café racers and street trackers, Japan’s top…
Read more »There’s no denying the BMW R nineT’s hit status. It’s fun to ride, comes in six great flavors, and lends itself well…
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Read more »The 21st century ‘alt moto’ custom scene was built on a love for classic style. But lately we’ve seen a trend towards…
Read more »Using a BMW R nineT Urban G/S as a base, this blacked-out and carbon-fiber clad scrambler mixes craftsmanship with a generous helping…
Read more »In the world of vintage desert sleds, the Rickman Triumph Métisse reigns supreme. It was a pretty legit scrambler in its day,…
Read more »Most of us take it for granted that we can modify our bikes. As long as the VIN number is correct and…
Read more »There’s a lot to be said for elegance and subtlety. And there’s also a time and place for going completely over the…
Read more »A pair of BMW R NineT customs channeling the past and the future, a glorious Rickman Metisse, and an all-time classic Honda…
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