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.
Nigel Petrie is a bike builder who deserves way more attention than he gets. Despite his next-level fabrication skills and Born Free show invites, he tends to fly under the radar outside his native Australia. Which is a shame, because he doesn’t only build kickass bikes—he also builds incredible cars too, such as the Toyota…
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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 Motographe. Big news from the OEMs too, with the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S and Zero FXE both breaking cover.
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Our round-up for the week includes a well-used Moto Martin-framed endurance racer, and two BMWs; an R nineT and an R18. But first, we take a closer look at the electric-powered Curtiss One.
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We’ve always admired custom motorcycle workshops that keep pushing the boundaries. Austria’s Vagabund Moto have been doing good work since day one, but they’ve never rested on their laurels. The founding duo of Paul Brauchart and Philipp Rabl seems to level up on every build, relentlessly experimenting with new designs, materials and processes. Their 15th…
Read more »We’re kicking things off this week with a chic Triumph Street Twin from FCR Original. We’ve also got a BMW R nineT…
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Read more »We interviewed the team behind the development of the BMW R nineT a few years ago. They were adamant about one thing:…
Read more »It’s a newsier mix than usual this week, with the Yamaha SR400 finally down for the count, and a top European motorcycle…
Read more »News from two major OEMs this week, as BMW Motorrad update the R nineT, and Honda release a new Grom. Plus we’ve…
Read more »The world’s most prestigious motorcycle calendar is back. The 2021 edition of the famous Bike EXIF wall calendar showcases 13 incredible new…
Read more »When it comes to racing, BMW is all about superbikes these days. But until the turn of the century, the Bavarians were…
Read more »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…
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