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.
News from two major OEMs this week, as BMW Motorrad update the R nineT, and Honda release a new Grom. Plus we’ve got a sharp BMW R1200R custom from Deus, a Yamaha XS650 from Colt Wrangler, and a look at a new fat-tired utility bike that’s about to hit the market.
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The world’s most prestigious motorcycle calendar is back. The 2021 edition of the famous Bike EXIF wall calendar showcases 13 incredible new customs from builders such as Rough Crafts, deBolex Engineering, K-Speed, Workhorse Speedshop, and Untitled Motorcycles—the creators of the radical Zero XP.
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When it comes to racing, BMW is all about superbikes these days. But until the turn of the century, the Bavarians were pretty successful offroad too. BMW pilots such as Hubert Auriol and Gaston Rahier were regulars on Paris-Dakar Rally podiums. BMW doesn’t lean too heavily on its Dakar history, but it’s a popular theme…
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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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