By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos BMW Motorrad
For 2016 the BMW R nine T radiates both purity and power. It skilfully blends the boxer engine’s iconic character and classic design traits of bygone motorcycle eras with cutting-edge technology and a modular concept that offers a wide range of customization opportunities.
Pared down styling and hand-built character.
Whether with high or low-mounted exhaust system, sporty aluminium tail cover or double seat, the R nine T has many different appearances, but they are all equally compelling.
In silhouette, the BMW R nine T is the epitome of casual elegance. The boxer engine, compact fuel tank and lean tail-end styling are just some of the features that help to give this bike its classic BMW Motorrad roadster proportions.
The classic round headlamp, the central focus of the front silhouette projects a sense of maturity and poise. A powerful high-tech contrast is provided by the gold-anodized outer tubes in the upside-down forks, while the classic shape of the boxer engine helps to create lean overall lines.
The instrument cluster, comprising two classic round speedometer and tachometer gauges, is smoothly and harmoniously integrated into the overall front-end design. The simple styling of these gauges reflects the classic inspiration behind the R nine T’s engineering, but at the same time incorporates the convenience and amenities of modern technology. For example, the R nine T comes equipped with an on board computer that shows key information such as time of day, engaged gear, remaining range, trip mileage, servicing interval and average speed and fuel consumption very clearly in a large, segmented display.
The 4.8-gallon aluminium tank and the aluminium plate with embossed R nine T lettering over the air intake on the right-hand side are eye catching elements. The high standards of manufacturing quality are reflected in the meticulously hand-brushed and coated tank sides which accentuate the grain of the aluminium to full effect. The knee area can be further customized with optional classic-style rubber kneepads. Like the brushed aluminium tank surfaces, the air intake cover is naturally anodized and its finely brushed, high-tech surface neatly round out the styling in this area. The separate comfort rear seat cover is also made of aluminium, with a similar surface finish.
Many details draw attention to the R Nine T’s high-quality, hand-built character. For example, the yokes with their tapered bolt bosses and the tapered steering damper mount are superior forged aluminium parts with glass-bead-blasted and naturally anodized finish. Also made of aluminium, the clamp bracket for the tapered aluminium handlebars has embossed BMW Motorrad lettering, while the riveted model plate on the steering head reminiscent of classic BMW motorcycle designs is further evidence of the meticulous attention to detail that has gone into the development of the R nine T.
References to historic forerunners for over 90 years of BMW Motorrad manufacturing can be seen in the wire-spoked wheels with black rims and the headlamp with its sheet steel housing and BMW emblem centrally positioned on the bulb cover. An unusual feature is the vertical mounting of the headlamp by means of a meticulously finished aluminium bracket connected to the lower yoke. The R nine T also boasts white turn signal lenses and an LED rear light.
BMW Motorrad boxer engine with short secondary transmission ratio for dynamic riding pleasure.
For over 90 years, the longitudinal twin-cylinder boxer engine and power transmission by means of a cardan shaft drive have been synonymous with BMW motorcycles.
Ever since the first BMW motorcycle, the R 32 made its debut in 1923, BMW Motorrad boxer engines have been renowned for unmistakable, rugged design, abundant torque delivery and an unrivalled sound. The BMW R nineT features the air/oil-cooled 1,170 cc boxer engine with a bore of 101 millimeters and a stroke of 73 millimeters that is already familiar on numerous BMW Motorrad models. Output peaks at 110 hp at 7,550 rpm, while maximum torque of 88 lb-ft is generated at 6,000 rpm and the rev ceiling is set at 8,500 rpm.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via the proven six-speed gearbox and the cardan shaft drive. In keeping with the dynamic character of the R nine T, the secondary transmission ratio of the pinion and ring gear has been lowered for optimum accelerating power and the smoothest possible gear shifts.
Ideally suited for customization.
Customization allows motorcycles to be tailored to the owner’s personal preferences. Possible enhancements range from the usual, original accessories to limited individual components or even one-off designs.
With the R nine T, BMW Motorrad is appealing to the desire of many motorcycle enthusiasts who wish to be creative with their bike and modify it to suit their individual taste and intended use.
As a result, not only does the new BMW R nineT boast a particularly sophisticated overall concept that lends itself to being individually modified, it also includes some far-reaching technical provisions for undertaking further customization work beyond choosing from the extensive range of special equipment from BMW Motorrad.
As such, the R nine T and its unique design concept revolutionize the interaction between rider and machine. For the first time, customers can become actively involved in designing their BMW, a process which entails far more than simply adding optional extras or special accessories, as is usually the case. Taking the existing central components of engine and chassis as a basis, the R nine T rider has a wealth of options for individually customizing it as they please.
Summary
The classic roadster bike is built for motorcycle enthusiasts who yearn for unadulterated, stress-free riding pleasure. Styling cues from old-school motorcycle production are united with the very latest drive and chassis components on the R nine T to produce a sensational motorcycle that is just as adept at cruising serenely as it is powering down country roads. MSRP is $15,095.00 including ABS.
mlezcano@carsntrvel.com
