Pure, powerful and naked is how to sum up the BMW R nineT, launched to mark the occasion of 90 years of BMW Motorrad. The earthy character of the Boxer engine and use of diverse design language stemming from several ages of motorcycling merge with innovative engineering and a modular design that gives the rider an extremely varied range of customisation options.

Trendy classic

Classic motorcycles are more trendy than ever before, and the reasons are varied. The desire expressed by many motorcycle riders for a more relaxing and stress-free form of recreation has been taken up and enhanced by reminders of special form languages from times past, reflected in the current designs. Many motorcyclists have accumulated a wealth of experience of a wide variety of motorcycle models, which has given rise to a new ideal that can be summed up as pure, powerful, naked, and pared back. It is therefore no surprise that, when older motorcycle models are restored or converted, attention is paid to using authentic materials wherever possible. So what better basis could there be than the ingeniously simple concept of a BMW motorcycle with a Boxer engine from days gone by?

BMW Motorrad recognised this trend at an early stage and will soon be offering a motorcycle in the form of the R nineT that conveys the fascinating character, coherent design and innovative engineering of a 1970s BMW while at the same bringing it in line with modern expectations. Thanks to its modular design, owners will be thrilled to know that they can customise their bikes completely in accordance with their individual taste.

The engine in the R nineT is based on engineering that is as modern as it is characterful — the legendary, fast-accelerating BMW Motorrad Boxer engine. For the last ninety years, this engineering principle has continually stood for an unmistakeable design and high torque level combined with a unique sound and power.

Modern chassis components have been borrowed from the world of racing engineering, including such items as the powerful upside-down forks from the supersport S 1000 RR, the high-performance brakes with radial brake callipers and fullfloating brake discs, and the wide 17-inch tyres, all of which come together in the R nineT with classic style-setting elements from the old school of motorcycle construction. The bike’s low weight combined with an 81 kW (110 hp) air/oilcooled Boxer engine results in emphatically sporty road dynamics.

Variable frame

The tubular steel frame designed especially for the R nineT integrates the 1170-cc Boxer engine as a supporting element. The basic construction of the frame consists of a front section with integrated steering head and a rear section containing the swing arm mount. The additional, removable rear frame gives owners the choice of riding the R nineT solo or with a partner.

With its modular structure, the R nineT positively invites motorcycle fans with a fascination for engineering to customise it to their heart’s content in line with their personal preferences and emotional moods. For example, the pillion seat can be easily removed to transform the bike into a pure-blooded solo machine for sports use on country roads. The hump cover, available as an optional extra, gives the R nineT an impressive solo character reminiscent of the early café racers. The removable end piece of the BMW R nineT’s rear frame invites riders to follow the latest customising trends by installing individually fashioned parts and accessories designed by the tuning community, to create a fully unique motorcycle.

An extensive modification to the vehicle’s electrics permits further enhancements of the R nineT’s engineering, allowing riders to shape its character and fine tune its profile completely in accordance with their personal taste. For example, alternative headlamps, indicator lights or rear lights can be fitted and it is even possible to install a different instrument cluster, while the three mounting points on the housing of the rear axle enable the registration plate to be mounted sideways, in the style of numerous customised motorcycles. Clearly, the BMW R nineT offers its owners an abundance of possibilities for taking one and the same base motorcycle and turning it into a sport roadster interpreted fully individually and completely in line with their personal taste. Owners of the R nineT will find that this bike offers them virtually no limits to their creativity.

Fully matching the overall concept of the R nineT is the individually coordinated range of BMW motorcycle accessories and BMW Motorrad rider equipment. To ensure that not only the R nineT but also the rider really look the part.

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BMW R nineT: pure, powerful, and naked