2017 BMW R nineT | R nineT Urban GS
Updated BMW R nineT for 2017 and new R 80 GS inspired R nineT Urban GS
From the outset, the R nineT combined classic motorcycle design and modern technology, offering quality features such as a aluminium fuel tank with brushed side surfaces. In numerous components, the model reflected the R nineT team’s attention to detail. The new R nineT likewise represents this character, along with a range of optimised features.
The new R nineT Urban GS draws on the very first BMW R 80 GS of the year 1980, with contemporary technology in the form of a classic enduro-style BMW motorcycle with boxer engine.
The BMW R nineT and the R nineT Urban GS both feature the familiar air/oil-cooled boxer engine with 101-millimetre bore and 73-millimetre stroke, creating a capacity of 1170cc. Its peak output is 81kW(110hp) at 7750rpm and the maximum torque of 116Nm arrives at 6000rpm, with a maximum engine speed of 8500rpm.
Both new models meet the requirements of the EU4 pollutant class which involved fitting the motorcycles with such features as a new engine mapping, a fuel system with carbon canister for fuel tank ventilation and an exhaust system with an altered catalytic converter that has a larger cross-section.
Control of the four valves is via two overhead chain-driven camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder. Valve activation is taken care of by very light and therefore speed-resistant rocker arms, and valve clearance compensation is by means of light hemispherical shims. Power transmission to the rear wheel is via the well-established 6-speed gearbox and the universal-shaft drive.
The exhaust systems in stainless steel, each with rear silencer on the left-hand side, contributing to creating a classic BMW look. The new R nineT offers rear silencers arranged vertically, while the snugly fitting rear silencer of the R nineT Urban GS reflects the theme for light off-road use.
The exhaust system has an electric servomotor and an acoustic valve controlled by opening and closing cables so as to still complying with the noise emissions directive ECE R41-04. What is more, a large-size catalytic converter ensures even more effective exhaust gas cleaning.
Modular frame concepts provide great scope for altering the appearance and character of the two BMW boxer models according to preference, for example by adding different seats from the range of BMW Motorrad accessories.
In the R nineT, the frame comprises four components as before: a front main frame, a rear main frame, a removable end piece and a detachable passenger frame.
In the R nineT Urban GS the frame consists of three components: a front and rear main frame with integrated end piece and a passenger frame.
As before, a high-quality upside-down telescopic fork takes care of front wheel control in the new R nineT, though this is now designed as a fully adjustable component and the new edition of the R nineT has also been optimised in terms of suspension geometry.
The wheelbase is now 8 millimetres longer at 1487 millimetres and the steering head angle has been reduced from 64.5 degrees to 63.2 degrees. This also brings about an extension of the castor from 102.5 to 107.9 millimetres.
In the R nineT Urban GS there is a conventional telescopic fork at the front while the BMW Paralever is applied in conjunction with a central spring strut at the rear, as in the R nineT.
The R nineT now has wired-spoke wheels in the dimensions 3.5 x 17 inches and 5.5 x 17 inches respectively, with tyres in the sizes 120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 180/55 ZR 17. As before, radially mounted 4-piston monoblock brake calipers ensure ABS-regulated deceleration in conjunction with floating brake discs.
The R nineT Urban GS is supplied with light alloy cast wheels. The large 19-inch front wheel with 120/70 ZR 19 tyre is matched at the rear with a 17-inch wheel bearing a 170/60 ZR 17 tyre.
The new BMW boxer can be ordered ex works with the optional extra of deep-treaded off-road tyres and also with filigree wired-spoke wheels.
With 4-piston brake calipers, steel-wrapped brake lines and a brake disc diameter of 320 millimetres, a high-performance ABS brake system here again ensures effective and stable deceleration. In order to prevent the rear wheel from spinning on slippery roads, there is the option of ASC (Automatic Stability Control) which is available ex works.
At the rear, deceleration is ensured by a single-disc brake with a diameter of 265 millimetres and a 2-piston floating caliper.
While the instrument cluster of the R nineT previously comprised two circular instruments for speedometer and engine speed display, the new design now features two separate instrument casings for an even more impressive appearance.
Nothing has changed in terms manufacturing character and there are numerous details which fans will love, including the 18-litre aluminium fuel tank with elaborately brushed side surfaces, the aluminium trim panel featuring an embossed R nineT inscription which runs across the air intake duct on the right-hand side and much more.
For the first time, two individual paint finishes are available for the R nineT ex works as optional equipment items. In this way, BMW Motorrad has expanded the customising range to include the area of paintwork for the first time.
The special paint finish “Blackstorm metallic / Vintage” includes Blackstorm metallic / silver tank with a yellow number “21”. The latter is applied by hand. The model is supplied with an aluminium hump seat and passenger pad.
The second special paint finish “Blueplanet metallic / Aluminium” offers clear-finished aluminium fuel tank with ground weld seam and aluminium hump seat – both hand-brushed – and the centre section of the fuel tank and hump are finished in Blueplanet metallic with a golden surround. The colour Blueplanet metallic is also to be found on the front mudguard.
A look at the R nineT Urban GS reveals just like more than 35 years ago, the fuel tank and the high- positioned front mudguard are finished in striking Lightwhite non-metallic, with a matching headlamp mask.
As before, the R nineT Urban GS features fuel tank decor in two tones of blue and a two-man seat in bright red – a colour combination that draws on the BMW Motorsport colours of former years.
Matching the headlamp mask, the instrument cluster consists of a speedometer designed as an analog circular instrument, indicator lamps and a two-line LCD screen, with numerous aluminium forged parts such as fork bridges, the clamp for the aluminium double-butted tubular handlebars and much more.
The front splash guard is attached to the lower fork bridge, while the rear splash guard is mounted just above the front wheel in conjunction with a fork stabiliser.
2017 BMW R nineT & R nineT Urban G/S main features
- Potent flat-twin boxer engine with a capacity of 1170cc and an output of 81kW(110hp) that meets EU4 requirements
- Modular frame concepts with scope for customising
- R nineT with new wired-spoke wheels
- R nineT Urban G/S with light alloy cast wheels and 19-inch front wheel in enduro style
- 320-millimetre twin disc brake at the front
- ABS as standard
- ASC (Automatic Stability Control) as an ex works option
- 2-in-1 exhaust system
- High-end details such as fork bridges made of forged aluminium with a clear anodised finish
- R nineT in classic roadster design in Blackstorm metallic in conjunction with a black frame and drivetrain
- R nineT Urban G/S in the enduro style of the first R 80 G/S dating back to the year 1980
- R nineT Urban G/S in Lightwhite non-metallic combined with fuel tank decor in two blue tones with a bright red seat
An extensive BMW Motorrad program is also available to individualise the R nineT and R nineT Urban G/S.
BMW optional extras are supplied directly ex works and are integrated in the production process. Original BMW Accessories are installed by the BMW Motorrad dealer or by customers themselves. These are features which can be retrofitted, too.
BMW optional equipment.
- Cross-spoke wheels (R nineT Urban G/S only).
- Automatic Stability Control ASC.
- Heated grips.
- LED turn indicators.
- Hand-brushed aluminium fuel tank with ground/visible weld seam.
- Chrome-plated manifold (R nineT Urban G/S only).
- Alarm system.
- Exclusive to the R nineT: Special paint finish Blackstorm metallic / Vintage. Special paint finish Blueplanet metallic / Aluminium
2017 BMW R nineT Urban GS 
2017 BMW R nineT specifications 
2017 BMW R nineT Urban GS specifications
