BMW R nineT /5

BMW today took the wrap off a new R nineT /5 model that marks the 50th anniversary of the /5 series and 50 years of BMW Motorrad production in Berlin’s Spandau plant.

The new model will go on sale in Australia at an MRLP of $21,190.

Production got underway in 1969 at BMW’s Berlin plant with some 400 staff and a new series: the /5 models R 50/5, R 60/5 and R 75/5. With a completely newly developed chassis and engine along with a fresh, modern design, BMW made a lasting impact on the expanding motorcycle market of the time.

The BMW Motorrad anniversary model R nineT /5 marks the 50th anniversary of the /5 series and 50 years of BMW Motorrad production in Berlin Spandau.

Highlights of the BMW R nineT /5

• Air/oil-cooled boxer engine with a capacity of 1170 cc and an output of 81 kW (110 hp) that meets EU4 requirements.
• Spoked rims, 3.5 x 17 inches at front and 5.5 x 17 inches at rear.
• 320-millimetre twin disc brake at the front.
• ABS as standard. ASC (Automatic Stability Control) as standard.
• Heated grips as standard.
• 2-in-1 exhaust system made of stainless steel with chrome manifolds and rear silencer.
• Chrome mirrors.
• Fuel tank with knee pads and elaborate paint finish in Lupine Blue metallic with smoke effect and double line marking.
• Front mudguard in Lupine Blue metallic with double line marking.
• Double seat with chrome decorative elements and white piping, evoking the historic predecessor.
• Fork slider tubes, wheel hubs and spokes in Aluminium Silver.
• Telescopic fork with gaiters.
• High-end details such as fork bridges and footrests in forged, clear anodised aluminium.

BMW R nineT /5 in detail

The BMW R nineT /5 features the air/oil-cooled boxer engine familiar from other R nineT models with 101-millimetre bore, 73-millimetre stroke and therefore a capacity of 1,170 cc. Its peak output is 81 kW (110 hp) at 7,750 rpm and the maximum torque of 116 Nm arrives at 6,000 rpm, with a maximum engine speed of 8,500 rpm.

Power transmission is via the well-established 6-speed gearbox and universal-shaft drive.

With a view to echoing its classic counterpart, the R nineT /5 is fitted with an exhaust system featuring the polished rear silencer of the R nineT Racer as well as chrome manifolds. The exhaust end section is finished in natural, matted stainless steel whose shape recalls the conical end sections of the 5/ silencers.

Like the other R nineT models, the R nineT /5 has a steel tubular space frame in modular structure. This comprises three components: a main front section, a rear section with integrated end piece and a passenger frame which are all bolted together.

Due to the removable sub-frame the R nineT /5 also offers plenty of scope to change the look and therefore also the character of the BMW boxer entirely according to personal taste.

The chassis geometry of the R nineT /5 does justice to the bike’s dynamic, active riding ambitions, too. It is designed for a light-footed handling, neutral cornering response and a high level of directional stability, thus promising riding fun on winding country roads in particular. The wheelbase of the R nineT /5 is 1,493 mm, the castor 105 mm and the steering head angle 63.4 degrees.

Like the /5 models 50 years ago, the R nineT /5 is also pillion passenger friendly thanks to the seat which authentically recreates its historical archetype. The seat height for the rider is approximately 825 mm, which in conjunction with a narrow inside leg width provides pleasant seat comfort for both rider and passenger.

A conventionally designed 43 mm telescopic fork provides 125 mm of spring travel. The gaiters on the telescopic fork are a feature that has been clearly borrowed from the historic original. 50 years ago their function was to provide protection for the hard chrome-plated surface of the slider tubes – from stone chip, for example, as well as from fine-grain soiling that continues to cause long-term shaft seal problems to this day.

The finish selected for the fork slider tubes is also reminiscent of the /5 models. They are coated in Aluminium Silver, as are the wheel hubs and spokes, engine and gearbox. The black coated frame and black propeller shaft casing are also perfectly showcased with a view to bringing the historical originals back to life.

The fork bridges and footrests are now high-end lightweight aluminium forged parts, for example, with a surface that has been glass-bead blasted and then given a clear anodised finish. Other aluminium features include the double-butted tubing handlebars and clamp.

Rear wheel control is taken care of in well-proven fashion by means of a Paralever single-sided swinging arm and monoshock, as used in other boxer models belonging to the BMW Motorrad Heritage world of experience. Pre-load and rebound damping is adjustable and the rear susension provides 120 mm of travel.

The R nineT /5 has wire spoke wheels in the dimensions 3.5 x 17 inches at the front and 5.5 x 17 inches at the rear, with tyres in the sizes 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17 respectively.

An appropriate nod to the past is also provided by the sheet steel casing of the circular headlamp, which is finished in black just like its historic reference model. In corresponding style, the R nineT /5 is fitted with white turn indicators and an LED rear light.

Four-piston brake calipers at the front along with floating brake discs with a diameter of 320 millimetres and ABS ensure secure deceleration. ASC (Automatic Stability Control) is also available.

50 years ago, BMW used the lamp bowl of the headlamp to house a circular instrument that combined speedometer and engine speed display in a single unit. What was then a state-of-the-art information centre is replaced today by contemporary technology in the R nineT /5.

The instrument cluster – likewise designed as a circular unit – features an analog speedometer display and integrated indicator lamps, harmoniously matching the classic, reduced appearance of the R nineT /5. Housed in a high-quality metal casing, its simple functionality is entirely dedicated to the principle of reduction to the essentials – the very approach that was so typical of the /5 models 50 years ago.

If desired, the range of BMW Motorrad special accessories allows the addition of a classic engine speed counter with analog display. In addition, the R nineT /5 is fitted with an LCD display that shows important information such as the time and trip distance.