Cloud 9: A BMW R9T from a Dutch dream team
You don’t often see custom shops collaborating. But as they say, a rising tide lifts all ships—and a joint venture between two…
Read more »BMW R nineT
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.
Eye of the Storm: An aircraft-inspired custom R nineT
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How custom trends influence motorcycle design
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Behind the scenes: Designing the Batman motorcycle
There’s a sense of self-sufficiency that’s deeply ingrained in the Batman mythos. Bruce Wayne has no superpowers—just his intellect, combat skills and…
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Speed Read, February 13, 2022
This week we’ve got a limited edition machine from the German car tuner Brabus, a delightful R nineT cafe racer from Switzerland,…
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Done To A Tee: Nigel Petrie’s immaculate R nineT chopper
Nigel Petrie is a bike builder who deserves way more attention than he gets. Despite his next-level fabrication skills and Born Free…
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Speed Read, July 18 2021
The French are out in full force this week, with a Katana from Lucky Cat Garage and an R nineT from Le…
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Speed Read, 23 May 2021
Our round-up for the week includes a well-used Moto Martin-framed endurance racer, and two BMWs; an R nineT and an R18. But…
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Raising the bar: Vagabund gives the BMW R nineT a lift
We’ve always admired custom motorcycle workshops that keep pushing the boundaries. Austria’s Vagabund Moto have been doing good work since day one,…
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Speed Read, 25 April 2021
We’re kicking things off this week with a chic Triumph Street Twin from FCR Original. We’ve also got a BMW R nineT…
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Speed Read, 4 April 2021
We’re going off road this week, with a stunning Paris-Dakar R nineT from Switzerland and a pair of Yamaha dual sports: an…
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Cobra: A plug and play cafe racer kit for the R nineT
We interviewed the team behind the development of the BMW R nineT a few years ago. They were adamant about one thing:…
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