Retro is back at BMW with today’s reveal of the R nineT, or nineT for short. Created to mark the 90th anniversary of BMW Motorrad, the new BMW nineT is a retro boxer that blends the opposed flat twin’s iconic character and classic design with modern technology and a modular concept that BMW says allows a wide range of customization.
While the nineT retains the usual Paralever single-sided swingarm, a standard male-slider fork from the S 1000 RR vs. the usual Telelever contributes to the classic look up front, and the rear seat subframe can be removed to make the bike a true solo seater. An aluminum tail cover will also be available to give the bike some sexy café racer style. Other accessories include a titanium Akrapovič muffler that can be mounted in a lowered or raised position. Mounting points on the final drive also allow the license plate and brake/taillight to be mounted there, and there’s room for a 6-inch wide wheel in place of the standard 5.5.
The new BMW R nineT is powered by the 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine, which produces a claimed 110 horsepower at 7,550 rpm and 88 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. Wire-spoke wheels with black anodized alloy, non-flanged rims, black aluminum hubs and stainless steel spokes are stopped with radial 4-piston monoblock brake calipers and floating 320mm brake discs and ABS.
Here’s a bit about the styling straight from BMW:
“One of the overriding design objectives was to reduce the bodywork as much as possible to achieve a purist look. The attention to detail that consistently infused the work of the designers and engineers on the nineT is evident throughout.
“The sides of the 18-liter (4.8 gallons) aluminum tank have been painstakingly brushed by hand and then coated. The aluminum plate with embossed nineT lettering on the right above the air intake duct is another example of the bike’s hand-built character.
“The surfaces of many forged aluminum parts, including the yokes and the handlebar clamp bracket with BMW Motorrad lettering, have been glass bead-blasted and then given a natural anodized finish. The circular headlamp with the BMW emblem in the center of the bulb cover pays homage to previous role models from 90 years of BMW Motorrad.
“A classic Black Storm Metallic paint finish with contrasting silver and metallic highlights was chosen to complement the character of the nineT.
“The bike’s electrical system has been specially configured for greater technical flexibility, facilitating the installation of alternative electrical components, such as headlights or turn indicators.”
Mustn’t forget the optional kneepads, too! No word on pricing or availability of the nineT yet, but word has it the bike will be in U.S. dealers in early spring.
Looks like BMW’s version of the MG Griso !!