2017 BMW R nineT Pure and Racer | First Look Review

Joining the original R nineT and R nineT Scrambler in BMW's Heritage line are two new models: the R nineT Pure (left) and R nineT Racer (right).
Joining the original R nineT and R nineT Scrambler in BMW’s Heritage line are two new models: the R nineT Pure (left) and R nineT Racer (right).

A few years ago BMW embraced the growing vintage custom movement in a big way with the introduction of the R nineT. Created to mark the 90th anniversary of BMW Motorrad, the R 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 allows a wide range of customization.

Read our 2014 BMW R nineT road test review

See four custom BMW R nineT’s unveiled in Japan

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Although the R nineT has been offered with a wide range of accessories to allow customers to personalize their machines, BMW had planned a series of spin-off models to fill particular niches within the retro scene. The first is the R nineT Scrambler, a new-for-2017 model with a 19-inch front wheel, a brown seat with distressed leather look, a high-mount dual exhaust and other rough-n-tumble features.

Read about the 2017 BMW R nineT Scrambler

See the BMW Concept Path 22 that inspired the R nineT Scrambler

The BMW R nineT Pure is stripped down to essentials while the R nineT Racer is inspired by sport motorcycles from the early '70s.
The BMW R nineT Pure is stripped down to essentials while the R nineT Racer is inspired by sport motorcycles from the early ’70s.

BMW has announced two additional R nineT models, the Pure and the Racer. Like other R nineT models, they are powered by BMW’s air/oil-cooled, 1,170cc boxer twin that makes a claimed 110 horsepower, has a 6-speed transmission and is Euro4 compliant. The R nineT Pure and R nineT Racer use the same modular, tubular-steel space frame found on other R nineT models, which consists of a front main frame, rear main frame and removable passenger subframe. The latter provides flexibility to change the appearance and character of the bikes as customers see fit. They are equipped with a conventional telescopic fork and the BMW Paralever with single shock and single-sided swingarm. Five-spoke cast wheels are 17 inches in diameter (spoked wheels are optional), and the bikes are equipped with a pair of 4-piston front brake calipers and standard ABS. ASC (Automatic Stability Control) is optional.

2017 BMW R nineT Pure in Catalano Grey non-metallic paint, a blacked-out drivetrain and brushed stainless exhaust.
2017 BMW R nineT Pure in Catalano Grey non-metallic paint, a blacked-out drivetrain and brushed stainless exhaust.

R nineT Pure
The R nineT Pure was designed to embody the essence of a classic roadster, without frills and reduced to the absolute essentials. The design blends classic and modern elements with high-end details such as footpegs and fork bridges in forged aluminum with a clear anodized finish. The fuel tank and front fender of the BMW R nineT Pure are finished with Catalano Grey non-metallic paint, the suspension and drivetrain are blacked-out and the 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust has a brushed finish.

2017 BMW R nineT Pure in Lightwhite non-metallic paint with BMW Motorsports graphics, a blacked-out drivetrain and polished stainless exhaust.
2017 BMW R nineT Pure in Lightwhite non-metallic paint with BMW Motorsports graphics, a blacked-out drivetrain and polished stainless exhaust.

R nineT Racer
The R nineT Racer evokes the style of sport motorcycles popular in the early 1970s. Crouched, compact and lithe, its old-school bona fides include a half fairing, hump seat, stubby handlebars and rearset footpegs, yet it remains a modern motorcycle at its core. Its Lightwhite non-metallic paint and graphics are reminiscent of past BMW Motorsport colors, the frame is finished in Aluminum Silver, the drivetrain is finished in black and the 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust is polished.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Missed it by >that< much. Seriously, I don't know why they don't just recreate the R90S. No one has matched its elegance of design since the mid 70s. This iteration just doesn't do it for me.

  2. I am a motorcycle enthusiast and I was sad to find out that The International Motorcycle Show moved to Southern California It used to be in San Mateo CA than it moved to Sacramento CA I live in San Francisco so it’s difficult for me to make it to Long Beach CA to see this show I wanted to know if you can tell me why it moved down there and if whoever’s in charge have plans to move it back up here again I’d appreciate your response ASAP Thanks a lot for your time and attention

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