RideFast JUNE 2021

FEATURE
BMW R NINE T
Fast Forward to 2020 and the latest rendition is, thankfully far
more comfortable.
Since those early days on the market for the R nine T,
BMW has introduced different design options, including the
Scrambler, Racer, Urban G/S, and Pure. The Bavarians also
sweetened the deal on all versions by standardizing wheelspineliminating
Automatic Stability Control; previously, ASC was a
factory-installed option. The 1,170cc air-/oil-cooled boxer twin
retains all the hallmarks of the torquey, slightly buzzy at higherrpm
mill first we first encountered in 2014.
We thought it was time to have another look. Calls were made
that procured a Racer from Motorrad West and a beautifully
wrapped more upright R Nine T from Motorrad Fourways. Our
singing mate Garth Taylor is back from the UK and we figured
that bikes like these are right up his alley so we invited him
along to join the fun. We pointed them into the suburbs for
some urban cool and then we headed off down the freeway for
an early dinner at a little pub we know.
The Bones:
Both bikes we rode share the following.
Looks and details inspired by the R32 of 1923 (90 years before
it was released, hence its commemorative name) and their old
race bikes, but with performance, handling and manners that
are entirely modern.
The tubular steel frame uses the engine as a load-bearing
component and comes in two parts. The front part with an
integral steering-head and the back, which is a pillion subframe
mounted above the swingarm. This back piece is removable
and you can turn it into single-seater and make your partner
walk. The exhaust that exits on the left-hand-side of the bike
can be replaced with a full Akrapovic unit if the budget permits.
Oh and did we mention that BMW has a full catalogue of
custom goodies for each model.
“Just sign here please!”
With the invention of that gorgeous liquid cooled 1250 Boxer
a couple of years back, we thought that the old boxer engine
would be discontinued. We are so happy that BMW found a
home for it, it’s just got so much personality and is perfect for
bikes like these.
The bikes shake bit at idle, like a 1200cc twin should. Blipping
the throttle gives you that lekker torque reaction. It has great
punch off idle, and it revs very quickly for a big twin. The
shakes disappear around 2,000 rpm. The engine produces
110bhp and 87-foot-pounds of torque, and sounds meatier
than any old GS we’ve ridden, delivering power by the barrel. It
goes harder than you think it might, pulling through the speed
range quickly thanks to the flattened power and torque curves
between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm.
Ride Modes influence the fuel intake and throttle response of
your R nine T. “Dynamic” mode makes the engine response
more direct. The result is a surprisingly peppy package that
really good fun to ride. The combination of a 46mm fork and
Paralever rear suspension provide a composed ride while a
multifunction display, LED lighting, modular framework, and
antilock brakes give the retro machine additional currency
among its contemporary rivals.
Whatever iteration you choose, the R nine T is a fun ride that
feels like a blast from the past, in a very good way.
Thanks to the fact that BMW listened to the criticism levelled
about the first renditions, the stock R Nine T is a bike that you
can now use every day for all kind of riding.
R2
R
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R1
42 RIDEFAST MAGAZINE JUNE 2021