BMW Motorrad introduces 90th anniversary R nine T, ready for customization

October 18,2013

Created to mark “90 Years of BMW Motorrad,” the BMW R nineT radiates both purity and power.  It skillfully blends the boxer engine’s iconic character and classic design traits of bygone motorcycle eras with cutting-edge technology and a modular concept that offers a wide range of customization opportunities.

The classic roadster bike is built for motorcycle enthusiasts who yearn for unadulterated, stress-free riding pleasure. When designing the nineT, terms such as “purist simplicity”, “emotion” and “authentic, traditional materials” were high on the list of priorities. Styling cues from old-school motorcycle production are united with the very latest drive and chassis components on the nineT to produce a sensational motorcycle that is just as adept at cruising serenely as it is powering down country roads.

Powered by a classic boxer engine.

Like BMW’s first-ever motorcycle – the legendary 1923 BMW R 32 – the new BMW R nineT is powered by a classic flat twin boxer engine which delivers quick acceleration from a standstill. This construction principle has been synonymous with unmistakable design, abundant torque delivery and inimitable acoustics for 90 years. The nineT employs the 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled boxer unit which produces 81 kW (110 hp) at 7,550 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 119 Nm at 6,000 rpm.

Conceived for maximum customization.

The nineT pools together genes from 90 years of BMW Motorrad in a unique concept designed to appeal to customization fans. During each stage of the roadster’s development, focus was placed on enabling riders to tailor it to their personal preferences in a variety of ways. The choice of modifications ranges from BMW Motorrad genuine accessories to custom-made add-on or accessory parts from specialist customizers.

The ability to customize the nineT is largely due to its special frame concept. The tubular steel spaceframe that was specially developed for the nineT incorporates the boxer engine as a load-bearing element. The frame’s basic construction consists of a front frame section with integral steering head and a rear section with swingarm mounting.

The removable pillion frame allows the nineT to offer a stylish design whether riding two up or solo. With the aluminum tail cover available as a special accessory, the nineT has a look that is reminiscent of early café racers.

Exhaust positioned on left with twin silencers (mufflers) and customization options.

The exhaust system that runs down the left-hand side with two silencers (mufflers) placed one above the other is fully in keeping with the concept of a classic sporty roadster. There is room for customization here too, courtesy of the BMW Motorrad accessory range. Adding a real touch of technical finesse to the nineT, for instance, is the Akrapović unit made of titanium. By installing a short or long connecting pipe, the silencer can be mounted in either a lowered or a raised position, radically altering the appearance and character of the nineT.

Traditional chassis design combined with high-performance technology.

The telelever usually equipped on the boxer models from BMW Motorrad has been replaced on the BMW R nineT by an upside-down telescopic fork borrowed from the S 1000 RR superbike, resulting in a distinctly classic look paired with top-tier engineering. The rear suspension employs the paralever single-sided swingarm in conjunction with a central spring strut.

The housing for the rear axle drive includes three mounting points that can be used to attach a bracket for positioning the license plate and brake/tail light unit on one side. What’s more, the swingarm on the nineT is designed in such a way that a 17-inch wheel with a width of 6 inches can be substituted for the standard 5.5-inch-wide version, if permitted.

Designed as an out-and-out roadster, the nineT follows in the tire tracks of role models from the past by featuring wire-spoke wheels with black anodized alloy, non-flanged rims, black aluminum  hubs and stainless steel spokes. Radial 4-piston monoblock brake callipers work in unison with floating 320 millimeter (12.6 inch) brake discs and BMW Motorrad ABS to provide definitive stopping power.

 Pared-down design and hand-built character.

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 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.

Specially designed electrical system to allow plenty of scope for customization.

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.

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