BMW creates R nineT /5
BMW Motorrad has expanded their R nineT family yet again, releasing a new model - with a deliberately old look – in the form of the ‘R nineT /5’.
Joining the standard R nineT, R nineT Scrambler, R nineT Racer, R nineT Pure and R nineT Urban G/S, the R nineT /5 model name refers to the /5 family of bikes BMW Motorrad released in 1969. Regarded as BMW’s first serious attempt at a modern, dynamic, sporting (but not true ‘sports’) motorcycle to suit the demands of the time, the /5 series still remained true to BMW’s established reputation for touring capability.
Offered in 498cc, 599cc and 745cc capacities (hence the R 50/5, R 60/5 and R 75/5 model designations), the /5 series did great things for BMW and while they may not be as noteworthy or collectable as the R 90S from 1973, DNA from the /5 series can be found in that iconic model.
In the same year that the R 50/5, R 60/5 and R 75/5 debuted, BMW Motorrad also set up a new factory in Spandau – in what was then West Berlin. The Spandau plant is still producing BMW motorcycles to this day.
The R nineT /5 has been released to mark 50 years since both the arrival of the /5 series and the opening of the Berlin-Spandau plant.
Essentially a cosmetic package, the /5 borrows styling themes first seen five decades ago and applies them to the R nineT’s modern boxer platform.
Two Blues
Bold colour schemes were commonplace on the original /5 series, with the R 50, 60 and 75 available in blue, green, silver, red, black and mustard. The R nineT /5 is only offered in one colour (for now): Laguna Blue metallic. But, reflecting the subtle ‘smoke’ finish applied to BMWs in the 1970s, this colour is accented with Deep Sea Blue metallic on the fuel tank.
Bordering this hand-painted smoke treatment are traditional BMW double white coachlines that outline the sculpted shape of the standard steel fuel tank. This paint finish is also applied to the front mudguard.
Seen alongside a ’70s R 75/5 or R 75/6, the inspiration is obvious, but the homage doesn’t end with the paint.
Where the standard R nineT features body- or contrast-colour panels at the rear of the tank, the /5 version adds old-school rubber knee pads. Inspired by the same treatment on the original /5 models from 1969 (which remained until 1972 when replaced with chrome panels), these tank pads really emphasise the retro look of the /5.
Finally, topping the tank is a ‘50 Jahre /5’ badge positioned aft of the fuel cap.
Shocks and Seats
Continuing the theme set with the tank and mudguard, there are old-school gaiters on the front forks, which are the same 43mm telescopic units as the R nineT Pure, the /5’s closest relation in the modern range.
The lower section of the fork tubes are finished in Aluminium Silver instead of black, with the wheel hubs getting the same treatment. The wheels themselves are the same 17-inch wire spoke wheels from the R nineT – 3.5 x 17 front, 5.5 x 17 rear - but polished instead of painted. Going for spoke wheels instead of the R nineT Pure’s alloy rims suits the /5’s retro vibe, as does the choice of an Aluminium Silver finish on the engine instead of black.
Chromed exhaust headers are also suitably retro, as is the stainless steel finish on the silencer and Aluminium Silver end cap, but the exhaust system is essentially identical to the R nineT Pure. Aluminium covers for the battery and air filter box are unique to the R nineT /5.
Some other design features, like the black shell for the headlight and instrument pod, are as per the R nineT Pure, but the mirrors are chromed and the seat gets a distinctive retro touch, too.
While made to a similar two-up template as the rest of the R nineT range, the seat on the /5 features embossed ribbing and the BMW logo at the rear, while chrome strips on the sides and white piping on the pillion area are deliberate nods to the original /5 models.
Old Looks, Modern Performance
For all its old-time styling touches, the R nineT /5 is thoroughly modern in every other aspect, with the same boxer twin that features in the rest of the R nineT range, as well as heated grips, powerful brakes with standard ABS and standard Automatic Stability Control.
The 1,170cc DOHC boxer twin produces maximums of 81W at 7,750rpm and 116Nm at 6,000rpm. Top speed is in excess of 200km/h and you can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, according to BMW, but this bike is more about cruising than outright speed.
On the 2-1 exhaust system, an acoustic valve delivers the signature boxer engine sound without exceeding decibel limits, while a catalytic convertor tucked under the engine ensures cleaner exhaust emissions.
A 6-speed transmission and shaft drive are modern BMW staples, with the set-up on the /5 identical to the rest of the R nineT range, including all the gearing.
The three-piece steel tube trellis type frame follows the Scrambler, Pure and Urban G/S variants with its slightly modified rake and trail over the regular R nineT.
The aforementioned 43mm telescopic forks offer 125mm of travel, while the Paralever single-sided swingarm with its monoshock offers 120mm. There’s no front-end adjustability but rebound can be adjusted on the rear.
Brakes are as per the R nineT Pure, with dual 320mm discs gripped by Brembo 4-piston calipers up front and a 265mm single rear disc with a single-piston caliper. ABS is standard and non-switchable.
Instrumentation consists of a simple analog speedo with a digital display for the odometer, tripmeter and clock, plus the usual warning lights. You can upgrade to a tacho through the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range that also includes a sports exhaust silencer, pillion seat cover, steering damper, various cosmetic parts and a range of luggage choices amongst other options.
Australian list pricing for the BMW R nineT /5 is $21,190. See your BMW Motorrad dealer for more details.
