BMW gives R nineT a makeover
BMW Motorrad have reinvented their R nineT heritage roadster, giving it a new look, new frame, changes to the induction and exhaust system, more technology and more customisation options. There’s also a new name for the retro-inspired model, with the R nineT to now be known as the ‘R 12 nineT’.
Presumably, the new name has been adopted to reinforce this model’s 1200cc (actually 1170cc) engine capacity, in the same way that the R 18 refences that cruiser’s 1800cc ‘Big Boxer’ twin. BMW launched the original R nineT back in 2013, so why they waited a decade to change the name is unknown, but part of the reason may be the ‘nineT’ name was mistakenly perceived as having a 900cc engine.
The engine itself is unchanged in terms of capacity and basic configuration for the renamed model. It’s still at 1170cc capacity and still air/oil cooled, although it’s unknown if engine internals are altered and more power and torque is offered. Current maximums from this engine in the R nineT are 80kW at 7250rpm and 116Nm at 6000rpm.
What is apparent is a modified exhaust system, with what appears to be a larger catalytic convertor ahead of mufflers that have been restyled to reflect the look of classic reverse cone silencers.
The induction has changed, too, with the distinctive offside inlet replaced by a new airbox as part of a significant design makeover.
Shaft drive remains and the six-speed transmission presumably carries over unchanged, but full details on the R 12 nineT have yet to be revealed. BMW Motorrad used their initial release to talk about the new styling and scope for customisation on the new model. More detailed information will come later.
Classic Reduction
Styling on the new R 12 nineT is noticeably more retro than the current model, with a redesigned fuel tank and tail unit, along with the addition of side covers previously unseen on this model.
These three elements all tie together, with the lower line of the tank and tail linking with the upper line of the sidecovers.
“The purist design language is dominated by the clear tank/seat/rear line, in the style of the traditional /5 or the legendary R 90 S of the ’70s,” said Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design for BMW Motorrad.
“At first glance, the tank itself is a classic BMW boxer tank, with a typical bend in the lower edge and classic knee contact. Side covers in the area of the frame triangle [are] in the authentic roadster look – another reminiscence of BMW motorcycles of the 1970s.”
While the new tank, seat and tail are the obvious styling differences, changes have been made elsewhere, too. There’s a new front mudguard bracket, mirrors, headlight, valve covers, footpeg brackets, seat and tail light. Front indicators have been repositioned, and while the rear indicators hold their position, the pillion footpegs have been removed entirely.
Pillion pegs are sure to be offered when the R 12 nineT launches, but it appears as though they’re not integral as they are on the current R nineT.
Carryover styling features include wire spoke wheels and twin analogue gauges with LCD inserts.
New Chassis, More Tech
Along with its new styling, the R 12 nineT has a new frame and rear suspension configuration.
In place of the four-piece arrangement of the R nineT, a two-piece design is used for the R 12 nineT, with main frame and bolt-on rear subframe. The front section of this appears only mildly altered from what’s already on the R nineT, with the engine remaining as a stressed member. The subframe has none of the messy arrangement aft of the cylinder heads of the current version. Granted, the new sidecovers help here, but the rear section appears far less complex.
In line with this, the Paralever single-sided swingarm appears to have an angled monoshock rear suspension, instead of vertical, as on the current R nineT.
The USD fork front end appears unchanged from the R nineT and the tubes look to be of the same 46mm diameter, with evidence of front-end adjustability via clickers on top of the forks.
No mention is made of rear suspension adjustability, but preload and rebound adjustment is more than likely.
Using the press images as a guide, braking appears to be unchanged from the R nineT, with dual discs and four piston Brembo calipers up front, and a single disc with two-piston caliper at the rear.
On the tech front, BMW Motorrad boss, Dr. Markus Schramm, promises “new and innovative technology” will feature in the R 12 nineT, but revealed no details.
The current R nineT offers ABS Pro with Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, engine drag torque control, travel-dependent damping, cruise control, multiple riding modes (depending on variant) and a USB socket.
Make it Your Own
A key driver in the makeover of the R nineT to create the R 12 nineT is what BMW Motorrad calls the ‘modular concept’. This will offer maximum customisation options to the R 12 nineT rider. It may reduce the need to offer multiple versions of the one model, too. Currently, there are four variants of the R nineT available locally - not including the 100 Years limited-edition. So presumably, the upcoming R 12 nineT’s range of factory accessories will allow owners to configure their machine as a roadster, scrambler, café racer or dual sports bike to suit their own tastes and needs.
None of these accessories have been described yet, nor if they will be offered under the same Option 719 factory programme used currently, but BMW Motorrad do say that there will be “a wealth of conceptual options for almost unlimited customising and personal individualisation.”
A simpler modification mentioned in the initial press material is the relocation of the tail light into the pillion cover. This, BMW says, allows for easier “short tail” modification, ie. docking the rear number plate hanger and integrating a tail tidy.
More to Come
Unlike the R 18 Roctane that was announced at the same time as the R 12 nineT, there are no release date or pricing details for the new roadster yet. BMW Motorrad Australia say that further details on the upcoming model will be announced in the second half of this year.
