BMW reveal 'RnineT' commemorative model
BMW says the RnineT, or nineT for short, is "strictly reduced to the essentials" and has a "hand-built feel and strong emotional appeal". Colour scheme on this newly-revealed production model echoes that of the first BMW from 1923, with the new model offering a bunch of accessories available to permit a high degree of customisation.
When it came to developing the design, terms such as "puristic simplicity", "emotion" and "authentic, traditional materials" were high on the list of priorities. Styling cues from old-school motorcycle manufacture are united with the very latest drive and chassis components to produce a motorcycle that is just as adept at cruising along serenely as it is at powering down country roads.
Like the first ever BMW motorcycle from 1923 - the legendary R32 - the new RnineT is driven by the classic flat twin boxer engine, in this instance an 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer unit. It produces 81kW (110hp) at 7,750rpm and musters up a maximum torque of 119Nm (88lb-ft) at 6,000rpm.
Conceived for maximum customisation.
From the outset, the nineT was been designed to keep customisation fans happy, with the focus placed on enabling riders to tailor it to their personal preferences. The choice of modifications ranges from BMW Motorrad genuine accessories to custom-made add-on or accessory parts from aftermarket specialists, making it possible to create a truly unique machine.
The high scope for customisation is due partly to the nineT's special frame concept. The tubular steel spaceframe was specially developed for the new model and 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 carry a passenger or to be set up for just a solo ride. Together with the aluminium tail cover available as a special accessory, this injects the nineT with a striking character reminiscent of the early cafe racers.
The exhaust system that runs down the left-hand side with two silencers placed one above the other is fully in keeping with the concept of a classic sporty roadster. There is room for customisation here too, courtesy of the BMW Motorrad accessory range, including a titanium Akrapovic unit.
By fitting a short or long connecting pipe, the silencer can furthermore 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 fitted on the boxer models has been replaced on the RnineT by an upside-down telescopic fork borrowed from the S1000RR superbike, resulting in a distinctly classic look, but still offering absolutely top-class 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 licence plate and light unit on one side. The swingarm is designed in such a way that a 17-inch wheel up to 6 inches wide can be fitted instead of the standard 5.5-inch-wide version.
The nineT's black anodised alloy wire-spoke wheels feature non-flanged rims, black aluminium hubs and stainless steel spokes. Radial 4-piston monoblock brake calipers work in unison with floating 320 millimetre brake discs and BMW Motorrad ABS.
Pared-down design and hand-built feel.
One of the overriding design objectives was to reduce the bodywork as far as possible in order to achieve the aforementioned "puristic look".
The sides of the 17-litre aluminium tank have been brushed by hand and then coated. The aluminium plate with embossed nineT lettering on the right above the air intake duct likewise fits the bike's hand-built feel.
The surfaces of many forged aluminium parts, including the yokes and the handlebar clamp bracket with BMW Motorrad lettering, have been glass bead-blasted and then given a natural anodised finish. The circular headlamp with the BMW emblem in the centre of the bulb cover pays homage to various role models from 90years of BMW Motorrad.
A classic Black storm metallic paint finish with contrasting silver and metallic highlights was chosen to match the character of the nineT.
Specially designed electrical system to allow plenty of scope for customisation.
The bike's electrical system has been specially configured for greater technical flexibility, thereby facilitating the installation of alternative electrical components, such as headlights or turn indicators.
Highlights of the new BMW RnineT:
- Puristic design.
- Hand-built feel.
- Air/oil-cooled twin-cylinder 1,170cc boxer engine. Output 81kW (110hp) at 7,750rpm, maximum torque 119Nm (88lb-ft) at 6,000rpm.
- Ideally suited to customisation.
- Modular frame concept with removable pillion frame and frame end-piece.
- Classic wheel suspension concept using USD telescopic fork at the front and paralever at the rear.
- Exhaust system with two silencers on the left-hand side, with variation options.
- Traditional wire-spoke wheels with black rims and hubs.
- Radial 4-piston monoblock brake calipers, steel-braided lines and floating 320mm discs.
- Model plate riveted onto steering head in classic BMW Motorrad style.
- Bespoke range of special accessories made to BMW Motorrad's customary high standards of quality.
Local release dates for the RnineT are yet to be confirmed.
