BMW R nineT, R nineT Pure and R nineT Racer, increasingly New Heritage [ROAD TEST VIDEO]

BMW R nineT range 2017 – A range, that of the New Heritage by BMW, which expands to 5 versions, also due to the great consensus received. The original R nineT in 2014, which now finds some updates with MY2017, last year was joined by the Scrambler, then by the Urban G/S and now by the latest two arrivals, which represent a reduced-to-essentials approach for the Pure , the classic sports motorcycle with partial fairing for the Racer.

All nineTs share many elements, starting with the engine: the classic 1170 cc two-cylinder boxer, air/oil cooled and with an engaging power of 110 HP even at low speeds. They are now all Euro 4 and, while ABS is standard, ASC is offered as an option. The frame is modular with a double beam, composed of the three front and rear elements and the passenger subframe, the latter of which can be dismantled. At the front we find a classic telescopic fork, which can have upside-down or straight legs, while the rear suspension is a BMW Paralever, which works in combination with a central shock absorber. The wheels can have a classic spoked look or forged five-spoke alloy. The four-piston floating brake calipers and discs with a diameter of 320 millimeters ensure safe deceleration at the front. Another feature of all versions is the availability of many customizations, the R nineT knows practically no limits to modifications. An example are the high-quality machined aluminum components, available among the original BMW accessories, but not only.

The various models are therefore different starting points, characterized by heterogeneous styles. The 5 nineT can be used as they leave the dealer, or customized as desired. Some modifications are more radical, such as the 19" wheel of the Scrambler and the Urban G/S, which involves very different frame dimensions and is therefore not replicable in the after market on the other nineT models. Frame dimensions which always present some differences, for example also between the Pure and the standard R ninet, for the rest almost everything can be modified over time, such as the various tanks, in steel or aluminium, with different finishes, or the exhausts, single, double and with different types of passages and able to give a different voice to the beautiful twin-cylinder boxer.

The first of the new nineTs is perhaps the most fascinating of all. This is the Racer, with a half fairing and a design clearly inspired by the racing bikes of the 70s. The elongated lines extend across the entire profile, conveying the thrill of speed. The half-fairing, the tank and the saddle make it very slim. The wheelbase is long and the raised footrests define the sporty seating position. The white bodywork contrasts with the dark colored parts of the highly technological lower area. The decoration on the front and tail in BMW Motorsport colors increases the desire to accelerate, while the half-fairing and the low position allow you to enjoy high speeds for a long time. For those who wish to further accentuate the classic image, spoked wheels are available as an option, as on the example we tested.

The Pure instead aims to offer a typical roadster design, with a circular headlight, a chrome ring, a painted housing and a new circular speedometer. It dispenses with the rev counter and has a deliberately very minimal appearance, which also has a positive impact on the price, the lowest in the R nineT range. The tank is simplified and in a single color and this is one of the differences that allow it to be cheaper. The rims are in 5-spoke light alloy, also in this case optionally replaceable with spoked ones, while the exhaust is single, without the double terminal of the top of the range version. The fork is also a simpler one with "straight" stems.

We arrive at the last, but not least BMW R nineT: the new "standard". From the beginning the R nineT has combined classic motorcycle design with modern technology and fine craftsmanship; the attention to detail in the R nineT was reflected, for example, in the aluminum tank with brushed sides, but also in numerous other components. This character of a manufactured product is also expressed by the new R nineT, equipped with numerous optimization measures. The instrumentation has been updated and offers a simpler and cleaner look, but still with the two circular elements for the speedometer and rev counter. The most substantial innovation concerns the front wheel suspension, which gains a sophisticated upside-down fork, which in addition to differentiating it from the Pure and the Racer, is now fully adjustable. Furthermore, to increase driving precision, directionality and neutral cornering behavior, the chassis geometry has been optimized for the new edition of the R nineT. For the first time, two individual paint finishes with a manufacturing character are offered as options ex works for the R nineT. BMW Motorrad thus expands its customizing offering to the field of painting.

The scene of our road test was beautiful Sicily, starting from the Targa Florio Museum, one of the most famous races ever. For our test we start with the Racer, where crouched behind the high-impact half-fairing, the pilot perceives all the power of the boxer engine, with its unmistakable roar. The moderate offset protects your wrists on the road as well as in life. The Racer is the one that best represents the Heritage style of the 70s. The driving position is very forward, with rear footrests and head under the fairing. The engine, the old boxer that wrote the history of BMW, is fluid and extremely elastic, guaranteeing excellent ride comfort and smooth delivery at all speeds, with a great ability to pick up from low levels. During acceleration the BMW R nineT Racer maintains a solid stance, it does not sit down and does not widen the trajectory, like all motorbikes it must be driven with the body. The chassis shows excellent directionality, does not suffer from particular inertia in rapid changes of direction and is always reactive and sincere; the same cannot be said in the hairpin bends, where a large part of the load is transferred to the front end, under the action of the valid Brembo system, placing a considerable load on the wrists. However, you never find yourself with the fork towards the bottom of the stroke, because it sinks progressively, even on the most violent braking sections. The brakes are profitable and highly modular, at the front you only need a single finger to obtain powerful braking, while the rear has a slightly more spongy control. Finally, it should be noted that vibrations on the footrests and half-handlebars are limited, even at high speeds.

After a tortuous and challenging journey, the time has come to change bikes. We get off the nineT Racer and get on the Pure. Here we immediately find ourselves with the torso more raised, the posture is more comfortable and the weights are distributed in a more centralized way. The chassis allows you to make the most of the trajectories, it slides well when cornering, requires minimal effort and, in maximum safety thanks to the standard ABS, you can tackle it even with the throttle closed and open the throttle well in advance when exiting the corners. Even at low speeds the steering does not become heavy and the suspension calibration, aimed at comfort, allows it to filter road roughness well, thanks also to the 43 mm telescopic fork. The wide steering angle allows you to turn in very narrow spaces. The boxer with air/oil cooling allows the throttle to be opened completely from 2000 rpm and rises smoothly up to 4000, then becomes more aggressive. Below 4.000 rpm this engine allows you to travel in a relaxing way, even if at a frenetic pace through the curves of the fascinating Sicilian island.

Lastly we try the renewed R nineT, when riding compared to the Pure you can barely notice the differences in the main chassis dimensions, while from a mechanical point of view the two bikes are identical and both are characterized by excellent construction quality. The nineT family is therefore expanding with variants that aim for a different look and details, given that each is a sort of configuration proposal from which to start for your own customization, or to use as it is, according to your own tastes. In addition to the 19" wheel at the front, a new bold characterization is now offered by the Racer variant, which implements a somewhat revolutionized approach compared to the initial concept of the nineT. In fact, the Racer is clearly different in its look, capable of striking the heart of many enthusiasts with that truly fascinating half fairing, but on the other hand it is the nineT which is far less comfortable to ride, with a super sports riding position with low clip-on handlebars. It is no coincidence that it is the only nineT that gives up the more comfortable single-piece handlebar.
And the sales prices? For the BMW R nineT Racer the price is 14.300 Euros, a thousand less for the Pure, while the new "standard" R nineT is also the top of the range, with its 16.250 euros.

Test clothing:
Jacket Dainese HF D1 Leather Jacket, retail price of approximately 470 euros;
Safety shoes Dainese STREET ROCKER D-WP, retail price of approximately 170 euros;
Glove Dainese BLACKJACK, retail price of approximately 70 euros;
Pants Dainese BONNEVILLE SLIM, retail price of approximately 190 euros;
Back Protector Dainese WAVE D1 G1, retail price of approximately 65 euros;
Helmet LS2 BOBBER RUSTY BLACK retail price of approximately 185 euros;
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