BMW R nineT Urban G/S, the charm and flavor of the 80s [ROAD TEST]

The R nineT Urban G/S takes up the DNA of the very first and legendary BMW R 80 G/S from 1980 and brings it to our times through modern technology, with a classic motorcycle with the spirit and the retro taste, enriched by technology of our times. The R nineT Urban G/S has in fact a project that remains faithful to tradition, but is always in line with the present and with the most modern technologies, capable of offering thanks to a two-cylinder boxer engine, cooled by air (and oil ), modern driving in maximum comfort, with a power of 110 horses. For the first time, in addition to the road, it also aims to go off-road, even if it is not demanding. There is no lack ofABS standard and the system ASC Automatic Stability Control (optional), which ensure a modern driving experience in maximum comfort, preventing the rear wheel from slipping on slippery road surfaces. It inherits much of the Scrambler's technical package (here is our road test), with which it also shares the 19″ front wheel, but is completely different in appearance.

Enduro DNA of this G/S represents the synonym of the concept of freedom and the desire for adventure on two wheels, both off-road and on asphalt. In design the Urban G/S seems to truly be the daughter of its legendary ancestor, we are talking about the R 80 G/S, presented at the Cologne Motor Show in 1980, 37 years ago. The split front wheel mudguard proves to be an interesting detail and reflects the classic image of an enduro motorcycle. Another feature is the tank, which further accentuates the offroad look and is combined with a round headlight grille, strongly echoing the style of the first G/S, multiple winner at the Dakar.

As in the original model, the R nineT Urban G/S is also enriched by decorations on the tank in two shades of blue and by the two-seater saddle in light red, a color combination that interprets the colors of BMW Motorsport of the past, all this with a frame painted black.

The balanced ergonomic triangle of the Urban G/S promotes agile and safe riding, with an elongated saddle and footrests set back, lower and wider, which allow a more relaxed and loose posture, even when asphalt is replaced by gravel or the ground, offering greater stability and precision for riders of all sizes.

Il air/oil cooled boxer twin, with central balancing countershaft, is now well known throughout the world, but as we will see it seems to be like good wine: the more time passes, the more it improves. The longitudinal positioning and the cardan transmission are among the main distinctive elements of BMW motorcycles. This engine with a bore of 101 millimeters and a stroke of 73, for a displacement of 1.170 cm³, has a peak power of 81 kW (110 HP) at 7.750 rpm, with a maximum torque of 116 Nm, which is reached at 6.000 rpm and the maximum speed is 8.500 rpm. It offers, like no other motorcycle engine, an unmistakably authentic design, with an original and unique sound. Euro 4 and with dedicated mapping, it offers a fuel system with an activated carbon filter for the tank vent and an exhaust system with a modified catalytic converter, with a larger section. The lift of the four valves is managed by very light roller rocker arms, through two chain-driven overhead camshafts per cylinder. Power transmission takes place via the six-speed gearbox and the cardan drive to the rear wheel.

The stainless steel exhaust systems also take into account the different criteria, which must be met by a classic BMW model with an air-cooled boxer engine, underlining the refined and authentic philosophy of the BMW Boxer theme, with a deep sound, recognizable with closed eyes . The modular steel twin-spar frame consists of three components: front main frame, rear main frame with integrated end frame section and passenger subframe. The individual frame components are bolted together, with a single-sided die-cast aluminum swingarm.

In the new edition of the R nineT the geometry of the chassis has been optimized to increase steering precision, directionality and more stable behavior when cornering. The steering head angle has been lowered from 64,5 to 63,2°. This resulted in the lengthening of the incidence from 102,5 to 107,9 millimetres. Each bike is characterized by certain measurements, or cycling dimensions, and in this case the wheelbase has been lengthened by 8 millimeters, reaching from 1.479 to 1.487. The suspensions are identical to those of the Scrambler, with a traditional and sophisticated Showa telescopic fork at the front, with 125 millimeters of travel, while at the rear we find the reliable Paralever single-sided swingarm, also used in other BMW Motorrad Heritage models, with a shock absorber central spring painted in white and with travel of 140 millimetres.

As for the wheels, the driving experience of the Urban G/S is also characterized by the presence of spokes, with a 19-inch front wheel and with standard road tyres, but pneumatic tires can be chosen at no extra charge Continental TKC80 knobby. The measurements are 120/70 ZR19 for the front, while the rear is a 170-inch 60/17. To ensure stable and safe braking in any condition, the Urban G/S has a double disc with a diameter of 320 millimeters, with a four-piston brake caliper. On the rear wheel, the deceleration task is taken on by a single disc brake, with a diameter of 265 millimeters and a two-piston floating caliper.

The nineT G/S is on sale for 14.400 euros, while it will be available in dealerships since mid-June. As with all 5 sisters of the Heritage range, BMW Motorrad options and original accessories offer numerous customization possibilities.

Our road test

We must premise that the nineT Lac Rose, seen at Wheels and Waves 2016, fortunately did not remain an exercise in style, given that it heralded this bike that we are preparing to test. To remain faithful to the image of this version in the nineT, our test starts from a dirt path, made of gravel and small stones. Even in this terrain the BMW nineT G/S seems to be immediately at ease. You look at it and it doesn't look like a 1200. The handlebar is close to the rider, in a tourist position so to speak, but thanks to various risers it is also possible to move it forward. The torso is upright and the weight is really low for a bike of this displacement, while the footrests are significantly further back. The instrumentation is very simple and essential, while you appreciate the possibility of being able to deactivate the traction control and the ABS, which is no small feat when driving off-road.

We are aware that driving off-road requires a different driving technique and we want to see how this G/S behaves, which we can only recommend to anyone who wants to have fun beyond the asphalt with their nineT. Light gas, let the engine warm up, and off we go. There are no obstacles and the time has come to become familiar with the right position: standing. The motorbike it is balanced and has impeccable stability both at low and high speeds, thanks to the low center of gravity which allows us to move through obstacles nonchalantly. The incredible agility enters into symbiosis with the reactivity of the twin-cam boxer twin, which always convinces, because with a touch of gas it revs up without problems, but when you ask for more, the bike is projected forward like a shot! The delivery of the boxer engine, very full at low and medium speeds, offers very interesting acceleration qualities. An engine that is always ready and reactive in any circumstance.

Finally a tribute to engine braking, which was moderate and proportionate, slowing down the bike, but not excessively: just enough to not allow us to touch the brakes, still remaining at a good pace, or at most it allows us to touch them before a curve, be it a small radius than medium. The suspensions can be adjusted independently and were excellent, absorbing every bump very well and transmitting the right feeling to the driver (also thanks to the excellent BMW Paralever). Finally, braking is always up to the weight and performance, stable and balanced. However, the Urban G/S is perhaps more of a stylistic provocation, rather than a real off-road competitor to the real GS. It inherits the Scrambler's "package"., from which it differs only, aesthetics aside, for i 3 centimeters more height than the saddle and a different suspension calibration. For this reason, we are almost certain, few will choose it equipped with knobby tires to tackle the most extreme off-road, but here his own emerges strong vocation for urban use. Result then an excellent compromise, although we would have liked to try it with road tyres, as when cornering you had to be careful and with moderation with the tires with knobs, excellent for traction on dirt and mud, but not the best for city use and on asphalt.

In conclusion, a bike that proved to be stable and fast through the curves and at ease in the dust, with a truly unique and exclusive look, Heritage in name and in fact.

Test clothing:
Jacket: Mtech SUPERAXEL, if “Born to be wild” is your favorite song, you dream of California and you wish you lived in the late 60s so you wouldn't miss Woodstock, then you will love this motorcycle jacket. Made of special USED LEATHER with an aged effect, it boasts brass zips and one of the best cafe racer designs around.
Gloves: Mtech Daytona Classic, motorcycle glove made of a special leather with an aged effect. The buttoned wrist closure and checkered lining are old-fashioned details. The hidden knuckles offer protection against possible impacts, while the double layer of leather on the outer area of ​​the hand prevents abrasions.
Helmet: Caberg Ghost
Boots: Alpinestars
Pants with protections: OJ Jeans Sole blue man, in stretch denim with aramid fiber inserts. Removable Safe-Tech protectors on the hips and knees