BMW R nineT Urban G/S, riding the heir of the legendary R80, queen of the Dakar [ROAD TEST VIDEO]

After revealing it in the full test a few days ago (here is the link to the road test article), here is the video with the images combined with the impressions of our Gianluca Cuttitta.

Of the five nineTs, it is the one with the greatest charm for many fans of the Elica company, thanks to the strong references to the first of the G/S. The Urban G/S in fact takes up the DNA of the very first and legendary BMW R 80 G/S from 1980 and brings it to our times, with a classic motorcycle with a retro spirit and taste, enriched by the technology of our times. For the first time, in addition to the road, the nineT also aims to go off-road, even if it is not demanding. There is no lack of ABS as standard and the ASC Automatic Stability Control system (optional), which ensure a modern driving experience in maximum comfort, preventing the rear wheel from slipping on slippery road surfaces, but allowing them to be deactivated, which is very useful in offroad driving.

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.

The 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. It has a peak power of 110 HP at 7.750 rpm, with a maximum torque of 116 Nm, which is reached at 6.000. It offers, like no other motorcycle engine, an unmistakably authentic design, with an original and unique sound, recognizable with your eyes closed.

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.
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 rims, the driving experience of the Urban G/S is also characterized by the presence of spokes, with a 19-inch front wheel and standard road tyres, but knobby tires can be chosen at no extra charge Continental TKC80. The measurements are 120/70 ZR19 for the front, while the rear is a 170-inch 60/17. 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 from mid-June. As with all 5 sisters of the Heritage range, the BMW Motorrad options and original accessories offer numerous customization possibilities.

Our road 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.
We are aware that driving off-road requires a different driving technique and we want to see how this G/S performs. 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 bike is balanced and has impeccable stability at both low and high speeds, thanks to the low center of gravity which allows us to move around 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!

Finally, praise for the 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, whether with a small or medium radius.
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. For this reason, we are almost certain, few will choose it equipped with knobby tires to tackle the most extreme off-road, but here its strong vocation for urban use emerges. It was therefore an excellent compromise, even if 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

The on-board shots were made with Lampa Action Cam 3 – 4K ultra HD