With the success of the original R nineT introduced back in 2013, BMW continues to build its heritage family with the introduction in Cologne today of the R nineT Pure and R nineT Racer. Here is what BMW has to say about these new models:
The new BMW R nineT Racer and R nineT Pure: purist roadster feeling and athletic dynamic performance based on classic concepts.
For a lot of motorcycle fans, less is very often more – which is why they opt for “pure motorcycling” and the kind of motorbike that credibly and authentically embodies this approach.
BMW Motorrad responded to this trend with the R nineT in 2013 – a model that has enjoyed ongoing success and popularity ever since. This was a good reason for the BMW Motorrad team to follow up with the R nineT Scrambler in 2015, another fascinating specimen of classic motorcycle design which once again received enthusiastic feedback.
Motivated by this positive response, BMW Motorrad now presents the R nine T Racer and R nineT Pure – two motorcycles that add two exciting new facets to the BMW Motorrad Heritage world of experience: the roadster reduced to the essentials and the classic, old-school half-faired sports motorcycle. These are both concepts that were popular in the 1960s and 1970s and continue to inspire nostalgia among many motorcycle enthusiasts to this day.
Both the new BMW Heritage models feature the potent, air/oil-cooled boxer engine with a capacity of 1 170 cc and an output of 81 kW (110 hp) combined with a 6-speed transmission. They are both designed to meet the requirements of the EU4 pollutant class. The design of the exhaust system in stainless steel with the rear silencer positioned on the left reflects classic styling.
Modular frame with individual scope for customising.
On the suspension side, the R nineT Racer and R nineT Pure make use of the modular steel tubular space frame familiar from the R nineT Scrambler consisting of the three components front main frame, rear main frame and removable passenger frame. The latter provides flexibility to change the appearance and character of the two BMW boxer models according to preference, for example by adding different seats from the range of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories. Front wheel control is taken care of by a conventional telescopic fork while at the rear the BMW Paralever comes into use in conjunction with a central spring strut. The five-spoke light alloy cast wheels in the sizes 3.5 x 17″ at the front and 5.5 x 17″ at the rear have tyres in the dimensions 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17 respectively. 4-piston brake calipers at the front along with floating brake discs with a diameter of 320 millimetres and ABS ensure secure deceleration. In order to prevent the rear wheel from spinning on slippery roads, there is an ASC (Automatic Stability Control) option which is available ex works. Wire-spoked wheels are an option that further emphasise the classic appearance.
R nineT Pure: purist roadster for dynamic, classic riding pleasure on country roads.
The R nineT Pure embodies the essence of the purist, classic roadster – authentically designed, without frills and reduced to the absolute essentials. The design draws on a blend of both classic and modern stylistic elements of motorcycle construction combined with high-end details such as footrests and fork bridges in forged aluminium with a clear anodised finish.
The fuel tank and front mudguard of the BMW R nineT Pure are finished in the colour Catalano Grey non-metallic. In combination with black for the suspension and drivetrain, this colour emphasises the purist character of the R nineT Pure as a roadster for dynamic, classic riding pleasure on country roads.
R nineT Racer: classic 1970s sports motorcycle feeling.
The R nineT Racer deliberately arouses memories of the sports motorcycles popular in the early 1970s. Crouched, compact and elongated, it conveys a sense of old-school sporty aspiration with its strikingly short half-fairing, hump seat, stub handlebars and set-back footrests, combining this overall impression with modern technology.
In Lightwhite non-metallic combined with decor that is reminiscent of past BMW Motorsport colours, the R nineT Racer is particularly light and athletic in appearance. The frame finished in Aluminium Silver prominently presents an architectural contrast with the black drivetrain, underscoring the standing of the R nineT Racer as an old-school sports motorcycle designed for dynamic riding fun on winding roads.
The highlights of the BMW R nineT Racer and R nineT Pure:
- Potent boxer engine with a capacity of 1 170 cc and an output of 81 kW (110 hp) that meets EU4 requirements.
- Modular frame with scope for customising, allowing individualisation according to personal taste.
- Five-spoke light alloy cast wheels, 3.5 x 17″ at front and 5.5 x 17″ at rear (optional wire-spoked wheels).
- 320-millimetre twin disc brake at the front.
- ABS as standard.
- ASC (Automatic Stability Control) as an ex works option.
- 2-in-1 exhaust system made of stainless steel (polished in the Racer, brushed in the Pure).
- High-end details such as fork bridges and footrests in forged, clear anodised aluminium.
- R nineT Pure in Catalano Grey non-metallic as a classic, purist roadster.
- R nineT Racer with half-fairing, hump seat and set-back footrests in the style of a 1970s sports motorcycle.
- R nineT Racer in Lightwhite non-metallic combined with multi-coloured decor reminiscent of past BMW Motorsport colours, with the frame in Aluminium Silver.
See more of MD’s great photography:
Wouldn’t a bike being sold by BMW called “Pure” come in their original Avus Black with white pinstripes and not this shiny battleship grey? I love the concept but want a “pure” paint job on mine!
Pass.
Love the Pure, but would prefer a distinct rear fender.
I want them both!
I’ll just keep putting miles on my reliable 99 R1100S in the meantime.
I would have much preferred the look of USD forks on the both bikes, but I think they look magnificent. The racer is pure eye candy.
Huh, the racer looks more like a Norton or a Ducati than any BMW I’ve ever seen. Aren’t they missing the chance to play off the nostalgia of the R90S?
What am I missing?… both bikes are not using the latest version of the BMW boxer. Is there a reason other than BMW just using up a stockpile of engines?
Uh, the whole point of these bikes is the air-cooled motor.
The newer engine, with its intake orientation and extra plumbing, can’t be packaged this minimally.
Wow, like them both. The Racer colors and graphics remind me of the ’60s Norton 750 John Player Special once owned and lovingly restored to mint condition by my friend/co-worker/pro machinist, since deceased.
In the image second from the top, at first I would have sworn it had only one front brake rotor. After reading the specs the L rotor appeared at 5 o’clock on the inside rim.
I find this R nineT Racer and the Triumph Thruxton 1200 with fairing simply gorgeous. Hope someone does a shootout for me to drool over.
They are beautiful and they have shaft drive. This week is like Christmas in October.
So many choices. Ignore all the regular complainers and nitpickers. We live in the best of times!
Amen.
No mention of the weight, although I’m sure it is a bit heavy (shaft drive, DOT equipment, etc.). But I like it. There would probably be more comments if we weren’t wading through a bunch of new releases today!
I may have to look at the BMW dealer for this one… Until I win the lottery (I’ll take one of everything, please!), I can only run one or two bikes, so it has to check a lot of my boxes.. Basic bike with good numbers, nice styling (Pure, as that model implies), and some electronic goodies.
Weight should be comparable to the R nine T (490 lbs?). Probably a bit less with these cast wheels.
The Racer looks nice. I wonder if there’s not much overlap in the line, the Pure and the (original) Roadster look very similar. Yeah, the Roadster gets upside down forks, but apart from that…?
The roadster as an alu tank, steel on the Racer and Pure, spoke wheels, monoblock calipers with radial disk brakes
Thanks SD, so it doesn’t make a difference only to riding in my sedate pace 🙂
Lots of overlap. But this is more like buying a car with different packages rather than different models.
Are all these photos shot with no front directionals on the bikes or am I missing something? Either way love the racer.
They are just above the radiator.
They come with hand signals. 🙂