2015 BMW R nineT – A Comfortable Sport Roadster for Two (or not) [Review]

BMW R nineT LSD

BMW has come up with a unique bike that is in a class of its own. In conventional terms, it defies traditional categorization. The 2015 BMW R nineT was specially developed to commemorate BMW’s 90 years (hence nineT) of building motorcycles – motorcycles that were generally considered to be large sport touring machines for older gentlemen.

STATS Starting Retail Price As Tested Price HP / Lb-Ft
2015 BMW R nineT $14,900. $15,250. * est – dealer prep and handling charges may vary. 110 @ 7,550 rpm/ 88 @ 6,000 rpm.
EPA Rating As Tested MPG
Rating: BUY IT! Not tested Not tested

BMW R nineT RSD

The BMW R nineT exhibits a purity of design and power, while combining the iconic character of the boxer engine and classic styling traits of motorcycles from a bygone era with state-of-the-art technology in a modular form that invites a host of personalization and customization opportunities.
BMW R nineT FF
As with BMW’s first-ever motorcycle, the legendary 1923 BMW R 32, the BMW R nineT draws its motive force from a classic flat, opposed twin boxer engine that serves up rapid acceleration off the line. It may well represent the most significant departure from anything that BMW Motorad has brought to market yet. The R nineT draws upon influence from the Concept 90, a partially-faired tribute to the RS90S that was victorious in the first AMA Superbike Championship in 1976. The Concept 90 show bike blended BMW’s expertise with that of noted SoCal designer Roland Sands and was unveiled at the 2013 Concours d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy.

With the production R nineT approaching completion, a group of four designers – three European custom builders and Sands were given the freedom to customize a bike as they saw fit. The resulting examples were shown globally at a series of custom bike shows. The bike was envisioned as a blank canvas for personalization rather that as a nostalgic café racer, chopper or naked bike.
BMW R nineT RR

Incorporating elements from the custom bike, the end result showcases several forged, bead- blasted and clear anodized aluminum pieces including: front fender mounts, seat stays, triple trees, right-side air intake scoop and the 4.8 gallon fuel tank, which displays brushed aluminum, clear-coated knee panels – the balance of the tank painted black. Embossed nineT lettering appears over the air intake on the right-hand side. The BMW R nineT is free of plastic covers.
BMW R nineT Logo

The R nineT’s engine is an 1170cc DOHC, 8-valve, flat twin, oil/air-cooled Boxer (horizontally opposed) with Akrapovic twin-pipe left-side exhaust featuring an acoustic, electric servomotor operated valve and opening and closing cables. It produces 110 horsepower at 7,550 rpm along with 88 pound feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. Energy is geared to the rear wheel through a six-speed sequential manual gearbox via a cardan shaft drive unit as the final drive. Suspension componentry consists of Premium Gold anodized inverted forks with 4.7-inches of wheel travel up front and a Paralever, single-sided swingarm with a central spring strut and 4.7-inches of wheel travel in the rear. There’s a steering damper rod to aid in stabilization.
BMW R nineT Stg Dmpr

The bike was designed as an all-out roadster, and follows in the tracks of past role models featuring stainless steel wire-spoke wheels with black anodized alloy, non-flanged rims. Tires are Continental RoadAttack 2C -120/70 ZR17 up front / 180-/55 ZR17 aft. Fitted with tubes. The nineT also has enough room between the mufflers and swingarm that the standard 5.5-inch-wide 17-inch wheel may be replaced with a 6-inch-wide version.
BMW R nineT Stg Dmpr

Slowing or bringing the R nineT to a halt are radial, four piston monobloc Brembo calipers paired to dual floating 320mm discs for the front wheel with a single 265mm disc with a twin-piston floating caliper for the rear wheel. BMW Motorad ABS is standard.
BMW RT nineT Torx

The R nineT’s customizability is largely due to its special frame concept. The tubular steel spaceframe that was specially developed for the nineT incorporates the boxer engine as a load-bearing element. The frame’s basic construction consists of a front frame section with an integral steering head and a rear section with the swingarm mounting. The pillion frame is removable, by undoing the 8 bolts that hold it in place, allowing the nineT to project a stylish design whether riding solo or two up. With an available, special accessory aluminum tail cover, the nineT showcases a look reminiscent of early café racers. A circular headlamp with the BMW logo in the center of the bulb cover pays tribute to previous role models from 90 years of BMW Motorrad. The paint finish is a classic Black Storm Metallic with contrasting silver and metallic highlights that were chosen to complement the nineT’s character. A modest tool kit resides beneath the rear seat, which is removable with a special Torx wrench key.
BMW R nineT Gauges
BMW R nineT Cntrls
The instrument cluster, houses two classic round speedometer and tachometer gauges, smoothly and harmoniously integrated into the overall front-end design. The gauge’s simple styling reflects the classic inspiration behind the nineT’s engineering, while at the same time incorporating the convenience and amenities of modern technology. For example, the nineT comes equipped with an onboard computer that shows key information including: time of day; engaged gear; remaining range; trip mileage; servicing interval; as well as average speed and fuel consumption –in a large, clear segmented display.
BMW R nineT LSR

The bike’s electrical system is specially configured for enhanced technical flexibility, allowing for the installation of alternative electrical components, such as headlights or turn indicators.

My test 2015 BMW R nineT came with a base price of $14,900., while the
price as tested came to an estimated $15,250. – dealer prep and handling charges may vary.

SUMMARY: The BMW R nineT leaves the factory in the form of a classic, sporty roadster capable of carrying two people. Despite the low 30.9 inch rider’s seat height and narrow straddle width, both rider and pillion passenger can enjoy comfortable seating. An optional comfort rear seat provides not only a larger seat area, but also extra cushioning for the passenger.
BMW R nineT RSR

The 1170cc flat-opposed-twin motor is indeed torquey, and the 110 horses make their presence known even when first firing the bike up. There is a strong right side thrust. Acceleration is smooth and steady over a broad range however, and the final shaft drive is void of any jacking effect found in many other similar setups. The exhaust note is melodious and authoritative rather than raucous.

The riding position is ideal for a wide rang of rider physiques – the bars are well positioned, the seat well placed and the foot controls are comfortably located. The ride quality is both compliant and comfortable, and it is easily maneuverable and well-balanced. There will be some riders who will compare the BMW R nineT to a Ducati Monster, and that may not be a bad thing at all.

The two-piece rear seat may be removed using a second special Torx bit “key” for access to a very limited tool kit.

The R nineT provides the ideal pallet for personalization with BMW Motorrad’s range of special bike accessories specially tailored to the nineT’s overall character, which may be installed by authorized BMW Motorrad dealers or by customers themselves. Special accessories include: a Tank Bag with attachment system; a Rear bag with attachment system; kneepads for tank sides; an aluminum tail cover with padded backrest; a custom rider’s seat with R nineT logo; a Comfort rear seat; an HP Carbon cover for the engine block; an HP Carbon front fender; a Titanium Akrapović exhaust system; a Connector pipe, short or long, with bracket and cover for Akrapović high or low mounted silencer/muffler; an Anti-theft alarm system; heated grips; LED turn signals; and a Mounting cradle for BMW Navigator, with connection to the electrical system.

In the final analysis, the 2015 BMW R nineT represents a breath of fresh air for BMW’s bike production. It not only looks great, it is great fun to ride, with its blend of old school flavor and up-to-date technology.
On the TFLcar scale of:

  • Buy it!
  • Lease it!
  • Rent it!
  • … or Forget it!

I give the 2015 BMW R nineT a Buy It! for a powerful and unique motorcycle that’s in a class of its own.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2015 BMW R Nine T

Base Price: $14,900.
Price as Tested: $15,250. * est – dealer prep and handling charges may vary.

Engine Type and Size: 1170cc DOHC, 8-valve, flat twin, oil/air-cooled Boxer (horizontally opposed) with Akrapovic twin-pipe left-side exhaust featuring an acoustic, electric servomotor operated valve and opening and closing cables.

Horsepower (bhp): 110 @ 7,550 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 88 @ 6,000 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed sequential manual.

Drive Train: Final drive – cardan shaft drive.

Suspension: Front – Premium Gold anodized inverted forks with 4.7-inches of
wheel travel.
Rear – Paralever, single-sided swingarm with 4.7-inches of wheel
travel.

Brakes: BMW Motorad ABS
Front –Radial, four piston monobloc Brembo calipers paired to
dual floating 320mm discs.
Rear – Single 265mm disc with a twin-piston floating caliper.

Tires: Continental RoadAttack 2C -120/70 ZR17 front / 180-/55 ZR17 rear
mounted on lace, stainless steel wire-spoke wheels with black
anodized alloy non-flanged rims, cast aluminum hubs.

Wheelbase: 58.1 inches
Length Overall: 81.1 inches
Curb Weight dry: 489 lbs. (dry)
Ground clearance 6.5 inches maximum unladen.
Fuel Capacity: 4.75 gallons.
Seat height: 30.9 inches
0 – 60 mph: Not tested

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.