BMW R nineT Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The BMW R nineT is a standard motorcycle manufactured by BMW since 2014. The bike has a retro-styled roadster design and was intended for custom makers and enthusiasts as a blank piece of paper for customizing.

In 2023, the German motorcycle manufacturer introduced the BMW R 12 nineT alongside the R 12 mode. The bike combines the robust character of the boxer engine, traditional style, innovative technology, and a modular concept that allows the rider to customize it to a higher level.

Both models share the same versatile chassis with a one-piece trellis frame and other features, such as an airbox placed flat under the seat and a rear shock absorber set at an angle. This setting allows for several interchangeable fuel tank shapes and offers a better visual individuality.

Visually, the BMW R 12 nineT has standard features, such as a large, round headlight up front, a small wind deflector, a single seat, a red-finished frame, a single exhaust system with a twin-muffler mounted on the left side, a side stand, and wire-spoke wheels.

The bike's suspension system comprises a 45 mm fully adjustable inverted telescopic fork on the front and an adjustable Paralever suspension system on the rear, offering excellent suspension performance and handling.

As for the power figures, the 2024 model year BMW R 12 nineT has its power from a 1,170cc four-stroke two-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivers 109 hp with a peak force at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) torque at 6,500 rpm.

In 2017, BMW Motorrad released the R nineT model along with the R nineT Urban G/S. The model was more than just a roadster based on a classic model, which combined a classic motorcycle design and modern technology with sophisticated craftsmanship and attention to detail, as the brushed aluminum fuel tank demonstrated.

The R nineT retained the original version's modular frame composed of four parts with a front main frame, a rear main frame, a removable end piece, and a detachable passenger frame.

The 2016 model came with a new set of wire-spoked wheels measuring 17 inches for the front wheel and 17 inches for the rear wheel, a high-quality fully adjustable upside-down front fork, and an optimized steering geometry with a slightly more rake and trail. The braking force was handled by two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 265 mm disc with a two-piston caliper slowing down the rear wheel.

As with its predecessor, the R nineT kept the 1170cc four-stroke air-cooled engine with the power of 110 hp and a maximum peak at 7,750 rpm and 117 Nm (86 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm. The six-speed manual transmission was linked to the rear wheel through a shaft final drive. The stainless steel exhaust system had the tailpipe positioned on the left side of the motorcycle which reflected in a classic style.

In 2017, BMW released the R nineT Urban GS, a motorcycle that was quite different in style but equally classic as the R nineT. The 2017 Urban GS model took its genes from the first and legendary BMW R 80 GS built in 1980, teleporting them into the modern era with contemporary technology in the shape of a classic enduro-style bike with a boxer engine.

For more than 35 years, the abbreviation GS, along with the BMW Motorrad was synonymous with a sense of freedom and passion for adventure on two wheels, both on-road and off-road.

Unlike the R nineT, whose frame consisted of four components, the Urban GS frame consisted of three components: a front main frame, a rear main frame with an integrated end piece, and a passenger frame.

The GS model came with lightweight cast-aluminum wheels, with a 19 inches front wheel and a 17 inches rear wheel shoded with typical enduro-style rubbers. The ride was softened by a conventional telescopic fork on the front side and by a BMW Paralever suspension with a central spring strut and a cast aluminum swingarm on the rear.

The 2017 BMW R nineT Urban GS shared the same 1170cc air-cooled boxer twin-cylinder engine as the R nineT with an output power of 110 hp at 7,750 rpm and 117 Nm (86 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm.

In 2017, at the Intermot Show in Cologne, Germany, in addition to the release of the R nineT Racer, BMW also introduced the R nineT Pure which was the most stripped-down version of the R nineT platform at the time. BMW Motorrad claimed that the Pure model was stripped down to its essentials.

The 2017 model addressed both riders who wanted a powerful naked roadster and those who wanted a custom-like machine, thanks to a wide variety of aftermarket accessories and parts available for the two-wheeler.

The same look was kept as the original R nineT but ditched the upside-down Ohlin fork for a non-adjustable conventional 43 mm unit on the front and used a lower spec monoshock with a Paralever swingarm on the rear. Instead of the aluminum fuel tank, it was mounted with a steel one and reduced the electronic package.

Just like the Racer model, it also got a new exhaust in a brushed trim, a new fuel map, and a larger catalytic converter to meet the EURO4 emissions regulations.

The Pure was built around a three-part tubular steel frame with a front main frame, a rear main frame, and a rear subframe with quick removal of the pillion seat.

The model boasts the unmistakable boxer sound and feel with a power of 110 hp at 7.750 rpm and 117 Nm (86 lb-ft) of torque from the 1170cc air-cooled boxer twin-cylinder engine.

The design of the R nineT Racer unmistakably takes inspiration from the 70s motorsports. The elongated proportions extend through the entire design and promise pure acceleration. The distinctive half-shell fairing, the tank and the seat shape the slim silhouette. The long wheelbase and the low-slung handlebars positioned far to the front complete the low, sporty seating position.

The R nineT Urban G/S makes a clear statement: It pays tribute to the early days of BMW Motorrad's G/S success story. Just one look and it's clear that the R nineT Urban G/S captures the off-road spirit of that era. The Urban G/S is faithful to tradition with its looks, but the bike shows equal respect for the present with its modern technology. It features the proven engine and electrical system of the BMW R nineT. The Urban G/S also meets the current EU-4 emission standard. The powerful air-cooled, two-cylinder boxer engine features a capacity of 1170 ccm and 81 kW (109 HP) of output for a highly dynamic power delivery, even at low speeds.

The new BMW R nine T is powered by an air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke flat twin engine. The instruments consisting of speedometer and tachometer harken back to historical times and emphasize the essential and minimalist visual appeal of the motorcycle. The BMW R nine T is equipped with an upside down fork at the front and with the BMW Motorrad Paralever at the rear. However, the nineT does not only stand out due to its pure design.

The Scrambler version of the 2016 BMW R nineT was even more minimalist than the base version and left an even larger palette for customization, as well as features that were sure to fit the taste of the more nostalgic riders. The bike was filled with a very distinct spirit, reduced to the essentials and combined with the technology and quality of a BMW.

The bike manufacturer scrambled the bike in such a way to be modified in a personal style as many motorcycle fans desired. The frame of the Scrambler was a key element in the extensive customization capacity. The passenger frame was removable and allowed the Scrambler to be used by two people or just for a stylish appearance.

The 2016 BMW R nineT Scrambler offered a relaxed upright seating position, another key feature of the bike that has been achieved by redesigning the ergonomic triangle of the handlebar-seat-footrest. Compared to the R nineT, the handlebar was raised, the seat upholstery was reduced, and the footrests were positioned lower and further to the rear.

The Scrambler rolled on a pair of lightweight aluminum cast wheels with a large 19 inches wheel on the front and a 17 inches wheel on the rear.

Just like the base model, the Scrambler shoots out a power of 110 hp at 7,550 rpm and puts down to the rear wheel 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm, power that came from the 1170cc four-stroke air-cooled boxer twin cylinder engine.

The 2016 BMW R nineT was a roadster motorcycle that combined classic design with modern technology, excellent craftsmanship, and a vast range of customization features.

The model featured as standard options BMW Motorrad ABS, a dual seat, double mufflers, laced wheels, dual front disc brakes, a 46 mm upside-down telescopic fork, BMW Paralever rear suspension, and an analog and digital instrument cluster.

In addition, a vast range of accessories and optional technologies were available at BMW dealers worldwide, which offered the most room to tailor-fit a machine from the German brand.

In the performance department, the bike featured a 1170cc four-stroke air-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine that wrinkled the pavement with the power of 110 hp at 7,750 rpm and 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque. The engine was assisted by a six-speed manual transmission attached to a shaft that spun the rear wire-spoked wheel.

The boxer engine went through some technical and visual fine-tuning and has been designed to meet the EURO 5 emission class. The 2016 model featured ABS Pro, in combination with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), for increased safety at banking angles and in other difficult situations.

The R nineT included as a standard option a circular instrument with a newly designed dial that featured the BMW logo and indicator lights that were barely visible when not illuminated. Both the indicator lamps and the headlight featured LED technology. Also as a standard option, the bike was fitted with a USB charging socket.

In 2015, BMW released the BMW R nineT, and in its second year of production, the bike featured the same air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin-cylinder powerhouse as its predecessor.

The first model released in 2014, was marketed by BMW as a blank canvas for customizing and was created to commemorate the 90 years of BMW Motorrad. The riders could choose from a wide range of BMW Motorrad accessories to customize the bike with their style.

With the 2015 model, BMW Motorrad extended its range with a special aluminum fuel tank that was available in two versions, hand-brushed and gloss-varnished with visible or smooth welding seams. Both aluminum tanks were identical to the one on the previous model, but the raw aluminum hand-brushed fuel tank reinforced the classical visual appeal of the R nineT and provided an exclusive look, high-grade feel, and customized character.

Specially designed for the R nineT, the frame used the engine as a load-bearing element. The engine that powered the 2015 R nineT debuted on the first-ever BMW motorcycle built in 1923, the BMW R 32. On the 2015 model, the engine had an output power of 110 hp at7,750 rpm and 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm.

The model rolled on lightweight wire-spoked wheels with a 46 mm upside-down telescopic fork on the front and a Paralever suspension on the rear. The braking power was achieved by two 320 mm discs with four-piston radial calipers on the front wheel and a 265 mm with a two-piston floating caliper on the rear.

In 2014 BMW Motorrad released the BMW R nineT, a standard motorcycle marketed by BMW, to custom builders as a blank canvas for customizing. The model was created to commemorate 90 years of BMW Motorrad and strictly reduced to the essentials.

The BMW R nineT was driven by the classic flat twin boxer engine used on the first-ever BMW motorcycle built in 1923, the legendary BMW R 32. The 1170cc four-stroke air-cooled boxer engine was fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, boasting 110 hp at 7,550 rpm and 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm.

During each stage of the development, BMW’s focus was very much placed on the design, for the riders to tailor it to their style in a variety of ways. The R nineT offered a wide choice of modifications ranging from BMW Motorrad genuine accessories to custom-made parts from specialist customizers.

The Tubular steel spaceframe was specially designed for the R nineT and used the engine as a load-bearing element. The frame was made of two parts, the front part, which has an integral steering head, and the rear part with a swingarm mounting.

The model has traditional wire-spoked wheels with a black finish and hubs.

The 2014 BMW R nineT was for sale in 2022, starting from $9,000.