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R nineT Racer, Pure announced at Intermot ’16

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 customizing
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 tires 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 millimeters 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 emphasize 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 aluminum with a clear anodized finish.

The fuel tank and front mudguard of the BMW R nineT Pure are finished in the color Catalano Grey non-metallic. In combination with black for the suspension and drivetrain, this color emphasizes 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 colors, the R nineT Racer is particularly light and athletic in appearance. The frame finished in Aluminum 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 customizing, allowing individualization 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-millimeter 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 aluminum.
  • 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-colored decor reminiscent of past BMW Motorsport colours, with the frame in Aluminum Silver.

You can read the entire 17-page press release if you like (PDF reader required to view). Photos taken by Ken Engelman at the Intermot trade show in Cologne, Germany, in October 2016.