I bought a R9T Pure a year ago, and absolutely love it. Everything in your review is spot on. One thing I would add is how brilliant the after servicing has been by my local BMW dealer. Really brilliant.
Picked up the R ninet /5 yesterday from the dealership in Raleigh NC. That boxer engine is amazing. The balance of the bike, the low center of gravity is simply a joy.
I've got one! 14 000 km and counting! Lovely bike! :-) Mine's got alloy wheels though. (easier to clean) Really well done sir. Well done indeed. And yes, it has loads of rock'n'roll! As an old Triumph rider I had to chose, and the character of the BMW, the power and the looks made me a BMW owner. :-)
It is. It's alot of "wows" and positive comments. People can hear me coming and they just don't look and turn away, no they look and keeps on looking! :-)
I was given a loan of one of these when my GSA was in for service, I really loved it, and I would like the idea of customizing it to my own preferences. Nice review as always.
Amazing! I actually test rode a "Pure" this past weekend at my local dealership. I love it; reminds me so much of my Airhead. The bike has a great "old" feel to it, i guess its a "pure" feeling (LOL!) so this variant is named appropriately. I love it when these younger guys at the dealership show more interest in my Airhead whenever I show up to the dealership; I think I've spent more time talking to them about my old bike than they speak to me about their newer bike. The comparisons side by side (old vs new) are obvious. Glad you enjoyed the bike, TMF! As always, another great review!
i've heard that the stock exhaust on the pure/racer/urban are actually by remus. that's what the people on the NineTForum said, according to motorcycle magazines.
I've been waiting for ages for this one - and it was worth it, thanks. I've ridden both the standard and Urban GS. Found the suspension on the standard a bit harsh and felt I went faster on the UGS. I'm glad you didn't think the Pure suffered for it's cheaper components. I think I'd save £2200 and get the Pure, then add a rev counter.
I bought one 3 weeks ago. I have ordered and received a catridge kit from Adreani for the forks from a local supplier, KSS, a rev counter and mounting kit from Beemerparts in the US, cylinder head protectors and a rear hugger via Amazon. Just discussing a shock replacement with KSS too. It came with a Givi saddlebag and Wunderlich screen with only 2000kms on the clock and I've already increased that by 50%, in the middle of Winter (I live in New Zealand, don't judge me), what's more. Heated grips! OMG, why did no one tell me? It has a "standard" muffler with an Akrapovic logo on it, and it sounds glorious. I don't have to lube a chain! What luxury! Oh yeah, it has an adaptive headlight which made me feel like I was actively hallucinating the first time I noticed it tracking through a corner. It was a long sweeper so I had to turn around and go through it from the other direction, and just like my Primary School Principal's Citroen, the headlight tracked through the corner. Magic! I've owned and ridden a Versys 650 for a decade prior and the RnineT is so much fun in comparison. I got the RnineT for an exceptional price and that has left money in the kitty for the upgrades with a little bit left over while still not exceeding the price a top spec RnineT Standard.
This is a fine everyday bike. And bikes are like a lot of other things in life:- you take them as they are, with their pros n cons. After rolling and treating it like family you change things that can be bettered. And towards the rest you adapt to the character of the bike. At a first glance this is easier to say than to do, but with some dedicated time you achieve compatibility and sometime after that you become intimate with all that little things that at first used to be flaws😂 Every bike, even the top machines, have something that we don’t like. That’s why if possible, we must have more than one bike😉✌️ Nice video as usual from you. Top stuff!👌🏻 The lack of fuel gage resembles the old bikes that we had to turn on the reserve on the gas by hand. Here you know that a full tank gives you autonomy for sensibly 130/140 miles of range. After filling the tank you reset the Trip 1 to zero and than when it goes near 130/140 miles is time to refill. This technique works fine 👌🏻
I rode an RnineT (most expensive model) last weekend and it's an incredible bike. It feels raw, it feels like you're riding an actual machine. I love the rocking the engine causes and when it heats up over 100 - 105ºC you can actually smell the hot oil coming from the engine - Just fantastic. Unfortunately for my riding type i had to get a 1200GS or this would definitely be my bike. Raw, VERY fun and stripped of all nonsense electronics. A winner!
I’ve watched a good amount of your bike review videos, and you have been an absolute legend in helping me decide on my next moto! I’m getting a 9T. Not sure which one yet, but according to your vids- I can’t go wrong. Absolute legend! Thank you, sir!
I like BMW motorcycles. In fact I have owned two during the 1990s. For some reason the BMW R nine T does not stir my blood. I think there are some retro bike designs that are far better looking to include the Moto Guzzi VII, the Kawasaki Z900rs (cafe), Royal Enfield Continental, Triumph Bonneville and Thruxton, and the Honda CB1100. However, great review of the bike.
Glad someone finally did a review of this bike! When I first started looking at motorcycles, I went back and forth between this and the Triumph Street Twin. I ended up getting (and falling in love with) the Street Twin, but every time I pass by the dealership, I see an R NineT and think 'what if?'
I loved the motor on this family of bikes from BMW but at 67 my shoulders were quickly in pain from the forward bars on all of them on the test rides . I loved my 1979 R80 and it's upright positioning .. I wish there was one of the RNines that had that ergonomics ..Even the Urban is forward . I know they are marketing this bike to the younger riders .. They used to call the BMW R60 an old mans bike ... Wish they still made something in that direction for this old man.
I test rode one of these recently and immediately fell in love, and this surprised me as I am not a fan of BMW, or the horizontal twin look. But it was nimble, super quick with oodles of torque. I loved revving it at idle and feeling the bike crank to the right, gave it character. It can be ridden like a scooter or you can nail it and shock sport bike riders with it's handling. I'd love to know how this compares with the Moto Guzzi 'Griso'. Great test.....cheers.
Merlin Man hi. I own a Griso and can tell you it’s not as nibble or light as the beemer. It’s significantly heavier and feels a lot longer in wheelbase. Because of this the Griso feels very stable even on the freeway at 80 mph and holds its line very well. You sort of need to force it in and out of corners where the beemer falls into turns better. Both have that lovely engine character when you twist the throttle and both are torquey, large displacement twins that just make you smile. I’d say the Griso wins in the character and charm category but the bmw will be a bit more refined with its abs and smoother fueling and have more electronic options too. If youre looking for something truly unique and special, can’t go wrong with the Griso. If you’re looking for the better bike on paper, the bmw
Just picked up my RnineT Vintage and I must say for a BMW the gearbox is a revelation. Not renowned for the best gearboxes but this one is lovely. Good review as ever TMF
Absolutely love the look of this! Would snap one of these up if I was in the market for a new bike. I really want to try the flat-twin experience. So many ppl talk about the unique handling/low CofG.
The R nineTs are the "bulldogs" of naked bikes....and I love them. Personally I'd go for the "standard", it looks the most muscular of the R nineTs, "pure" is a little to stripped down for my tastes. I have to mention the sound of that Boxer in the R nineT..... Its got to be one of the best stock exhaust notes from any motorcycle :-)
Hi TMF, had this machine as a loan bike while the s1000xr was in for a service. Never ridden a boxer engined bike before took a bit of getting used to in first instance but after that really enjoyed the experience.
Another beauty and this one is more affordable. Stock sound was amazing when you did the slow turn. This R Nine T range is littered with stunning made machines. Cheers for the review TMF.
I think it’s a practical everyday bike. I love em. The price would make me think twice for what you get against the competition. Maybe a bike you can keep forever though. When you’re an old plodder like me you don’t need all the gadgets.
A test ride on a Pure made me pull the trigger on a R9t "Standard" or whatever they call the full spec model. The pure rides well and has a great sounding stock exhaust.
TMF, it is nice to see sunny weather for a change on your part of the world, enjoy. And that exhaust note does sound nice, keep the videos rolling. Safe travels.
Tell me about it Fredo! Actually we've had a pretty lovely Spring so far, many more sunny days than grey ones for a change - stay tuned for more sunshine soon!
Yet another great review Sir. From behind my keyboard here I'm really liking the looks of the new Triumph Scrambler 1100. Would love to see a direct comparison if you ever get the chance to ride one. Cheers!
Like the bike but for over £10,000 would be nice to have a rev counter, fuel guage, centre stand, tubeless tyres, decent rear mudguard and a comfortable seat. Even my 300 twist n go scooter has that lot!
The Rev Counter is an option, I've got one myself. Fuel gauge isn't needed on this bike at all, tubeless tires are an option with the cast wheels and on top of all that, there are many custom seat options out there for them. I have this seat and it's fine for my 3-4 hour day rides.
Not quite sure about the rear end of the bike but I must say that the tank is the best shape I've seen in a long time. Great review as always Mr Mr Flyer. Rsmf. Alan
If anything the BMW feels a little lighter because of the way the engine carries its weight low compare to the Bonnie... both great bikes though. Thanks for watching - TMF
Very nice,shame about the lack of gauges, but I’m sure there will be accessorie companies out there with loads of bolt ons to buy,they know how we guys just love to tinker,maybe I’m old skool but I love that engine,and what a beautiful day for riding
I have similar handlebars on my Thruxton. I love the riding position. The looks and simplicity of these bikes is just very appealing. I can throw them around the streets just as fast and easily without all the gold and yellow expensive bits too. I love the spokes, but many won't like dealing with tubes. That is the best looking exhaust BMW makes. The deal breaker for me is lack of fuel gauge. I'm just too forgetful to reset the odo at every fuel stop. That Racer is a torture chamber. A company called Helibars may have saved that one from extinction. Brings the bars up to make the riding position livable. They're giving the Racers away around here. Might be worth doing that myself.
They all are nice bikes the RnineT range, but those CCM's you showed us the other day Mr Flyer, seem to be stunning & cheaper. Yes they are half the engine size, but that attention to detail on the CCM was delicious. Once again another category of motorcycles that you pull your hair out of your head to make a decision on which one to buy. You just gotta love the variety we have today to pick from. Absolutely fantastic range of bikes to choose. Cheers groover ;-)
I rode the same bike, loved the sound and did not feel the need to spend more for the standard version. Don't like the colours though.. Great review TMF
Never really been a fan of BMW'S untill (dare I say it) Ewan and Charlie took one around the world. That thing tho, is a thing of beauty. Personally I'd change a few things, maybe add a rev counter if possible. But on the whole a gorgeous looking machine. Nice to see BMW have done a better job of denting the tank to allow for forks than CCM 😀... Great review.
Great review as always TMF, I have a Moto Guzzi v7 Stone which is there base model shares some of the characteristics particularly that vibrating twin engine, would love to give the R90t range test ride in the future, look great bikes and would definitely prefer the more expensive standard model ( second hand lol)
I have to say I really like the R-NineT Urban GS if I had to daily one of these bikes. Design wise and if I wanted one to ride on weekends and on track I'd definitely go for the R-NineT Racer. Best design in my opinion, imagine how amazing one of these would sound witha titanium M4/Akropovic full racing exhaust! Even better would be a K1600B with a full exhaust lol best sounding gas powered vehicle on earth in my opinion.
Another great review as usual TMF. I was interested in this vid as I owned an R9TP for a few months and agree with everything you say. As one of the range of modern naked retros produced by several manufacturers, a style I like, the Pure is a very nice bike in most respects but one drawback for me was that the suspension was so hard that I felt every minor imperfection in the road surface. If I rode over so much as a bacterium lying in the road I felt the jolt, never mind a serious obstacle like a leaf. And with the state of so many of our roads that was not an occasional occurrence. I replaced it eventually with a Triumph Street Scrambler, same sort of back roads blaster but less powerful though with much kinder suspension for an old fart like me.
Look how high the line of the crankshaft is. And with two great big cylinders sticking out each side its not going to be nimble. Also sitting so high up on the GS with a big high petrol tank and the battery underneath it I cant see how the weight would feel low down. Just my perception after 4 years of ownership.
I could buy either R9T but am persuaded to go for the Pure because it has the cast wheels while all the others are wire wheels with (ugh!) tubed tyres! Why don't BM make cast wheels an option on the classic R9T? Or offer the tubeless wires of the GS? As you say, the bikes handles and stops and goes as well as the standard R9T, so with the optional second clock fitted what are you losing? A slight edge in handling that most riders (certainly me) will not notice? You can even specify the aluminium tank on the Pure if you wish. So though I can afford either version, I'll probably go for the Pure. Or a Speed Twin!
Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s we used to laugh at the “sticky out” barrels / heads of the air cooled BMW! Such as, “Don’t filter between cars in case you lop of the barrels and where’s the sidecar!” but as you get older you realise that the handle bars are wider than the engine just like a cat’s whiskers wider than it’s body, so if the whiskers don’t fit the hole the body certainly won’t ….just like the boxer engine! But we were only “kids” then and the mighty Japanese big 4 (Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha & Kawasaki) were storming the GB shores at that time. However now in my 50 with an engineering background the whole Boxer air cooled engine makes total sense, low centre of gravity, barrels / heads positioned beautifully for maximum cooling. Thanks to TMF I look at bikes like the BMW Rninet & Triumph Bonneville range with a different vision and thought process where as before only “sports bikes” were King! Good review TMF!
Another excellent review! You're becoming an expert on 90s so many you tested now, is it time to get one? As for my 2 cents, I'd rather spend the extra cash and go for the "standard one", which is actually the premium one, as I would hapily sit in my garden contemplating those golden forks and brushed aluminium tank all day long without even riding it. There are better packages for that boxer engine in the catalogue. The pure just looks vulgar to me. Thanks again
TMF I reckon BMW got it exactly right with the R9T range. The only one that doesn't do it for me is the Racer. My personal favorite (apart from mine the std mod) is the Urban, great looking bike.
Nice ride and review! Any troubles finding 1st gear at all? I've seen other reviews where they say 1st gear can be difficult to find at times. Also, would you recommend the RNineT Pure for beginner riders?
Great review. By the way it is your fault I splashed out on a Street Triple 765. Great review and what a bike. Will you be doing the Triumph Tiger? My son wants one following his direct access course.
108 HP and 86 ft torque is really enough for mostly anything you may need to do, except racing. Not a fan of the color too nautical for my taste. I think I would like the bike but because of it's unexciting looks for me I doubt I could fall in love with it, perhaps a different model. Who am I kidding the Triumphs have my heart.
Now that is a bike I would like to add in my garage especially in candy red. Sounds great, smooth, power, comfortable and handles. I would like the opportunity to get a four pipe version and maybe a slightly longer seat to accommodate a passenger, but I am nit picking. I will keep my Thruxton R, but I see no reason why I should not have a Kawasaki too? I think I would choose the Kawasaki over the T120.
Brilliant review as per usual, TMF. Just wondering... after all the reviews you've done... what's the worst bike you've tested in your opinion? Cheers...
Tough one as there are no truly rubbish new bikes out there - the Royal Enfield Continental GT is possibly my least favourite (but even that wasn't thaaaat bad)....
@@TheMissendenFlyer that’s good advice, it’s just that there’s a lot of information out there and would appreciate advice from a seemingly wise biker like yourself, thanks for the response.
@@GooseF7 I'm kind of late answering this. Probably not much help anymore, but I bought a 2017 rebel 500 as my first bike. It was perfect. I did about 15,000 miles on it before upgrading. I would've kept it indefinitely but my transmission started to go. I think that was probably caused by me riding it too hard. Not a fault of Honda.
Robert Stimmel thank you for your answer. In fact i just bought a brand new 2020 rebel and i am very happy. I can feel that eventually i will need more power, but for the first 10k to 20k the rebel seems perfect.
I owned the nicer black storm standard r nine t, but due to an accident I am searching for a new bike. Very interested in this model as it is significantly cheaper in the states. $16000 for nicer rninet, compared to $10K for pure model. Based on your review, besides looks, the bikes seem very comparable would you agree? The pure has plenty more potential for customization as well.
Looks a great bike. I feel like Moto Guzzi were making an even more stylish version of this concept 10 years ago though, in the Griso. Still my dream bike...
The Griso was a great bike. Shame Moto Guzzi did not update the machine. Their range is now very limited and lack-lustre. We seem to get another variation of the V7 every year but precious little else. They need a rocket up their backsides and should be producing a modern Le Mans sport roadbike as well as a new Griso. And while I'm on the subject why in the hell did they not produce a road version of the glorious MGS 01. A lot of people at the time were waiting for Guzzi to do this. What a huge missed opportunity. Guzzi really are their own worse enemy at times.
Agree with you about the Griso Ben, but maybe Guzzi will do something Griso-like with their yet-to-be-launched V85 engine other than stick it in a Dakar rep? Still waiting for my GSA to be delivered so I can make the most of Swiss spring...
Thanks for a great review as always. You mentioned that the RNine Pure seat height is 805mm which is correct but for those a little under TMF's 5' 8" (or more relevantly inseam length), the low seat option on this model is just 775mm should this matter. The other RNineT models for comparison are listed here: www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/en/experience/seat-height-overview.html#/section-heritage
Just a quick question for you from Canada. Will you be testing the new Royal Enfield Continental GT soon? I'm hoping to buy one this summer and would love to see your opinion of the bike! Cheers!
Woooo hoooo a review of the bike I own....I bought a 2017 R9T pure with the stock wheels (not spoked) and instead used that money for the ACS (traction control). missing a rev counter and shift indicator is somewhat annoying, more not having a proper fuel gauge that is something I found was a pain on my first 8 hours on a highway trip. The steering and balance on this bike is excellent and the power is really on point, I would like the handle bars to be back just a inch or two more. Its funny I went from owing a BMW K100RS that was exactly the same type of reach for the bars and bought another BMW I need to reach for the bars even though I prefer to sit up straight...hmmm I should really test ride bikes before I buy. Oh and my 1989 BMW came with more features than my new R9T....a center stand, fuel gauge, rev meter, helmet lock, you pulled in the clutch and the sidestand went up, and a feature every single bike should have no matter what and my R9T is missing auto shut off for the turn signals.
