I bought a Pure and that's the best bike ever! ...used to be a Harley man...then I tried a Triumph and rode some of those for some years...and then I tried a Pure... Very satisfied. Mr Flyer...you make the best reviews. It's all about bikes, riding them and using them. No crap music, no bad language. Just a proper mc video! Thank you!
I love this bike, they are quick 0-100kph in 3.5sec, nimble, and secure. One of the best from BMW. The 90 in the name signifies BMWs 90 years making motorcycles.
Some people don't like the way that engine looks. “Things which are different in order to be different are seldom better, but that which is made to be better is almost always different.” When I first got my old R100R airhead (basically the grandfather of the R9T), I was mainly looking for a bike that was reliable but that had some club type support and that I could work on myself if needed. So no computers, etc. I was not a fan of the horizontally opposed twin but I was not against it either. It is an engine. If it's a well designed engine and simple enough for me to work on the basics and maintenance then I was fine with it. Later I test rode other bikes like Harley Davidson, etc. The first huge difference I noticed was the heat!! The boxer engine delivers all the heat in front of your legs and you don't feel it when sitting at a light for example. The exhaust pipe(s) are generally routed down under the bike away from your legs. The V-Twins put a blazing hot cylinder right in you lap! When you are stopped at a light you can feel the heat crawl up you chest and into you helmet/face. I hated that. Traditionally the V-Twins have had an overheating rear cylinder since that one is always getting blasted with hot air from the front cylinder. Some now turn off the rear cylinder when the bike is sitting still like waiting for a light. An extra "feature" needed to compensate for poor placement. Most engines besides BMW and Moto Guzzi end up with the hot engine parts lined up with the rider. BMW and Moto Guzzi has the hot cylinders to the side of the rider. The center of gravity is low on the BMW since most of the heavy parts are low. When I realized the engine itself was designed to cool off efficiently by having the cylinders in the airflow and contributed to stability because of it's low center of gravity, I grew to see the engine as beautiful in it's smart design. I guess it's beauty is still subjective and it depends on the viewers priorities. I like good design. “Things which are different in order to be different are seldom better, but that which is made to be better is almost always different.” -Dieter Rams, industrial designer. Enjoyed the video. Stay Sharp. Stay Up. Cheers.
I try to watch other reviews but its all arty farty music and photo shots then alot of talk about nothing,you are just easy to watch even when i have no intention of ever buying the particular machine you are riding its just easy watching so i will stayed tuned dont change a thing
If you buy one, get a hugger to protect your shock and reduce spray up your back. Get mudguard extenders to protect the engine. Get a “Crud catcher” engine timing cover protector, this is really vital, otherwise the timing cover will get chipped by road stones and will corrode BADLY, and allow water into the timing chest which corrodes the timing sprockets. Don’t use the starter/killswitch button to stop the engine, you will fuck it up. (Two switches replaced) Tyres, Michelin Pilots make the bike VERY twitchy on the motorway, especially at night. The Metzlers are much more stable and are just as grippy, they thing corners like a Ducati!
My clear favorite in the 'modern retro' category. It doesn't try to look old too hard, sounds awesome and is heaps of fun to ride. The engine has the right amount of character for such a machine. Shouldn't have reminded me of that machine. You are a bad influence. :)
I agree with you and am also at the old git point of enjoying a classic bike where you can be OK driving at normal speeds and still appreciate the sound and feel and handling of a bike as opposed to hyper bikes that require you to be hooligans or going at warp speed to keep you engaged in the ride . This being too dangerous to both license and body.
Yes, be "a boring old git" and be happy! That is my philosophy. I think I'd love that RnineT. BMW really got that one right, they don't try to recreate one of their old bikes, instead they have the spirit of past bikes. I would definitely try the Thruxton to see what it was like. I also think the Moto Guzzi Griso is a competitor however I suspect (and hope) the Griso is for a big update soon. I love the feel of BMWs and Guzzis.
Just bought one of these and just can’t stop riding it with a massive smile on my face. Fun ride, great sound, handling and manoeuvrability. A winner from the BMW stable of retro bikes. Can’t rate this bike highly enough. You must ride one. A retro nirvana.
Great review as always. This bike was certainly a game-changer for retros and made everyone else up their game. Awesome piece of engineering, and as you say, apart from touring, does it all and with little fuss. Wonderful!
I own the 2016 version. It's a lovely bike to own and ride nearly daily. Track days, hills north of Melbourne, commuting into the office, it can handle it all. It does need some modding. The bars are clownish, wide and high. Narrower and lower bars dramtically improved the ergos. The suspension from BMW is criminally poor. The rear pogoes with any spirited cornering. New rear shock and fork internals from Wilbers sorted that out. I've also had it slightly tuned as with all modern bikes they ship them tuned very lean. Mostly just for looks, I took off the diving board on the back and replaced the lights with a tail tidy and bullet lights. I've down a bunch more, but the bars and the suspension are pretty much mandatory.
Gregory. A bit embarrassing that way , yeah. Two rides ago a bloke in a ute waved me down. I thought maybe something was wrong, but he just wanted a gander and a chat about it. Of course, then there’s the guy always looking at it in my garage (that would be me).
Thanks for this review even if my comment is a bit late. I tested the Thruxton R and R9T back to back and my exact thought before seeing your review is that the R9T is more "grown up". Loved to hear you say the same. I picked up an ultra low mileage 2016 R9T for a great price and am collecting it soon!
When I moaned to my riding instructor about no fuel gauge on the 2008 Honda CB600, he went off and said he'd never needed one ! He then opened the tank and said I should just look in there ! ( He was otherwise an excellent instructor ). Maybe I've been pampered by 30 years of driving cars . But I'm with you . Also the Beemer is £12,000 there is NO excuse !
Just a heads-up in case you didn't see it, there's a recall out on these. "...a bolt connecting the swing-arm pivot pin to the frame, which could loosen, creating a hazard" - yeah, your back end falls apart.
Beautiful bike but for the price of the BMW you could buy the T120 and a 390 Duke and have 2 bikes! I think I’d still buy the BMW but maybe a used one with low miles, new is just a tad too pricey in my opinion. Great review as always!
You do some of the best reviews on RU-vid. I like how you go out on the bike, then give us some up close video. All that being said, this is a handsome bike. And the sound came through on the GoPro - sweet. That bike would be fun for weekend run, or running down the boulevard. And like you mentioned, the gauges are what I love. I don't like all that electronic stuff, I just want to see my speed, RPM, and gas level. Thanks for a fun review.
I know this a late comment but I wanted to tell you man I love your reviews and I bought my self the R9T Roadster the original Black storm metallic . Its the best bike a man can have in my mind. At least from the Neo-Retro bunch to choose from out there... Tnx man !
Going for a test ride on one of these next weekend. Your review couldn't have come at a better time. If I wasn't excited enough already, I certainly am now. Always enjoy your videos. Top bloke.
Tried the R9t and didn't like it, too cramped. Much preferred the Scrammbler (with road tyres), great bike for hooning around on :) Want to try the Urban Gs next, as would love a stable mate for my Gs lc. Excellent video as always, keep up the good work.
I have the RNineTPure. The nicest performing piece of machinery with which I have ever dealt. Including a couple of Berninas some high performance quilting machines. Love the BMW.
Speaking as an R NineT owner (and therefore biased!), yes it is the best modern retro! And by removing the baffles and getting a "flapper delete" kit from Motorworks for the exhaust it sounds positively rude for a factory setup. For what it's worth, when I was looking I considered this to be the "full fat" NineT as it's got the best suspension and brakes out of the available models. Great review as always!
Yeesssssss!!!!!!! R Nine T review, finally, been waiting months. God she is beautiful!!! I've been down to my BMW dealer twice to perve at her. Absolute stunner with great stock sound. Super review. Thanks TMF.
She's a beaut. I prefer the single pipe off the pure to that double barrel exhaust and those tiny, pointy LED indicators need to go and be replaced with something round that fits with the retro character. The way they did the gold bits really works on that one.
A lot of years ago I had a R90S in smoke orange. In my opinion it was one of the most beautiful bikes ever made, and it went well.why I ever got rid of it is one of those questions for which I don’t have a sensible answer. It would probably be worth more now than when I sold it
aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh....the 90S in Daytona Orange absolutely gorgeous. Could not agree more, the Most Beautiful bike Ever. I had a R100/RS in smoke Grey, sold it a while back, and have regretted it ever since!!
Great review (as always) I bought mine in April this year and absolutely love it. Had all the extra options inc ASC & alarm etc. Love the sound of it, as previously mentioned, for me better than the T120. Recently tried out the Street Triple RS, nice little bike, but when ever I get back on the R NineT I always know I've made the right choice. One thing though didn't notice the clocks wobbling, will have to take a look next time I go for a ride...........................................Now's as good a time as any.....see ya
This and the Thruxton look fantastic, R Nine T has the edge though, no cleaning or adjusting the bloody chain! lack of tubeless spoked wheels a let down though.
Great review as always , i am not particularly into the whole retro thing but i would agree with you that the dials would drive me mad . I also think from your description of the seating position ( the amount of knee bend would put me off) that would be a pain from the leg point of view after an hour or so. Second bike for me = Street Triple , lovely screen ooooooh :)
Another excellent review. I tested one of these and the Urban GS last week. I found the cheaper suspension and brakes on the Urban GS were perfectly good enough, the single silencer sounds even better and I prefer the cast wheels. If I wanted a roadster I'd save £2200 and get the Pure, but I think I preferred the height of the Urban GS and the wide bars made less sense on the roadster. Tough choices. Should I get both?
I agree with all the other commentary that your review is far more enjoyable, informative and useful to the motorcycle enthusiast. We want to know about the bike and you do a great job telling us about the bike under review.
Lovely machine TMF, perfect for sunny day blasts, but those mirrors would have to go, they look out of place on that bike but otherwise I'm with you, gorgeous bike.
I was looking at the T120 myself until I watched a video of someone checking/adjusting the valves. Will have to look at a video on adjusting the R9T valves. Or just get a Moto Guzzi V7/9
Another great review. Getting one of these is always on my mind, love the custom paint job on the tank. I think this would be a lovely addition to your bike collection.
Man, that's a pretty bike! Especially if you're an old geezer like me and you like the looks of the 70s machines. I absolutely love how most of the major manufacturers are making nice retro machines that look old school and run new school. I think Triumph does a great job as do BMW and the Kawasaki 900 is a work of art too. It's a great time to be in the bike market with the plethora of great products out there. But if you are indicisuve like me, you might grow old trying to make up your mind.
For me it is the best bike on the market, I do not intend to cross continents, I love the character of this engine, the noise it makes, and also the simplicity of the model. IT's RUGBY! BUT, a very good review, as, always.
Always liked these and smashing review. I do whince tho when I see a rear shock spring unprotected from the blast off the rear tyre, particularly if using as an all rounder
I disagree on the hooligan thing. The Friday before last was chucking it down, but didn't stop me taking one of these for a test ride. I blitzed tore up almost all the country lanes in my local area, down A roads and through towns. I even managed to accidentally get some air(by surprise of course) coming back across the Southern Downs. Not the wisest thing to be doing on a test bike, however, I'm seriously considering one of these as my next bike and didn't want to hold back. I agree 100% with you about it being a capable all- rounder.Stick some soft panniers and a tail / tank bag and it's ready. One thing I picked up that you didn't mention was: if you ride this as stock setup in the rain, you will come back caked in mud. The first thing I'd do would be buy a rear hugger and tail hugger with number plate attachment. Absolute must I you're an allweather rider. Unfortunately for me, although an approved used model end of 64 or 15 plate are quite reasonable in price for the quality of the ride, I dare not think what it'd cost for me (23) to be insured on one of these. Great review as per usual TMF
Nice to see BMW didn't ignore the RnineT when it came time to raid the HP parts catalogue, I really hope the trend of adding a premium slip-on from the factory catches on. I know a lot of people will still want to swap it, but they're not really out any more than they would be if it had a junk can on it, and those who just want something that looks/sounds a little nicer are all set. *edit* now that I watch the entire video, are you sure that is an Akrapovic pipe? I don't see any branding at all, while it is subtle on my S1000R, it is clearly branded as "Akrapovic designed for HP".
TMF sir you are so lucky to get this bike for only 12300 pounds well in India it is sold for 23258 pounds and there are people buying it I don't understand but many car and bike companies are milking the Indian people because we Indians never had super cars or bikes sold in India and are desperate to own one also its a status symbol so many buy BMW bikes who don't even ride them just for show and people like me who love to ride cant afford these machines. Anyway nice video ...
Rode an r nine t as a courtesy bike while my hp4 was in for a service and loved it. Seriously considering selling the hp4 and purchasing one of these beauties
Great review again TMF. The Flattwin Roadsters are in my opinion the best bike if you own a house in the Alps or Pyrenees. Or in other words, you don't have to travel long distance but only want to tour the twisties. Otherwise, if you can only own 1 bike and have to ride 900 km first, stick to the mighty GS. The only thing, spoke wheels are terrible to clean, this ones need tubes and are a terrible to pump up. They look great though!
I'm interested that this has engine temperature available, I wonder if this is a retro-fit option on the earlier R9T's? Yes, this is a wonderful all-round bike, never get tired of it!
Looks wise, both the R Nine T and the Thruxton are gorgeous. I prefer the dials on the Thruxton to be honest, they are just beautiful. Another modern classic I love the look of is the Ducati Café Racer, the other Ducati Scramblers are good looking bikes, but the café racer is just gorgeous IMO. The only thing that would keep me from getting the R Nine T are that the tyres are not tubeless.I had an inner tube go flat on me once at 80KPH, as you know an inner tube doesn´t lose air gradually, it just goes flat instantly. It´s a miracle I didn't lose control of the bike. Ever since then, I stay away from bikes with tubed tyres.
Thanks. I've asked myself that question also. If you look at it from a safety point of view, it seems like a no brainer to use tubeless spoked rims on any modern bike. Does the Thruxton use tubed or tubeless spoke wheels?
Triumph spoked wheels use tubes, not good. When a manufacturer has developed a tubeless spoked rim why not use it? BMW have used it on the GS for over 20 years.
I guess they want to keep the cost down by using tubes. After my experience of a tube blow out at 80kph, I wouldn't buy either the R Nine T nor the Thruxton if the only option is tubed tyres. Just imagine a tube going flat at 110+ kph! No thanks. The only reason I didn't crash is because I'm such a massively talented rider, LOL.
Lovely looking but them looks would taint after a few years of winter riding, BMW have just released callback for minor Swing arm Issue. Did Ride to wall at weekend (National arboretum Stafford good turn out)
Another Gr8 review...this looks like a timeless future classic bike...one of these would be a gr8 plan B in the garage with the big GS next to it Mmmmmmmm xmas is only around the corner...
Nice review. Looking to replace my much loved ‘17 S1000R and this is on my short list. Much prefer the styling of the r90t, and so much the s1000r’s performance is irrelevant to anywhere other than the track. I have done a few track days where r90t’s have been in the same group, and they handle well and were not far behind things like my s1000r. Thanks again for your informative review
Good review - and good bike. I think it beats most of the Triumphs in looking like a decent general purpose bike and not just a very attractive ornament. That engine - a/c flat twin - is even more authentic than the worthy but faux and much heavier new Triumph twin. This R9T even seems to beat the latest r1200r as a good all-rounder - certainly more desirable.
Another great review. Would love to hear your opinion on the Kawasaki Z900 RS! Personally, I think it's the closest rival along with the Triumph to the RnineT. With regard to the Triumph I think the RnineT sits in between T120 and the Thruxton. Stay upright, thanks Charlie.
A beautiful bike and a great review. May I be as presumptuous as to suggest a topic for a future video? Perhaps some tips for new riders, handling traffic , how to choose a suitable bike etc..
What like this you mean? >> ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MIOWKnwUco0.html also check-out >> ru-vid.com/group/PL_719tkJvufbWzgt_eO0VvNqE-NvQy3EQ
Love this bike and would wish to have one in my garage for sure; I’d probably get the basic and upgrade from the no -OEM offerings of which there are many👍🥰👌
Love the gold pin stripes. A must I reckon as the gold forks always looked a bit out of place, not so much now. A suggestion, please try to review the Triumph Bobber. Keep it up, love the no bulls#!t approach, thanks.
If anyone s interested the Navy Wings charity are raffling of a special r9t looks gorgeous too ,its ten pounds per ticket ive chucked my hand in ,got to be worth a go and its also for a very good cause ,hope you don't mind me posting this up here.. Dave
I like the bike and the color scheme. If I were to get it, the first thing on would be a clear bra to protect the gas tank. The brush aluminum (or aluminium to our friends across the pond) has "scratch me" written all over it.
