BMW RnineT Racer Review 

I just rewatched this out of nostalgia. Your review helped me pull the pin and buy my racer a while back. It's a great well built fun bike. I appreciate the work you put in.

Just bought one. Chose it over the thruxton R and street tiple RS. The one I rode/bought has helibars 4" riser fitted as standard. Still clears the fairing but brings you more towards a sports-touring position. Here in Australia the sales rep informed me that they don't sell any without them.

slowly but surely the weather is getting better and better with every vid your are putting up lately , can't wait for summer to properly arrive

I watched this video before buying one in 2017. I traded it in towards a Goldwing in November 2023 but I miss the racer S. Rewatching this video I’ve just noticed the number plate and realised it’s the actual bike I bought from Bahnstormer in Maidenhead! Great fun bike but about as sensible as owning a horse.

I think this the first TMF video I watched and it helped me decide that this was the bike for me. I bought mine two and a half years ago and I can’t see me wanting to change it anytime soon. I think it looks and sounds great and is so stable compared to the airheads I used to ride. I felt at home with the riding position immediately but you need to build up to longer runs, like any bike with clip ons. I’ve never had a fuel gauge on a bike, like somebody else has commented just reset one of your trips every time you fill up. Funnily enough I’ve never found the side stand fiddly but the other day I tried to use the lug and I couldn’t do it, I just move the bottom of the stand with my boot and it’s easy. I don’t want loads of electronics but the ABS has got me out of trouble more than once, great brakes! I love the clocks and the heated grips. It might sound daft but if I could have one thing different it would be to include a digital mph display along with the displays for fuel consumption, voltage etc. 🇬🇧🏍

I wasn't expecting much looking at the cafe racer fairing but when you stepped-off and gave us a side-on, wow! I think it looks sensational. I love the white with 'M' striping as you pointed out. Also the frame and other structures in silver really does it for me. And the shaft-drive stops the rear overtaking the front! Cracking bike imho. And cheaper than I expected too.

Watched this video for months and finally succumbed and went and bought one on your recommendations and I absolutely love it, the ride, the look and the sound. Keep up the great video reviews.

My God, I can barely keep up with your reviews. They're coming thick and fast! You are getting tremendous access to the new metal! Keep 'em comin!

The look of this one is way more harmonic in my eyes than the Scrambler and the regular RnineT. On the other versions the tank is verging on being ridiculously large but the fairing really helps with the look on this one. An absolutely gorgeous bike!

This bike looks lovely. I'm not normally a lover of front fairings on old style bikes, but this one looks the biz. keep the blogs coming TMF, there is sod all on tv to watch.

Just bought a one off paintjob racer from bahnstormer, love the job they did on it. Your review helped me decide.

Your reviews keep getting better, nice job! I test rode the Rnine-T sport and it felt lovely on those golden forks, so connected to the road. Sounds immense too like you said!

Paint finish on the walk round looked fantastic. Love the Motorsport colours. Another great review. Picked up my new GSA yesterday basically based on your reviews, so whilst poor old Barnstormers didn't get my business (I live up north!) BMW got another sale based your reviews, and a test ride or course!

I have 2500 miles on my rninet racer so far... I love it. You hit all the things I like about it in your vid. Great review. Love this bike!

another great TMF production, thank you. Looks like a direct competitor for the thruxton (my dream bike) love the cafe racers, the bikes I used to dream of as a kid

Nice review, probably one of the best on this bike which I have decided to purchase and looking forward to picking up here on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. I never test road it but owning several cafe racers in the past I am familiar with the riding position. It will compliment my Moto Guzzi Cali touring 1400 ABS which is a completly different beast as you know,but very similar in the spec's department...very similar features, traction and ABS,drive shaft,similar horse power, and KW's . Also similar torque figures and both are an air cooled twin. Both of course have character as well which the motors are known for. Both a georgous to look at albeit the Guzzi is a much bigger lady with curves to die for and the racer her athletic counterpart from across the boarder. Thank you again for your reviews.

Excellent review of an excellent bike. You could seriously do reviews for a living. You have a good voice and very easy to listen to. Have subbed.

I just saw one of these a few days ago at my local dealership. Really beautiful bike.

Another great review TMF! What a beautiful bike!! Certainly one that you'd be almost as happy just looking at it as riding it (almost).

I just picked one up here in the USA/NJ, to keep my Harley LowRider.S company. BMW is giving over $2000 off this bike, which tells me they won't be making them anymore ??. This is truly one of the better, more original looking bikes out on the road, that will always turn heads, and attract a crowd on Bike nights.

Much more nicer than the 6 cylinder monster! Nice bike and good video, Thanks!

Getting mine on Wednesday, can’t wait 😀

Spot on review, collected mine 4 day ago, thoroughly good fun at sensible road speeds!!!!

Hi again. Well i actually managed to bag a test ride and it felt roomier than the thruxton which i liked. It felt like an 80's bike like an old gixxer 1100 kinda thing. On the way back to the dealers i decided i had to get one! Its in the garage got it yesterday. i enjoy your reviews and appreciate the way you ride 'normally' if you know what i mean. Revving out journo stuff is all well and good but a world away from reality ( for me anyway). Cheers buddy

Always of interest keep them coming. Saw my first R9T Racer yesterday at the Barry Sheene Memorial Festival of Speed here in Sydney, quite stunning, I'd love a ride. Oh and if you really want to see potholes or twisties you need to come on down under as I'm yet to see any proper winding roads in your vids.

Always great reviews; very informative and considered; definitely an encouragement to get one!!

Beautiful looking bike. I got to check out the riding position at the BMW display at the Toronto Motorcycle show last month. Found the riding position to be a little extreme for a daily rider, would be a fantastic second bike.

Love your reviews, bought a racer today on looks alone!

I have been looking forward to this review and I have not been disappointed,thks a mill.regrds.

Really good review. Love your vids. Not keen on the fairing but like the looks generally. I'm really envious of those blue skies. Minus 13 here today and snowing. Still we are guaranteed a decent summer. If I was in the market for a new bike I'd have no idea what I would get. So many options.

Great review on a great looking bike. I am looking at getting a new Triump speedmaster or thunderbird storm later in the year as a second bike and was wondering if you have any plans to review them some time. I know cruisers are not everyones cup of tea but would be great to get a review from the best reviewer on youtube

I love the look of this bike reminds me so much of the old bevel drive Ducati SS’s of the 1970’s, bikes I lusted after in my teens. And the BMW Motorsport colours remind me so much of the first 800 GS's I’ll probably take a demo when my GSA is in for a service, I love something with character. The GSA is ruthlessly efficient and excellent at what it does but it does lack soul and I never feel totally involved in riding it but then I’ve just got it so that may come. I liked the 900 ss Ducati’s I bought a Belt drive 900 Supersport many years ago. That was a pig in town first gear to low second gear to high, rattled and clattered like a 1950’s diesel cement mixer, dry clutch that was more of an on/off switch than clutch and you couldn’t go out if it was less than 5 degrees because the carbs iced up and it would cut out all the time. But as you say full of character and a joy to ride when it went well. So much so I still have the same bike today and its one I will never let go. Enough power (just ) to have fun, still very sweet handling bike and with modern tyres and the engine in a good mood you just can’t help smiling none stop once you are out of town. Sounds fantastic accelerating with the throttle fully open and sounds even better with the throttle fully closed on overrun. Character learn to live with it and you love it.

We need a new version of the R1200S. Come on BMW. Modern, fast, technological boxer for the track...Jesus. Is that too much to ask.

a really enjoyable video.. please keep your hard work up ..

Goldilocks mode, love it! Lovely day for a ride . . .

Have to agree with everything you have said. I've had mine for two weeks and it's much better than the some of the parts Keep testing 👍

Another great review keep the hard work up I'm really enjoying the channel thanks, wouldn't usually be my cup of tea but a really beautiful looking bike.

Its an absolute beauty in my eyes, not been brave enough to test one yet

Fuel gauge is look in the tank. Keeps you mindful. What is tourque reaction like?

That is an extremely lovely motorcycle! BMW have really got it right with the retro thing. These RnineT bikes capture the essence of the 70s and 80s without attempting to replicate bikes from that time. So with these bikes there is no fake crap. That air-intake was never on BMWs from that time, for example, but there is something so right about it. That riding position with the “clip-ons” is one that many would find comfortable if they try it out for a few hours. At first it seems strange, but after a while it is very nice imho. The only negatives I can see perhaps are that those “clip-ons” look like they are part of the top triple-clamp in some way and so there is probably no adjustability as there would be with normal clip-ons. Oh, and yes, not having a fuel gauge is just dumb. But that bike is lovely, lovely, lovely…

What a lovely review. Very informative. Excellent stuff

Awesome bike. My new favourite. Added to the wish list.

another great review 👍 cheers Tom

The Maidenhead guys are great, I was in there just the other day.

I always get a strange thrill when you press record on the iPhone and I get sucked into its view. beautiful bike and great review,

saw the basic one in town jesus its beautiful... couldn't believe they share parts with the GS

My dream bike! Awesome review!

what a beauty !!! and an awesome vid also !!! got to have one so badly ... i never liked the bmw design even known they build some of the best bikes..and even im from germany !!!! .....but this one oh my god..... will call my local bmw dealer tomorrow to place an order !!!! thanks for the nice review

Greetings from Canada! I really enjoy and appreciate your reviews and motovlogs. I wonder what you think of comparing the RnineT with the Thruxton, and possibly the Street Cup. I have a 1978 SR500 that I've cafe'd, but I would like to move to something smoother and more powerful. The vibes on the SR are giving my nearly senior backside some long distance problems! Keep up the good work Flyer, cheers.

thanks for the review. You are the first English speaking RU-vidr to giver to do a review on this bike. Shame you didn't get a chance to go full throttle. Was it speedy also?

that's my absolutely favorite bike at the par of the thruxton r. i'd love to try it

Very nice review. Nice to see some sun for you to ride in.

This Nine T racer, XJR 1300, Thruxton R racers are my favorite for a coffee racer, the cheapest is the Yamaha without worries of electronic failures by BMW, but it is certainly the most striking, attractive and sure that will always have fans Wherever you go with it.

just bought one 11/3/18, so far so good!

"No idea where I am. Well, I'm fairly sure I'm in Berkshire..." Well as long as you can narrow it down... lol

Sat on one of these last week and surprised at how aggressive the riding position was! Of course that was after a 15 mile ride on a 2016 GS :-)

Another great video! Can I have your opinion about how this engine and the riding feel compares to the LC on your GS? I own a 14reg RT and have to say the engine management is a great disappointment. While the air/oil cooled unit on the NineT is engaging and characterful, the electronics on the LC really ruin the riding experience for me. It feels almost like an electric vehicle. Thanks again and keep up the good work! Luis

Great video 😃 I love my racer

A nice day and a COOL bike.

This tipped me over the edge - IN!

Lovely bike! Many thanks for the review!

Def has a Cafe Racer styling with that long nose and seat... Very pretty bike !!

A very beautiful bike, and not overpriced. I sat on it at the Intermot Cologne. For me the seating position was far too extreme - and therefore for me the bike is out...

I had a lone bike when my gsa was in for service lovely bike bloody killed my wrists and back of my neck its an animal loved it lol

Another great review as ever. Was looking for your opinion as I really love the look of this and the local BMW dealer in Brisbane has one that I intend to go and take a look at next weekend or just after, but was worried by the reports that I'd need to visit a chiropractor after every ride. Like you (I guess) I'm probably not as supple as I once was, so need something that won't need pain killers every time I take it out. Surprised that you found it OK. There's a Triumph dealer, along the road from BMW, that has a Thruxton with the café racer fairing on it, which also looks great but the fairing necessitated lower 'bars too. I may try that as well.

Another excellent video, although I do not like this model very much, I'm going to Nine T, but there are models for all tastes!

Test rode the 2017 standard version over the weekend. I was advised to do so since I test rode the Thruxton R. Both bikes are brilliant. I'm only 5'9" so I was wondering your take on the seating position. Thanks.

I sat on this bike only this week and when i went to put my foot on where the foot rest was, i was actually resting on the rear brake. Strange position but can't fault the looks mind you.

A little too retro racy for me. I can tell by the vid how good that suspension is. Wish Triumph had used it on my Thruxton. I don't get the fairing thing on sport bikes. Obviously, to race, one needs to tuck in for best aerodynamics to maximize speed, but on the road, I want that wind pushing on my chest and keeping the weight off my wrists. Particularly on a hunched over bike like this. Would have loved to see this color scheme on the R9T Pure with the spoked wheels from the standard. In any event, always enjoy your vids!

Thank you. Cheers from across the miles!

Great sounding bike, sounds like my old R80s

TMF, I would be interested in your review of the "standard" R9T now that you have ridden the racer & Scrambler. Cheers.

Superb review , thanks for posting !

Hi Mr Flyer I went down to Bmw Maidenhead today to have a look at my one of these, as I’m really itching to get one. They unfortunately didn’t have one to test ride so I took out an urban enduro instead. Loved that but my heart is set on the racer, so my question is “do you think you think it’s comfy enough to be able to do a cpl of hundred miles a day on the racer” (on an annual tour) and the rest of time would mainly be commuting?! Thanks - Simon

I know the bike is retro but why that fork?? Rather have the upside down fork. Wonder if it’s a easy switch out?

Hi MF - took an R NINE T Racer out for a demo ride yesterday. At first, I didn't think the riding position was a problem at all - it felt quite good actually - but after 10 minutes, I suddenly became aware my wrists were burning and I didn't know why. I am going back into biking after a 33 year break and my previous bikes (circa 1977-84) were a Suzuki GT 185, Yamaha RD350LC, and Yamaha XJ750 and all had very conformable riding positions - so I'd never experienced sore wrists before! After about an hour my neck was sore, my lower back was beginning to ache and my tendons and wrists were in agony. Mind you, it was a lovely ride apart from that. I took it steady as I'm very rusty having only had a few hours in the saddle with various hire bikes plus instructors to get me orientated back into riding. This morning however, my left hand really aches and I can't close my fingers without pain so I am a bit concerned the clutch might have been too heavy as well? I've ridden a new demo Triumph Thruxton R and 675 Street R recently but had no hand or wrist problems with either bike. I kind-of-knew the Racer would be too extreme but I'm planning on getting a customised NINE T Pure with a fairing and adjustable clip ons for a more relaxed but sporty riding position. I tried sitting up a few inches on the Racer and noticed the pain instantly disappeared. So my only question now is - did you find the clutch heavy at all? If the soreness is really just from a lack of riding (coupled with the extreme riding position), then the clutch will probably just be something I'll get used to in time. I'd be keen to know your thoughts on the clutch? I wonder if they do a quick shifter too?

Very smart, do like the way the fairing meets the tank, & the clocks. one question how do you manage to find sunny days? every weekend for me it seams to rain

Great review as always! Would you take it over the RnineT as it gets S1000 suspension? Also would the riding position get too much for longer distances?

I just love the look of this bike, and seeing that you enjoyed riding it, what would you think of a trade from my street triple to one of these, just that the seating is nothing like the triple ?

Nice review mate - just a question on the mirrors and if they are movable inwards at the base at all ie for traffic filtering? Have you been doing any flying lately?

Another good review. New Triumph Scrambler review please

Excellent review !! Straight forward and practical.... Maybe its just me but watching your vid reminds me of being on the passenger airliner and the captain is taking lol. Sub'd

Excellent review, thank you!

Your iPhone camera is acting weird lately, there is some constant zooming in and out (doesn't look like a stabilization issue). I haven't noticed it in your older videos you used it. Regardless, great ride and cool review :)

Its looks and sound great, but I saw someone drive by on it and almost laughed because of the posture, he looked like he was stuck in a medieval torture device. Glad to hear its not as uncomfortable as it looks :)

Bar end mirrors and a tail tidy would finish that off a treat, aint into retros myself ..... but thats nice !

That's my style of bike! Nice review. Thanks.

Very nice looking machine, and thanks for the great first impression ride. How does it compare size wise to the Triumph Thruxton?

"goldilocks moment" not too soft, not too hard, love it TMF...

The tank is tilted forward as well

You do it all so well! Very well indeed!...but...I was after the Captain in the same matter. It is something that annoys me. And I need to tell you Mr Flyer! It's when you say "you" instead of "I" or "me" as in "the seat position is extreme but YOU soon get use to it". Yes yes, I know, it's me. Sorry! But that shows how good you (and the Captain!) are at doing these films when that is all I can complain about!

You have reviewed the Triumph Thruxton R in the past. How would you compare this new BMW Racer to the Thruxton R in terms of torque, handling, looks?

How would you compare the Racer to the Thruxton R? I didn't ride the Racer due to it's ergonomics being too extreme for me.

TMF, another great review. I know from watching your review on the Thruxton R that you are not a fan of the cafe racer style, which confused me slightly with this Rnine T Racer review as you seem to love the looks? Personally feel the look of the Rnine T looks a bit plastic against the beautiful Thruxton. Am I missing something?

That is a nice looking bike. The screen looked like it was flapping about a bit which I noticed on another video. Did you notice when riding it?

I wonder if one of these with a set of track spec racing tires could hang with an R6 or some modern racing bike (in factory guise of course).

Good review had the Thruxton a couple of years ago, now ride a Harley Davidson Fatbob, can I ask if it's easy to get with, got a test ride on the racer next week, just a little freaked going from one riding position to the racers.

did you notice that theres no wires showing round the clocks and headlight , keeping it super clean looking ,,,,

Hi, how would you compare the riding position to the new Thruxton? Is the Racer heavy on the wrists especially when you are going slowly, say through town? Our BMW dealer doesnt have a Racer demo (yet anyway). I have ridden the Thruxton so can compare that at least. Cheers buddy. Nice video again BTW

Hi MF, nice review but I do wish you would include the push around at standstill bit - sometimes you do and sometimes you don't. It's an important issue to me and others how it would be to man handle into a garage etc. The K1600 would've been of particular interest in that respect. Keep em coming..........Kind regards, Jon.