Believe it or don’t, but the BMW R nineT is already four years old, and the retro classic roadster has already been granted a sibling, the Urban G/S. The Boxer brothers share the familiar 1170cc air/oil-cooled opposed Twin, but differ markedly in style and demeanor.
Urban Scramblers?:
According to the Bavarian media pipeline, the new R nineT “radiates boutique manufacturing character, supported by a range of optimized features. The new Urban G/S is quite different in style but equally classic in character.”
The GS designation has long been synonymous with a sense of freedom and passion for adventure on two wheels, both on-road and off-road. “The R nineT Urban G/S draws on the genes of the very first and legendary BMW R 80 G/S of 1980, transporting them into the modern era with contemporary technology in the form of a classic enduro style BMW.” The newest boxer makes 110 horsepower transmitted to tarmac through a 6-speed gearbox.
Gallery: 2017 BMW R nineT Urban GS Ground Pounders
BMW’s modular frame designs add scope for altering the appearance and character of both models, for example by adding different seats from the range of BMW Motorrad accessories. In the R nineT, the frame comprises four components as before: a front main frame, a rear main frame, a removable end piece and a detachable passenger frame. In the R nineT Urban G/S the frame consists of three components: a front and rear main frame with integrated end piece and a passenger frame.
A high-quality inverted telescopic fork still handles front wheel control on the R nineT, though this is now designed as a fully adjustable component. The Urban G/S has a conventional telescopic fork at the front while the BMW Paralever suspension is fitted at the rear with a central spring strut like the R nineT.
Both models have ABS; the Urban G/S gets light alloy cast wheels, with a 19-inch front, knobbies are optional. The R nineT runs spoke wheels with 17-inchers at both ends, with 4-piston brake calipers, steel-wrapped brake lines and 320mm brake discs. An optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) is offered. While the instrument cluster of the R nineT previously comprised two circular instruments for speedometer and rpm, perfectly integrated in the classic layout, the new design now features two separate instrument casings for an even more impressive appearance.
“For the first time, two individual paint finishes are available for the R nineT as options. The special paint finish “Blackstorm Metallic/Vintage” underscores the character of the aluminum fuel tank in Blackstorm metallic / silver with a yellow application bearing the start number “21”. The latter is applied by hand and gives the bike a refined used look.” The model is supplied with an aluminum hump seat and passenger pad. The second special paint finish “Blueplanet Metallic / Aluminum” emphasizes the classically refined character of the R nineT with a touch of fresh style.