BMW R nineT and BMW R 1200 R in the test

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BMW R nineT and BMW R 1200 R in the test

Puristic versus perfectionistic

Air-cooled boxer, two wheels, tank, brakes, chassis – there’s not much more to the BMW R nineT anniversary model than the essentials. Its sister BMW R 1200 R pursues the perfectionist approach instead of the purist. And the MOTORRAD testers were torn.

When the engine of the BMW R. nineT starts up, it captures the looks of those standing around – the lion announces its presence and grumbles warmly. The same engine was started next to him less than ten seconds earlier. It sits in an R 1200 R, has a different exhaust system and sounds inconspicuous. Hardly anyone is interested in them. When the BMW R 1200 R sets off, all eyes remain on the R nineT, if it rolls up, all eyes follow it. This is how it always goes when these two motorbikes crash together, which are so different and yet have so much in common.

BMW R nineT and BMW R 1200 R in the test

Puristic versus perfectionistic

R 1200 R has more of the character of a black box in which everything works perfectly, but which cannot be seen from the outside as easily as.

A shot more temperament with the R nineT

It may be that the “water boxer” of the current R 1200 GS and RT advances into new dimensions of dynamics and smoothness, but the air / oil-cooled dohc boxer of the previous generation fits better with the concept of the BMW R nineT. In terms of temperament, he is also still up to date. He pushes the two BMWs forward with power, but at the apex of the bend in large lean angles he accelerates very smoothly and allows fine dosage of his power. Both BMWs are therefore extremely pleasant and safe to drive in wet conditions or in doubtful road conditions. Probably because of the different rigidity of the frames, the boxer in the R 1200 R runs a little more quietly and with fewer vibrations than in the BMW R nineT, in which it in turn develops a bit more temperament.

There’s a good reason for that; The BMW R nineT with the rear-axle drive of the last GS version has a shorter gear ratio than the R 1200 R. It therefore not only pulls through better in the last gear, but also in the lower gears. Uphill in third gear, the R nineT takes half a second (3.0 to 3.5 seconds) from 50 to 100 km / h.

On the other hand, the BMW R nineT always consumed more gasoline because of the shorter gear ratio; the fuel-saving competition ends with 4.8 to 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers in favor of the R 1200 R. With a standard 18 liter tank volume, this means a slight range advantage of 39 kilometers.

Exclusively for MOTORCYCLE HEROES: Weight the 1000-point evaluation yourself.

BMW R nineT sounds pleasantly dark

Marginal differences, but the engine of the BMW R nineT comes off better in the subjective assessment of all testers than its identical colleague in the R 1200 R. This is also due to the dominant exhaust tone, which makes a strong impression, is downright euphoric . It’s nice that the powerful voice of the R nineT also sounds pleasantly dark and that no outsider has to get upset about it.

After the HP2 Enduro and HP2 Megamoto, the BMW R nineT is the first “modern” boxer BMW with a telescopic fork instead of a telescopic lever. Driving dynamics purists, who feel decoupled from the front wheel on Telelever motorcycles with their brake deflection compensation and the rubber elements between fork legs and fork bridge, hope for a direct steering feel with precise feedback from the conventional front wheel guidance. You will not be disappointed.

However, the chassis of the BMW R nineT is not perfectly successful. Obviously the developers had to combine some traits that contradict each other. First, the side view of the machine, the so-called flyline, which is largely determined by the low driver’s seat and the deep rear. However, these properties should not mean that the R nineT does wheelies too easily due to its pronounced rear-heaviness and tends to kickback if its powerful engine starts or starts to swing at a higher speed due to an excessively relieved front wheel. The solution consisted of a relatively soft fork with a delicate progression and a hard hindquarters that hardly allows negative spring deflection even with the lowest preload.

Superior to the BMW R 1200 R in terms of comfort

This coordination gives the BMW R nineT impressive agility, clear feedback from the front and an unmistakable feeling for the grip of the rear tire. Hearty, sustained acceleration in an inclined position is a real treat – the reader should now think about the beguiling soundscape of the boxer. But if there is only one bump on the line, the delight is ended with a hearty blow from behind or at least severely impaired. Suspension comfort, especially at the rear, is not the strength of the R nineT.

Hard braking on corners only to a limited extent. If the braking zone is level and the driver does not exhaust the braking power, everything stays in the green area. Quite often, however, the braking zones are marked by washboard-like bumps that the fully sprung fork of the BMW R nineT can no longer work through. Then the front wheel begins to jump from wave to wave with a squeak. It is quite possible that you will turn in a meter later than planned. If it stays at one meter.

In contrast to the BMW R nineT, the R 1200 R steers less directly and looks a little crumple. But it manages better to keep the wheels where they belong – on the road. It owes this in part to its basic design – the Telelever front wheel control retains around 80 percent of the suspension travel even in the event of emergency braking – and in part to the ESA chassis, which is available at an extra charge. It can be adapted quickly to different load conditions, even more quickly to changing road conditions and even offers enough reserves for a very brisk pace in the sport setting. Because it does not know the shortening of the caster caused by the compression of the fork to the same extent as the BMW R nineT, the R 1200 R does not turn in so easily, but otherwise it can easily keep up with its lighter brand sister . In terms of comfort, it is vastly superior to it.

Which motorcycle is recommended to whom?

Thanks to the good work of the front suspension, the BMW R 1200 R brings the performance of the excellent braking system to the ground better than the BMW R nineT. A comparison with braking downhill from 100 km / h, which is not part of the standard test procedure, showed a braking distance 0.9 meters shorter. Sounds like a trifle, but in the event of an impact it isn’t. When it comes to brake metering, both BMWs left something to be desired. To put it simply: the brake levers seem a bit stiff. They are of course not, but some peculiarity of the ABS hydraulic system creates a resistance on the lever even before the pressure point is reached, which the driver compensates by pulling harder. In doing so, however, it builds up the brake pressure quite abruptly, almost jumping into the braking maneuver. Sensitive, light application of the brake pads, as is often desired and necessary, requires a lot of attention. A fine feeling for it does not arise. That is not a problem, but it is noticeable because the two BMWs are otherwise extremely sensitive to use and can also be shifted very well. The gears rest smoothly, quickly and safely, the load change cycle in the drive train of both motorcycles was low.

This test has reached a critical point. Critical for the two motorcycles involved and for the author. The usual question that hovers over every test, who to recommend which motorcycle to whom, is particularly difficult to answer this time. For short, two to three-hour tours, the BMW R nineT, of course. In any case, many motorcyclists drive fewer and fewer kilometers for lack of time. During these few kilometers, the R nineT gives you intense experiences. But for this you have to accept some annoyances. For example the fact that after a short ride of 30 kilometers in the sometimes inevitable rain, the water sprayed from the rear wheel over the whole motorcycle and the rider runs down their backs. Long-legged pilots have to accept a relatively narrow knee angle, economical pilots the high basic price and increased consumption, those looking for comfort have to accept the hard rear suspension. After converting from the hump to the pillion seat, MOTORRAD was able to test what potential passengers have to do without. In short, the everyday suitability of the machine, which costs around 15,000 euros, is limited.

R 1200 R available in Classic version

Surveys have shown that MOTORRAD readers cover a lot more kilometers on two wheels than the average. So it is probably the right place for a curious constellation: The author defends the superior test winner against the inferior brand sister, which, however, beguiles everyone with its expressive sensuality. In a way, that’s understandable, but the R 1200 R shouldn’t just be dismissed because it doesn’t sound and look as good as the BMW R nineT. Especially not because she can do most things better than this. “Too perfect” as a comment on the R 1200 R is quite wrong. Only those who are spoiled speak like this, who can switch to a “too perfect” motorcycle at any time if their back hurts. The BMW R 1200 R is definitely worth a look, careful consideration and, better still, a test drive. Especially since it is still available in the Classic version, painted black with white vertical stripes and wire-spoke wheels. You might even think of upgrading them with a powerful sounding exhaust system to attract attention when you start the engine.

Data and measured values ​​BMW R nineT

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Compact front section, slim, low, airy rear: the BMW R nineT does without anything superfluous. And just bewitched by it.

engine

type design
 Two-cylinder four-stroke-
Motorcycle Boxer
injection Ø 50 mm
coupling
 Single slices-
Dry clutch
Boron x stroke  101.0 x 73.0 mm
Displacement 1170 cc
compression 12.0: 1
power
 81.0 kW (110 PS)
at 7750 rpm
Torque 119 Nm at 6000 rpm

landing gear

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The preload can be easily adjusted using the handwheel. In solo operation, the very relaxed setting is recommended for the BMW R nineT.

frame
 Load-bearing engine-
Gear composite made of steel
fork
 Upside-down fork,
Ø 46 mm
Steering damper  hydraulically
Brakes front / rear  Ø 320/265 mm
Systems assistance SECTION
bikes 3.50 x 17; 5.50 x 17
tires 120/70 ZR 17; 180/55 ZR 17
Tires
 Continental
Road Attack 2C

mass and weight

wheelbase 1476 mm
Steering head angle 64.5 degrees
trailing 103 mm
Front / rear suspension travel  120/120 mm
Seat height * 800 mm
Weight with full tank * 222 kg
Payload * 208 kg
Tank capacity / reserve 18.0 / 3.0 liters
Service intervals 10,000 km
price 14,500 euros
Price test motorcycle 15,597 euros²
Additional costs 390 euros
* MOTORCYCLE measurements; ²Aluminum hump cover
(395.00 euros), custom driver’s seat with lettering
(280.00 euros), heated grips (281.60 euros), LED turn signals
(140.00 Euro)

MOTORCYCLE readings

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The instruments of the BMW R nineT come from the R 1200 R. New scales and a new frame for the digital display make the visual difference.

Top speed ** 217 km / h
acceleration
0-100 km / h
0-140 km / h
0-200 km / h		 3.3 sec
5.5 sec
13.3 sec
Draft
60-100 km / h
100-140 km / h
140-180 km / h		 3.3 sec
3.4 sec
4.4 sec
Consumption country road / 100 km  5.3 liters
Reach country road 339 km
** Manufacturer information

Data and measured values ​​BMW R 1200 R

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The rear section of the BMW R 1200 R shows that it is designed for passenger and touring. The windshield is part of the optional touring package.

engine

type design

 Two-cylinder four-stroke-
Boxer engine
injection
 Ø 50 mm
coupling

 Single slices-
Dry clutch
Boron x stroke 
101.0 x 73.0 mm
Displacement
 1170 cc
compression
 12.0: 1
power

 81.0 kW (110 PS)
at 7500 rpm
Torque
 119 Nm at 6000 rpm

Naked bike

Driving report: BMW R 1200 R Classic

BMW’s naked bike with a new look and a new boxer

read more

landing gear

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Thanks to ESA, the damping setting of the shock absorber can be changed while driving.

frame

 Load-bearing engine-
Gear composite made of steel
fork

 trailing arm
Telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm
Steering damper 
–
Brakes front / rear 
Ø 320/265 mm
Systems assistance
 SECTION
bikes
 3.50 x 17; 5.50 x 17
tires
 120/70 ZR 17; 180/55 ZR 17
Tires

 Metzeler
Interact Z 8, back "C"

mass and weight

wheelbase
 1495 mm
Steering head angle
 62.9 degrees
trailing
 119 mm
Front / rear suspension travel 
120/140 mm
Seat height *
 820 mm
Weight with full tank *
 234 kg
Payload *
 216 kg
Tank capacity / reserve
 18.0 / 3.0 liters
Service intervals
 10,000 km
price
 12,600 euros
Price test motorcycle
 14,785 euros³
Additional costs
 390 euros
* MOTORCYCLE measurements; ³Touring package (1155.00 euros),
Chrome-plated exhaust (85.00 euros), luggage rack with
Case holder (135.00 euros), ASC (310.00 euros),
Dark white (500.00 euros

MOTORCYCLE readings

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This variant of the cockpit displays appears technically factual. So they fit the character of the BMW R 1200 R..

Top speed ** 220 km / h
acceleration
0-100 km / h
0-140 km / h
0-200 km / h		 3.4 sec
5.7 sec
13.8 sec
Draft
60-100 km / h
100-140 km / h
140-180 km / h		 4.0 sec
4.1 sec
4.9 sec
Consumption country road / 100 km 
4.8 liters
Reach country road
 375 km
** Manufacturer information

Performance measurement

TRILLION

The performance measurement of the BMW R nineT and BMW R 1200 R..

The two boxers are basically the same, but on the test bench one of them turns out to be the same. This can happen because the cast cores for the ducts are not always in the same position to the hundredth. Here the engine of the R nineT is the stronger, and its small torque advantage, the twelve kilograms lower motorcycle weight and the shorter overall gear ratio add up to better acceleration and pulling power. The ups and downs in the torque curves cannot be felt on either motorcycle when driving. On the contrary, they both always seem powerful and confident.

MOTORCYCLE scoring

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The R 1200 R is definitely worth a look, careful consideration and, better still, a test drive. Especially since it is still available in the Classic version, painted black with white vertical stripes and wire-spoke wheels.

engine

  Maximum
score  		Bmw
R nineT  		Bmw
R 1200 R 
Draft 40 35 30th
acceleration 40 29 28
Top speed 30th 16 17th
Engine characteristics 30th 23 23
Responsiveness 20th 14th 14th
Load change 20th 13 12th
Smoothness 20th 12th 12th
coupling 10 8th 8th
circuit 20th 14th 14th
Gear ratio 10 8th 8th
Start 10 9 9
total 250 181 175

In terms of engines, both models are actually identical, but the shorter final ratio from the GS gives the R nineT better performance. However, the higher speed level in the last gear limits the top speed. The tested R nineT was a tad smoother in terms of load change behavior.
Winner engine: BMW R nineT

landing gear


 Maximum
score 
Bmw
R nineT 
Bmw
R 1200 R 
Handiness
 40 29 30th
Stability in turns
 40 26th 30th
Steering behavior
 40 30th 28
feedback
 10 8th 6th
Inclined position
 20th 14th 14th
Straight-line stability 
20th 14th 16
Suspension tuning in front 
20th 13 15th
Chassis set-up at the rear 
20th 9 14th
Adjustment options undercarriage 
10 4th 8th
Suspension comfort
 10 5 8th
Driving behavior with a passenger
 20th 11 15th
total
 250 163 184

Telegabel versus Telelever, this duel is clearly in favor of the Telelever. The R 1200 R offers outstanding ride comfort and, thanks to ESA, covers a wide range of tuning. In return, the telescopic fork of the R nineT scores with better precision and feedback in terms of steering behavior. The basic tuning of the suspension does not seem balanced, however.
Chassis winner: BMW R 1200 R

everyday life


 Maximum
score 
Bmw
R nineT 
Bmw
R 1200 R 
Ergonomics driver 40 24 29
Ergonomics pillion 20th 3 10
Windbreak 20th 0 4th
view 20th 15th 15th
light 20th 11 13
Furnishing 30th 13 22nd
Handling / maintenance  30th 21st 23
Luggage storage 10 1 5
Payload 10 8th 9
Tidy 30th 20th 23
processing 20th 15th 14th
total
 250 131 167

This is where it gets tough for the Spartan retro bike. While its boxer sister convinces with excellent equipment and good ergonomics in everyday life, the crew of the R nineT has to live with limited comfort and minimalist equipment. The waiver of the main stand, luggage rack, ESA and ASC has its price.
Winner everyday life: BMW R 1200 R.

security


 Maximum
score 
Bmw
R nineT 
Bmw
R 1200 R 
Braking effect 40 30th 32
Brake metering 30th 19th 19th
Braking with a passenger / fading 20th 10 * 15th
Righting moment when braking 10 7th 8th
ABS function 20th 13 15th
Handlebar slapping 20th 16 17th
Ground clearance 10 8th 9
total
 150 103 115
* tested with pillion seat instead of solo hump

After all, the R nineT also has ABS, so it loses little ground in this chapter. Both brakes offer good maximum decelerations, but should be more controllable.
Safety winner: BMW R 1200 R

costs


 Maximum
score 
Bmw
R nineT 
Bmw
R 1200 R 
guarantee 30th 17th 17th
Consumption (country road)  30th 18th 20th
Inspection costs 20th 18th 18th
Maintenance costs 20th 9 9
total
 100 62 64

Same technical basis, but still a narrow point advantage for the R 1200 R due to lower consumption.
Winner costs: BMW R 1200 R

MOTORCYCLE test results


 Maximum
score 
Bmw
R nineT 
Bmw
R 1200 R 
Overall rating
 1000 640 705
placement
 2. 1.
Price-performance note
1.0 3.0 1.9

Clear thing for the significantly better and at the same time cheaper R 1200 R..
Price-performance winner: BMW R 1200 R

1st place: BMW R 1200 R
The 1000-point rating is not a sex appeal contest. That’s why the better motorcycle wins here. The fact that many of its qualities only become apparent at second glance, after 200 or even 2000 kilometers, corresponds to the reserved character of the BMW R 1200 R..

2nd place: BMR R nineT
Lots of flair, lots of sound, lots of driving dynamics – the BMW R nineT is a highly spectacular motorcycle. In the long run, however, it is only for people who do not have to worry about everyday or touring suitability. And can live with the fact that your motorcycle is the star.

Price comparison for used BMW R 1200 R and R nineT

1000PS marketplace app

The selection on the used market is very extensive.

Although the two BMWs take a different approach, they definitely have one thing in common: their good availability on the used market. The R 1200 R and R nineT are still in the higher price segment and thanks to their high quality are quite stable in price. Here is a current overview of the used market: used BMW R1200R and BMW R nineT in Germany.

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