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BMW R nineT Racer in the PS driving report

Retro racer with boxer engine

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The BMW R nineT Racer is one of the visually most exciting motorcycles of the 2017 model year. In the first test of the retro racer, however, one thing was confirmed: beautiful things are often not easy to handle.

When I first took pictures of the BMW R. nineT Racer saw I was completely exhausted. What a successful homage to the fast world in the 70s! And when I met the original machine for the first time live at the trade fair in Salzburg and climbed up on a trial basis, it played the role in me "Shin kick"-Morning by Rory Gallagher. I wanted to go straight away. However, with foresight, the Racer was firmly screwed to the exhibition floor, and so I had to wait many weeks before I was finally allowed to light a fire in Almeria. My expectations were high – maybe too high.

BMW R nineT Racer in the PS driving report

Retro racer with boxer engine

The tank of the BMW R nineT Racer is unusually long

Getting on the BMW R nineT Racer in southern Spain was different from trying it out at the trade fair. Because I wasn’t attacking in a supple sweater or T-shirt, but with a firm, bulky leather jacket. That makes a big difference in freedom of movement when you have to stretch your arms far forward. And you have to, because on the one hand the tank of the Racer (as with all R nineT models) is unusually long for today’s conditions and on the other hand the handlebars, which are not excessively low, are far ahead. In combination with the footpegs that have been moved a bit to the rear, you feel like you are on an old racing machine. Completely authentic, but somehow also absurd. Because despite the outstanding and trend-setting optics, the Racer is of course not a racing machine à la S 1000 RR, but a sensational strolling trip with sporting potential.

Sitting position on the S 1000 RR more relaxed

To make things clear: Since RR machines were also available at the BMW Motorrad test camp in Almeria, I had a direct comparison and can therefore say that the seating position on the RR, which – in contrast to the BMW R nineT Racer – is in real racing belongs to the best and most powerful that series production offers, is much more relaxed and supple. Even the biggest fans of the R nineT series – including myself – know of course that you can ride these bikes very quickly. But if you think you can keep up with the very latest super athletes, you have either Marc Marquez’s driving technique or Don Quixote’s loss of reality.

Sounded robust despite Euro 4

Tea "old" The air-cooled boxer of the BMW R nineT Racer with 1170 cm³ develops 110 hp at 7,750 rpm and 116 Nm at 6,000 rpm. You can call it a real steam hammer that fires briskly from the radius. When driving on the road – no matter what you are sitting on – you rarely penetrate the five-digit speed range, and in the four-digit range the brute boxer does not have to fear anyone. I also find it wonderful that the sound remains robust and roaring despite Euro 4.

Beautiful things are often not easy to handle

No question about it, the air-cooled motorization and the minimal electronic equipment (ABS is standard, ASC optional) go very well with the platform of the R nineT, but especially with the Racer you can imagine the use of the stronger and smoother boxer with the water-cooled head and also the shift assistant Pro for clutchless up and down shifting. I just couldn’t get rid of this thought. Because the BMW R nineT Racer was most beautiful and relaxed in the "open fire!"-Mode at speeds over 100 km / h. Then the upper body floated like on a cushion of air, and one immersed in the lightness of being.

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The round instruments were then just like today. You keep looking at it anyway, because the long tank stretches your upper body so far forward.

The non-adjustable 43 mm telescopic fork, the spring strut adjustable in preload and rebound, and the 320 millimeter double disc brake worked perfectly on the Spanish mountain roads. There was nothing to complain about. On the contrary. Everything on the sporty side, but easy to handle and not uncomfortable. The steering behavior of the BMW R nineT Racer itself was calm and natural. The only thing that was a little more difficult was guiding the eyes in tight corners. Due to the tense, flat upper body posture you have little overview anyway and turning your head towards the exit of the curve is difficult. That was not good for me, it was more difficult than wonderful.

Not the ideal racing engine due to its design

That wouldn’t be a problem on the racetrack, and I think the natural stance on the BMW R nineT Racer would be a very good fit. You could have a lot of fun with the beautiful Bavarian retro machine. However, the ambition shouldn’t be too big. Because with 110 PS for 220 kilos and only a little more than 200 km / h top speed you don’t burn any records in the ring. Due to its design, the boxer is not the ideal racing engine anyway, because the protruding cylinders limit the lean angle. And the tricky touchdown on the racetrack should be easier on the R nineT Racer than it was back then in the hard-fought and top-ranked Boxer Cup, because the fork of the racer is immersed in contrast to the Telelever of the cup machine.

Clearly a machine for the road

No, no, the BMW R nineT Racer is clearly a machine for the road despite its sporty appearance. There are certainly motorcycles that are more comfortable to ride, but they are stunning and breathtakingly smart. And you also know that from people: Incredible beauties are usually not entirely uncomplicated. A challenge, so to speak.

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