All Tests – BMW R nineT Test: retro … active! – MNC technical point: everything about the R nineT

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BMW R nineT test: retro … active !

All Tests - BMW R nineT Test: retro ... active! - MNC technical point: everything about the R nineT

A retro motorcycle is a model with classic lines whose behavior often refers to (de) past sensations. Not at BMW, which tries a much more dynamic approach: the new R nineT has an eye in the retro and two wheels in the present !

MNC technical point: everything about the R nineT

Engine: from the R !

For practical and aesthetic reasons, BMW has chosen for the R nineT its 1170 cc air-oil-cooled longitudinal flat-twin, which still powers the and which previously fitted the and .

This proven and efficient mechanism (110 hp and 119 Nm in Full) has the particular advantage of being less bulky than the new "Flotte-Twin", whose radiators and hoses would have weighed down – not to say polluted – the visual appearance of a fairingless motorcycle like the nineT.

Immediately identifiable via these two large 101 mm diameter "bowls" (73 mm stroke), this twin cylinder has a distribution provided by two overhead camshafts per cylinder, driven by chain. These ACTs manage the opening and closing of the 4 valves arranged radially in each combustion chamber using light latches (as on the old BMW F1 cars).

Compressed to 12: 1, this engine is controlled by a cable throttle connected to a redesigned sequential electronic fuel injection for the nineT. But unlike the new R1200 GS and RT, no driving mode allows to intervene on its injection map.

The clutch is a simple dry disc, a solution that is lighter and less energy-consuming than a multi-disc in an oil bath, but also more noisy. As on the, this "bi flat" is coupled to a transmission by shaft and universal joints. And to boost acceleration, the secondary transmission ratio is shorter than on the R1200R.

The exhaust gases emerge in two superimposed outlets on the left side, after having been depolluted by a catalyst. For the pleasure of the ears, the engine manufacturers have installed an acoustic shutter controlled by cables connected to a servomotor. This flap opens and closes depending on the engine speed, thus releasing more or less decibels and modulating the frequency of the sound.

Designed to be modular, the R nineT can receive a more or less long tailpipe, in high or low position. These solutions are made by the Slovenian manufacturer Akrapovic, just like the beautiful original titanium double outlet..

Cycle part: modular

As with the engine, the R nineT relies on the frame of the R1200 R, a tubular steel frame with two main parts attached to the twin cylinder. With this configuration, the motor group plays a role of "stiffener": it is therefore a carrier..

Small subtlety: the end of the rear loop (in red on the diagram opposite) and the reinforcement frame on which the passenger footrests are fixed in particular (in black) can be removed. The objective is to allow a "customization" of the motorcycle according to its desires with ease, because what BMW calls the "passenger frame" is removed by means of eight screws..

In this "solo" configuration, the rear part of the R nineT can give itself more pronounced airs of ‘Cafe Racer "thanks to an elegant aluminum seat cowl (optional). Note that without the passenger reinforcement, it is not recommended. to place a weight of more than 8 kg behind the pilot (a piece of luggage, for example).

In addition, a re-homologation at the expense of the owner or the transformer is to be expected when the end of the rear buckle (red part) is removed in order to shorten the motorcycle..

It is also possible to go even further in the customization by easily removing the license plate and rear light supports, to place them for example in a lateral position thanks to the fixings provided for this purpose..

Finally, the swingarm of the nineT is designed in such a way that it can also accommodate a rim up to 6 inches wide, instead of the original 5.5 inch one..

Geometrically, the wheelbase is 1,476 mm and the trail is 102.5 mm. Relatively high values ​​guaranteeing good stability, but significantly reduced compared to the R1200 R (1495 mm and 119.1 mm).

On the peripheral side, an inverted telescopic fork was chosen both for looks and to facilitate subsequent customization … even if it means annoying certain purists who would no doubt have preferred the famous "made in BMW" front axle, the Telelever . This fork with a generous diameter (46 mm) comes from the hypersportive "cousin" S1000RR and plays on 120 mm.

Braking is provided at the front by 320 mm discs pinched by radial calipers with four pistons (single 265 mm disc at the rear), all controlled by braided hoses: a device here too snatched to the formidable Munich Superbike !

At the rear, the Paralever-type single-sided swingarm is connected to a mono-shock absorber adjustable in preload and rebound, the spring of which also has 120 mm of travel. The preload is adjusted by means of an aluminum wheel, easy to access and very pretty.

Finally, in good classic, the BMW is equipped with wire wheels whose measurements are however all that there is contemporary: 120/70/17 at the front and 180/55/17 at the rear.

Electronics, piloting aids

Like all current BMW motorcycles, the R nineT receives ABS as standard. The braking is also partially coupled, front to rear only, and that’s about all it takes in electronics and assistance..

Nothing more logical, as a traction control worthy of a MotoGP has no real place on such a bike, even a "classic-sporty roadster as marketers from across the Rhine like to call it !

On the other hand, its electrical system follows the same logic of easy transformation as the cycle part or the exhaust: the general beam is designed to easily accommodate alternative components, such as specific lighting..

In addition, the wiring harnesses connected to the engine and those of the instrumentation or lighting (with LED at the rear) are deliberately separated, so as not to constitute an obstacle to an advanced transformation of the motorcycle..

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