BMW R nineT Pure and Racer

BMW has revealed the R nineT Pure and Racer models at Intermot in Cologne – doubling the size of its R nineT range at a stroke.

Both bikes are based on the existing R nineT Scrambler’s chassis and 110bhp, 1170cc boxer twin, which is already Euro4-emissions legal. However, they take its appearance in very different directions.

The Pure is the new entry-level machine in the R nineT range. Priced at €12,300 in Germany (including 19% VAT), it’s a straightforward retro naked bike without the high-end suspension of the original R nineT.

The Racer takes the same basis and adds low, clip-on bars, a bullet fairing, rearsets and a seat hump. Painted in retro BMW Motorsports colours, it’s a tempting alternative to more conventional café racers, particularly at a price of €13,300 in Germany, including VAT. Its styling evokes the original R 90 S and the Concept 90 from 2013.

Technically, both bikes are the same. Their chassis is the normal R nineT tubular steel design, with a removable pillion frame section that allows extreme levels of personalisation thanks to a wide range of accessories. The single seat is standard on the Racer, with an aluminium seat hump, but it can be fitted with a Pure-style pillion set-up and the additional subframe needed to support the passenger’s weight.

Up front, a set of conventional forks keeps costs down and adds to the retro style, while the rear uses the normal BMW Paralever set-up, with a single-sided swingarm incorporating the shaft drive. Both bikes use cast alloy wheels as standard, with the option of upgrading to wire spoked wheels. Although the styling is retro, the 120/17 front and 180/17 rear tyre sizes are completely up to date. ABS is standard – it’s a legal requirement from 2017 – and there’s an option of ASC stability control.

The options list is massive, including a host of cosmetic parts from carbon-fibre bolt-ons to an aluminium fuel tank.

Key dimensions for the Racer include an 805mm seat height and 220kg kerb weight. Top speed is pegged at 200km/h with a 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds. The Pure shares the same seat height and is 1kg lighter at 219kg. Its top speed is the same and the 0-100 time is 0.2s slower at 3.7s.