RIDE THE RETRO REVOLUTION
O Combine modern tech with retro style on a bike from BMW’s heritage range
BMW’s heritage range is a class-leading collection of models that includes the ground-breaking R nineT range and the excellent new R18 cruiser and Classic. The range manages to combine authentic motorcycle design and modern technology with typical BMW craftsmanship and a huge range of customisation options.
The full R nineT
For 2021, the newly updated R nineT range comes with an extensive selection of standard and optional equipment. These include: ABS Pro and Dynamic Brake Control for increased safety while braking at lean, multiple riding modes as standard, cruise control, LED headlights including daytime running lights, and a plethora of new customisation possibilities from ‘Option 719’ to ensure your ride stands out from the crowd.
There are four distinct R nineT models in the updated 2021 range: R nineT, R nineT Pure, R nineT Scrambler and R nineT Urban G/S, all with a wild array of options. When BMW first presented the R nineT in 2013, it reset the retro standard – and just a short time later, the standard R nineT was joined by a raft of further heritage versions: the R nineT Urban G/S as an enduro with the genes of the legendary R 80 G/S of 1980, the R nineT Scrambler as a homage to this distinctive genre for those who love a purist, reduced and nonconformist style, and the R nineT Pure as a roadster reduced to the bare essentials as a perfect simplistic offering that also appealed to custom builders looking for a blank canvas.
For 2021, BMW have refined the family with some technical mods, as well as extending the range of standard and optional equipment available direct from their dealers.
Boxing clever
The boxer engine has undergone both technical and visual finetuning for 2021, and is now designed to meet the requirements of the Euro5 pollutant class (see page 42 of the main issue). Its peak power output is now 109bhp @ 7250rpm, while the maximum torque is still 85.5lb.ft @ 6000 rpm. Newly designed cylinder heads provide a more harmonious transition from the outer to the inner cooling fins, and newly designed throttle valve parts and cylinder head covers give the bike even greater aesthetic appeal. Inside the cylinder heads there is a new turbulence system which swirls the fuel/air mixture more efficiently to ensure even better and cleaner combustion plus enhanced torque – especially in the zone between 4000 and 6000rpm – where you sit most often in the rev range.
Hidden tech
Even in the standard trim, the new R nineT models now feature ABS Pro in combination with DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) for increased safety when braking whilst leant over. Standard features also include a new shock absorber with travel-dependent damping and ‘Rain’ and ‘Road’ riding modes are now standard.
I’ll go large, please
If you’re looking for a more laid-back slice of retro heaven, BMW’s new-in-2020 R18 is about as authentic as retros get - while still delivering the reliability and creature comforts we’ve become used to. And no sooner than the paint was dry on the pared-down R18, they’ve released a new one aimed at comfortable two-up cruising, called the R18 Classic. Common to both bikes is the same 1802cc air-cooled boxer twin as the standard R18, that puts out 89bhp and a whopping 116.5lb.ft of torque. It’s got the same frame with the cantilever rear end and exposed drive shaft plus pretty much the same electronics, except the Classic comes with cruise control as standard.
Where it differs is mostly in the fit out. Up front the Classic has a 16in front wheel with a larger volume tyre rather than the skinny 19in on the standard model. For increased comfort the Classic has thicker padding in the saddle (giving it a 20mm higher seat height), big footboards and it comes as standard with a pillion seat and pegs. There’s also a removable windscreen and a great big pair of fork mounted foglights for even more retro chic. Finally, the Classic includes a pair of removable saddlebags with 15.5 litres of storage either side.
O Head to bmw-motorrad.co.uk now to find your nearest dealer – and book a test ride to temptation.