Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
A NEW ADVENTURE WITH STYLISH G/S
BACK in the 1980s, BMW produced what was arguably the first ever adventure bike.
The R 80 G/S was marketed as being equally capable on tarmac or dirt, and numerous wins in the legendary Paris-dakar proved the bike was a genuine all-rounder.
The German firm’s GS family has gone on to sell more than 500,000 units, in recent years dominating the market in the shape of the R1200GS and R1250GS Adventure models.
Those bikes are all about practicality and function, as are most of BMW’S machines. So this R ninet Urban G/S comes as something of a surprise.
Why? Because this bike seems to be all about style. With more than a nod to that 1980s R 80, the R ninet just oozes quality and retro cool, with that gorgeously shaped petrol tank, the black and white colourway, the red bench seat, and the familiar horizontal opposing cylinders of the boxer engine.
Parked outside my usual coffee stop this bike drew more admirers than anything I have previously ridden.
On board, you’re struck by the minimalism – a single round clock with analogue speedo and a small digital screen with odometer, trips, clock and… that’s about it.
There’s no gear indicator, fuel gauge nor even a tacho. The only switch is the one for the heated grips, which are standard on the Sport model I was riding, along with cross-spoke wheels, LED indicators, a chrome exhaust and the choice of on or off-road tyres.
Head off and that 1170cc motor has a delicious throaty gurgle. It’s not the most powerful in the world, but it packs plenty of mid-range torque punch.
The gearbox isn’t the smoothest you’ll encounter either, but shifting through the six gears requires only a gentle squeeze of the lever and was always reliable.
Despite weighing a hefty 221kg, the G/S actually feels pretty nimble through the bends.
Braking, via 320mm twin front discs with Brembo calipers and a 265mm rear, was more than adequate. Traction control and ABS are both fitted as standard.
The more I rode the R ninet, the more I loved it. Yes, I missed having a gear indicator and rev counter. Yes, it vibrates a bit and the boxer-driven shaft drive makes the whole bike move under you when you open the throttle – but those things actually add to the experience.
It looks fantastic, sounds lovely and is a joy to ride – solid, punchy and super cool.
BMW R ninet Urban G/S
Price: £11,480 (standard £10,765)
Power: 110bhp @ 7,750rpm
Engine: 1170cc air/oil cooled
Torque: 86 ft lb @ 6,000rpm
Colours: White/blue; black/ white or black/gold (£420)