TOURATECH BUILD FIVE HOT BOXERS

Stunning BMW-based enduro missile can walk the walk

‘The RX9 came 14th in the Red Bull Romaniacs’

Touratech are building a limited run of five R nineT-based R9X enduro stunners in response to huge public interest. The boxer-powered bike, reminiscent of BMW’s own HP2 built between 2005 and 2008, is the result of the accessories firm setting out to make the ultimate off-road boxer. Touratech proved the bike’s abilities by entering it into Red Bull Romaniacs; something noone had previously attempted on a boxer-engined bike. But in the hands of German enduro legend Gerhard Forster, the R9X didn’t just finish, it managed an incredible 14th. How did Touratech do it? The answer is by swapping almost everything.

The biggest change is to wheels and suspension. Forks have been replaced with fully adjustable, long travel, USD units while the rear shock is a fully adjustable unit from Touratech’s own catalogue. Wheels were built with lightweight hubs and they’ve been relaced with 21/18 rims to allow extreme off-road rubber. To help the chassis endure the rigours of off-road it’s been reinforced. There are two bolted beams in front of the engine that not only increase stiffness but also give a mounting point for the bash guard that’s well away from the vulnerable sump. A new single seat rear end has been built to give the rider extra room, while the pillion pegs have been replaced by grab handles to help haul the machine over rough terrain.

There are also new Magura bars and lightweight folding HC3 levers. Footrests are CNC machined from aluminium and are adjustable. All the lights have been replaced with lightweight LED units and the dash has been swapped for a tiny Motogadget Motoscope Pro. Each of the R9Xs will be hand-built at Touratech in Germany and all buyers will receive set-up and rider training. Prices have yet to be released.