Fancy a used one?
Five things to look for if you’re considering indulging in a used R ninet
1
Exhaust valve
On older bikes the exhaust valve can stick open, which sounds meatier at low rpm and doesn’t seem to affect performance too much. Many owners bin them off for a link pipe (2014-2016 bikes) and fit a Healtech error eliminator (2017-2020 bikes) to deal with error messages (or leave the servo attached). The 2021 Euro5 bike’s exhaust valve is welded in with three sensors, so needs a bit more attention. A simple end can is your best bet.
2
Suspension
Owners of early bikes say stock forks are crude and that internals from the first-gen S1000RR go straight in — 2017 bikes have S1000rr-style adjustment as standard. Rear shock can be replaced by Nitron, Öhlins, Wilbers, or take your stock set-up to Darren at MCT (01449 777161) and he’ll make it feel more amazing for less than half the price.
3
Recalls
A recall in 2020 to change a swingarm pivot pin for a different material affected R ninets only (not the variants) built between November 2019 and January 2020. A recall in 2017 checked the tightness of swingarm bolts.
4
Comfort
One of the most common complaints about the R ninet — and there aren’t that many — is about the standard seat’s comfort or rather, the lack of it. BMW sells its own ‘Comfort’ seat and it definitely improves things but the Sargent offering (there is also one from Mustang) is reckoned to be the best solution, costing £300.
5
Tyres
Tyres aren’t critical on the R ninet; the original bike came on Metzeler Roadtec Z8s but the current bike is on Michelin Road 5s. Conti Attack 3s are a good alternative and Bridgestone’s new T32 would be a good choice. However, there’s such a huge range you can pick and choose between trackday rubber and sports-touring tyres depending on your need.