Despite the name nineT, this is a new bike. Few components remain from the previous version. What it retains from the other version is above all simplicity. This is a bike meant to be ready to ride. With style, lots of style.
At first glance, it seems to be a basic bike, which in terms of usage it is, but this nineT is full of delightful details where quality touches are not lacking. This is a bike that falls into the category of classic roadsters that ride with great precision. And it’s a bike that literally makes us feel things. The first is a lateral shake when you start it, which is so characteristic of this model. Then, the torque is something spectacular. It’s a pleasure to accelerate, it’s a pleasure to feel all this power. But despite being what is most felt, the strengths of this new version are others.
MODERNITY
On one hand, this type of bike is for purists, but BMW has its eye on new purists, new generations who love customization options. In other words, the base version comes simpler and the customization possibilities are now many more. It is now possible to add connectivity with the phone, ‘hill start’, cruise control, heated grips, bidirectional ‘shift assist’, among many other options offered by the brand.
According to product manager Carina Höfler, they were limited by the frame, and now the new frame layout allows for many more customizations. And even improvements, such as the fact that the airbox is now under the seat while keeping the pure and clean lines of the range, and of course, combined with the spectacular boxer engine. The model is available in three colors and a retro-looking saddlebag kit is provided that makes you never want to take them off the bike, such is the look they give to the model. And in person, they are even more beautiful.
In terms of electronics, there are three very useful riding modes, especially the ‘Rain’ mode which tames the wild horses of this model, the throttle becomes gentler, and traction control acts earlier and more conservatively than in the normal or ‘Road’ mode. In this mode, the throttle has a balanced tuning, and the engine brake is ready for dry and grippy terrain. The ‘Dynamic’ mode, as the name suggests, is the sportiest of all, and the acceleration becomes more aggressive and sporty, and the aids are minimally interventive. And these are three modes that really change the behavior of the bike.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
This is a 1,170 cc air and oil-cooled engine, which has a peak of 109 horsepower that now arrives 205 rpm earlier, at 7,000 rpm, and its peak torque is 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm. This is a DOHC engine with four valves per cylinder and shows the world that even with Euro5+ restrictions, it is possible to make an air-cooled engine that passes all regulatory tests.
When riding, the character of this bike continues to show, with torque and maneuverability being some of its strengths, while the gearbox is smooth according to new standards. The engine always has power available, and the way they tuned the power curves in the three modes is spectacular and characteristic of BMW. If there’s one thing this bike isn’t, it’s boring.
VEREDICT
This is not a style that appeals to everyone, that’s for sure. But in the classic-retro-‘cool’ bikes category, it is a bike with authenticity, where the value lies in comfort and a powerful boxer engine, so this Nine T might be exactly what many are looking for.
Its comfort and ergonomics go hand in hand and despite not being cheap, it is an exclusive bike worth every cent. Comfortable, stylish, precise, and very enjoyable to ride. On the move, there is nothing to point out as less good. It is truly spectacular and very enjoyable to ride.
In summary, it is a new world for new “petrolheads”, and it rides with great precision!
BMW R12 NINET
ENGINE boxer twin-cylinder, DOHC, oil-cooled
DISPLACEMENT 1,170 cc
POWER 109 cv (80 kw) @7,000 rpm
TORQUE 115 Nm @6,500 rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed
FRAME tubular, steel
TANK 16 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION inverted forks, 45mm, 120 mm travel
REAR SUSPENSION mono-shock, 120 mm travel
FRONT BRAKE 2 discs, 310 mm, 4-piston radial clipers
REAR BRAKE disc, 265 mm, 2-piston caliper
FRONTYRE 120/70ZR17
REAR TYRE 180/55ZR17
WHEELBASE 1,511 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 795 mm
WEIGHT 220 kg (full tank)
Price from $12,345