BMW R-NineT Urban GS: road test - road test
We tried a rethinking of the most iconic of the Bavarian boxers, which winks at customers ... "urban".
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Mythical Area / street returned, but more than a desert mule, now she's a little girl, all curves and aperitifs: dal R-NineT platform comes the most recent reincarnation of the G / S myth to always feel on Pink lake.
Expensive, but pleasing to the eye. And for driving.
We shouldn't joke with wishes, because simply by asking their questions it may happen that they will come true.
However, it may happen that a particular version of our dream does not quite match the imagination, but, for better or worse, is the interpretation given in this case by the designers and engineers.
Since in BMW they found a vein heritage it was logical to expect that sooner or later rethinking most iconic among Bavarian boxersnever forgotten R 80 G/S, and after a special Pink lake shown last Wheels and waves finally in our hands the final BMW R-NineT City G / S.
Family R-NineT, whose progenitor suddenly appeared in 2013, is gradually expanding and from this year is moving to all the strings of nostalgia. Besides naked actually there are charming Racer, rustic encoder, minimum чистый and from today also evocative Urban G / S.
aesthetically, I must say, all of them very successful.
However, it would be good to dwell on this name, which already explains everything about the main character. our test, with this adjective urban which anticipates, in addition to the initials of desires, also intended use of this motorcycle and finally that Gibarres which emphasizes a well-known and never forgotten ancestor.
From the first Area / street 1980, admittedly, there is a scent artfully researched in a number of details from special series that make one beautiful bike to look at and touch.
And there is also a color with characteristic references to Paris-Dakar version brought to triumph by Oriol and Ryer. What is changing dramatically is the ambition: to face style and indifference pave Navigli instead of the sand of the Sahara.
If the name tells us a lot, we shouldn't make the mistake of dwelling on acronyms and appearance: it's too easy and corny to drop it. Urban G / S as a motorcycle for athletes who will only use it for an aperitif in a jet helmet and goggles.
Just during test let's open it concreteness and the beauty of drivingfirst of all thanks engine it masterpiece, always pleasant and always rich.
But let's continue in order and get to know him better.
BMW R-nineT Urban GS: how they do it
La new R-NineT Urban G / S glorifies the myth BMW par excellence, and it is, needless to say beginning with two-cylinder boxer with a volume of 1.170 cc cm air-oil cooled.
Together with a good part of the frame, it is an element that unites the whole family. R-NineT... This is the most advanced version of the more classic BMW circuit, it has a load-bearing function and works in conjunction with six-speed gearbox.
They are announced 81 kW (110 hp) maximum power e 116 Nm maximum torque, respectable and ideal values not only for walking, but also for entertainment and tourism.
This is what a use case has been considered for years. one of the best engines you could wish for: velvety, rich, balanced.
Obviously, this is in line with the law. Euro 4 in terms of emissions, but what attracts tech buffs the most is distribution: four valves are radial and the exhausts have a sodium core, a technology borrowed from Formula One that allows you to control the deformation due to high temperatures. The compartment is equipped with a double camshaft and finger rocker arms.
On the Urban G / S il "Boxer" meets a different exhaust from the sisters, which gives it an even more captivating sound.
As for the chassis, then BMW R-nineT City G / S slightly different from R-NineT Scrambler of which we might actually consider it a variation on this theme.
La fork it is the same Showa with a diameter of 43 mm and a stroke of 125 mm, monoamortizator it is always Sachs with a stroke of 140 mm, but the calibrations are much softer. This, combined with another saddle, which is 3cm higher on the Urban G / S and has a total ground clearance of 850mm, also results in a different weight distribution with the rider in the saddle.
We shouldn't fall into the trap of assuming that Nine-T are actually all the same. If you compare the odds of cycling, pleasant surprises await you. Among the different models, there are 4 different forks combined with the same number of monoshocks and plates with different wheel sizes.
As mentioned above, the relationship between Urban G / S and Scrambler is closest. Also because they are the only ones with a 19-inch front wheel. The rims are standard cross-spoke and tangential spoke for the Urban G/S with 120/70-19 and 170/60-17 tubeless road tires, while Continental TKC 80 grips available on request were installed on the test bike. regularly approved by the Bavarian House.
A must-have for the aesthetics of this bike, slightly less for its actual use on asphalt, where, however, they protect themselves very well.
Braking relies on two beautiful 320mm discs at the front with four-piston calipers and a 265mm disc at the rear. If necessaryABS is standard, whileASC (Auto Stability Control) is the recommended option.
Described everything technical part, let's move on to the add-ons: the steering wheel is the same as the Scrambler, as well as the measuring instruments collection in the only beautiful and irreplaceable element but, frankly, a bit thin for the level of this bike: it is only speedometer, therefore, there is no rev counter and fuel level indication.
BMW R-nineT Urban GS: how it goes
From the moment of inclusion boxer of Urban GS all uncertainties and conjectures disappear: whether it sways or not, connoisseurs are pleased to listen to how it spins.
You can easily shift into third gear and completely forget about the gearbox by simply setting the trajectories, but it's so good to hear it pick up or mumble on release that you end up looking for any good excuse to give a few pounds of gas.
As the revs increase (but we cannot say which ones, there is no tachometer !!) vibrations are felt but they are not never annoying and landing perfectwith a straight and slightly inclined forward body.
We would have preferred a slightly taller handlebar, mainly due to the tendency to drive while standing on a white road, but we know how to be content with the right ergonomics.
Additionally, Sellaalthough subtle, we find that quite comfortable... Three centimeters on the Scrambler can feel likesofter stuffing both at the legs are slightly less bent and therefore more suitable for the ride.
Let's talk about travel here. There BMW R-NineT City G / S this is not just a bike for exhibitionists, just ride it and you will understand that this is a good bike on which Would you like to go on an enjoyable adventure right away?.
Absorb the mixture using steam, one fast chassis и weight contained in 221 kg (at a full 17 liters), not bad for 1200.
Mud or dirt roads are definitely within your reach, but don't ask for more: this is not one Enduro but the road is in camouflage!
The exhaust manifolds can be damaged and the suspension travel is not suitable for jumping. Although with a little peace of mind you can go (almost) anywhere, preferably alone. The slightly reduced section of the saddle is reserved for the passenger, and while the leg position does not deteriorate, it has no other grips other than the strap or your hips.
And one last thought about list price. 14.400 euro not a bad figure, only partially justified by the refinement of the engine, but in fact this is a bike that has no alternative on the market with the same characteristics.
Benefits
| engine | excellent |
| see | Managed |
| brakes | Effective |
Defects
| price | Raised |
| Devices | Decreased |
