Test: BMW BMW R nineT Urban G / S 40 years old (2021) // GS for collectors

Already in the first test of the BMW R nineT model three years ago, I liked the Urban G / S the most. The upright, relaxed position on the enduro bike makes it comfortable and tireless to ride. The steering wheel is wide and very comfortable in the hands, which allows you to have good control of the motorcycle and everything that happens under the wheels. To date, these neoretro models from the R nineT family have not undergone any major changes. The biggest is that the engine, which is of course the legendary air-cooled, oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine, had to be adapted to the more stringent Euro 5 regulations along with the electronics and exhaust system.

It has a little less power, the sound is a little more muffled, that's all. Good, because it is unwise to change what is so good. In the family of motorcycles built on this platform, we find five versions. The basic, most road-going version of the R nineT is followed by the scrambler and the Pure version, which draws on refined lines and minimalist design, followed by the Urban G / S in the basic and limited anniversary edition, which we tested this time.

So I can say that they have prepared dishes for all tastes. No, Urban G/S is the one I like best as a fan of the Dakar Rally, I have admired such and similar motorcycles from a young age, fighting for glory and prestige in the Sahara.

Otherwise I would swap them for rougher off-road tires as they look even more genuine for the Dakar and off-road. On the road and in the city, this retro motorcycle attracts attention, with its appearance it is so different and at the same time authentic that it is simply impossible to ride it unnoticed. The Akrapovič exhaust system also contributes to this with its sound; We emphasize that this anniversary model comes standard. It is with him that the noble details mentioned in the introduction begin.

Aside from the graphics and lettering to make it clear that this is a commemorative bike, I admired the milled aluminum subframe and valve head cover. Pure erotica!

And does it ride as well as it looks? In short, yes! The sturdy frame and suspension, with little basic manual adjustments, work very well with the engine. With 80 horsepower and a very good power curve, torque and a very low center of gravity, this car is a real pleasure to drive. In the city, this bike can be a dude, a real lipstick, and in corners and on a country road, a machine for fun.

Due to the minimal wind protection, it is not quite suitable for traveling at higher speeds, but it still cuts the air well enough to the legal limits that I cannot knock it down at a convenient point. The small seat deserves the biggest criticism as it is only for one or one really long journey.... It's nice for two to go on a short trip to the sea or to a mountain pass, but after two hours a break is needed to rest.

There are some trade-offs in terms of comfort due to the retro look, but BMW doesn't skimp on safety. The beauty very reliably maintains contact with the road and even on a wet road can boast of high safety provided by an excellent anti-skid system of the rear wheel. The ABS, which of course is officially standard equipment, works very well in keeping with BMW tradition. When I drew a line below what I get for 17k, which is how much a test bike costs, I realized that exclusivity is already included in the price. The anniversary version of the BMW R nineT Urban G/S is really not cheap, so not everyone will have it - and that is why this bike is also an investment of sorts, and not something you buy for the soul.

• Basic data

  Sales: BMW Motorrad Slovenia

  Base model price: 17.012 €

• Technical information

  engine: Air / oil cooled horizontal twin-cylinder (boxer) 4-stroke engine, 2 camshafts, 4 radially mounted valves per cylinder, central anti-vibration shaft, 1.170 cc

  Power: 80 kW (109 km) at 7.250 rpm

  Torque: 116 Nm at 6.000 rpm

  Energy transfer: 6-speed constant grip transmission, propeller shaft

  Frame: 3-piece, consisting of one front and two rear parts

  brakes: front two discs with a diameter of 320 mm, 4-piston brake calipers, rear single disc with a diameter of 265 mm, 2-piston brake calipers, standard ABS

  Suspension: 43mm telescopic fork at the front, single aluminum swingarm at the rear, BMW Motorrad Paralever; central single damper, adjustable tilt and reverse damping; movement front 125 mm, rear 140 mm

  Tires: 120/70 R 19, 170/60 R 17

  Growth: 850 mm

  Fuel tank: 17 l / test run: 5,6 l

  Wheelbase: 1.527 mm

  Weight: 223 kg

We praise and reproach

unique view

handling on the road and in moderately difficult terrain

very useful for everyday driving

workmanship

adroitness

price

rare meters

a small seat is not best for long trips for two

final grade

Commemorative colors and accessories for the 40th anniversary of the best-selling BMW motorcycle make it even more special than usual. With this motorcycle BMW has very beautifully updated the history of the R80 G / S. It is a motorcycle that is a pleasure to ride in the city, on trips, and also on not too difficult terrain. First of all, this is a motorcycle for collectors.