The Bavarian maker must have mastered the art of making peace with the heritage scene, but it cannot stop people from wanting more out of it. The R nine T has absolutely been a hit story for the German ever since the launch in 2013. It was so good that BMW initially struggled to keep up with the demand and they released one version after the other in succession to the world stage that includes the, Scrambler and the Urban G/S.

Added later to this lineup in 2016 is the R nine T Pure, a roadster model that believes in being reduced to the bare essentials. Coming in as the most accessible one of the R nineT range, the Pure costs the least as well.

2016 - 2018 BMW R nineT Pure

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 - 2018 BMW R nineT Pure
  • Horsepower: 110
  • Torque: 86
  • Transmission: 6
Pros
Cons

STYLING

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BMW R nine T

2018 BMW R nine T Pure


As the name suggests, the Pure is all about the essence of the purist, classic roadster. Reduced to the absolute essentials, it purposefully loses out on anything fancy yet retains the subtle blend of both classic and modern stylistic elements in customary BMW Motorrad quality rather than gunning for just a retro machine.

The Pure comes only in the Catalano Grey non-metallic palette on the fuel tank and the front mudguard. And emphasizing the minimalistic character of the machine is the contrast black for the suspension, cast-alloy wheels, frame and the boxer drivetrain that showcases the roadster’s dynamic and classic riding pleasure on country roads.

The tank and the seat shape the slim silhouette giving the rider an aggressive position along with the high rear-set aluminum billet foot levers and the low handlebar. At the rear, the Pure straightens it off with a single contoured saddle. The retrofittable passenger frame quickly allows you to add a cowl as well. If you do not like these cast-alloys, you can opt for the wire-spoked wheels. Single round dial make up the instrument cluster with LCD screens that keep in pact with the neo-retro take.

Detailing is not uncommon on any BMW, and with the Purer, you can expect a lot of touches. They include the vast use of aluminum in places with a clear anodized finish such as the fork bridges, fuel tank with brushed side surfaces, foot levers and much more besides. The circular headlamp with a chrome ring and painted housing shouts retro right off the bat.

Overall Dimension

Make Model

2018 BMW R nineT Pure

Triumph Thruxton 1200

Length

82.9 in

n / a

Width

35.4 in

29.3 in

Height

48.8 in

40.5 in

Wheelbase

60.1 in

55.7 in

Seat height

31.7 in

31.9 in

Wet weight

483 lb

454 lb

Fuel Tank

4.5 gal

3.8 gal


POWERTRAIN

The Pure might be a homage to the yesteryears but has a heart made of a modern and a sophisticated package. Similar to the R NineT, the Pure makes use of an air/oil-cooled, flat twin 1170cc boxer engine that is endowed with a lovely long spread of power that produces 110 hp at 7750rpm and maximum torque of 86 lb-ft at 6000rpm.

It is paired with a new fuel map and new, larger controlled 3-way catalytic converter making it up to date with the Euro4 emission standards. The mill also features electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management with overrun cut-off and twin-spark ignition. There is a central counter-balancer shaft that minimizes swaying especially during idle which otherwise swindle the motorcycle from side to side due to the flat twin engine arrangement.

Claw-shifted six-speed transmission with helical-cut splines taking power to the rear wheel via shaft drive. The clutch system, however, does not feature any ride by wire, fussy riding modes or slip assist but is hydraulically assisted. There is no tachometer, and hence you’ll have to use the rev-limiter to find the 8,500 rpm redline.

And when that happens, expect a bellowing megaphone which otherwise burbles through ride around town while it pops and bangs on the overrun. All of this is possible because of the electric servomotor controlling an acoustic valve to meet the desire for a sonorous boxer sound.

Engine Specification

Make Model

2018 BMW R nineT Pure

Triumph Thruxton 1200

Capacity cc

1170

1200

Bore / Stroke mm

101 / 73

97.6 / 80

Output

110 hp @ 7750 rpm

97 bhp @ 6750 rpm

Torque

86 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

82.6 lb.ft @ 4950 rpm

Type

Air/oil-cooled 4-stroke flat twin engine with balance shaft, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft, wet sump lubrication

Liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin

Clutch type

Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated

Wet, multi-plate assist clutch

Transmission

6-speed

6-speed


RIDE AND HANDLING

Characterized by the low-slung handlebar and the high rear-set footpeg, this Pure has the stance true to its name. The narrow body with the higher saddle position allows the rider to commit into the straights as well as the apexes. The frame consists of three components: a front and rear main frame with integrated end piece and a passenger frame which will assist in a more neutral cornering response. At lower speeds, however, the front end seems to be a bit vague if not completely relaxed.

Suspension setups are not exactly sophisticated to be precise. BMW has chosen to give it a decent package rather than an expensive one with the 43mm conventional telescopic fork at the front while the BMW Paralever having rebound damping is applied in conjunction with a central spring strut at the rear which is fully adjustable.

Factory fitted light alloy cast wheels don 17” at the front and 17” at the rear. Clutching them are Brembo 4-piston brake calipers, steel-wrapped brake lines and twin-brake discs measuring of 320 millimeters at the front and single disc brake measuring 265 mm at the rear with a double-piston floating caliper. BMW Motorrad ABS is a standard feature ensuring effective and stable deceleration on road or gravel.

Apart from the ABS, there is not much of a tech-ridden spec sheet here. You will, however, be able to opt for ASC (Automatic Stability Control) to prevent the rear wheel from spinning on slippery roads, which is available ex-works.

Chassis Specifications

Make Model

2018 BMW R nineT Pure

Triumph Thruxton 1200

Frame

Three-section frame consisting of one front and two rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removable pillion frame for single rider use

Tubular steel cradle, Twin-sided, aluminum - Clear anodized

Suspension / Front

Telescopic forks with 43 mm fixed-tube diameter

KYB 41mm cartidge forks, 120mm travel

Suspension / Rear

Cast aluminum single swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage damping

KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload, 120mm rear wheel travel

Brakes / Front

Dual floating disc brakes, 4-piston calipers, diameter 320 mm, BMW Motorrad ABS

Twin 310mm discs, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, ABS

Brakes / Rear

Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, double-piston floating caliper, BMW Motorrad ABS

Single 220mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS

Tires / Front

120/70 ZR 17

120/70 ZR 17

Tires / Rear

180/55 ZR 17

160/60 ZR17


PRICE

The R nineT Pure will retail for $11,995 (plus a $495 destination fee). The R nineT Pure will be featured in one color tone: Catalano Grey non-metallic combined with black decor on the alloys, frame and drivetrain.

Being a BMW, there is obviously the ex-works. Be it roadster looks or a retro vibe, the Racer can be customized to suit your lifestyle with possibilities being literally endless due to the modular frame concepts. Options such as a single seat saddle, spoked wheels, various tanks, ASC (Automatic Stability Control), heated grips, HP sports silencer, HP adjustable steering damper and carbon belt cover.

BMW Motorrad will also give you specially fabricated add-on components such as their new Machined parts, not have any restrictions to your imaginations provided you have a deep enough pocket.

Make Model

2018 BMW R nineT Pure

Triumph Thruxton 1200

MSRP

$ 11,995

$ 13,000


COMPETITION

Triumph Thruxton 1200 R

Over the last many years, the Triumph Thruxton has been giving us the unadulterated essence of motorcycling with its simplistic café racer stance and smooth power delivery. Making the timeless design further enchanting is the ‘Track Racer Kit’, a genuine accessory kit provided by Triumph worth $2500.

The kit enhances the café-racer appeal of the Thruxton R with a host of competition inspired sculpted headlamp cowl, lower clip-ons, rear mudguard removal kit, compact rear light, Vance & Hines slip-on silencers, knurled handlebar grips and an authentic leather tank strap.

It houses a 1200cc parallel-twin engine putting out 96 hp of power and 82 lb-ft of torque. Besides, the motorcycle gets a bunch of high-end tech features like ride-by-wire technology, switchable ABS, traction control and three driving modes. The clip-on handlebars and the slightly rear-set foot pegs offer a sporty riding position.

The Thruxton 1200 gets a combination of fully adjustable 41mm upside down KYB telescopic hydraulic forks at the front and fully adjustable KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload at the rear. Dual 310mm discs at the front and a single 220mm disc at the rear, both of which have been sourced from Nissin, handle the braking department.

VERDICT

The Pure is BMW’s way of having a machine that is fitting to the basics of riding. It is a perfect ride for those who love the classic roadster design and is looking for a pure motorcycle experience. Sequentially, its riding characteristics make it a true member of today’s R nineT family, all the more with the lack of any electronic rider aids.

Although we would have loved if BMW equipped the machine with even higher spec components, the package definitely works here. It hankers to the era of the 1970's and 80's

With this one can enjoy the confidence from the boxer engine and the comfort from the riding position enough to fall in love with the dynamics this bike carries. By being able to choose any customizing options, one can literally turn the character of this bike to suit himself.