BMW R NINE T URBAN GS (2017 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 108 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (487 lbs / 221 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Urban G/S is little more than a re-styled Scrambler, but it does look fantastic and when the base bike is as good as the Scrambler, this is no bad thing at all.
- Latest news: BMW R nine T range updated for 2021
If you like the look, you will love the air-cooled boxer’s retro spirit and charm.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineDespite their heritage looks, the R nineT models never fail to impress when it comes to handling and the Urban G/S retains this trait. With the same chassis and wheels as the Scrambler, it comes as no surprise it handles identically and that means loads of grins and more angle and corner speed than you would rightly expect from such a bike. And all backed up with brakes that are also thoroughly modern in their performance levels and have ABS as standard. The seat is a touch hard and the cowl pretty ineffective, so it’s a short hop bike rather than a serious mile-muncher like the modern GS.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe boxer motor suits the G/S’s attitude perfectly, as you would image seeing as that is what has always powered a G/S (or GS) model! It has bags of grunt as well as a really raucous exhaust note and spirited attitude that is quite unexpected on a modern BMW. It’s not the smoothest, and lurches when you blip the throttle due to the torque reaction, but these traits only add to the bike’s character.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe build quality on the whole R nineT range is beautiful with a high attention to detail, as you would expect on a bike with a price tag north of £10,000. The boxer’s reliability record is proven and so there is nothing to worry about mechanically – even the residual values are generally very high!
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentWith a price tag of £10,550 for the basic model, the higher specification X seems quite good value considering all the extras you are getting for the added £635. They certainly aren’t the cheapest scrambler style retro bikes, but they go a long way to justifying their price tags through build quality and lovely attention to detail.
Equipment
The whole point of the R nineT range is stripped back with a lack of electronics and as such the Urban G/S is fairly basic with only ABS as standard. The X model adds spoke wheels and a choice of on or off-road tyres as well as a chrome exhaust, LED indicators and heated grips for £11,185. ASC traction control is an optional extra.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1170cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, air-cooled boxer twin |
| Frame type | Tubular steel |
| Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
| Seat height | 850mm |
| Bike weight | 221kg |
| Front suspension | 43mm conventional forks, non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Single shock, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. |
| Front brake | 2 x 320mm discs, four-piston calipers; ABS |
| Rear brake | 265mm disc, two-piston caliper ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70X19 |
| Rear tyre size | 170/60x17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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| Average fuel consumption | 55 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | - |
| New price | £10,550 |
| Used price | £8,000 - £10,500 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 108 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 85.6 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 160 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2017: Model introduced
Other versions
BMW R nineT
BMW R nineT Scrambler
Owners' reviews for the BMW R NINE T URBAN GS (2017 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their BMW R NINE T URBAN GS (2017 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW R NINE T URBAN GS (2017 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
Year: 2019
A fabulous real world bike for the Yorkshire Dales, nimble and grunty with a wonderful blap when you open it up. With a very usable first gear, engine braking and so much low end pull, I hardly use the good brakes. It is so much fun, from near vertical switchbacks on loose gravel to flowing twisties. The knobblies are very grippy and comfortable, as is the seat. Riding position is cock-on and it is very nimble, you can ride it super-moto style if you wish. Easy to push and park. Biking as it should be, all the involvement is in the riding and not the gizmos. Easy to clean and a conversation starter.
I have not found any issues with the ride, but it is not as supple as a full Ohlins set up. Handles everything I through at it, including some light off road. Brakes are fine, when I use them.
A peach. Pulls forever, flexible and a joy to feel/hear. The gearbox is smooth, it fires up first time, even after lockdown. I like the pull when you blip it at idle. Much more involving then the latest variable valve engines.
Its a BMW
Not much to go wrong. I get 190 miles before the reserve on gnarly roads, running 98RON.
It has what you need - you do not need a tacho or traction control if you know how to ride, believe me. I will fit a taller screen for Scotland trips.
Buying experience: Local main dealer Alan Jeffries. Ex demo with 600 miles on clock.
Version: R9T Urban G/S X
Year: 2017
this is going to be a niche bike in the R NINE T range but to people of a certain age and persuasion it brings back memories and dreams. It’s exactly what I expected. A simple well made bike that looks and sounds brilliant. Hopefully it will prove reliable and be in my garage a very very long time.
If you don’t want a pillion then it’s great. Can’t comment on pillion or long distance as only done one 70 mile ride in the sunshine and a 30 mile commute in the rain.
The last air/oil cooled boxer perfected and a nice gearbox too. That exhaust sounds awesome too.
Feels and looks very well built and it should be they’ve had years of practice to get this right
Usual bmw stuff
If it’s what you want, it’s perfect, and it’s what I want. Simplicity, pure.
Buying experience: Bmw dealer, Manchester, always a pleasure.
