BMW R nineT Urban GS 2023 — Specifications

The most trail-oriented of the NineTs, this is it. Or, rather, what it appears to be! Indeed, isn't that what’s being asked of it?! A pre-expedition look. Don't think that's enough for it. It scoops up its share of technologies in the 2021 update and gains a special, well-equipped version.

The Boxer gets a makeover without changing its fundamentals. Same architecture, same air cooling, same displacement, same instinct, same spirit - but new cylinder heads, an optimized intake, and a recalibrated injection dynamize its performance. In exchange for a loss of one horsepower, the twin delivers its watts and torque with more robustness in the midrange. The maximum power is also available earlier: 109 horsepower at 7,250 rpm instead of 7,750. Torque retains its previous values.

2019 installed the Dynamic brake light as standard; 2020 brought the ASC (Automatic Stability Control). 2021 adds to that with the 'Rain' and 'Road' riding modes as standard equipment, complemented by reactive ABS Pro in corners. BMW also adds a USB port, as well as LED headlights and turn signals. And concludes the moment with an optional third Riding Mode. Named 'Dirt', it’s intended to be more playful and is part of the Riding Modes Pro – this module adds MSR (Motor Slip Regulation) control and replaces ASC with DTC (Dynamic Traction Control). This corner where the price burns also adds new possibilities and 'Option 719' colors, a cruise control, heated grips, an alarm, and an adaptive cornering headlight.

And the special series??? I almost forgot. It's the "40 Years GS Edition." Painted in the same colors as the other GS models in the eponymous celebration, it carries a large dose of equipment and a remarkable look. Whether standard or normal, this machine can propel you back in time, playing at traveling between two borders: you can’t tell if it’s a NineT that devoured an R 80 G/S or vice versa. The fusion is called R NineT Urban G/S and sends sand into our nostrils.

In terms of style, it’s impeccable. The nostalgic effect is fully exploited because BMW has managed to highlight the key elements. The red seat of the first model, the lively white paint with Bavarian blue tones, the unmistakable curved duckbill, the fender inspired by the 1000 GS, and the gaiters protecting the fork tubes. It’s more than enough to add the large square turn signals, and you’re there. Consequently, you would easily think that the manufacturer has created a new machine, greatly enriching the Heritage range. It’s not quite that. Although the silhouette is certainly striking, the underpinnings reveal a NineT Scrambler dressed in enduro style. A base, several philosophies. This allows satisfying the moods and thrills without spending years of development. It pleases, and that's the main thing.

It’s a real shame, really a shame that the spoked wheels fitted with knobby tires are optional. Granted, few owners will go wandering through the rocks; but for the look, it's the icing on the cake. The Urban G/S pays little attention to this kind of remark. It already envisions beautiful rides to the melodious sound of its large flat twin. Known, very well known, it is the last child of a lineage of air-cooled engines. This corresponds better to the philosophy of the machine than a water-cooled engine with hoses, radiator and all the paraphernalia. With 1170 cm3 of displacement and the technology of the previous decade adapted to today's standards, it has plenty of power and the right character. This 1200 Urban G/S is best enjoyed while riding and rolling, not while revving.

There was already a monobrach with a cardan shaft on the R 80 G/S, the Monolever. The tradition continues on all R models, but with, of course, and obviously a technical gap. The Urban G/S welcomes the essential Paralever to connect the Boxer to the rear wheel, then is built around a three-element tubular frame: the front section, the rear section, and the passenger frame. The fork is a classic 43 mm model with 2-piston calipers. Far from the fork derived from the S 1000 RR reserved for the standard NineT; but would this sporty front end be appropriate on this neo-vintage-enduro-heritage? Moreover, this G/S intends to treat itself to a few paths. To do this, it carries a 19-inch front wheel and offers a little more suspension travel. The damping travels 125 mm at the front and 140 mm at the rear on the Urban G/S; respectively 120/120 on the NineT. The braking system is convincing, with 320 mm discs at the front and a 265 mm disc at the rear, controlled by ABS.

A trail should be simple and pure. The Urban G/S gets quite close but cannot match the sleek look (as seen today) of the 80. For instrumentation, it’s successful. The simple round speedometer contains only a needle for speed. For the rest, a small digital window provides on-board information. For riding, don't get excited: it's a NineT, not an old GS. Between the gears, there's twice the power, 40 kilos more, and a roadster that smells of off-road, not that practices it. In terms of charm, it's impossible not to be touched. The 'Lac Rose' concept presented in early 2016 left no doubt about the arrival of this R NineT Urban G/S. Those who kept a poster of the Dakar with Thierry Sabine and Hubert Auriol can now put it back on display in the garage, and believe that this motorcycle came out of it.

M.B - Media constructeur