BMW R NINE T (2014 - 2020) Review

Love it I have rode it 180 miles without a break would of carried on but needed fuel

Bit of rust on rear frame starter packed up rear shock failed under guarantee

Heated grips rear hugger small wind fairing

The ride quality is good and I'm happy that it is firm rather than soft. I may add 20mm bar risers to lift the riding position slightly. I've done this before on previous R9Ts but the 2021 version seems to fit me better. I can drive 150 miles before needing a break but that is about as far as the tank will go anyway. I do like the addition of cruise control with the 2021 model. The bike handles very well and the CoG, as you would expect with the boxer, is low.

With the 2021 model definitely a 5. The engine has always been torquey but is now free revving. It is noticeably different to the previous models in my experience. I prefer drive over high revs.

I've never had any problems with any of my BMs and the build quality of the R9T is very high.

BMWs are not really any more expensive to run than any other major manufacturer in my experience. I've owned Triumphs, Hondas, Kawasakis, Suzukis and Ducatis. Service intervals are good and the consumption of consumables reasonable.

It's a proper motorbike. In the real world it does so much very well. Having now decided to no longer run touring bikes I really like the addition of cruise control. Heated grips are standard. Maybe the folks in Berlin could develop a touring version with more protection and a heated seat. As for accessories fill your boots. A standard R9T is a well built stylish motorcycle however it also a platform for a huge amount of personalisation/customisation. Beware - trickle charging is an issue. The DIN socket is no longer provided. The replacement USB does not allow charging. Wunderlich has created a solution for, at the time of writing, £44. It's a DIN socket that sits near the USB and is an easy instal. I have a tracker and they do drain the battery if the bike is not used regularly. Oh, and the battery itself is in a stupid place, so look after it.

Generally a comfortable ride, although something about the angle of the handlebars makes my wrists ache eventually. Saddle height suits me fine, as a not very long legged guy. A little on the heavy side and not as easy to flick about as lighter bikes I've owned but manageable.

Goes as fast as I am comfortable going, accelerates well at most speeds.

Overall, the bike has been fantastic, the only replacement parts being a battery, probably due to me not riding it enough in the winter, and brake pads, which seemed to wear out incredibly quickly, given that I ride pretty carefully and rarely resort to heavy braking. However, there is one flaw, and that is the extraordinarily poor quality of the paint on the frame. I have owned the bike since new, and when not in use it is garaged, yet the rear subframe started to go spotty in under 3 years; indeed, I own several bikes over 60 years old that have less rust on them. I really expected much, much better from BMW.

Main dealer servicing charges are enough to make a grown man whimper.

If you want to carry any luggage, tough! Generally speaking it's just whatever fits in your pockets. I did buy the optional holdall that fits on the saddle behind you, but it's that or a pillion. Also would have liked a slightly larger tank; practical range seems to be about 165 miles

Brakes and handing are excellent, I would avoid Karoo 3 tyres though, they made the steering feel heavy and want to run wide. Suspension is a little harsh, it could be better and more adjustable at this price level. Seat is ok for shorter (sub 300km) rides but gets a bit tiring after that. The throttle is very direct and coupled with the huge engine braking of the boxer it takes a little while to tune the right wrist, but it doesn't take long.

Its like a tractor with a turbo, it's one of the best sounding motors out there and has so much character. really punchy from low down and then pulls hard all the way to the limiter. It has the proper "Boxer Rock" that is now missing on the water cooled bikes.

Quality is as you would expect from BMW Motorrad, excellent. The bike has a really solid feel to it. No issues at all with mine so far.

Servicing on these bikes is not costly a they are so easy to work on, this minimises labour costs. I service it myself so only pay for the parts which aren't any more expensive than other makes. Not cheap to buy but these things hold their value really well here in New Zealand.

ABS, Traction Control, Heated Grips, pretty much all you need on a simple bike. Adjustable forks would be a nice addition.

Stops on the proverbial sixpence. You need to spend a little time setting the suspension up to suit you. I'm 5'2" and nine stone nuffin and found it a bit hard to start with. But perfect now.

Yep, it's all about the engine. It may be an old design but it's so full of character. It's probably fair to say that I think the bike was designed around the engine. Superb.

Totally faultless reliability and the highest quality.

Yep if you own a Beemer you are going to get higher bills.

Would have got a FIVE if it had a fuel gauge.

Paintwork poor

Feels and sounds great, the riding position is extreme, but not to the detriment of the experience. I'm 52 and have ridden well over 2hrs continously on several occasions, the shortest of breaks are enough before getting back to riding

The boxer engine is brilliant, characterful and torquey. Apart from my initial rides getting used to changing down into a lower gear and feeling a little slide! I'd say its a peach and once mastered a real diamond

Build quality is superb and the looks stop traffic

As with any premium bike, the running costs and services will always be at the higher end of the scale, but it comes with the choice. Bikes are brought with the heart, aided by the wallet

It's just such a unique looking bike, from every angle; Beautiful. The tires are standard metzeler tyres, they feel good on my local twisties. I've saw the MCN YouTube review on this model by Matt wildee he mentioned the power 5 Michelins, so they may be the next tire purchase

Just what I need- great mid range

Build quality is excellent

Local specialist carries out the service - BMW costs are prohibitive

No added extras - just a plain, old fashioned motorbike without riding modes

The build quality is outstanding

The 2021 model has all the features I wanted, with the riding aides, heated grips etc

Brakes are really good , although the back seems a little sharp at first of the abs is intrusive at the back. Up front great feel and stopping power. Front forks suit my weight fine (11stone). On a commute I get 55 mpg but that drops to about 49 -50 scratching. I found the rear shock at first a bit bone shaking but now with 17000 on the clock it’s way better. I have no problem running circles around many sports bikes.I use it everyday with a Kreiga tail pack and plan some mini tours.

Love the low down grunt, sound- popping on overrun. Low down weight of boxer helps handling. Easy to service.At first it used oil which was annoying but once over 12000 this has reduced dramatically.

I ACF 50’d mine and used it year round. It has stood up well to corrosion. It’s just the crime spikes that let the 2015 model down they soon go off.

I do all my own servicing- valve clearance is super easy and I have had to just pay for consumerables.

Doesn’t have much. You can plug your phone in. It doesn’t have a fuel gauge… it has abs. It does need ride modes as the engine and fuelling is spot on.

I’m proof this bike CAN be a first bike for new riders. Gotta say though, I’m glad I was able to get the basic riding skills learned on my scooter first. Trying to hop on this after never been on ANY kind of bike could be hazardous to your health. LOVE the ride tho - it leans so much better and easier than even my scooter - which I thought was a great leaner.

It sounds like a WW1 fighter plane :)

Just breaking it in and trying to keep it below 3k RPMs for the first 600 miles.

BMW does mean Bring Massive Wallet?

I got all the Bling - both Billet packs - and it looks amazing. So glad I got the 2021 and have the LED lights too!

Again, the suspension is poor.

Bags of grunt and character

Mine suffered zero corrosion. It was heavily treated with ACF50.

Er, there isn’t any.

p poor .performance in and out of dealers many times crap dealer.took it to another dealer they sorted it out in minuets.

character

So far so good

Basic bike, but that is it's appeal

Brakes are awesome, ride can be a little hard

I have 2 bikes only ever go solo on this one

There isn't any but that is why you buy it

It's very stiff and set up more like a sports bike, which I like. It does not wallow and weave when I'm out scratching at insane speeds. But the trade off is a hard ride everywhere at more sensible speeds. The brakes are light and offer monster power, effectively wiping tons of speed off when I'm approaching bends too fast! The rear is powerful too, with lots of instant feel but you're in no danger of locking up as the ABS cuts in.

This is why I bought this bike, and I'm not disappointed, it's awesome. It has grunt everywhere in any gear. It just responds immediately when I open the throttle. The engine keeps on building power as the revs rise and there's a real rush up to the rev limiter. It just looks so good too. How BMW got away with the sound it makes I don't know, but it sounds beautiful snd is the loudest bike I have experienced on its standard exhaust system, which I wont be upgrading as it sounds and looks fabulous.

I have only done 1600 miles so far, so it's too early to assess reliability although I've had no issues. The build quality and finish are of a high standard.

It's cheap to insure and gives 45 mpg on average, but dealer servicing is pricey.

No fuel gauge, no centre stand and no traction control is unforgivable on a bike costing this much.

It would have been 5* but it is not a comfortable bike. No change from my R100RS back in '78 then.

Basic features standard, heated grips £330 extra. Clocks almost unreadable at night. Metzeler Roadtec's a delight. Fitted optional handlebar risers. Waste of time. Wunderlich handlebar fairing aftermarket fit was pricey but really good and completed the R90S-style retro look.

Need to stop every hundred miles or so to have a cup of tea. Brakes are great, best I've ever had I think. Suspension is a bit hard and could do with being improved. Seat is OK-ish. I added an IKEA sheepskin and it was much better.

Goes very well. Almost powerful enough!

Frame paintwork is poor and it rusts all over. Mirrors rattle after a while as the glue fails. Handlebar switches are cheap and nasty.

BMW are expensive! Seems every part (apart from tyres) has a 50% BMW loading.

ABS - first time for me and it hasn't intruded much at all. Sadly doesn't have a fuel gauge which is poor. No centre-stand which is really bad! I've added lots to it - Givi Airflo screen, Givi topbox, Wunderlich hand shields, Krauser panniers, engine bars, horns, spots, etc.

Wonderful, seamless power delivery. Great ergonomics and low to the ground. Brakes are massive and work very well. Awesome suspension and fairly cushy standard seat(s).

Ultra smooth, rumbly friendly with an angry growl when provoked.

A fantastic piece of kit. Only minus is the gauges which are plasticky and laughable compared to Thruxton R. R Nine Scrambler gauge is nicer.

Gobbles fuel but not too bad overall.

The Sport option comes with great sounding Akrapovic can, but the standard silencer (also Akrapovic) sound amazing as well. Sport also comes with the hump which is easily swapped out for pillion seat. Heated grips always welcome. Would have loved the full electronics package even if it "goes against the integrity of the bike". Looking forward to swap bits from the Scrambler and other upcoming R Nine T models.

The ride is a bit hard and the seat is unforgiving, but that's what I expected. It's no long distance tourer so regular coffee stops are required. I have done 3-400 mile days on it and was tired at the end, but that was all over curvy alpine 'B' roads which are its bread and butter. This bike is most at home on A and B roads... had a few emergency stops from relatively high speeds (cars pulling out) the brakes are strong and reassuring.

Strong engine with thumping torque .... great fun and a truly wonderful exhaust note. Very strong engine braking so a blip on the throttle when downshifting becomes habit and is rewarded by a beautiful exhaust note. Pops and bangs on over-run which I personally love. Very forgiving and easy to ride.

Beautifully put together, runs flawlessly unless, like me, you accidentally cable-tie the Navigation system harness to the throttle cable and prevent the throttle closing properly. Stupidity is not covered under warranty.

OK it's not the cheapest bike on the planet, but it's well worth the money IMO.

ABS, heated grips, an alarm and different tank colours. That's pretty much it from the factory. A tail mod is necessary as the OEM tail looks awful, fortunately there are oodles of aftermarket options available. Love that the passenger sub-frame can be completely removed making the bike a single-seater... the whole rear end is modular and bolted together so it can be customised very easily and offers multiple configurations.

A rest is required after 120-ish miles on the standard seat. Superb brakes.

Beautiful torquey engine, however, water cooled R1200R is much smoother.

Not cheap to buy but as it is a limited edition, it should hold its value well.

Funky clocks that twirl round and back on ignition.