BMW R NINE T URBAN GS (2017 - on) Review
Highlights
- Retro scrambler looks pay homage to the legendary R80 G/S
- Air cooled boxer twin engine
- Based on the excellent R nine T Scrambler
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 BMW R nine T Urban G/S may look like a retro adventure bike, but underneath the cool bodywork is little more than a re-styled urban scrambler model.
That said, it does look fantastic and when the base bike is as good as the BMW R nine T Scrambler, this is no bad thing at all. If you like the look, you will love the air-cooled boxer’s spirit.
It's also a great way to get a bike infused with the retro charm of the original R80 G/S with modern running gear and comfort. What's more, it will tackle the odd gravel track, just don't expect to take it greenlaning in November.
The entire BMW R nine T range got a facelift in 2021 and then in 2023 a new BMW R 12 nine T was unveiled with a reworked engine to meet stricter emissions regulations.
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.
There's no shortage of retro-styled scramble models on the market these days, starting off with a model from the firm that arguably started the genre, the Triumph Scrambler 1200. Another possible contender comes from Italy in the shape of the super-cool Ducati Scrambler 1100.
Or fresh for 2023 is the Fantic Caballero Scrambler 700, a bigger version of the popular retro range from the Italian firm that uses Yamaha's CP2 parallel-twin engine.
Equipment
The whole point of the R nine T 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 |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 55 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | - |
| New price | £10,550 |
| Used price | £7,300 - £8,900 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| 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
2014: BMW R nine T model introduced to attract younger people to the brand.
2016: BMW R nine T Scrambler introduced.
2017: BMW R nine T Urban G/S and R nine T Racer added to the line up. The Racer was later dropped. BMW also added a new base model called the R nine T Pure that costs almost £3000 less than a standard R nine T.
2023: BMW R nine T 100 Years created to celebrate the firm's centenary.
Owners' reviews for the BMW R NINE T URBAN GS (2017 - on)
4 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: | |
Version: GSX
Year: 2017
Comfort, power from low revs, recently rode for 7 hours ( Zurich to Reading) in torrential rain and strong winds, didn’t miss a beat and stable in the wind
Relatively easy to self service. Spares and custom parts readily available
Fitted ‘plug and play’ hardware to give RPM and gear selection on LCD display ( £160)
Buying experience: Private purchase, 6 years old, 4000 miles, excellent all round condition
Year: 2019
I had an R1200RS that I was very happy with, a great bike loaded with all the toys and a joy to ride and own. Then I went into my local dealer one day and they offered me a test ride on one of these. I honestly didn’t fancy the bike much but never knock back the chance for a ride on something new. Ten miles down the road And I’m starting to warm to the bikes stripped down old school charm, it just felt right somehow. By the time I got back to the dealers I’d fallen in love with it and did a deal for one in the black/gold options paint scheme. A year on and I’ve no regrets, it’s the most fun I’ve had on a bike in year’s. Just a fantastic usable bike that can turn it’s hand to most things and puts a smile on my face every time out.
Brakes are very good and the bike handles well. Ride quality as standard is probably it’s worst feature and is pretty hard. You do get used to it but I upgraded the rear shock and fitted upgraded springs to the front forks which made a huge difference. The Urban looks like just another styling exercise at first but the more I’ve ridden this bike the better it’s become. I’ve used it for a bit of light of roading on gravel tracks, explored remote single track back roads and thrashed it round twisty A and B roads where it will scrape the pegs and it’s done it all, a lot less Urban than it might first appear.
The engine is the star of the show, loads of grunt from low down as well as plenty of go at the top end. It’s also very tractable and smooth if your trundling along at low speed and picks up smoothly with no throttle snatch. Sounds great through the standard can with a nice bark when you crack the throttle open
Great build quality, no reliability issues so far. Some folk report heavy oil consumption but my ones uses very little. Options paint work on the tank is stunning.
It’s a BM and they have never been cheap to buy. However it’s well built, should hold it’s value reasonably well and servicing costs at my local dealer are pretty reasonable
It’s a stripped back retro style bike so not much in the way of equipment but that’s part of the charm. It has all the basics right, a decent 17ltr tank with good economy so has a decent range, ABS, heated grips and span adjustable levers. Not much else you really need to have fun.
Buying experience: Bought used from a main dealer with 800 miles on the clock. Got an excellent deal plus it came fitted with BM sat nav which was a bonus.
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.
