BMW R NINE T PURE (2017 - 2023) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£380
Power:	108 bhp
Seat height:	Medium (31.7 in / 805 mm)
Weight:	Medium (483 lbs / 219 kg)

Prices

New N/A

Used £6,000 - £9,400

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

If you can live without the rev-counter, BMW’s R nineT Pure offers lots of fun in a quirky, genuinely-retro package. While BMW say the bike is built for modifiers, many owners will be happy just as it is.

It’s a credible machine at a sensible price and has all of the nice touches you’d expect with a BMW. Stripped-back, raw and quite aggressive. It’s a blast to ride, and sounds fabulous, but this attitude won’t appeal to everyone.

In 2024 this bike was placed by the BMW R12 nineT.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The bike shares its chassis with the R nineT Racer, Scrambler and Urban G/S, which has a frame with a slightly kicked-out headstock to accommodate the Scrambler’s 19in front wheel and a simplified rear subframe design.

The riding experience is typical R nineT – a nimble, accurate chassis combined with a friendly motor and more than enough performance to make this is a credible motorcycle.

The handling is pretty playful, too. The chassis is virtually identical to the Racer’s, but the taller, wider bars impart more leverage, making the bike feel more nimble.

The downgraded suspension does its job well and even though the forks are a little soft there’s plenty of feel. On standard settings the rear can feel a little bit uncontrolled, but the rebound-adjustable shock should have the range to dial this out.

The chassis doesn’t tax your brain, but gives you confidence to push hard enough to have fun and the lack of quirks and foibles mean that it will be a great bike for new riders, too.

To be honest, it offers everything the more expensive R nineT does when it comes to dynamics and is a more convincing retro bike too – for many the superbike-style suspension and brakes of the more-expensive R nineT jar against its design brief.

The Metzeler Z8 Roadtecs that this bike came with were beyond reproach, even in our terrible test conditions. But the Pure is happiest when it comes to relaxed cruising in the sun.

With its straight-backed riding position, visibility is good and gives the chance to just sit back and enjoy the view. It is also an excellent urban bike with great natural balance.

Through the slippery town streets of a wet Spanish resort, the bike felt just as sure-footed as it did in the Andalusian mountains.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The R nineT’s 1170cc, 108bhp Boxer twin is as lively as it is torquey and has a playful kick at the top-end that encourages you to ride faster than the retro looks suggest.

Before you know it, you’re chasing that imaginary red line. We say imaginary because of course the Pure doesn’t have the rev-counter, or the gear indicator you get on the Racer or the top R nineT.

And to be honest, you do miss it – even though the motor is flexible enough that it doesn’t matter too much which gear you’re in.

From the moment the boxer fires into life though you can’t help but love the Pure’s attitude. It’s loud, raw and where rivals like the Honda CB1100EX cosset you on your ride, the Pure grabs you by the scruff of the neck and drags you along whether or not you are in the mood for a fight.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

5 out of 5 (5/5)

Although it may lack the toys of some of its stable mates, the Pure is beautifully engineered, styled and put together. Unsurprisingly, owners of the standard R nineT offer nothing but four and five stars for reliability, however offer warnings about expensive BMW parts, should something go wrong.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Compared to the big-money £12,220 R nineT, it has a 43mm non-adjustable right way-up fork rather than the S1000RR-derived Sachs inverted items of the more expensive bike.

It also has axial-mount Brembo brakes rather than radial calipers, and a steel, rather than aluminium, fuel tank. There’s also a single clock, with no rev counter.

As well as being easy to modify, the fact that the bike has very cheap PCP deals means the Pure is a bargain entry into R nineT ownership. Its only real problem is its Racer brother. If you can stand the riding position, the Racer is sexier, better equipped and just £800 more.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

As standard the Pure comes with very little in terms of equipment, missing a rev counter, rider aids and upside down forks. The idea of this being that it's the perfect 'blank canvas' for riders to create their ultimate custom R nineTs.

Usually running cast ally wheels, our test bike came with spoked wheels (£330), traction control (£330) and LED indicators (£100). The spoked wheel option suits the bike, even though it means you have to run tubed tyres.

Specs
Engine size	1170cc
Engine type	Air/oil-cooled, DOHC, four- stroke
Frame type	Steel tube
Fuel capacity	17 litres
Seat height	805mm
Bike weight	219kg
Front suspension	43mm right-way-up forks, non-adjustable.
Rear suspension	Monoshock rear, adjustable for preload and rebound
Front brake	2x320mm discs with Brembo four-pot axial-mount calipers
Rear brake	265mm disc with two-piston caliper
Front tyre size	120/70x17
Rear tyre size	180/55x17

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	44 mpg
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	£380
New price	-
Used price	£6,000 - £9,400
Insurance group	- How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two years

Top speed & performance
Max power	108 bhp
Max torque	86 ft-lb
Top speed	-
1/4 mile acceleration	-
Tank range	145 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2014: The original R nineT is launched. It's a no nonsense, upright roadster capable of tackling sweeping bends and carrying an impressive turn of speed from its air-cooled 110bhp 1170cc boxer-twin engine. Riders get ABS as standard and no other rider modes.
2024: Replaced by BMW R12 nineT.

Other versions

R nineT Racer: Again using much of the same equipment as the rest of the R nineT family, the machine offers plenty of characterful poke from its boxer twin motor alongside a set of sleek café racer plastics that instantly take you back to the 1970s.
R nineT Urban G/S: Little more than a re-styled R nineT Scrambler, the Urban G/S oozes urban spirit and charm. With the same chassis and wheels as the Scrambler, it handles exactly the same as its donor bike, with far more agility than you would expect from this genre.
R nineT Scrambler: Often unfairly cast off as nothing more than a BMW styling exercise, think of the Scrambler as a great looking lightweight version of the GS that is pleasingly lacking in the fussy electronics that the latest water-cooled model is so adorned with.

Read the full history of the BMW R nineT range today.

Owners' reviews for the BMW R NINE T PURE (2017 - 2023)

5 owners have reviewed their BMW R NINE T PURE (2017 - 2023) 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 PURE (2017 - 2023)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Engine:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Value vs rivals:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment:	4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£380

5 out of 5 My first Boxer Twin, and I love it.

12 December 2023 by Phil Woodhead

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £250

It's got character, it looks great, sounds great, and is reasonably comfortable. It is plenty fast enough, it handles well, and the brakes are excellent. It hasn't got much of a pillion seat, but then I have no intention of carrying a passenger, so it matters not. The suspension components are widely regarded as budget items, but I have found the ride and handling to be more than adequate.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I find the brakes are excellent, and better than on my previous bike, which had radial monobloc Brembos. Ride quality is not really any better or worse than any other bike I have owned, despite the budget suspension components and lack of adjustability.

Engine 5 out of 5

Plenty of grunt, and the Akrapovic can allows it to make a nice fruity noise

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Had it just over 18 months. No reliability issues. Build quality is very good, my only slight gripe is that the standard exhaust headers, being polished stainless steel, are prone to tarnishing, and need polishing occasionally if you want to keep them looking good.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Not the cheapest bike to service, but I am assured that the oft-quoted annual servicing cost of £450 only kicks in when it is time for the valve clearances to be checked.

Equipment 5 out of 5

I ordered the twin clock conversion when I bought the bike, so as well as a rev counter, it now displays a fair bit more information than on the single clock setup. A lot of people bemoan the lack of a fuel gauge, but for me it is not a problem. I simply zero the trip meter when I fill up, and start thinking about refuelling after 150 miles or so.

Buying experience: Purchased from John Clark BMW in Dundee. Buying experience was excellent, including a very fair price for the bike I traded in.

5 out of 5 This beemer will put a beam on your face!

03 January 2023 by Phil Hes

Year: 2018

A back to basics bike with simple controls, a shaft driven characterful boxer engine and stylish retro looks. It’s easy to get along with and probably the bike I’ve enjoyed riding and owning the most.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I find the bike to be comfortable and can ride it for a couple of hours without any aches and pains. It can get a bit uncomfortable on motorways being a naked bike but no more than other nakeds and is fine for shorter high speed journeys and is great on scenic B roads and around town. The brakes are good and more than adequate for the size of bike.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine doesn’t feel smooth and sophisticated but instead you get a satisfying kick when you start it up and a bit of rock and roll when it’s idling. It feels solid and reassuring with enough power to sprint away from traffic lights with a nice ‘blat’ from the exhaust.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

I’m the second owner and the bike has just over 10,000 miles on the clock. It is proving to be reliable and robust with no mechanical or electrical problems to report. The finish of the bike is excellent and there is very little tarnishing or rust marks, despite using the bike all year round.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

The bike is reasonably economical given its engine size. I use a small independent garage for servicing, rather than a main dealer, in order to keep the costs down.

Equipment 4 out of 5

You don’t get much equipment as such but it makes the most of what it has. The integrated heated grips are effective, the dial on the speedo is clear and although there is no fuel gauge, there is a clear warning light with mileage counter to tell you how far you are travelling on reserve. There’s no gear indicator either but you soon find the engine tells you when to change up and down.

Buying experience: Hassle free purchase from non-franchised dealer

5 out of 5 Back to the future

20 June 2022 by Phil Smith

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £450

A great bike to ride. Just gives me a grin every time i ride it. No it's not a GS. 100 mile have a break easily. Enjoy the scenery.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Definitely on A and B roads. It'll cruise on motorways, but does get a bit tiresome.Gave it four stars. I don't think the pillion seat is up to much. I can and have done 100 mile before a break.

Engine 5 out of 5

There's a reason why BMW still make this engine. Loads of low down torque. Don't matter what gear your in.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

So far so good. It's only done 1500 miles

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Obviously it's BMW. Slightly surprised at first service cost(£200). I'm guessing at around £400 to £500 mark for the 6000 mile service.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The bike came with extras on it.Dyna mode, cruise control, heated grips (think these are standard fit, grips).Also Akrapovic cans. Cornering headlight's. Certainly that engine is my favourite bit. It's the base model so i suppose you can do has much or little your wallet dictates. Tyres are round and black. They seem fine to me.

Buying experience: From BMW dealer. £11000. Pidcock BMW very good experience

5 out of 5 Great all round and fun bike

22 September 2019 by Woody

Version: C

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £350

Wonderful in all respects.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Great fun. Continental touring needed stops coinciding with fuel refills (150 miles approx).

Engine 5 out of 5

Very flexible. Lack of rev counter no issue because bike pulls well in almost any gear.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Some slight rusting after 2 years and 8500

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

2nd year (12000 mile) cost

Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Dealer demonstrater - £9750 paid in 2017

4 out of 5 A very rewarding bike, sometimes less is more

16 February 2019 by Steve B

Version: C

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £450

The Pure is rewarding, fun, sounds good and I look forward to my next ride every day. It does get uncomfortable after an hour or so and has tubed tyres, though.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The brakes and handling are good and the bike is very manoeuvrable. The ride quality could be better.

Engine 5 out of 5

I love the engine characteristics, which make the bike easy to live with and torquey with plenty of real world low down power.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The bike is very well built and finished to a high standard. It has never let me down.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Great value because it is the best, most rewarding bike I've owned.

Equipment 3 out of 5

The heated grips are good but there's no fuel gauge, nor a tyre pressure monitor.

Buying experience: Bought from BMW and it was a very pleasant experience.