Centurion - Following the launch of the R NineT Scrambler in October 2016, BMW has gone even further out in left field with the next model in its Heritage retro series, the R NineT Urban G/S.
Channelling the Bavarian bikemaker’s first off-roader, the original R80 G/S of 1980 - cheekily named the GelandeScooter*
by enthusiasts - it’s finished in an almost exact replica of the original G/S livery, in white with tank graphics in two shade of blue, high-mounted white front mudguard and red seat, as per the factory motorsport colours of the day.
An original G/S-style white flyscreen around the big circular headlight frames a classically styled round analogue speedometer with an inset LCD screen for further info.
As with all NineT heritage models the Urban G/S has BMW’s previous-generation air/oil-cooled 1170cc boxer twin, tuned in this application for a healthy 81kW at 7750 revs and 116Nm at 6000rpm, coupled to a close-ratio six-speed gearbox and lightweight shaft final drive.
Suspension is by 43mm conventional telescopic forks in front and BMW’s familiar paralever at the rear, braking by dual 320mm front discs with four-piston callipers and a 265mm rear disc with two-piston calliper. ABS is standard, automatic stability control a factory-fit option.
Cross-spoked wheels with road tyres - 120/70 ZR19 in front and 170/60 ZR17 at the rear - underline the bike’s tarmac orientation, although deeply treaded mudplugger tyres are available as an option for the more adventurous.
And that’s what this bike is all about: options. The standard Heritage modular frame consists of three components - the front and rear mainframes and a detachable rear subframe, which can be fitted with a variety of aftermarket seats, available from BMW, along with a wide range of bolt-on aftermarket accessories, or be replaced by a ‘shorty’ single-seat bobber set-up.
Thirty-seven years ago the original G/S - intended as a heavyweight enduro machine - instead invented an entirely new category as the first adventure tourer; now BMW pays homage to what has become an accidental icon.
Relive the eighties on the R NineT Urban G/S from R177 740.
FACTS: BMW R NineT Urban G/S
Engine:1170cc air-cooled boxer twinBore and Stroke:101 x 73mmCompression Ratio:12.0:1Valvegear:DOHC with four valves per cylinderPower:81kW at 7750rpmTorque:116Nm at 6000rpmInduction:Electronic fuel-injectionStarting:ElectricClutch:Single-plate dry clutch, cableTransmission:Six-speed gearbox, shaftFront Suspension:43mm conventional telescopic forksRear Suspension:Paralever monoshockFront Brakes:320mm, 4-piston fixed calliperRear Brake:265mm, 2-piston floating calliperFront Tyre:120/70 ZR 19Rear Tyre:170/60 ZR 17Wheelbase:1527mmSeat Height:850mmKerb Weight:221 kilogramsFuel Tank:17 litresPrice:
R177 740
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BMW insists that G/S stood for Gelande/Strasse (Country/Street). Today, GS (the slash is long gone) is a generic term for a BMW adventure tourer.