Two new motorcycles from BMW – R nineT and S 1000 R
BMW Group Malaysia has launched two new motorcycles in the Malaysian market, unveiling the new R nineT classic roadster alongside the new S 1000 R, the latter a naked bike based on the existing S 1000 RR. The two motorcycles are priced at RM115,800 and RM95,800 respectively on-the-road without insurance.
Recognizable by its classic single round headlamp contrasted by gold-anodized suspension forks, the R nineT was conceived as a tribute to BMW Motorrad’s 90-year history of motorcycle making. Despite carrying a modern onboard computer with gear, trip mileage, average speed, and fuel consumption displays, the R nineT’s instrument cluster retains a deliberately classic and simplistic two round dial appearance.
As further tribute to the company’s rich heritage, the R nineT is powered by an engine sporting the classic BMW Motorrad twin-cylinder boxer configuration. The 1,170cc engine delivers maximum outputs of 110hp @ 7,550rpm and 119Nm @ 6,000rpm, with its red line set at 8,500rpm. Power transmission to the rear wheel is by means of a cardan shaft drive and a six-speed gearbox.
For riders aiming to achieve a more personal touch to the classic roadster, BMW Motorrad has also made available various optional upgrades for the exhaust system. Options include the Akrapović silencer unit in titanium with carbon heat shields and lowering or raising the exhaust system by simply fitting short or long connecting pipes to the front silencer, each treatment giving slightly different flavours to the bike’s appearance.
Customization options go all the way into the chassis, which is built on modular construction of four major components – a front main frame, a rear main frame, a frame end-piece, and a pillion frame – all bolted to one another. The removable frame end-piece and pillion frame provides plenty of possibilities to modify the visual appearance of the classic roadster into a sporty roadster, for example. The pillion frame, meanwhile, can be easily removed by simply undoing eight screws and replacing it with an aluminium tail cover to complete the classic café racer look should the rider opt for sporty solo rides.
The new S 1000 R naked bike, on the other hand, is based on the purpose-built S 1000 RR superbike. Powered by the same inline four-cylinder engine as the S 1000 RR but with a torque-biased tune, the S 1000 R generates 160hp @ 11,000rpm and 112Nm @ 9,250rpm. Up to engine speeds of 7,500rpm, the S 1000 R is tuned to twist an extra 10Nm of torque over the S 1000 RR for punchier response.
Sporting the same aluminium alloy perimeter frame as the S 1000 RR, the S 1000 R’s chassis is calibrated with a more roadster-specific setup with greater emphasis on effortless steering response and comfort. Adaptive dampers are standard, with adjustments to compression and rebound damping stages facilitated by electronically controlled damping valves.
