The new BMW R NineT (love it, or hate it)?

[nhmaf]

The new 2014 model from BMW - looking kinda like a "custom" of some sort, with various factory options, like a removable passenger pillion subframe if you really want the "bobber" look...   The model name is "NineT"   (get it), though it is a full-on R1200R.

I do like the somewhat more traditional looking front end, not sure about the back end of it yet..
http://www.cyclenews.com/388/22468/Racing-Article/First-Look--2014-BMW-R-nineT.aspx

Also, found a video of riding it around the factory- I think it needs a muffler change for a bit more soul, but it has promise..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lDlMnybKGk

[marcmax]

Nice. Very nice. Seems like someone in Germany is paying attention to the growth of the "cafe" trend. I love the way the front end looks and like the rear view as well. The only thing that I am not thrilled about is the twin mufflers on one side, either put one to a side or just have a 2->1 exhaust. Just my $.02

[Bob_Roller]

It's an interesting bike, a bit of a departure from the usual offerings from BMW .

It looks like BMW has been paying attention to the H-D way of thinking in the way that the owner can customize the bike, either through OEM parts, or aftermarket .

This may appeal to a wider range of riders that may not consider a BMW product .

[nhmaf]

It does kinda grow on me, and I Agree about the mufflers.   Also, I Wish that if bike manufacturers were designing the bikes to have their exposed bits out in full view, that they'd take care to make the bits look nicer and/or be more durable (for example, the rear brake reservoir).   Maybe this is indeed BMW's response to the the retro Triumphs, Guzzis, and Kwackers of the past 5 years - usually takes BMW some time to get on board, but then they turn out something pretty unique.

[Barry]

Looks good but probably too heavy for my liking unless they have taken lessons from Ducati.

I like the instruments. Does anyone know the answer to a question applicable to pretty much all new bikes.  How will that LCD panel look and function after after say 35 years in the Texas sunshine.

[Bob_Roller]

BMW has had LCD instrument panels for quite awihle and I havn't heard any complaints about the service life of them .

I belong to a Moto Guzzi forum and some models of the newer bikes, have alot of issues with them and costly to replace no repairs possible at this time .

I don't know how it works, but if you have an issue with the instrument display, it can disable the engine from starting and running .

[Luca]

How will that LCD panel look and function after after say 35 years in the Texas sunshine.

even 30 years ago BMW had jumped on the "trade up in a few years" sales pitch, at least with our introductory R65.  They will sell the part for as long as they are required... maybe longer.  Either way, I'm sure sun damage would be attributed to "improper storage"


I think it's pretty good looking, but like that "insectoid" Roland Sands R90S, it's all about the jugs... there's nothing behind the hips!  The gold anodizing on the forks seems out of place, too... there are no other gold accents on the bike.

When listening to the exhaust note, the word "flappy" comes to mind, though maybe that would change if we could have heard it winding up at WOT.

[AJB]

..... The only thing that I am not thrilled about is the twin mufflers on one side, either put one to a side or just have a 2->1 exhaust. Just my $.02

A single exhaust is one of the options - I saw it on another website this morning.  Let me go and try find the picture (it was an Akrapovic I think).
As for the bike, I like it a lot!

[montmil]

I do enjoy watching the changes occurring within the motorcycle industry as a whole; engineering, design, performance, reliability, all these things are quite fantastic. The newest from BMW is no exception. Light years from my old college days '53 Triumph they are.

From a personal perspective, I don't shop at Tiffany's nor the often snooty BMW dealership's in my area of operation. Can't afford either of 'em.

Allow me to pose a question. Which motorcycle do you believe would draw the most attention at your local "burger run" gathering or cruise night? The latest "arse in the air" sporty bike or a classic like our Airheads? I know how it works for me. You?

[clonmore1]

"Allow me to pose a question. Which motorcycle do you believe would draw the most attention at your local "burger run" gathering or cruise night? The latest "arse in the air" sporty bike or a classic like our Airheads? I know how it works for me. You"?

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Great question!

From my limited perspective, I would say the classic, why?

Overload of highly component non user defined machinery that in nearly all cases does the thinking for you = modern "drive by wire" vehicles.

I love my day to day car, 50+ mpg, cruise all day on the motorway at 85 mph, climate control, etc. etc. BUT, where is the skill?

Where is the engagement?

Classic for me everytime

[HESIMEUSTIC]

Love it. What's not to love?