Even more classic: R nineT Urban GS

By Réhann Coetzee

 

 

When BMW introduced the R nineT in 2014, there was just one model available. This has since changed and the series currently has five different models.

The Urban GS pays homage to the original GS, the R80 GS of 1980. That was the first large-displacement adventure bike and it has a Dakar heritage and the colour scheme of the Urban GS is reminiscent of the R80 GS.

Although the colours certainly hark back to the days of the legendary desert race still being run in Africa, the R nineT is not exactly a hardcore off-roader. But it certainly is a fun bike.

The drivetrain is from the previous generation air-cooled GS, but the wheels are from the newer liquid-cooled version. The rubber is wider and offers better grip on tar – where most of these bikes will spend their lives.

It has a high fender, intimating that it will revel in off-road conditions, but the R nineT has the front-end of the S1000 R, a stripped-down superbike, and that is not exactly comfortable on dirt. There isn’t much in the way of rear suspension travel either and that means even a solo off-road ride might be hard work.

But the whole R nineT line-up is about feel-good biking. The engine has 81kW and 116Nm and even with its 221kg weight, means it is no slouch. And even though it isn’t blisteringly fast, it can make you feel like you’re really flying.

The seat is not exactly large enough to carry a pillion, but someone small should be okay ion the back for short distances. In overseas markets the Urban GS has mag wheels, but we will only see them with spoke wheels.

The seating position is slightly more upright than on the R nineT roadster, due to the higher handlebars. With its standard exhaust and less electronic trickery, the Urban GS is pitched slightly lower than the Scrambler (at R204 000) that also has a fancier exhaust system.

But that doesn’t mean the Urban GS isn’t a hoot. The fun factor on any of the R nineT models is huge and the Urban GS adds to the nostalgia with its original-GS livery. The steering is very direct and sharp, power delivery is ample and a braver rider will definitely be tempted to lift the front wheel in the air at every traffic light pull-away.

None of the R nineT bikes is cheap and none of them are ideal for long-distance touring. But this is a bike for somewhat of a connoisseur who likes German technology – but wants some heritage to go with his or her biking.

The Urban GS builds on that attraction by adding a historical angle to the nostalgia.

Technically speaking: BMW R nineT Urban GS

Engine: 1 170cc, flat 2-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, air cooled

Power: 81kW @ 7 550rpm / 116Nm @ 6 000rpm

Gears: 6 speed, shaft

Fuel tank: 17 litres

Seat height: 850mm

Tyres: 120/90/19 front, 170/60/17 rear

Brakes: 4-piston 320mm double disks (front); 2-piston 265mm single disk (rear)

Wet weight: 221kg

Price: R180 530