~ Auto Buzz ~: 2017 BMW R nineT Urban G/S Preview

Wednesday, 9 November 2016

2017 BMW R nineT Urban G/S Preview

BMW added yet another model to its R nineT lineup with the Urban G/S joining the previously revealed Scrambler, Pure and Racer models. The slash in the name is significant as the Urban G/S is designed as a throwback to the BMW R90 G/S which helped kickstart the adventure segment. Although it sports adventure-style longer-travel suspension and larger wheels, the Urban part of the name reminds us it is still designed primarily for use on city streets.

The air-cooled 1170cc boxer remains unchanged from the regular R nineT, claiming 109 hp at 7750 rpm and 85.6 lb-ft at 8500 rpm, but with updated engine mapping to meet Euro4 emissions requirements. The R nineT’s modular frame system goes into play here, with the Urban G/S using three components, a front frame, a rear frame with integrated end piece and a passenger frame, all bolted to one another. The seat is held 33.4 inches from the ground, putting 1.8 inches higher than the standard R nineT seat.

The Urban G/S uses a gaitered 43mm telescopic fork offering 4.9 inches of travel instead of the upside-down fork with 4.7 inches travel used on the base R nineT (now fully-adjustable for 2017). Rear suspension is handled by the same Paralever single-sided swingarm system used in the other R nineT models, but with the travel bumped up by 0.8 inches to 5.5 inches.

Steel braided brake lines manipulate the dual four-piston front brake calipers and rear two-piston caliper. ABS is, of course, standard.

The R nineT Urban G/S comes standard with light alloy cast wheels (19-inches up front, 17 at the rear) and street tires though wire-spoke wheels and knobbier tires are available as options.

Other highlights include a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, dual-section front fender, circular analog instrument with two-line LCD screen and a claimed unladen weight of 487 pounds.

Along with the Urban G/S, BMW presented an updated R nineT. In addition to the aforementioned fully-adjustable fork, the R nineT gains an updated instrument cluster, new master cylinders, redesigned wire spoke wheels, and new paint options. BMW also altered the steering geometry, reducing the rake by 1.3 degrees and increasing the wheelbase by 0.3 inches.