Motorcycle specifications BMW1200 R Nine-T Urban G/S 2019 Trail or myth?

For 2019, the most retro of trails gains a little electronic bonus, the Dynamic brake light. Its color range can now take a trip to the 'Spezial' department to display a clearly marked personalization. And it's in a class of its own, where no one else dares follow suit.
Since trail bikes have become maxi bikes, they've taken a strategic place in the hearts of riders and adventurers. And every time, the R 1200 GS is mentioned in one way or another. The Gelände / Straße - the cornerstone of the category it invented almost 40 years ago with the R 80 G/S. Back then, it had 50 horsepower, won the Dakar Rally and paved the way for a new generation of motorcycles. Today, rather than produce yet another tribute series, BMW has decided to recreate the 80 G/S with its now-famous neo-retro base, the NineT. And the result is stunning. Propelled back in time, the GS travels between two frontiers: you can't tell whether it's a NineT that's eaten up an R 80 G/S, or vice versa. The fusion is called R NineT Urban G/S and it sends sand up our nostrils.

stylistically, it's perfect. The nostalgia effect is in full effect, as BMW has succeeded in highlighting key elements. The red seat from the first model, the white dress embellished with Bavarian blue tones, the unmistakable curved duckbill, the 1000 GS-inspired windscreen and the gussets protecting the fork tubes. All you have to do is add the big square blinkers and you're in.
All of a sudden, it's easy to think that the manufacturer has designed an entirely new machine, greatly enriching the Heritage range. But it's not quite that. While the silhouette is certainly striking, the underside reveals a NineT Scrambler dressed up for enduro. A bit like the Racer, which is the sport version of the same Scrambler. One base, several philosophies. This means you can satisfy the latest fashions and thrills without spending years on development. It appeals, and that's the main thing.

It's a pity, a real pity, that spoked wheels fitted with studded tires are optional. Admittedly, very few owners are going to go out on the rocks; but for looks, it's the icing and cream on the cake. The Urban G/S doesn't pay much attention to such remarks. It's already looking forward to some great rides to the melodious sound of its big, flat twin.
Well-known, even arch-known, it's the latest in a line of air-cooled engines. Which is more in keeping with the engine's philosophy than a boiler with hoses, radiator and all the rest. With 1170 cm3 of displacement and the technology of the previous decade adapted to today's standards, it's got plenty of power and the right character. The Urban G/S delivers 110 horsepower at 7,750 rpm. Torque reaches its maximum of 11.8 mkg at 6,000 rpm. As for revs, they can be pushed up to 8000 rpm if required, but they won't be needed. This 1200 Urban G/S is best appreciated on the move, not on the move.

the R 80 G/S already featured the Monolever single-arm with universal joint. The tradition continues on all R models, albeit with an obvious technical gap. The Urban G/S features the indispensable Paralever to link the Boxer to the rear wheel, and is built around a tubular frame in three sections: the front section, the rear section and the passenger frame. The fork is a classic 43 mm model with 2-piston calipers. A far cry from the S 1000 RR-derived fork reserved for the standard NineT; but would this sporty front end be appropriate on this neo-vintage-enduro-heritage?!
In fact, this G/S intends to take to the open road. To this end, it carries a 19-inch front wheel and offers a little more suspension travel. The Urban G/S has 125 mm of damping at the front and 140 mm at the rear; the NineT has 120 / 120 mm respectively.
Braking is convincing, with 320 mm discs at the front and 265 mm at the rear, with ABS. For added safety, ASC traction control is available as an option.

A trail bike should be simple and uncluttered. The Urban G/S comes close, but can't match the 80's slim appearance (from today's perspective). As for the instrumentation, it's a success. The simple, round speedometer makes do with a needle for speed. For the rest, a small digital window provides on-board information. But don't be fooled: this is a NineT, not an old-fashioned GS. Between the legs, it's twice the power, 40 kilos heavier, and a roadster that smells of off-roading, not actually does it. But when it comes to charm, it's impossible to remain unmoved. The'Lac Rose' concept presented in early 2016 left no doubt as to the arrival of this R NineT Urban G/S. Those who have kept a poster of the Dakar with Thierry Sabine and Hubert Auriol can now put it on display in the garage, and believe that this bike came out of it.

M.B - Manufacturer's media