Motorcycle tests at motorradtest.de

BMW R nineT Urban G/S in the test (Baujahr 2022)

Retro, Scrambler, Naked, Tourer - what kind of machine is this?

16.04.2022

Photos: Motorradtest.de

The classification of the BMW R nineT Urban G/S is not easy. Is it a retro bike, a scrambler, a naked bike or even a tourer? Like the model, the R80G/S from the 80s, is probably a mixture of everything. We took a close look at Urban G/S over Easter and describe our impressions here.

This is how it stands

From our point of view, the BMW R nineT Urban G/S is a very beautiful motorcycle. Especially in the "Lightwight Uni" livery (no extra charge!) it immediately reminds of the old R80G/S. The machine is available in two other additional colors, namely black-red and blue. Our test bike has cast rims, we would definitely order the spoke wheels with the golden rims (470 €). The machine costs 14,320€ in the basic version. Our test bike with comfort package (heated grips, cruise control, riding modes Pro = 660 €), chrome-plated manifolds (100 €) and raised double silencer (510 €) is just under 16,000 €.

You sit on the Urban G/S 850 mm high and relatively upright with a small sporty, slightly forward inclined note. Thanks to the very narrow seat, however, this feels much deeper and the crotch length, which is important for smaller people, is only 1,890mm. In any case, the 1.77m tall Markus comes playfully with his shoes on the ground, very nice. The handlebar is moderately wide and rather low mounted. The pillion passenger or pillion finds neither handles nor much space. At least now you notice the difference to a normal GS.

Virtual tour of the BMW R nineT Urban G/S

What she should be able to do

The machine comes as standard with ASC (traction control), full LED, two driving modes, USB socket and on-board computer. As accessories there is a rev counter and a solo seat with rear plate for the luggage roll. The rear frame can be removed. Even an adaptive cornering light is available for 190€.

What the R nineT Urban G/S surprisingly does not have is a gear indicator, a digital rev counter and a petrol indicator. We would have liked to have been able to integrate these things into the LC display. The cockpit is optically very reduced. The analog speedometer pleases and also the integration into the light mask is extremely successful.

There is a small disc, but it can't really provide good wind protection. From 120 km/h it gets pretty windy on the bike. The conventional front telescopic fork is not adjustable, the rear shock absorber, however, in rebound and spring base with hydraulic adjusting wheel.

This is how it drives itself

Before we leave, a set about the braking system: this comes from Brembo and offers cornering ABS and a 320 mm double disc with 4-piston fixed callipers at the front and a 2-piston floating caliper at the rear. The braking effect is really good, especially the rear brake works energetically. The sound of the Urban G/S is boxer-typical, as is the slight shaking when starting and accelerating. The air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder sounds dry poty and rough.

The engine delivers 109 hp and 116 Nm of torque and accelerates the machine up to 215 km/h. Especially when pulling through, the boxer inspires with a vehement power including rubber band effect. Although the "old" boxer has less displacement and less power than the modern, water-cooled 1,250cc, nothing is missing here in terms of performance! Of course, the Urban G/S also has the typical BMW single-sided oscillator with integrated gimbal and paralever.

The machine drives casually and invites you to cruise. However, the engine is still a bit rougher and the pure power of the bike tempts you to one or the other throttle moment. In contrast to the other R nineT's, this Urban G/S is almost comfortably sprung, although this cannot be compared with the superior ride comfort of a large GS or GSA.

What is Urban G/S suitable for or for whom is it suitable? Not so easy to answer. In any case, it is not a real travel machine, although an Alpine tour with gravel passages is of course possible. Due to the slightly sportier seating position, the limited wind protection and the luggage situation, the bike can be clearly distinguished from adventure bikes. Of course, it is not an enduro because of the weight and the spring travel. It's more of a lifestyle machine that can shoot fluffy around corners if need be and cut a fine figure in front of every café.

Conclusion - what sticks

Without question, Urban G/S is beguiling. Our tester Markus let himself be carried away to the remark that in his eyes it is currently the most beautiful motorcycle on the market. It is also a typical boxer child and high-quality workmanship from front to back. For those who do not constantly commute between Germany and Mongolia, the Urban G/S may even be better suited than a normal GS, because the Urban G/S is handier and weighs significantly less.

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg for this test. There is exactly this bike as a demonstrator and is looking forward to a lot of test riders. So, let's go to Pinneberg near Hamburg!

Vergleiche die
BMW R nineT Urban G/S
mit anderen Motorrädern