BMW R NineT Racer S - Test Ride

[DaSwami_imp]

Been flirting with the idea of a R Nine T Pure or Urban GS, but know nothing about BMW bikes, nothing at all. Seem to be of lesser intrinsic quality than the Honda, but that's just from reading.

[the Ferret]

BMWS are generally love em or dont love em bikes. Generally expensive both in purchase price and in servicing ( but what doesn't cost a lot when serviced at the dealer). Dealer network is one of the better European brands but they aren't as numerous as Japanese brands. Used to be they were rather staid and boring but great, reliable long distance machines, but in the last dozen years or so they have started producing more sporting type bikes, pure sport bikes, and a 6 cyl tourer and bagger and a 4 cyl adv bike even. The boxer twins have been around a long time in air cooled versions and BMW has recently started partial water cooling them for emissions and to increase performance. The boxers have a rather flat droning exhaust note. In my experience the BMWs like most Euro bikes prefer to be revved over lugged, and really prefer to be over 4000 rpms. 5 th and 6 th on the one I rented in Europe were basically useless unless on the autobahn. I think they make lovely bikes, but I just can't abide riding them. It's a personal thing.

[DaSwami_imp]

Thanks for that Ferret. A test ride is in order, but the one local dealer would not let me ride without a "credit app" filled out. Say what?

I've noted your comments re: the Euro twin bikes do not like to be below 4000rpm. I've paid attention on my Moto Guzzi V7II and Triumph Scrambler, and I have to disagree. They are perfectly happy at 3000rpm or above, and cruise along just fine. Not as smooth as the CB, mind you, but no problem at all. Below 3000rpm I agree, that is where the CB rules. But I do agree with you that 4-5K is where the sweet spot is on the other bikes.