BMW R Nine T Urban GS

[tommymck]

I've been following these things for some time. Reviews tend to indicate that The Urban GS has inferior suspension in comparison to the standard R Nine T. I rode it and loved it though. Suspension is tight, but that's how I like it. I doubt that I'd ever do much off-road with the bike. GS or not, I like the way it handles on the road, and maybe that's why the suspension works for me. Also, I love the looks. End of year pricing blow-out, and....well.... you know how it goes.... The CB1100 still is the best all around bike that I've ever owned, and I'm keeping it forever. But this thing is a fun bike and is a bit more aggressive.

Highly recommended. Fortunately, it's been surprisingly good riding weather lately around the mid-Atlantic and today was the perfect day to pick up a new bike and put a hundred miles on it...

 

[the Ferret]

Congrats tommymck. Looks like it would be a lot of fun to ride. Nice belated Christmas present!

 

[misterprofessionality]

I test drove this very bike on the day i purchased my CB. it was a strong second place. i considered it slightly better in every way than the CB (sorry guys) but still purchased the CB because it was quite literally half the price. in a world where money is no object i might be on the RNineT forum instead.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

Congrats on your new bike. End of year is always a great time to get a good deal on a new BMW!

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

All man, the R9T had to be brought up again. :dodgy:









( ... it is sumthin', ain't it?)

 

[dbarkdoll_imp]

What the tire sizes on that? And are those tubeless?

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

( ... still hard to look at, ... and has a bloody shaft.)

 

[LongRanger_imp]

What the tire sizes on that? And are those tubeless?

120/70 R 19 Front
170/60 R 17 Rear

The bike has tubeless rims.

 

[tommymck]

Thanks Guys,

LR is right on with the tire info. And while I really am digging the thing, for Misterprof, regardless of price, I'd select the CB1100 if I could only have 1 bike. The only real negative for me is the rear brakes. Or more specifically, the rear brake control. It's position is such that you need to flex your ankle more than what I'd consider normal to get bite. I've adjusted, but that's the only ergo thing that I've found with it. On a positive note, what I thought was a completely decorative windscreen turns out to be quite effective. No turbulence on the chest or head, but it seems to cut down on wind blast more that I'd have thought.

I really only have room for 1 bike in my garage at home. The CB always gets that spot. The rest I keep at a warehouse that I have for work. Spent a nice day today cleaning up the other three. The CB doesn't get doted on as much mainly because it's my main ride.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

Very nice collection of bikes. Curious to hear your comparison of the engine characteristics between your R1200C and your Urban GS. Completely different head designs, but both 1200cc.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Thanks Guys,

LR is right on with the tire info. And while I really am digging the thing, for Misterprof, regardless of price, I'd select the CB1100 if I could only have 1 bike. The only real negative for me is the rear brakes. Or more specifically, the rear brake control. It's position is such that you need to flex your ankle more than what I'd consider normal to get bite. I've adjusted, but that's the only ergo thing that I've found with it. On a positive note, what I thought was a completely decorative windscreen turns out to be quite effective. No turbulence on the chest or head, but it seems to cut down on wind blast more that I'd have thought.

I really only have room for 1 bike in my garage at home. The CB always gets that spot. The rest I keep at a warehouse that I have for work. Spent a nice day today cleaning up the other three. The CB doesn't get doted on as much mainly because it's my main ride.

... pick up on one and leave the others behind ...

 

[DaSwami_imp]

I seriously considered this bike, but it's nearly twice as much as the CB1100 (which someone already mentioned)

What gave me pause was the internet, I read many stories that these bikes were prone to burning oil, and maintenance (re: valve adjustments) was complicated and expensive, plus the rear shaft seal was prone to letting water in. What sealed the deal to not get one was a multi-brand dealer salesman telling me they had more trouble with BMW than any other make.

I wish you the best, because the sound and power of the bike is indeed alluring to me.

 

[decarmine_imp]

Thanks Guys,

LR is right on with the tire info. And while I really am digging the thing, for Misterprof, regardless of price, I'd select the CB1100 if I could only have 1 bike. The only real negative for me is the rear brakes. Or more specifically, the rear brake control. It's position is such that you need to flex your ankle more than what I'd consider normal to get bite. I've adjusted, but that's the only ergo thing that I've found with it. On a positive note, what I thought was a completely decorative windscreen turns out to be quite effective. No turbulence on the chest or head, but it seems to cut down on wind blast more that I'd have thought.

I really only have room for 1 bike in my garage at home. The CB always gets that spot. The rest I keep at a warehouse that I have for work. Spent a nice day today cleaning up the other three. The CB doesn't get doted on as much mainly because it's my main ride.

... pick up on one and leave the others behind ...

...It's not often easy, and not often kind...

 

[tommymck]

Very nice collection of bikes. Curious to hear your comparison of the engine characteristics between your R1200C and your Urban GS. Completely different head designs, but both 1200cc.

Very different engines indeed. The R1200C is only 61HP, but has loads of low end umph. The Urban GS is the same displacement but has 110HP. It seems to also have lots of torque down low though, but wants to be ridden higher up.

I seriously considered this bike, but it's nearly twice as much as the CB1100 (which someone already mentioned)

What gave me pause was the internet, I read many stories that these bikes were prone to burning oil, and maintenance (re: valve adjustments) was complicated and expensive, plus the rear shaft seal was prone to letting water in. What sealed the deal to not get one was a multi-brand dealer salesman telling me they had more trouble with BMW than any other make.

I wish you the best, because the sound and power of the bike is indeed alluring to me.

Depends on what he means by "these bikes". If he's generally talking about oiled cooled boxers then I don't agree. They typically use a half-quart per 1000 miles. Like gas mileage though, it really depends on your riding habits. My 21 year old R1200C still consumes the same amount of oil as new, and I have yet to need to change the drive seal. Maybe there is some problem that is specific to the R Nine T family, but I'm not aware of it.

I personally like the no-fuss-no-mess shaft drive by the way.

Parts and service is definitely more expensive than with a Honda though.

 

[DaSwami_imp]

Very nice collection of bikes. Curious to hear your comparison of the engine characteristics between your R1200C and your Urban GS. Completely different head designs, but both 1200cc.

Very different engines indeed. The R1200C is only 61HP, but has loads of low end umph. The Urban GS is the same displacement but has 110HP. It seems to also have lots of torque down low though, but wants to be ridden higher up.

I seriously considered this bike, but it's nearly twice as much as the CB1100 (which someone already mentioned)

What gave me pause was the internet, I read many stories that these bikes were prone to burning oil, and maintenance (re: valve adjustments) was complicated and expensive, plus the rear shaft seal was prone to letting water in. What sealed the deal to not get one was a multi-brand dealer salesman telling me they had more trouble with BMW than any other make.

I wish you the best, because the sound and power of the bike is indeed alluring to me.

Depends on what he means by "these bikes". If he's generally talking about oiled cooled boxers then I don't agree. They typically use a half-quart per 1000 miles. Like gas mileage though, it really depends on your riding habits. My 21 year old R1200C still consumes the same amount of oil as new, and I have yet to need to change the drive seal. Maybe there is some problem that is specific to the R Nine T family, but I'm not aware of it.

I personally like the no-fuss-no-mess shaft drive by the way.

Parts and service is definitely more expensive than with a Honda though.

Well then, that is exactly what I don't want in a bike. Why so excessive? Nothing I've ever ridden before has ever needed to have oil added between changes.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Thanks Guys,

LR is right on with the tire info. And while I really am digging the thing, for Misterprof, regardless of price, I'd select the CB1100 if I could only have 1 bike. The only real negative for me is the rear brakes. Or more specifically, the rear brake control. It's position is such that you need to flex your ankle more than what I'd consider normal to get bite. I've adjusted, but that's the only ergo thing that I've found with it. On a positive note, what I thought was a completely decorative windscreen turns out to be quite effective. No turbulence on the chest or head, but it seems to cut down on wind blast more that I'd have thought.

I really only have room for 1 bike in my garage at home. The CB always gets that spot. The rest I keep at a warehouse that I have for work. Spent a nice day today cleaning up the other three. The CB doesn't get doted on as much mainly because it's my main ride.

... pick up on one and leave the others behind ...

...It's not often easy, and not often kind...

...It's not often easy, and not often kind...

 

[tommymck]

Thanks Guys,

LR is right on with the tire info. And while I really am digging the thing, for Misterprof, regardless of price, I'd select the CB1100 if I could only have 1 bike. The only real negative for me is the rear brakes. Or more specifically, the rear brake control. It's position is such that you need to flex your ankle more than what I'd consider normal to get bite. I've adjusted, but that's the only ergo thing that I've found with it. On a positive note, what I thought was a completely decorative windscreen turns out to be quite effective. No turbulence on the chest or head, but it seems to cut down on wind blast more that I'd have thought.

I really only have room for 1 bike in my garage at home. The CB always gets that spot. The rest I keep at a warehouse that I have for work. Spent a nice day today cleaning up the other three. The CB doesn't get doted on as much mainly because it's my main ride.

... pick up on one and leave the others behind ...

...It's not often easy, and not often kind...

...It's not often easy, and not often kind...

...It's not often easy, and not often kind...
Haha! That's pretty much the plan. I find myself riding the Honda back home most days though. The Triumph and the BMW cruiser are both rather unique and calls for a certain kind of day and mood to want to ride them. We'll see where the Urban GS nets out in the scheme of things....

Very nice collection of bikes. Curious to hear your comparison of the engine characteristics between your R1200C and your Urban GS. Completely different head designs, but both 1200cc.

Very different engines indeed. The R1200C is only 61HP, but has loads of low end umph. The Urban GS is the same displacement but has 110HP. It seems to also have lots of torque down low though, but wants to be ridden higher up.

I seriously considered this bike, but it's nearly twice as much as the CB1100 (which someone already mentioned)

What gave me pause was the internet, I read many stories that these bikes were prone to burning oil, and maintenance (re: valve adjustments) was complicated and expensive, plus the rear shaft seal was prone to letting water in. What sealed the deal to not get one was a multi-brand dealer salesman telling me they had more trouble with BMW than any other make.

I wish you the best, because the sound and power of the bike is indeed alluring to me.

Depends on what he means by "these bikes". If he's generally talking about oiled cooled boxers then I don't agree. They typically use a half-quart per 1000 miles. Like gas mileage though, it really depends on your riding habits. My 21 year old R1200C still consumes the same amount of oil as new, and I have yet to need to change the drive seal. Maybe there is some problem that is specific to the R Nine T family, but I'm not aware of it.

I personally like the no-fuss-no-mess shaft drive by the way.

Parts and service is definitely more expensive than with a Honda though.

Well then, that is exactly what I don't want in a bike. Why so excessive? Nothing I've ever ridden before has ever needed to have oil added between changes.

Well then, that is exactly what I don't want in a bike. Why so excessive? Nothing I've ever ridden before has ever needed to have oil added between changes.
Fair enough. I guess as a long time BMW rider, it doesn't seem that excessive to me. It's only a few bucks and I find myself adding air to the tires way more often than I add oil. For what it's worth, I put 400 miles on the Urban GS since I picked it up and it doesn't seem to have lost a drop. I was pretty tame during the break in period, so there is that.....

 

[dbarkdoll_imp]

Very nice collection of bikes. Curious to hear your comparison of the engine characteristics between your R1200C and your Urban GS. Completely different head designs, but both 1200cc.

Very different engines indeed. The R1200C is only 61HP, but has loads of low end umph. The Urban GS is the same displacement but has 110HP. It seems to also have lots of torque down low though, but wants to be ridden higher up.

I seriously considered this bike, but it's nearly twice as much as the CB1100 (which someone already mentioned)

What gave me pause was the internet, I read many stories that these bikes were prone to burning oil, and maintenance (re: valve adjustments) was complicated and expensive, plus the rear shaft seal was prone to letting water in. What sealed the deal to not get one was a multi-brand dealer salesman telling me they had more trouble with BMW than any other make.

I wish you the best, because the sound and power of the bike is indeed alluring to me.

Depends on what he means by "these bikes". If he's generally talking about oiled cooled boxers then I don't agree. They typically use a half-quart per 1000 miles. Like gas mileage though, it really depends on your riding habits. My 21 year old R1200C still consumes the same amount of oil as new, and I have yet to need to change the drive seal. Maybe there is some problem that is specific to the R Nine T family, but I'm not aware of it.

I personally like the no-fuss-no-mess shaft drive by the way.

Parts and service is definitely more expensive than with a Honda though.

Well then, that is exactly what I don't want in a bike. Why so excessive? Nothing I've ever ridden before has ever needed to have oil added between changes.

Well then, that is exactly what I don't want in a bike. Why so excessive? Nothing I've ever ridden before has ever needed to have oil added between changes.
Yeah that seems really excessive to me, too. That’s roughly 2 quarts per oil change, or half of the overall oil capacity. That’s a lot.

My CB uses virtually no oil at all.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

One-half quart every 1000 miles? Sounds like Internet folklore to me, at least in my 20+ year boxer ownership experience (R850R, R1100S, two R1200RT's). These bikes consumed no oil between oil changes. Parts and service are definitely more expensive than on a Honda but, like our CB1100's, servicing is easy (especially valve adjustments) and reliability has been outstanding. I keep my bikes stock and use only OEM replacement parts, which probably helps.

 

[DaSwami_imp]

To be fair, I know nothing about BMW motorcycles. I was referring strictly to the R-NineT motor. There is many users on the R-NineT forum that says their bikes use oil right from new and often up to 10000 miles.

There is at least one motorcycle mag review that refers to the smell of burning oil as a disappointment on the RNineT