We rode out before sunrise. The road that climbs into the Eastern Ghats is narrow, unpredictable, and rich with every kind of twist a rider could ask for. It’s the perfect terrain to put a bike like the BMW R nine T to the test, not just for its power, but for the way it delivers that power, responds to a sudden turn, and settles into a long, leaning corner.
109 hp engine
The heart of the R nine T is still its air/oil-cooled 1,170cc boxer twin, a layout that has become an unmistakable signature of BMW’s heritage machines. The updated engine now makes 109 hp and 116 Nm of torque, with the most satisfying pull kicking in right around 4,000 rpm. Twist the throttle in that sweet spot and the response is immediate. No fuss, no lag, just a clean, solid shove forward that feels deeply mechanical and alive. On the long straights that streak between the dense trees, I pushed the bike hard through the gears. The six-speed transmission is crisp and buttery, and the power builds with a measured grace. This is not a manic high-revving screamer, it’s a muscular, confident bruiser that doesn’t need to shout. When I dropped a gear for an overtake, the torque wave launched the bike ahead with enough force to make me grin inside my helmet. Despite meeting Euro 5 compliance, the engine hasn’t lost its edge. It still sounds raw enough to feel authentic, yet refined enough not to fatigue. And thanks to a flap-controlled exhaust system, the idle hum sits at a mild 86 dB(A), keeping things polite around town. But open the throttle and it finds its voice, deep, growling, and unmistakably boxer.
Convincing driving behavior
The real surprise came not from the numbers, but from the way the R nine T behaves. In the twisty hairpins that dot the Eastern Ghats, its chassis felt solid, balanced, and supremely composed. This bike wants to lean, and once leaned over, it feels planted and stable in a way many naked bikes don’t. The shock absorber with travel-dependent damping does an excellent job of handling bumpy terrain. On broken tarmac, potholes, and that constant ripple effect you find in old mountain roads, the suspension soaked it all in without transmitting harshness to the rider. It’s a plush ride, but with enough feel to stay connected to the surface beneath you. The ABS Pro system came in handy during a few sudden slow-downs for wandering goats and stray dogs. Whether upright or leaned over, the cornering ABS worked exactly as advertised, helping me brake hard without upsetting the chassis. This, combined with Dynamic Brake Control, gives confidence that’s rare in the retro category. Riding modes, “Rain” and “Road” by default, with optional modes via the Comfort package, are a quiet luxury. In “Road,” the throttle response feels natural, progressive, and satisfying. I didn’t bother switching to “Rain” even when a light drizzle hit the mountain, it never felt twitchy or abrupt. Let’s not forget the ergonomics. The foot pegs sit slightly rearward, and the seat is roomy without being overly plush. It encourages an active ride posture, and after hours in the saddle, I had no cramps, no aches, just the satisfaction of riding something that felt like it was built to be ridden long and hard.
Successful cockpit
Pulling into a roadside tea shack halfway through the Ghats, I had time to admire the cockpit, and it’s a masterclass in blending old-school with new tech. Two perfectly symmetrical analog dials sit proudly in front of you, and the fonts, backlighting, and layout all scream retro done right. But tucked neatly within is a digital display, giving all the essential info, trip data, gear position, fuel level, and even ride mode. There’s a certain peace that comes from glancing down and seeing something so aesthetically clean yet functionally modern. You don’t get buried in submenus. You don’t scroll endlessly. You ride. The LED headlamp with daytime running light keeps the front end looking classic, but performance-wise, it’s bright and consistent. And if you opt for the adaptive cornering light, it adds a surprising level of nighttime comfort. Lean into a dark bend, and the path lights up with you. It’s subtle, but once you’ve experienced it, you’ll want it on every bike. Cruise control and heated grips (part of the Comfort package) round off the cockpit experience. I didn’t think I’d use cruise control on a naked bike in the mountains, but when we descended into flatter land, I locked it in at 90 km/h and gave my throttle hand a break. These aren’t gimmicks. They’re tools that extend your comfort zone.
Technical data BMW R nine T
| Manufacturer information | Specification |
| Motor | Air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine, 1170 cc displacement, 80 kW/109 hp at 7250 rpm, 116 Nm at 6000 rpm; injection, 6 gears, cardan shaft |
| Performance and consumption | 0–100 km/h approx. 3.5 seconds, top speed over 200 km/h. Standard fuel consumption according to EU5: 5.1 l/100 km |
| chassis | Steel tubular frame, load-bearing engine; front: upside-down telescopic fork, 4.6 cm diameter, fully adjustable, 12 cm travel; rear: cast aluminum single-sided swing arm (BMW Paralever), WAD central spring strut, continuously adjustable preload, 12 cm travel; wire-spoke wheels; tires: 120/70 ZR 17 (front) and 180/55 ZR 17 (rear). 32 cm double disc brakes at the front, 26.5 cm single disc brake at the rear. |
| Dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1.487 m, seat height 80.3 cm, weight ready to drive 222 kg, payload 208 kg; fuel tank capacity 18 l |
| Assistance systems | Cornering ABS with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), two riding modes, automatic indicator reset (also available as Pro riding mode with two settings, dynamic traction control and engine drag torque control (MSR), cruise control, adaptive LED cornering lights) |
| Price | from 17,050 euros |
Conclusion
The BMW R nine T doesn’t scream for attention, but it commands respect. This is a bike that merges soul and software, with just the right amount of each. Riding it through the Eastern Ghats was a reminder of why motorcycles like this still matter in an increasingly digital world. It’s not about outright speed. It’s about how it feels when you accelerate out of a corner, when the engine pulses beneath you like a heartbeat, when the gearbox clicks with mechanical satisfaction, when the chassis leans in without complaint, and when your reflection in a shop window shows a machine that looks as good as it rides. There are bikes faster than the R nine T. There are bikes with more tech. But very few bring this much character, this much class, and this much capability into one package. It’s a naked roadster that wears its history with pride, yet rides like a modern machine tuned for real roads and real riders. If you’re looking for a bike that makes every ride feel intentional, that invites you to explore, and that looks damn good parked outside a mountain café, the BMW R nine T is waiting.
