Motorcycle specifications BMW1200 Nine-T Racer 2020 Classic interceptor

These days, an active control system is almost mandatory on every sports machine. The hypersports are teeming with electronics, while the NineT Racer is a little wiser, picking up ASC traction control in 2020. All in all, the most radical of the Heritage family can rely on this "stability control", the ABS, and in another field, but still safe, on the'Dynamic Brake Light' gained in 2019 - an active braking lighting system to warn followers of the intensity of the slowdown. Aside from the technical side of things, there's also cosmetics. A new 'Spezial' color has recently been added to the options list. A pretty combination of black and gold, it gives this NineT a great deal of depth. And to further enhance its philosophy.

If you're going to jump into the neo-retro scene, you might as well do it with your head in the bubble and your hand in the corner. BMW excels in this field. Building on the success of the NineT since 2014, the Heritage range now includes no fewer than 5 models. The original 1200 NineT, the Scrambler, the Pure, the Urban G/S, and the sporty Racer. Gentlemen of the Joe BAR Team and '70s daredevils, your descendants are here.

We knew BM's enormous strike force and its executive side with the violent S 1000 RR. With the NineT 1200 Racer, it's a different tune. We're witnessing the rebirth of old-school sport. And what a face! No need to add salt or spice, the dish is presented in the most beautiful way. Gripping charm, an eye-catching splash of war paint to honor the BMW Motorsport racing department, and you're right in the mood. This Racer harks back to the heyday of seventies racing motorcycles, hints at the R 90 S, and reminds us of the Ninety concept presented in 2013. We suspected that this styling study would lead to a sequel...

An old-fashioned fork head, a seat cover, a racing deco - you're in tune with the old-school sports bike. An ultra-short summary of the situation, allowing only a glimpse of the 1200 Racer. Underneath, the technical underpinnings are those of the NineT Scrambler, with a shorter wheelbase and more road-going shoes. But before we get back to the technology, let's take a look at the wheel and discover its special features.

After all, a game of dress-up would be too light a justification. The BMW has taken care of a few things to hold its own. One of these is a driving position that has to be distinctive. The NineT Racer elongates its rider with a pair of set-back controls and straps that merge with the upper fork crown. A beautiful piece of forged aluminum, openwork between the column and fork tubes. To complete the spirit and lift the egotism, the rear end indulges in transformation. The original seat is a single-seater, complete with aluminum seat cover. As this is a NineT, the rear frame is made up of a removable passenger frame, so you can add the necessary gear to take a passenger on board. Or give free rein to your imagination to design a customized stern.

There are no sports jars for brake and clutch fluids. As a consolation, the instrumentation is vintage, and that's nice. In any case, an Airbus-style cockpit would be out of place here. Analog is in the spotlight, with two beautiful round meters and two needles to monitor speed and engine rpm. Who cares about the rest when the pleasure of the ride has pushed all other considerations to the back of your mind? But if reality takes you back to the on-board info, each instrument has its own digital window. All the same, it's handy for checking the time, gear engaged, remaining range, daily mileage, maintenance interval and average speed and fuel consumption.

A neo-retro machine is more or less the technology of today with the ecstasy of yesteryear. And when you see the front end of the NineT Racer, you can't help but have doubts. Is it smug to install a conventional fork on a racy bike like this? An inverted model would be much more sporty! Radial calipers would also be in order. But...... wouldn't that betray the spirit of vintage? Shouldn't a motorcycle that evokes the passion of yesteryear rightly equip itself with solutions similar to the era it endorses?
Freedom allows for this kind of questioning, debate, levity and openness. Because if we were to stick to the facts, we'd only see a concern for economy. Let's let everyone be the judge; let's allow everyone to grasp this classic 43 mm fork. Neither inverted nor Telelever, it's just right for holding 4-piston axial brake calipers. At the rear, we find the traditional Paralever cardan joint. Take the opportunity to gauge the color scheme of the mechanical parts: black for the swingarm, fork bushes, rims, levers and engine - gray or metal for the head covers, frame tubes and foot controls.

Whether it's the brand's first motorcycle(R32), the aforementioned R90S or our NineT Racer, the engine remains true to its fundamentals: an air-cooled flat-twin Boxer. To keep things retro and avoid a mess of hoses and radiators for the fleet, we won't be featuring the latest generation flat-twin here. Let's give pride of place to the tried-and-tested 1170 cm3 and its 110 horsepower. It's got what it takes to have fun and display the bare minimum of technology: fuel injection, Euro4 standards, double ACT, 4 valves per cylinder, 6-speed gearbox and an impressive maximum torque of 11.8 mkg. Enough to set the pace, with the allure and fearlessness of a café-racer. There's almost enough to present itself alongside an HP2 Sport... but only to present itself.
The exhaust system does its bit to complete the package. No twin mufflers as on the other NineTs; just an old-fashioned bazooka, as it should be.

With this Racer, BMW skilfully completes its Heritage range with a sporty revival. It doesn't come with the plethora of equipment found on today's missiles, just ABS and optional traction control. However, it is less premium than the standard NineT. No upside-down forks, a steel tank instead of aluminum, optional spoked wheels. But BMW has everything in store for rich wallets: a list of options worthy of a cinema outing - between the ticket and the film, you'll be tempted by popcorn, ice cream and a Coke. Or rather Slim, Raiders and a Mikojet.

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