2022 BMW R nineT Urban G/S. (BMW/)

Ups

• New Euro 5 cylinder heads produce better low-midrange torque
• Updated electronics suite, rear shock
• Commemorative paint stands out

Downs

• Don’t get too carried away riding off-road
• Sluggish steering and handling on road
• Only 40th anniversary paint scheme available

Verdict

As a throwback model, the R nineT Urban does a great job of representing the bike that started the adventure bike segment, the 1980 R80G/S. And true to its R nineT bloodline, it’s simpler and more accessible than the current BMW GS models; no huge fuel tank or equally huge price tag, no dizzying array of electronics. Just don’t try to emulate the off-road (and actually, even on-road) capabilities of a modern GS; stick to easier routes and keep your speed in check, and you’ll have a blast.

2022 BMW R nineT Urban G/S. (BMW/)

Overview

Just like the original R80G/S, BMW likely had no idea that the original 2014 R nineT was going to be such a successful model for the company. The back-to-basics R nineT proved to be a hit with the burgeoning retro-classic heritage bike movement, and swiftly spawned numerous offshoot models. The Urban G/S is one of them, debuting in 2017, and it has continued to be one of the more popular versions of the R nineT. Utilizing the same “oilhead” boxer engine platform, the Urban G/S gets slightly longer-travel suspension and different chassis geometry to give it some off-road capability, and wire spoke wheels (including a larger 19-inch wheel up front) to bolster the adventure bike look. Check out CW’s First Ride Review of the 2018 R nineT Urban G/S here.

Updates for 2021

The entire R nineT lineup received numerous subtle upgrades for 2021. In order to comply with stricter Euro 5 emissions regs, new cylinder heads with improved combustion not only run cleaner, but also boost low-midrange power. The cylinder head covers and round analog speedometer have been restyled, a USB charging port for your phone is now standard, and all lighting is now handled by LED units. A new rear shock with travel-dependent damping is also equipped with a handwheel spring preload adjuster. Electronics have been upgraded, with Road and Rain Ride Modes now available, in addition to ABS Pro (cornering ABS) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC, adjustable engine braking). With the optional Ride Modes Pro, you can access Dirt Ride Mode, which optimizes throttle response, traction control, and ABS to better suit off-road conditions. For 2022, the Urban G/S is only available in Imperial Blue Metallic and the “40 Years of G/S Edition” has been eliminated.

Pricing And Variants

The base model R nineT Urban starts at $13,995, but there likely won’t be any available without the $1,000 Select Package option, which includes Dynamic Traction Control, Adaptive Headlight, Dynamic Engine Brake Control, heated grips, cruise control, and Ride Modes Pro. Other options such as off-road tires, black or gold rims on the wire-spoke wheels, or the Scrambler-type dual-muffler high-mount exhaust are available at no extra cost.

Competition

Competitors for the R nineT Urban G/S \ include its own sister model R nineT Scrambler, as well as several editions of the Ducati Scrambler: Urban Motard, Desert Sled, and Fasthouse. Triumph’s Street Scrambler and Scrambler 1200XC are also competitors.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Utilizing the previous-generation air/oil-cooled 1,170cc opposed-twin “boxer” engine with updated cylinder heads for improved combustion in order to pass stricter Euro 5 emissions regs, BMW is claiming 109 horsepower at 7,250 rpm with 85 lb/ft of torque at 6,000 rpm for the newest R nineT. This is one horsepower down on the prior version, but BMW is claiming a marked increase in midrange power with peak power occurring 500 rpm sooner than the old version.

2022 BMW R nineT Urban G/S. (BMW/)

Handling

The Urban G/S has some major differences from the standard R nineT or Pure models, starting with the larger 19-inch front wheel, more than two degrees increase in rake angle (28.5° versus 26.8° on the standard R nineT and 26.6° on the Pure) for better stability off-road, and a wheelbase that’s more than an inch longer. This results in steering that’s noticeably heavier and more sluggish than the standard R nineT on the street, and if you choose the off-road Conti TKC80 rubber, even more so. Softer spring and damping rates in the suspension jar your wrists over sharp potholes and washouts if you try to push the pace in any way, either on or off-road. Keep the speed down and the route not too bumpy, and alle ist gut. Read Zach Courts’ take on the Urban G/S in this Motorcyclist review.

Brakes

The Urban G/S utilizes the same dual four-piston Brembo caliper/320mm front disc combination up front as all the other R nineT models, providing excellent stopping power. A two-piston sliding-pin caliper and 264mm disc handle rear brake duties.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

There are no fuel economy figures for the 2021 R nineT Urban G/S Edition 40 Years GS.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

The R nineT Urban G/S has your typical standard-style upright riding position, with a short reach to the tubular handlebar, decent legroom, and a firmly padded one-piece seat. Speaking of the seat, it’s noticeably higher than the other R nineT models at 33.5 inches, so those short of inseam might be tip-toeing at stoplights. Because of the one-piece seat, passenger accommodations are adequate as well.

Electronics

Part of the upgrades in 2021 included rider aid electronics, in the form of the making Road and Rain Ride Modes, ABS and ABS Pro (cornering ABS), and Dynamic Engine Braking Control all installed as standard equipment. The Ride Modes Pro option is also now available, which allows access to Dirt Ride Mode; this mode delays the intervention parameters for the traction control, ABS/ABS Pro, and Dynamic Engine Brake Control to allow the rider more leeway when riding off-road. The headlight, taillight, and turn signals are all LED units, and a USB charging port for your smartphone or other personal electronics is included.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The R nineT Urban G/S comes with BMW’s excellent 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, as well as its 3-year/unlimited-mile Roadside Assistance.

Quality

The R nineT Urban G/S has the typical quality BMW feel throughout, and all the available options and parts are just as top shelf. The company prides itself on the quality of its motorcycles, and the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty shows how confident it is of those products.

2022 BMW R nineT Urban G/S. (BMW/)

2021 BMW R nineT Urban G/S  Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com