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2017 BMW R NineT Racer Overview
The 2017 BMW R NineT Racer is a naked bike motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Horizontal Boxer Twin engine running DOHC Radially Aligned valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. The bore and stroke measures 101 x 73 mm. 2017 BMW R NineT Racer delivers 81 kW @ 7550 rpm of peak power and 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2017 R NineT Racer tips the scales at 219 kg, carries a 17-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 805 mm and spans a 1487 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 18 kg heavier than the average naked bike in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2017 BMW R NineT Racer spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2017 BMW R NineT Racer compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category
Here is how the 2017 BMW R NineT Racer stacks up against other bikes in the Naked bike category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1666 models.
- Torque of 116 Nm is higher than that of 1212 of the other 1317 bikes in the Naked bike category.
- Only 133 of the other 1665 bikes in the Naked bike category have a larger engine displacement than the 1170 cc of the R NineT Racer.
- With 81 kW, the R NineT Racer has the joint 183rd highest power output of 1125 bikes in the Naked bike category, 49% above the category average of 54.5 kW.
- Narrowing the field to the 528 models within five model years of it, the torque of 116 Nm is higher than that of 457 of the other 527.
2017 R NineT Racer - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2017 BMW R NineT Racer makes 81 kW @ 7550 rpm with 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Fuel injection: The Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management with overrun cutoff system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: As with any used R NineT Racer, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
R NineT Racer's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management with overrun cutoff. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Valve clearance checks
DOHC Radially Aligned valve actuation on the R NineT Racer means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.
Brake disc and pad wear
The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the R NineT Racer runs 46mm Upside-down telescopic forks and Cast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut,spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage damping at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Four-part frame concept with front frame and three-part rear frame, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, rear-seat frame removeable for one-up riding - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
R NineT Racer - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2017 BMW R NineT Racer with its 1170 cc naked bike, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 9 years old, this naked bike is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R NineT Racer should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the R NineT Racer's 1170 cc horizontal boxer twin. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 12.0:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The R NineT Racer's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used R NineT Racer. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.
2017 BMW R NineT Racer - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2017 BMW R NineT Racer have?
The 2017 BMW R NineT Racer uses a Horizontal Boxer Twin engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
How much does the 2017 BMW R NineT Racer weigh?
The 2017 BMW R NineT Racer weighs 219 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2017 BMW R NineT Racer make?
The 2017 BMW R NineT Racer produces 81 kW @ 7550 rpm of power and 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 BMW R NineT Racer?
The 2017 BMW R NineT Racer has a 17-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 283-340 km between stops.
Is the 2017 BMW R NineT Racer suitable for shorter riders?
The 2017 BMW R NineT Racer has a seat height of 805 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2017 BMW R NineT Racer have?
The 2017 BMW R NineT Racer uses 2 x 320 mm Foating brake discs, 4 piston radial calipers at the front and single 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2017 BMW R NineT Racer use?
The 2017 BMW R NineT Racer runs 120/70 - ZR17 front and 180/55 - ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2017 BMW R NineT Racer have?
The 2017 BMW R NineT Racer is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Horizontal Boxer Twin
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm
Torque
116 Nm / 11.8 kgf-m / 85.6 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Weight
219 kg / 482.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
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Full 2017 BMW R NineT Racer Specifications
Year
2017 - 18
Make
BMW
Model
R NineT Racer
Make Model
BMW R NineT Racer
Seat Height
805 mm / 31.7 in unladen
Wheelbase
1487 mm / 58.4 in
Height
1240 mm / 48.8 in (excl. mirrors)
Length
2105 mm / 82.5 in
Width
900 mm / 35.4 in (incl. mirrors)
Dry Weight
211 kg / 465 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight
219 kg / 482.8 lbs
Bore x Stroke (mm)
101.0 x 73.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.98 x 2.87 in
Stroke
73.0 mm
Displacement (cc)
1170 cc
Displacement (ci)
71.4 cu-in
Engine Type
Horizontal Boxer Twin
Fuel Control
DOHC Radially Aligned
Displacement
1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft
Bore x Stroke
101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Cooling System
Air/Oil cooled
Emissions
EURO4
Exhaust
Controlled 3-way catalytic converter
Fuel Induction
Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management with overrun cutoff, twin-spark ignition
Ignition
Digital
Lubrication
Wet sump
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848:1
Transmission / Drive
Constant mesh 6-speed
Frame Type
Four-part frame concept with front frame and three-part rear frame, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, rear-seat frame removeable for one-up riding
Suspension - Front
46mm Upside-down telescopic forks
Suspension - Rear
Cast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut,spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage damping
Steering Head Angle
63.2°
Trail
107.9 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front
120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
120 mm / 4.7 in
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.6 in
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
265 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.4 in
Brakes - Front
2 x 320 mm Foating brake discs, 4 piston radial calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad ABS
Rims - Front
3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear
5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front
120/70 - ZR17
Tyres - Rear
180/55 - ZR17
Wheels
Cast alloy
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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