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2020 BMW R NineT Racer Overview
BMW R NineT Racer is a naked bike motorcycle, displacing 1170 cc. Power comes from a Horizontal Boxer Twin engine running DOHC Radially Aligned valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. On the performance side, it delivers 81 kW @ 7550 rpm of peak power and 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. On the road, the 2020 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. The full 2020 BMW R NineT Racer spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2020 BMW R NineT Racer compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2020 BMW R NineT Racer against up to 1666 bikes in the Naked bike category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 88 of the other 1317 bikes in the Naked bike category have a higher torque than the 116 Nm of the R NineT Racer.
- With 1170 cc, the R NineT Racer has the joint 134th largest engine displacement of 1666 bikes in the Naked bike category, 68% above the category average of 697 cc.
- Power output of 81 kW is higher than that of 922 of the other 1124 bikes in the Naked bike category.
- Narrowing the field to the 494 models within five model years of it, the torque of 116 Nm is higher than that of 432 of the other 493.
Versus the 2018 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2018 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement and seat height all match.
2020 R NineT Racer - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: With 81 kW @ 7550 rpm and 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque on tap, the R NineT Racer is no slouch for its class.
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🔧
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
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Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Running a shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.
Considerations
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ℹ️
Age-related wear: Nothing specific stands out as a weak point on the R NineT Racer - the usual used-bike checks (service history, consumables, tyres) apply.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Because the R NineT Racer relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.
Fuelling & injector care
The Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management with overrun cutoff on the R NineT Racer needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
Valve clearance checks
With DOHC Radially Aligned valve gear, the R NineT Racer needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from 2 x 320 mm Foating brake discs, 4 piston radial calipers - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The R NineT Racer's suspension runs 46mm Upside-down telescopic forks at the front. The rear uses Cast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut,spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage damping. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The R NineT Racer uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.
Frame & chassis check
Built around a 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, the R NineT Racer's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
R NineT Racer - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2020 BMW R NineT Racer with its 1170 cc naked bike, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. 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 6 years old, this naked bike is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy R NineT Racer should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the R NineT Racer's 1170 cc horizontal boxer twin like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 12.0:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Fuel system care
Fuel injection on the R NineT Racer needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used R NineT Racer since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.
2020 BMW R NineT Racer - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 BMW R NineT Racer have?
The 2020 BMW R NineT Racer uses a Horizontal Boxer Twin engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
How much does the 2020 BMW R NineT Racer weigh?
The 2020 BMW R NineT Racer weighs 219 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2020 BMW R NineT Racer make?
The 2020 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 2020 BMW R NineT Racer?
The 2020 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 2020 BMW R NineT Racer suitable for shorter riders?
The 2020 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 2020 BMW R NineT Racer have?
The 2020 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 2020 BMW R NineT Racer use?
The 2020 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 2020 BMW R NineT Racer have?
The 2020 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 2020 BMW R NineT Racer Specifications
Year
2019 - 20
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
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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