2020 BMW R nineT Specifications

Name: 2020 BMW R nineT
Brand: BMW

Naked bike • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

No images available

Tap to enlarge

2020 BMW R nineT Overview

The 2020 BMW R nineT is a naked bike motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft engine, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. 2020 BMW R nineT delivers 81 kW @ 7550 rpm of peak power and 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2020 R nineT tips the scales at 220 kg, carries a 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1522 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 11.5 kg heavier than the average naked bike motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2020 BMW R nineT spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2020 R nineT - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2020 BMW R nineT makes 81 kW @ 7550 rpm with 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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.
Large fuel range: The 18-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
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

Tall seat height: The 820 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

R nineT'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.

Brake disc and pad wear

The 2 x 320 mm Foating brake discs, 4 piston radial calipers 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 runs Upside-down telescopic forks, 46 mm fixed-fork-tube diameter 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.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 220 kg, the R nineT is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

R nineT - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2020 BMW R nineT, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R nineT 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 on any R nineT. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The R nineT'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.

2020 BMW R nineT - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2020 BMW R nineT have?

The 2020 BMW R nineT uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft. engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.

How much does the 2020 BMW R nineT weigh?

The 2020 BMW R nineT weighs 220 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 2020 BMW R nineT make?

The 2020 BMW R nineT 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?

The 2020 BMW R nineT has a 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.

Is the 2020 BMW R nineT suitable for shorter riders?

The 2020 BMW R nineT has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2020 BMW R nineT have?

The 2020 BMW R nineT 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 use?

The 2020 BMW R nineT 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 have?

The 2020 BMW R nineT is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed transmission.

BMW R nineT Spec Evolution

The BMW R nineT was produced across 5 model years (2015-2022). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2015	2017	2019	2020	2022
Max Power	81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm	81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm	81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm	81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm	80 kW /109 hp @ 7250 rpm
Wet Weight	222 kg / 489 lb	-	-	-	221 kg / 487.2 lbs
Dry Weight	208 kg / 459 lbs	-	220 kg / 485 lbs	220 kg / 485 lbs	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft.	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft.	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft.	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft.	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.
Seat Height	784.8 mm / 30.9 in Standard	784.8 mm / 30.9 in Standard	820 mm / 32.3 in	820 mm / 32.3 in	805 mm / 31.7 in
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18	18 Litres / 4.7 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal	18 Litres / 4.7 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal	18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Frame Type	Four-section frame consisting of one front and three rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removable pillion frame for single ride use	Four-section frame consisting of one front and three rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removable pillion frame for single ride use	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	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	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
Displacement	1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.	1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.	1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.	1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.	1170 cc / 71.4 cub in

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft.

Power

81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm

Torque

116 Nm / 11.8 kgf-m / 85.6 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

220 kg / 485 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18 Litres / 4.7 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal

Full 2020 BMW R nineT Specifications

Year 2020

Make Model BMW R nineT

Seat Height 820 mm / 32.3 in

Wheelbase 1522 mm / 59.9 in

Height 1240 mm / 48.8 in (excl. mirrors)

Length 1240 mm / 48.8 in (excl. mirrors)

Seat Height (Inner Leg Curve) 1795 mm / 70.7 in unladen

Width 900 mm / 35.4 in (incl. mirrors)

Dry Weight 220 kg / 485 lbs

Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / 4.7 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal

Maximum Load / GVWR 430 kg / 948 lbs

Max Power 81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm

Max Torque 116 Nm / 11.8 kgf-m / 85.6 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

Displacement 1170 cc / 71.4 cub 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 Controlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-4

Fuel Induction Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management with overrun cutoff, twin-spark ignition

Lubrication Wet sump

Starter Electric

Battery Capacity 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free

Clutch Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated

Final Drive Shaft

Gear Ratios Ist 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 Upside-down telescopic forks, 46 mm fixed-fork-tube diameter

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

Alternator Three-phase alternator 600 W

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

Tyres - Front 120/70 - ZR17

Tyres - Rear 180/55 - ZR17

Wheels - Front 3.50 x 17, Cast alloy

Wheels - Rear 5.50 x 17, 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.