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2021 BMW R nineT Overview
BMW R nineT is a naked bike motorcycle, displacing 1170 cc. Power comes from a Horizontally Opposed Boxer Twin engine running DOHC Radially Aligned valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. On the performance side, it delivers 80 kW /109 hp @ 7250 rpm of peak power and 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. On the road, the 2021 R nineT tips the scales at 221 kg, carries an 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 805 mm and spans a 1487 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 19.9 kg heavier than the average naked bike in our database. The full 2021 BMW R nineT spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2021 BMW R nineT compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2021 BMW R nineT 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 90 of the other 1317 bikes in the Naked bike category have a higher torque than the 116 Nm of the R nineT.
- With 1170 cc, the R nineT 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 80 kW is higher than that of 911 of the other 1124 bikes in the Naked bike category.
- Narrowing the field to the 398 models within five model years of it, the torque of 116 Nm is higher than that of 341 of the other 397.
Versus the 2020 model
Compared with the 2020 model, peak power dropped from 81 kW to 80 kW (-1 kW) and seat height came down from 820 mm to 805 mm (-15 mm). Peak torque and displacement are unchanged.
2021 R nineT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: With 80 kW /109 hp @ 7250 rpm and 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque on tap, the R nineT 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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⛽
Large fuel range: An 18-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
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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 - the usual used-bike checks (service history, consumables, tyres) apply.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Because the R nineT 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 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 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 discs, 4 piston 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's suspension runs 46 mm 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 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's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Handling the weight at a standstill
221 kg puts the R nineT toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.
R nineT - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2021 BMW R nineT 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 5 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 should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the R nineT's 1170 cc horizontally opposed 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 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 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.
2021 BMW R nineT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 BMW R nineT have?
The 2021 BMW R nineT uses a Horizontally Opposed Boxer Twin engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
How much does the 2021 BMW R nineT weigh?
The 2021 BMW R nineT weighs 221 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2021 BMW R nineT make?
The 2021 BMW R nineT produces 80 kW /109 hp @ 7250 rpm of power and 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2021 BMW R nineT?
The 2021 BMW R nineT has an 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.
Is the 2021 BMW R nineT suitable for shorter riders?
The 2021 BMW R nineT 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 2021 BMW R nineT have?
The 2021 BMW R nineT uses 2 x 320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and single 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2021 BMW R nineT use?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R nineT have?
The 2021 BMW R nineT is fitted with a 6-speed, claw-shifted transmission with helical-cut splines 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
Horizontally Opposed Boxer Twin
Power
80 kW /109 hp @ 7250 rpm
Torque
116 Nm / 11.8 kgf-m / 85.6 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Weight
221 kg / 487.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
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Full 2021 BMW R nineT Specifications
Year
2021 - 2022
Make
BMW
Model
R nineT
Make Model
BMW R nineT
Seat Height
805 mm / 31.7 in
Wheelbase
1487 mm / 58.5 in
Height
1240 mm / 48.8 in
Length
2105 mm / 82.9 in
Seat Height (Inner Leg Curve)
1785 mm / 70.3 in
Width
865 mm / 34.0 in
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Wet Weight
221 kg / 487.2 lbs
Stroke
73.0 mm
Displacement (cc)
1170 cc
Displacement (ci)
71.4 cu-in
Engine Type
Horizontally Opposed Boxer Twin
Fuel Control
DOHC Radially Aligned
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 counter balancer 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-5
Fuel Induction
Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management with overrun cutoff, twin-spark ignition
Fuel Type
Unleaded super (premium), octane number 95-98 (RON) (rated output at 98 RON)
Lubrication
Wet sump
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12 V / 12 Ah, maintenance-free
Clutch
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft
Transmission / Drive
6-speed, claw-shifted transmission with helical-cut splines
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
46 mm 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
Alternator
Three-phase alternator with 720 Watt nominal power
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 discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad ABS Pro
Rims - Front
3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear
5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front
120/70 - ZR17
Tyres - Rear
180/55 - ZR17
Wheels
Spoked
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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