BMW R NINE T /5 DEBUTS
J
ust when you thought BMW Motorrad had
finished expanding the popular R nineT retro
range, the Germans have decided they’re not
done yet, and have released an exclusive new
model to mark the 50th anniversary of the /5
series and the Berlin plant it was born in. double line marking paintwork.
Operations got underway in 1969 at the Berlin
Spandau plant with some 400 staff for the then
new series of motorcycles: the /5 models R 50/5, R
60/5 and R 75/5. Also featured are spoked 17-inch wheels front
and rear as standard, fork gaiters, colour matched
front mudguard and a stylish double seat with
chrome decorative elements and white piping.
The /5 featured a completely newly developed
chassis and engine for BMW along with a fresh,
“modern design”. BMW made a lasting impact
on the expanding motorcycle market of the time
with the original /5 models and the range saw
instant success thanks to a combination of riding
dynamics on country roads and travel comfort.
The BMW Motorrad anniversary model R nineT
/5 not only marks the 50th anniversary of the
/5 series, but also 50 years of BMW Motorrad
production in Berlin Spandau. Fitted as standard
with heated grips, the R nineT /5 also rekindles
memories of that bygone era, bringing the /5
models back to life with nostalgic charm, but in a
contemporary form.
The R nineT /5 is a downright gorgeous bike in its
signature Lupine Blue metallic paint and features
a host of features unique to the bike and its
mission to celebrate the original /5 series.
The tank features knee pads in the style common
during the era, which also double as protection
for the Lupine Blue metallic with smoke effect and
26 KIWI RIDER
As with all great classic-inspired bikes there
is chrome finishing everywhere including the
mirrors and exhaust and of course, in true special
edition fare, a commemorative emblem below the
fuel cap.
Mechanically speaking, the R nineT /5 remains
the same as the other models in the wider R nineT
range with an air-cooled, 1170cc boxer twin at
its heart producing 110hp and 116Nm of power
– a big jump up from the 32hp produced by the
original.
The suspension features the same 43mm
telescopic forks as found on the Scrambler, Urban
GS and Cafe Racer variants along with a Paralever
setup out the rear.
Braking is an upgrade on the original drum
brakes of the /5 with a pair of modern 320mm
discs up front clamped by four-piston calipers
while the rear is taken care of by a 265mm disc
and caliper setup. ABS (which BMW pioneered
in motorcycles) is naturally standard, as is the
company’s stability control system.
BMW will offer a thorough accessory catalogue
including carbon fibre HP parts, performance
exhausts, luggage, and cylinder head covers in the
style of the original two-valve BMW head.