Why The BMW R nineT Urban GS 40 Years Could Be 2021's Best Retro Motorcycle!

For a couple of riding videos of the Urban GS, see my second channel:
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And for an overview of the 2021 R nineT range, check this video out:
• Which BMW R NineT Shou...
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[@occyman]

Trip meter is all you need..which is way more accurate than any fuel gauge but in this day and age of kids who need everything presented so they don’t have to use their brains I imagine some would stress about lack of fuel gauge

[@gamotur]

I bought one three years ago and I still love it today. I use mine for street and off-road riding , no problem :)

[@jentepostma8024]

Like a real retro motorcycle. No revs and gear indicator needed. That'll show the younglings how we used to roll

[@fiestahimself9135]

Me a 17 yo with an r75 😂😂 ngl those details doesnt bother me that much when youre used to it

[@rickymahoney6664]

I really like the look of the bike even tho yellow isn’t my first choice. Personally I’d want a fuel gauge and gear indicator

[@kaijessen3654]

The roads in America are often so crappy that the extra suspension and stability that seem to be offered here would be welcome.

[@ritesideofthefence5857]

I started riding BMW motorcycles long before fuel gauge , gear position indicators were even an option on any bikes although most had a tach.

[@ricatiman]

I've owned a great many motorcycles since 1969, and I never had a fuel gauge, nor a gear indicator ... but almost always had a tach... I could easily live with this setup - Very pretty bike, and ideal for Urban Posers...

[@luisribeiro4267]

Brother, your skills just get better and better with each video... You're like a good bottle of PORTO WINE, you just get better with age! The secret for your success: amazing editing skills, a good eye, approaching each contents from a buyer/user perspective, and... NO WAFFLE / NO BS Heck...! I'm a TRIUMPH confessed fan-boy myself, and I wanted to go out and buy this bumble-bee after your review! Far out man! Brilliantly done. Superb. Keep it up, stay safe, take care, and keep on riding and sharing please! HOPE you get to 250K subscribers soon enough... you deserve it! Cheers from PORTUGAL 🇵🇹🇬🇧 🙌🏼✊🏼✌🏼

[@trekkydelirium-vroom5821]

Fuel gauge, gear indicator & rev indicator are essential options in my opinion.

[@deadlyapollo]

The "original" model does have all that......you pay roughly $8k more for those though.

[@Kirkish_Delight]

Agreed, awesome bike, but i hate the dash

[@trekkydelirium-vroom5821]

@Andy ALS : always someone ready to judge others Not nicely; Congrats! Thanks for being that guy!

[@trekkydelirium-vroom5821]

@Andy ALS : wow; you’re worst than i thought; just because i appreciate to have, for examples, a gear indicator & a fuel gauge... that would mean that i am beginner rider... Ok forget it; have a nice day!

[@deadlyapollo]

Fuel guage is the trip meter, gear indicator is useless on the street and especially on this bike as it makes power everywhere. Rev counter is meh. Its nice but when you go by ear its not needed.

[@jsagazio]

I recently purchased this bike and I really like it. I also have a Triumph Scrambler 1200XE that I like a little bit better but they're both a lot of fun. PS; fuel gauges and gear position are nice but we'll be alright without them. It's character don't you know.

[@hyppyrotta71]

Cool! How would you compare the two? I assume Scrambler is better when hitting gravel roads and rougher, but I really like the looks of BMW. But the Triumph is also really pretty :)

[@nestorasbellas6604]

They bumped the price tag even more with Euro 5. Very expensive already, they 're actually try to sell it as a fashion statement and not a proper machine.

[@Vilmir]

In France, they offer 1400€ off on the heritage series in stock until June. A pretty good deal that puts the Scrambler at the base price of the T120 while having lots of great assets

[@deadlyapollo]

I paid $9,995 USD out the door on a 2020 /5 with $1,000 off from BMW Motorradd (new season discount) plus $750 military discount. Even without those $12,000 USD for a 1200cc retro styled boxer that doesnt look like every other bike is still a good price.

[@nestorasbellas6604]

@@deadlyapollo if you found the blue /5 anniversary edition fir under 10 grand, you re a lucky bastard, pardon my Greek! Here in Greece they re now selling the "pure" euro5 for 14.500 euro! Thats like 16.000$! I would buy it in a heartbeat as well!

[@deadlyapollo]

@@nestorasbellas6604 its why i picked it over the triumph speed triple i was eyeballing. I couldnt say no to the price. And im a sucker for blue.

[@artwallace5925]

@@deadlyapollo that's blue is absolutely stunning!

[@MrAndrew1953]

My R100GS Bumble Bee 🐝 didn’t need a tachometer if it had one - you just changed up/ down on the engine revs, no point flogging it . Love the upswept pipes. Brilliant stable bike on country dirt Australian backroads. Knobby tyres essential, especially on clay surfaces. Low down weight of engine excellent. Engine is more sophisticated with extra bits redesigned head. Lovely retro bike brings a tear to my GS eyes.

[@waynejames1178]

Totally agree, so many people buy bikes based on spec sheets and magazine articles.if the bike feels good you can live without stupid tft screens and inaccurate fuel gauges .most of the reviews forget to mention that it actually has a low fuel indicator light which should keep you from running it dry unless you're exceptionally stupid.

[@AndrewHeisey]

Quality content time and time again, thanks.

[@BikesVansandThings]

What a great review 👏🏼 a lot of work here

[@shmac96]

Man this bike is surreal! Looks like a dream!

[@chuckwalksdogs]

Great review! My takeaway: my Bonneville T120 gives me more features for a lower price tag. I got dual analog clocks (fuel gauge, gear and tach), heated grips and centre stand included for no extra cost. Aesthetics are a subjective measure and I'm bias but I think the Triumphs look nicer too. Sure, I sacrificed some top-end power vs some other bikes in the class but that's power I probably wouldn't use and seems a bit vulgar on a modern classic anyway. I thought about the Rnine-T back when I was shopping but the Triumph gave me more of what I need. Honestly, based on looks and performance-on-paper I'd put the Kawi Z900rs ahead of the BMW too (I haven't ridden either of them tho).

[@deadlyapollo]

The z900rs is the same performance wise. Riding both its really hard to tell them apart. Both are roughly 3.5 second 0-60mph, both have a top speed of 133 ish mph. Only difference from my riding is the r9t leans in quicker because of handlebars.

[@BRAINFxck10]

It's definitely the best, but I prefer it in classic white 😙👌

[@thebikeaholic]

Great job as always. 👍

[@tnth9099]

My last bike (750gs) had a fuel gauge and I only filled it up when when the light came on. This bike is the same👍

[@morenachoz]

+1 sub, nice content and nice edition and filming. Amazing! 👍

[@oliverleifadams2003]

Love this bike. Had a 2nd test ride on the white one recently (1st being the 40th Ed black & yellow). Such character, quality & power. I would add the rev counter (seems like it can be an extra spec) though not sure that comes with gear position indicator or fuel gauge. The fuel gauge is a very nice to have. Definitely on my shortlist for my next bike along with the Z900RS (maybe café version), Guzzi V7 & Svartpilen 701 (is the 901 on its way?). Thank for another great video. 👍🏼

[@suds782]

I have a Harley sportster and sincerely miss a fuel gauge so much so that it’s a deal breaker … don’t ride my sporty in the city no more and on highways it’s shady without a proper fuel gauge

[@BlackdogADV]

I really like it. I’ve been on 1200GSs for 15 years now plus I’m 73 so this bike appeals to me as I’m not an aggressive rider anymore. Bummer no fuel gage. Wonder I’d proper luggage could be fitted?

[@shawngreenwood7825]

I like the TFD screen or more import more info, however I understand they were going old school. Great review, thank you.

[@andrewd7586]

I love it Bob!😍 Terrific review. Being a Boxer Boy for the last 20 years I love all its little idiosyncrasies such as that cylinder head throb on start up or revving. As for gear selector? I can count to 6!🤪 Tacho? Ok without one. It’s nice to just listen! Fuel gauge would be I guess handy but after it’s run in & you’ve done several fuel tanks you do get an idea. I bought the R18 last year & even here in Australia it’s not proving an issue. 👍🏼😎🇦🇺

[@onecookieboy]

I agree about the tacho, in fact I think I drive/ride better when I don't know what the revs are, like you say, listen and feel how the engine is.

[@philippelupien6276]

Great looking head covers. Had a gs for a year now and really miss the tach

[@manishjha3990]

Loved it until Triumph hit with Scrambler Steve McQueen edition. Nice review as always Bob 🤘🏻

[@washedup_adventurer]

I'd love the r9t for a second bike. I'll stick with my adv bike for my mountain climate commutes. but someday I'll pick up an r9t pure. I'd be buying that bike for the character, not lean-angle sensitive traction control...

[@davidbones8947]

I would buy one over the new gs which in my opinion would be a great bike if I could get it without all of the electronics way to complicated and expensive I've been riding for 48 years and never needed abs or gadgets that are supposed to help you ride better that be is not necessary my opinion only, my current ride is a 1974 bmw r60/6 with 96000 miles and a 1982 r100 40000 miles 😉 be safe whatever you ride

[@roberthall1437]

G'day BOB, Love the look of this bike, it's got that old charm look. No good for me though,i'm a shorty, long body short legs. Balls of my feet yes, tippy toes no go. I can do without the fuel gauge , as you said use the trip meter. As usual a classy video.

[@karlfontanari2169]

Got a UGS and really just the rev counter, can live without the gear indicator and fuel gauge, tend to reset one of the trip settings every time I fuel, good for around 160ish miles so all good

[@speedoangels6254]

Such a good looking bike 😍

[@bushy1962]

I would like to know your views on how this bike compares to the Moto Guzzi v85 if you've road tested one because although I know that the v85 is more off road focused than this bike it's in a similar segment of the market I feel, good review all the same, concise and to the point on the basics 👍

[@chaunche81]

I like your videos my only suggestion is that maybe you could start and rev the bikes so we can all hear what we love to hear 🤙🏻🤙🤙🏽🤙🏿🤙🏼🤙🏾

[@streetscrambler8075]

Hi Bob, been watching and enjoying your videos for a few years now, l am in the process of selling my Street Scrambler and I’m seriously considering one of the R Nine T range. The two l like the most are the Pure and the top of the range Nine and the price difference the two is approximately two thousand pounds. what are your thoughts about this and have you ridden the Pure yet.

[@disco41]

Great vlog I agree great looking bike however I do think the missing fuel gauge is a massive error by bmw for me anyway. 👍

[@Keyur-Suthar]

Option 719 rnineT please. Also Fuel gauge is a must

[@lcdubs7847]

I was on the BMW website, and saw this bike in white, and thought I HAD to go look for a review. I really don't like the black and yellow nearly as much. I understand why it's black and yellow, but I much prefer the white/red.

[@MrAndrew1953]

Great bike, never had problems with lack of power on my R80GS or. R100GS.

[@mfairus3781]

If you have ridden big bikes long enough, you’d be accustomed to not having a fuel indicator nor a gear indicator.

[@Winterstick549]

Any sized bike, not just big bikes. Odometer is as accurate as the best fuel gauge.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I really like this bike. Easily fast enough. Great torque low down. It could do with a digital speedo and analogue rev counter sweeping around the outer part of the clock. Lovely wheels. I don't need any of those rider aid accessories thanks.

[@TomVestvik]

The lack of a fuel gauge is close to a deal breaker. But if one gets the optional rev counter, do that then add a fuel gauge?

[@mowler8042]

I own a 2017 Pure and the only reason I would sell my bike is the lack of fuel gauge

[@ricardoramalho1273]

This one vs the 1250gs for commuter everyday motorcycle , countryside rides , duo ride what is your advice ? Love the tech of the GS but the retro look of this the urban GS is awesome

[@greatfallskam]

I am used to dual sport bikes without fuel gage. I always reset my odometer with fueling up. Question. It would be nice to post a follow up video about luggage and how to use the R nine T GS as a long travel ( adventure touring ) bike. Thanks.

[@pistolpete6321]

Awesome looking motorcycle! I’d take a cruise control over a fuel gauge but don’t see why you can’t have both at that price point.

[@deadlyapollo]

That would defeat the main purpose this bike was designed to be. A simple bike to harkon back to the old days.....where they didnt have any of that.

[@pistolpete6321]

@@deadlyapollo this bike comes with cruise control which really doesn’t harken back to the good old days of minimal technology. My point was if it already comes with CC then why not add a fuel gauge too.

[@deadlyapollo]

@@pistolpete6321 the orginals/pure lineup dont have CC. That is new for this year.

[@pistolpete6321]

@@deadlyapollo exactly and I was commenting on this years model, if it has cruise control why not include a fuel gauge, not sure why our signals are crossed here

[@splodge5714]

My 1980 Suzuki GSX750 had a rev counter, fuel gauge and gear indicator.

[@DucatiDiaries]

One on the best looking bikes out there. But unfortunately I won't buy a modern bike without a tachometer, fuel gauge, and gear indicator.

[@robbikebob]

Not my favourite colour scheme. The revs, gear and fuel aren't that important, so long as the fuel light works OK. But it's a bit of an disappointment on a modern bike to at least not get 2 out of three of these things.

[@Doc_Roz]

It would have been easy to give these bikes an option for RPM display. A fuel gauge and gear indicator I could do without. There’s just something about this bike that reminds me of one of my old bmx bikes.

[@stevecotterill7981]

I do love a woodland car park... 🤣🤣🤣

[@jrodriguez8216]

I bought this bike and definitely wish I had a gas gauge!

[@nickfozouni8126]

I seriously considered buying this bike, I couldn’t get passed the awkwardness of boxer engine, I know its significant heritage, but for me having the cylinder heads in front of my foot never worked. Also fuel gauge, gear indicator and rev counter are must for modern bikes.

[@monochromaticlightsource9153]

I've got a Slash 5 and I love it. I've also got the 850 V7 Moto Guzzi. They're both great bikes to ride. I also have a '79 Triumph T140E and it's horses for courses. The BMW has a gear indicator, fuel gauge ( distance to empty) and I added the optional Rev counter. It's just a perfect ride.

[@tnth9099]

This bike also doesn't have a centre stand, a windscreen, comfy touring seat, 21 inch front wheel, sump guard, luggage rack, electric suspension, tyre pressure monitoring, water cooling, hand guards, keyless ignition, TFT display, off road suspension, crash bars.....by the way it has 5 year warranty 🙂

[@Dreddingbath]

Really odd to me that a high end bike doesn’t have a fuel gauge when many cheap 125s do, why is that? I’d miss a rev counter more, isn’t that one of the joys, preferably sweeping it’s own dial? Not deal breakers, I’d still love to have one thank you.

[@brianmcmanus4286]

Wow, that's a hot Beemer.

[@Stickybutton]

It seems to sound better than the regular R NineT

[@thevtadventure1062]

If only it had some proper suspension with decent travel. Love the looks but it needs to be able to back it up on a backroad/ trail

[@chrissorreda4982]

Check out the latest leaks

[@thevtadventure1062]

@@chrissorreda4982 hell yeah looks like a old HP2 enduro. And it was only a matter of time with the Triumph doing great and more people wanting a better looking mild ADV bike

[@kennethcooley3445]

One of them

[@SenorGato237]

"Why wouldn't you just buy a real classic bike?" Asks no one who has ever had to synchronize the carbs on a /R.

[@mantarayal]

For that money I would want a fuel gauge. For sure. Don't need a rev counter cos I can feel it (pointless thing to look at) and don't need a gear indicator anymore than I do in a manual car. If I shift up looking for that non--existent 7th gear, then maybe I need to slow down anyway! My only problem with this bike is that it's too busy looking with its design and colours. Bet it's fun to ride tough!!

[@AbdurrahmanZedSaeed]

Guess retro lcd with neon green color numbers a lot better with some of negative lcd characters

[@victorgonza4528]

Nice 👍

[@Bikerbug2020]

Fuel gauge is a MUST feature for 2021

Damn.. I miss the nineT racer already. these new nineT don't really tickle my fancy. TOo much bling from the 719 options they have. My w650 has a fuel tap, that provides exactly the same functionality, with the extra bonus of killing the engine when you are going strong, so the faster you go, the faster you consume the petrol in the carbs, the faster it turn off... :D SURPRRRRIIIIIIIISE!. the other two... meh. the fuel gauge nowadays is a little bit ridiculous. the revs... you can feel it, as with gear position... although I am known for trying to shift my Daisy into a nonexistant sixt gear. Where is the USB positioned? is it near the gauge? Also... I saw that beeline? do you like it? I have one, but as I mainly do commutes, not much use for it.

[@drsmith751]

No fuel gage and gear indicator are desk breakers

[@StreetTwinRider]

Surprised by the lack of fuel gauge, my first bike didn't have a fuel gauge, just a fuel light that came on when it was near empty but as that was a 125... you could ride for about 300 miles before needing to fill up anyway. Definitely required for a bigger CC bike that will most probably be getting around 50 to 60mpg. The lack of gear indicator and revs is neither here nor there, I've had bikes that don't before and it didn't particularly bother me. You learn to go by sound a bit more, you feel the bike a bit more.

[@waynejames1178]

It has a low fuel warning light so there's absolutely no need to run out of fuel.some of these reviews are putting people off unnecessarily

[@WorldzMo5t3pic]

Wow, okay. I was really giddy, just admiring the bike, then you mentioned the lack of a fuel and rev gauge and it just wiped the smirk off my face. I can't justify dropping ~25k AUD on something that's missing some of the most _basic_ features.

[@tpv59]

$22,360 (AUD) ride away I believe. (Melb. Vic.)

[@splodge5714]

Not bothered about a fuel gauge or gear indicator but even my 1974 CB250 had a rev counter. Anyway not my kind of bike.

[@BlackdogADV]

What size front wheel?

[@guywolff]

Well Bob you are flirting with these R 9 t's .They are hard to get out of your head after riding them ..That 1200 oil cooled engine is unforgettable .. This is the perfect R9 T for my back yard riding ... I just love this model ..They had 2 at my local dealer for just under $17K .. each .. All sold at all 4 "Max " BMW dealers here in New England so I guess someone has the scratch to buy them ... There is a R9T Scrambler with 150 miles for $11500.00 .SOURLY TEMPED . They offered me $3000.00 for the 2017 Street Scrambler last season .. Maybe it's time to stop mucking about and just put the Ohlins on the SS .. :)

[@tomthompson7400]

The bit that makes these '' special'' is missing , its the front suspension . It will do as a budget scrambler but you wont get the real GS experience , so in this case the badge is just to sell it to hipsters , shame on BMW but Im sure it will sell well as it does look snappy.

[@PhilipBeresford]

Are you serious it doesn't have a fuel gauge, gear indicator, or tacho? They are literally the only electronics I want (along side EFI). I can live without ABS, TC, rider modes and all the other faffery. What a strange omission by BMW

[@mantarayal]

Re below...I mean "though"!!! :)

[@ZM4-978]

Top 👍

[@SPSteve]

I love the bike from the back of the tank forward but there's absolutely no retro in the rear, it's full on modern sport bike in the back. All BMW had to do was put an old school rear fender on the bike and it would have looked much better. I passed on the BMW R nine T and bought a new Moto Guzzi V7 Special instead.

[@rithviks723]

I have a question is this BMW r nine T GS a retro bike or adventure bike??

[@tpv59]

Yes. It is retro LOOKING. It is a road bike. Obviously. Test ride one.

[@robertpearce2244]

I can live without a tacho or gear indicator, but no fuel gauge..? Come on BMW...

[@waynejames1178]

It has a low fuel indicator light

[@BigMoeFo]

Sorry mate I don't see this as a retro bike and I feel it's got to much going on in the design to be one. Especially the small fairing with the "dirt bike" front fender...weird. Gold rims are just not my cup of tea. But great review

[@josephreisinger33]

No tachometer?And how much $$$??

[@rajindernijjer]

I do like BMW but they so expensive

[@jobyEN]

I love the looks of this bike (the price not so much), but it doesn't seem "classic" to me, more like "neo sports cafe"...

[@rockbay79]

I would trade another option for a fuel gauge. Just me. I've ran dry of fuel twice in my life on a bike. Not real fun.

[@fernandomagalhaes2957]

Why am I feeling that you are interested to make me buy one of these?

[@the_big_iron800]

csc sg400 will be the best i think

[@emilfingal6984]

how do you know when to change gear if you don't have a rev counter?

[@borislavnt976]

Just by listening and feeling the machine.

[@johnDukemaster]

Lovely bike, yes...but the price...it's a no go.

[@farulahmed7644]

It’s awesome bike but highly expensive

[@malcolmmathers2690]

1 off the best ???? camon bob...

[@sirhansel]

Except it doesn’t have a tachometer or fuel gauge

[@UncleWally3]

I’m an ol’fart, my dry cough rattles and me shifter ain’t flickin’ like it oughta but, let’s call it character, eh?

[@blearyview2254]

The RnineT is poor value for money coupled with the eye watering cost of BMW ownership makes for a poor combination. I have ridden one extensively (my son has one) and feel this is one where the badge trumps reality. It not a bad bike, just not worth in the money imo.

[@djtysonsherif6165]

no fuel gauge wtf!!

[@LinhPham-nc6je]

In my perspective, Thruxton is better than this one in term of retro bike.

[@JJamJ]

Buy bike: Run out of petrol Sell bike: Buy bike with fuel gauge.

[@expatbiker6598]

I don't like looking like a high visibility clothing on a motorcycle.

[@conceptofthemind5877]

Just give me

[@eternallearner8185]

Lost me at "modes".

[@deltahotelxray]

@1:27 That is not a good sound.

[@darnhard]

oh yeah yellow seat will age well , NOT

[@lovelessissimo]

What even is this?