The Captain Riding a German - BMW R9T First Ride

[@markhenry192]

Battle Of Britain all over again. Great ride out and awesome roads. Thanks guys.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Thanks for watching Mark! Glad you enjoyed it…

[@gzk6nk]

It's me again. I hope you do actually read comments on vids this far back. This vid is particularly apt as I am about to change bikes. I've had the BMW R9T since 2019 and it's a fabulously fun bike, but I decided I needed something a little 'calmer' in me old age (I'll be 74 in couple of weeks). So this week I blatted down to Staffordshire Triumph in Stoke on the R9T to look at a new Triumph Speedmaster 'Chrome' edition and do a bit of successful negotiation. I had a lovely blat home again, the R9T crackling and snarling on the over-run just to let me know it was still up for it if I wanted to keep it. But A few things decided me it was time for a change, not least the far more comfortable 'armchair' seating position on the Triumph. I think, (as encapsulated by a reviewer I can’t remember), with the R9T the ride is all about the bike - it's a visceral experience riding it, totally involving. The Triumph is perhaps more about the ride. And with my 29” inseam the low seat will be far more relaxing for those adverse camber 'foot-down' moments. Obviously I won't really know the bike until I've got several hundred miles on it, but I’m really looking forward to it. It should be delivered in the next week or so, then it'll be bye bye BM. I take it you are a commercial pilot? I flew for about 35 years until about 10 years ago mostly in a lovely dH Chipmunk, the best handling aeroplane ever (and lots of other, mostly vintage tailwheel, aeroplanes - farm strip flying and aeros. For a few years I had a share in a Yak52 to do advanced aeros and that was fun, but the Yak lacked the character and superbly co-ordinated handling of the Chippy even though with its 360hp Vendeneyev 9-cylinder supercharged radial engine, phenomenal roll rate, and aerobatically unlimited airframe it was a far more capable aeroplane. But at aerobatic setting (full power and 98% RPM) it drank Avgas at 20 gallons per hour! I went back to the lovely Chipmunk, but would not have missed the Yak experience for anything!

[@elithegreat6463]

I love my 2021 R9T-719...The Black and Silver Model...I love how people stand around it, and just gawk at it. And it's a Hoot to ride with all that usable Torque.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Such an amazing bike. It’s taken years for me to get over the boxer engine cylinder heads sticking out. Now I like the look!

[@johngoodlass]

Yes its a crowd pleasing motorcycle

[@johngoodlass]

R NineT, brilliant motorcycle , been riding these since 2015 and now on my third which i just bought the 719 Aluminium classic (its beautiful)

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Ooh! Very nice! (Just googled it…)

[@johngoodlass]

@@CaptainRambunctious kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZbGp6CahZubnJo

[@guitartolearn]

About to buy but can’t decide which one!

[@johngoodlass]

@@guitartolearn my new 2022 R NineT is super smooth (tad quiet but i can soon sort that out)

[@kevinpick194]

Such fun. Yes, Merlin does look splendid and rather well ridden by your pal. He certainly had no problem keeping up when you were giving the German a damned fine seeing to.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Absolutely!! It was great fun! Thanks for watching… Merlin can hold his own! 😂

[@223Sako]

I bought a Bobber when they brought them out and dumped a ton of money into it, but subsequently bought an R9T and I love it. I still have the Bobber though, its like a Spitfire compared to the FW190 BMW.

[@cyborgbadger1015]

Next week.... the BF109 gets put through 'er paces...

[@brianglendenning1632]

I do very much like your jacket, Mein Captain.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Thanet Brian. It’s the Triumph ‘Harlow’ flying jacket so unarmoured. But nice. They are around for a discount at the moment as now discontinued from 2 years ago.

[@CalmBiker]

I quite fancy trying one of those. Very different sound on the boxer, especially through the tunnel.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Absolutely and so easy to ride… a street triple with legroom and a shaft drive!

[@guitartolearn]

Like the R9T colours. Good look.

[@gzk6nk]

Nice, aren't they. these R9Ts? Now my touring days are behind me I settled on one for a days-out fun bike with a reasonable seating position for an oldie like me (73). Mine has the brushed ally tank with that lovely visible centre weld and matching brushed ally tail cone, heated grips, wire wheels (the one thing I'm not keen on - I'd like to run tubeless tyres), twin clocks, LED indicators etc. I've fitted a centre stand, tail tidy, hugger, fender extender, bar-end mirrors, pannier bags, and a few more goodies. It looks drop dead gorgeous and rides just as you describe. For my kind of non-serious fun days out, it fits the bill!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Sounds perfect and very well kitted out!! Such a good bike with good legroom.

[@bobbyblue1953]

Very nice pair of bikes, I like the R9T, I like the Triumphs as well, we are spoilt for choice these days, I have a Ducati Dia el these days, I bought a Thunderbird Storm on your video of yours back in 2017, with hindsight I should have kept it. Tally Bally Ho!

[@persuadedterror925]

I dont think there is a biker alive that can resist a good tunnel 😅 Good show old chap!

[@TheSarcasmO83]

Thanks for the ride gents! Two beautiful bikes!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching !

[@simonchilli2088]

Loving it!! Technically yuve been riding a German anyway. Siegried Bettmann started the Triumph marque up in 1902.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

That’s a very good point and one well made!

[@MrJpb2000]

Great video Captain 🧑‍✈️ stay safe 👊😎👍

[@saddle8bag]

Spot on about the silly "flickability." All bikes change directions effortlessly at 20 mph. The difference between a race bike and a Harley can be far more easily discerned by trying to get them to change direction at 100 mph. Probably not something most reviewers should be doing on public roads though.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Ah, not sure if I went that fast! 😂 Thank you and thank you for watching!

[@devincloud84]

I loved this video!!! So I'm seriously looking at the R nine T and the T120. I came from the cruiser world with Road King, Honda Valkerie, etc. What's your opinion if ur doing mostly around town and twisted roads but maybe 1 touring trip a year

[@johnspencer237]

I've still got the BLUE California M/C Plate that says "2B4IT." That meant BMW#3.

[@blearyview2254]

You guys rung the neck on that one. My son has a R Nine T and although it very quick and makes you want to have a spirited ride, it does not push any buttons for me, but for him it his dream bike, so polar opposite views and perhaps it a love of or leave it bike.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

It took me a long time to quite like the look of the sticking out cylinder heads… in fact, I hated it. Now, it’s part of the charm of the bike.. and you don’t notice it when on the bike as I mention. It’s a fun characterful bike with great ergos for me. For Dave, it hurt his elbows and back… It was comfortable and quick and as easy to ride as a street triple but with better leg room and you can’t overlook the practicality of having a shaft drive…. Anyway, yes, we had a lot of fun… for me it’s not a one bike bike, but it’s definitely one to consider as an addition!

[@ttrguy9952]

Sir Captain Looks like you had fun. The Bmw's don't give me the goosebumps of let's say my 2022 Speed Triple RR. I would put it against any Triumph all day long.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

There is that… but it has better legroom than the Triumphs and for me personally, that makes it attractive as I had a bad knee injury years ago…

[@johnspencer237]

I want You to look for, TRUCKS hauling freight on the Road in Canada and Alaska. I can't remember the Title exactly.

[@roberthambly9926]

Thanks for the ride!!!!!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

You’re welcome Robert…

[@TracyLoop]

You doing A Snoopy and the Red Baron. LOL

[@steveluth3139]

Don't do it, keep your Merlin :p Nice to see an increase in content again, it is much enjoyed here.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Thank you Steve! Oh, as I said in my 3 year review, Merlin is a keeper… anything else will be in addition, once I’ve done some serious grovelling to the missus…

[@alexmorgan3435]

You'd have to use a crow bar to get my hands off the bars of my Speed Triple RS for a BMW R9T. Some great roads you were on there Captain. Was the one with the views on both sides the Hog's Back? As far as I am aware most BMW bikes seem to suffer from vibes and the R9T seem no different to others in the range eg S1000R and XR, to some extent the GS. Not sure about the S1000RR though. As much as the R9T looks good I couldn't be doing with the vibes and rock of the boxer engine. The S1000R was bad enough for vibes. I had to stop and get off after only 15 mins on my test ride. Had it for an hour, but took it back the dealer after 30 minutes. Such a shame as I loved the look of that bike. The R9T is a looker as well with the shaft drive, but that's as far as I go with one. Would rather buy British or Japanese. Would you try the Kawasaki Z900RS? This looks a gorgeous 70s retro bike with modern reliability and build quality. A stable companion for Merlin is a great idea.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I haven’t thought to try any Kawasakis but I’ll see where my local dealer is and do a bit of grovelling… The vibes weren’t too bad to be honest. They were definitely there and also added to the buzz but also the fun! I rode it for about 2 hours in total and I had a bit of tingling in my hands afterwards but nothing bad… Watching this video through whilst editing, I remember how easy it was to ride and the leg room was more than on a speed or street triple. My conclusion at the time was that it was as easy to ride as the street triple, with the power of the street triple, but from a twin that had a lot of character and fun! Conflicting reports of build quality. Some say it’s second to none. Others says it’s bad… but it was a very fun bike! Due to the fact that for me it was more comfortable than a speed or street triple with more leg room for my bad knee, it would win for me… also, it’s bigger than a street twin and I look like Donkey Kong on a street triple! I know, I had one! 😂 Anyway, thanks for your input! A great thought provoking comment! It was the end of the A272 towards Winchester…. Tally Bally Ho!

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@CaptainRambunctious Dear Capt., Thank you for your most full reply. I seem to remember you are an enviously tall chap so I should imagine a more spacious riding position will be most desirable for you and so therefore a smaller bike would be more cramped. I would imagine the build quality on BMW bikes is pretty good if not the best. I have never come across any complaints in this dept. I am with on looks of the R9T it's definitely a cracker and your mate Dave's is certainly a beauty. Ok I could probably live with the rock of the Boxer engine, put it down to character, but not so much the vibes as sadly my experience with their S1000R was (2019 model) was not so great. Such a shame as BMW do some great looking bikes. I suggested the Kawasaki Z900RS as it seems to get lots of rave reviews for a retro bike, a silky smooth in-line 4 and lovely paint work. Classic twin dial clocks. Have looked at a few times in my local Kwaka dealer at them, thinking can I squeeze one more in? N+1 syndrome. Shocking to see how much fuel prices have increased since you filmed this video! Happy motorcycling on Merlin! Looking great as usual. ATB.

[@melrussell7830]

Oh yes I do love the R9T, but I chose the Thruxton R1200 as I think it sounds nicer and it has that amazing classic look 😊 But that’s just my opinion 🤣

[@CaptainRambunctious]

That’s fine Mel! I loved my Thruxton too’

[@camdenwalker6106]

Any chance you're working on any BSA Gold Star content? Current reviews are lacking your brand of fun.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

That’s an excellent idea! I’ll find my local dealer!!

[@camdenwalker6106]

@@CaptainRambunctious Thank YOU, Sir! Tally Ho!

[@wrong-unkim9080]

I wouldn't ride a German if he were glazed in honey; oh the motorcycle.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Ha ha! It’s lick… 😂

[@peternishan1009]

His R nine T is far from stock looks like Pier City air box delete and after market pipe for sure Does sound good

[@CaptainRambunctious]

When I rode it he hasn’t done the air box delete. Only the SC projects exhaust. Some of the photos I added were afterwards… but yes, he had done that later…

[@blindspot1987]

Such a great video. Thank you so much. I had a great time. I am about to get this bike and I look forward to such videos. What is this a stock pipe I would like to know any airbox delete

[@jamesbatten8659]

I love my R Nine T 😁🇬🇧🏍❤️

[@timhickey9898]

Did you find the BMW much faster than the Triumph. I also have a Speedmaster and I love it

[@CaptainRambunctious]

It’s as fast as a street triple but not as fast as a speed triple… it was faster than the Speedmaster obviously and handled a lot better… definitely the fastest and best handling twin I’ve ridden.

[@timhickey9898]

Thank you brother

[@stanleylawson9015]

you really are having far too much fun hehehehahaha

[@jjnewman65]

I owned a 2017 RNINET scrambler. Part ex’d it for s SpeedTwin after 6 months. Lovely looking thing but Didn’t like the industrial tractor engine.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

It’s a fair point but that’s what I liked… maybe not as a one horse stable though.

[@jjnewman65]

@@CaptainRambunctious Yep. The scrambler version probably wasn’t the best choice on reflection

[@georgeouthwaite5397]

Pilots cruising…..😂😂😂

[@UncleLongbeard]

great wife review... I mean bike ;)

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Ha Ha! Great point! Thanks for watching!

[@hebehall]

😂 the petrol price! How many years ago was this filmed?? (Loved it though)

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Only April 2021!

[@blindspot1987]

Do you have the specific make of the exhaust on this bike.. It sounds like heaven... Also any mod to the airbox? Thank you in advance

[@CaptainRambunctious]

@@blindspot1987 the is an SC Project high exhaust. The day I rode it there was no air box change but afterwards and in some of the photos he has done the air box removal with air pods…

[@blindspot1987]

@@CaptainRambunctious thank you.. Is this a difficult install? I’m not crazy about the look, but I love the sound. I wonder if they have it in a smaller footprint

[@CaptainRambunctious]

@@blindspot1987 I think Dave did it and he’s fairly proficient at stuff but I’d say it isn’t too difficult… it’s out in the open rather than tucked away which would make it harder…

[@NW7DX]

Which year is this R9T?

[@CaptainRambunctious]

2018!

[@TheSpectre223]

Gadzooks Sir, a German in this British institution, what is this, the monarchy? Jokes aside though, looks like a hoot. Moto Guzzi next?

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Ha! I have ridden an Audace and I’ve been offered to ride a V7… just need to get round to it…. I have a few days off midweek in a fortnight so will see what I can do, weather permitting… don’t mind the rain but it makes for a dull review!

[@rufus1346]

£1:28.9 a liter! The good old days.....

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Yup! Only a year ago…

[@splodge57]

That boxer engine is horrible.

[@triumphthunderbird1]

Merlin sounds and looks better.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Oh I definitely agree! ❤️