Like the other R nineT models, power comes from an 1,170cc air-cooled and fuel-injected opposed twin spinning through a six-speed gearbox. Naturally, BMW’s signature shaft drive sends motive force to the rear wheel via a hollow one-sided swingarm. The 19-inch front, 17-inch rear cast aluminum wheels differ from the 21-inch front, 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels of the original ’80 G/S, but BMW offers wire-spoke wheels and more aggressive lugged tires as options—a good call if you’re planning any serious off-road work.
Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical cut gears
Shaft drive
Four-part frame consisting of front frame and three-part rear frame, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removable rear-seat frame for single seat use.
Upside-down telescopic forks, 46 mm fixed-fork-tube diameter
Cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
4.7 in (120 mm)
4.7 in (120 mm)
Dual floating disc brakes, 4-piston fixed calipers, diameter 320 mm
Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, double-piston floating caliper
BMW Motorrad ABS
Wire spoke wheels
3.50 x 17 in
5.50 x 17 in
120/70 ZR 17
180/55 ZR 17
Inner leg curve, unladen weight: 70.7 in (1,795 mm)
63.2°
83.1 in (2,110 mm)
35.5 in (900 mm) (incl. mirrors)
48.8 in (1,240 mm) (excl. mirrors)
unladen wight: 31.7 in (805 mm)
4.2 in (107.9 mm)
58.5 in (1,487 mm)
Permitted total weight: 948 lbs (430 kg)
with standard equipment: 459 lbs (208 kg)
4.4 gal (17 l)
Approx. 0.8 gal (3 l)
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled: 489 lbs (222 kg)