BMW R nineT /5, a special edition to commemorate 50 years of a great motorcycle

By the mid-1960s, BMW was already a major manufacturer whose historic Munich factory had become too small. It built both cars and motorcycles there, so the company decided to move motorcycle production to Berlin. A few years later, in 1969, one of the historic models from BMW’s motorcycle division was born: the /5 series.

With the creation of the /5 series, BMW earned the praise of the press and riders thanks to the quality of its motorcycle, which brought with it a new design concept that had to be paired with excellent handling: it adopted a new double-cradle tubular steel chassis, new suspension solutions, longer travel, and the characteristic two-cylinder boxer engine received a completely new design, among other changes. Since these changes marked a turning point in the concept of BMW motorcycles, the brand wanted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this milestone with a special edition of one of its current motorcycles.

To do so, they chose the BMW R nineT, a motorcycle that is undoubtedly a great base for any kind of customization and, logically, for this occasion as well. This is how the new BMW R nineT /5 was born, a roadster that perfectly combines today’s modern technology with a retro character, as we can see in several of the features incorporated. For example, the seat design, with a rider seat height of 825 mm, is elongated and fairly narrow compared to what we are used to, or the conventional front fork with a classic look and protective gaiters and 43 mm tubes with 125 mm of usable travel.

But these will not be the only elements, because what also stands out is how well the new spoked wheels suit the BMW R nineT /5, with 120/70 ZR 17 tyres at the front and 180/55 ZR 17 at the rear, combined with the huge 320 mm front discs gripped by 4-piston brake calipers. The knee pads fitted to the tank also stand out, and, as the occasion deserves, the sophisticated Lupinblau metallic blue paint with a smoke effect and a double white detail line Lightwhite uni, which is especially striking on the tank.

On motorcycles of yesteryear, many parts also used chrome and aluminium when they wanted to highlight certain components, which is why the BMW R nineT /5 uses chrome for the new mirrors and aluminium for the covers protecting the battery and air filters. There are also black elements that evoke that past, such as the frame coating and the central transmission housing, which are painted in that colour.

And although the BMW R nineT /5 aims to transport us to the past with its design, the technology it carries is still modern. A clear example is the instrument panel it incorporates, built to classic design standards but featuring an LCD screen that displays the most important information we need. In addition, the ABS and ASC system (automatic stability control) are fitted as standard.

Mechanically, the BMW R nineT /5 uses the already well-known two-cylinder opposed boxer engine of 1,170 cc, air-oil cooled, which delivers 110 CV at 7,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 116 Nm available at 6,000 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox and, as is the brand’s hallmark, with shaft drive. To complete the classic design, the 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust system fitted features chrome-plated headers and a polished rear silencer.