Part Racebike, Part Classic

FIRST RIDE reveals BMW’s new R nineT Racer is full of retro character.

- Matt Wildee 

BMW’S sexy R nineT Racer has arrived in the UK and judging by our first ride, this is a motorcycle that goes as well as it looks.

A retro revolution

The Racer is one of three new R nineTs this year (the others are the cut-price Pure and the retro Urban G/S) and compared to the full-fat £12,220 original R nineT, it has a slightly different frame, conventional fork and brakes, clip-ons, different footrests and that sensual, curvaceous fairing.

Stretched-out, tucked in, feet back, the Racer’s riding position is very different to a normal upright naked R nineT – and in fact different to most sportsbikes. The Racer feels long and low like a proper 1970s café racer and the reach to the clip-ons puts you in a continuous racing tuck. At the same time your feet are further back than usual – at times you feel almost horizontal.

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