[Faust]

I don't know...the R9T is OK, but for me it's already wearing thin. When for a few dollars more can buy a KTM 1190 (in any variation ) with sensational performance and safety features, a Duc Monster, and soon, a Norton Commando or any number of other considerably more advanced motorcycles, or even an old R1150/1200 and build your own custom retro, the question I'm beginning to ask myself is; Why the R9T.

To the best of my ability, the only answer is the front end. Add to that the fact the old boxer is probably the most thoroughly considered and engineered boxer available today and, no-doubt bullet proof, and of course the Roundel, and that's sort of it.

No question, it has a "cool" factor, but I bet, long before the model series ends many of those sold will be back on the secondary market and available with little, if any miles.

The emotional factor is what's selling the R9T, not technology, innovation or even great design. Sure, some of the bits are beautiful, but there only bits.

BMW knows their business. I've had some of their best bikes ( and cars), and until the R9T came along I was pretty sure BMW (for me) was history - then I took another look. Now, I'm taking another, and I think it's going to be the KTM. It's amazing how fast the emotional factor wore off.

There's just not enough to the R9T to make me want to plunk down 15K.

 

[path]

you'll like the Superduke, it is a tremendous machine. agile, powerful, relatively comfortable...it is a fine piece of engineering. i love mine, or rather loved, as i traded her on my 9T.

 

[CraigH]

Yes super duke a hoot if a bike you will have a blast enjoy

 

[1561]

it's better you jump off sooner than later

The Superduke, ugly as it is, might tickle its rider to extend himself to reach those extreme limits the machine is capable of - and that's where all those safety features will be of grate value to riders-living-on-the-edge ... if you're looking for a highly strung, high maintenance steed - you can have it ...

Me? Been there - done that. Stretching my 'life-line' to its limits has no attraction for me anymore. Nah, I enjoy peace of mind, zipping around on a spirited mount, low maintenance costs, simple but effective engineering, understated quality - not screaming or garish posing! It goes with enjoying serenity and rum and the company of mates - life in general. And beauty of course. Style.

The second paragraph describes all those things the Superduke can't offer

Style? IMHO, the Superduke looks as if someone tried to peel an orange, got himself injured and threw it all over some mechano sticks .... it could have any safety features available but would still be pot ugly against the stylish 9TEE

 

[Archon]

I think the SuperDuke would be a great bike and a lot of fun. However, for day to day usage I don't think you can beat a R1200R or the NineT. They are amazing light, low center of gravity, and handle amazing well with little effort.

 

[phillippeterson]

I don't know...the R9T is OK, but for me it's already wearing thin. When for a few dollars more can buy a KTM 1190 (in any variation ) with sensational performance and safety features, a Duc Monster, and soon, a Norton Commando or any number of other considerably more advanced motorcycles, or even an old R1150/1200 and build your own custom retro, the question I'm beginning to ask myself is; Why the R9T.

To the best of my ability, the only answer is the front end. Add to that the fact the old boxer is probably the most thoroughly considered and engineered boxer available today and, no-doubt bullet proof, and of course the Roundel, and that's sort of it.

No question, it has a "cool" factor, but I bet, long before the model series ends many of those sold will be back on the secondary market and available with little, if any miles.

The emotional factor is what's selling the R9T, not technology, innovation or even great design. Sure, some of the bits are beautiful, but there only bits.

BMW knows their business. I've had some of their best bikes ( and cars), and until the R9T came along I was pretty sure BMW (for me) was history - then I took another look. Now, I'm taking another, and I think it's going to be the KTM. It's amazing how fast the emotional factor wore off.

There's just not enough to the R9T to make me want to plunk down 15K.

I only hope you love and enjoy your KTM1190 or what ever you get as much as I am loving the Nine T.

 

[street]

NineT percent of the 90's appeal is classic BMW styling and celebration of the marque. The 90 is not for everyone. It not the fastest, best handling or most comfortable bike out there and certainly not a great value. The naked S1000 is more bike, same money.

I ride with a lot beamer bigots and believe me, they don't care about anything other than having a propeller on the tank and two jugs out in the breeze.

I put my deposit down almost 12 months ago. Didn't know anything about the 90 except that it had a propeller on the tank, etc.

 

[mikeo]

My dealer also sells KTMs, and I saw at least one person riding the new Adventure when I went to get my nineT. The 1190 Adventure was another bike that I was considering as a Plan B in the event that the nineT wasn't what I was thinking it should be.

But I had pretty well given up on that plan even before seeing (and paying for) my new bike. I sat on one, and it was comfortable. The engine shows some impressive specs, and the bike is getting a reputation for being good at going anywhere. But it would probably take me forever to figure out all the different possible computer settings and read-outs, and even if I did I would probably put the bike in one setting and leave it there for the rest of its life.

Even that would be alright, because the bike is undoubtedly awesome. But if the bike's rear cylinder still has the tendency to roast the rider's nuts like the previous incarnation of the Adventure did, you can have it.

BTW, the nineT's exhaust note is music compared to the obnoxious sputter coming out of the Adventure (but being an old guy, maybe I'm just hard of hearing...)

 

[Faust]

The jury's not out - the 9T hasn't arrived yet. I live in the high, BlueRidge Mountains, surrounded by the most fantastic riding imaginable. No doubt the 9T would be a blast, and at the same time there are infinite gravel possibilities leading to some of the most incredible vistas, ancient forests, waterfalls and derelict homesteads. I'm sure the 9T would do it, but not sure Id be inclined to do it on it. Bet it would look awesome with knobbies, covered in dirt! It's customizeable after-all.

A few years back I toured the US and Canada on a GSA; 15,000 flawless, brilliant joyful miles, and never any hesitation to get lost wherever I went. Would like to do it again one of these days...

WTF! Really, what a hardship making a decision like this! LOL

 

[ian]

what a nice predicament your in have fun test riding and choosing your new steed. let us know what you end up getting. i would love to see a photo of that nineT with knobbies if you end up going that direction.

 

[MagooTrue]

I second the request to see knobbies or a good DP tire on the NineT. The concept with two hard core rears is a bit much but curious how a more modest tread might look.

 

[NSX]

The jury's not out - the 9T hasn't arrived yet. I live in the high, BlueRidge Mountains, surrounded by the most fantastic riding imaginable. No doubt the 9T would be a blast, and at the same time there are infinite gravel possibilities leading to some of the most incredible vistas, ancient forests, waterfalls and derelict homesteads. I'm sure the 9T would do it, but not sure Id be inclined to do it on it. ...

That's exactly the reason I switched my deposit from the 9T to a GS. As a bonus I get tubeless tires.

 

[rkevwill]

That's exactly the reason I switched my deposit from the 9T to a GS. As a bonus I get tubeless tires.

Sounds to me like you would be happier with the GS! I know if I was wanting a bike to ride a bit in the boonies, it would be a pretty easy decision. Of course, as I said before, I need a stepladder for the GS's.

 

[Gogs]

Don't blame you for looking at the KTM,
I have had the past 2 supermoto models the 950 & 990 probably the best road bikes I have owned in 20years. I stopped driving missiles after a few run ins with the police over the years, I love these bikes with 180bhp on tap and all the electronics to harness them and almost bought the 1290 superduke or the S1000R, but for the real world 110bhp is enough for a road bike both my big supermoto's had similar power, I would only buy one of these monster horse power bikes for the track these days, If KTM came out with a track ready superduke at a cheaper cost then I would probably save my penny's and add it to my collection but unless you have a great deal of self control and a very understanding police force I don't see the point as a road bike.

Basically the 9T has been built as a road bike that has style and quality and into the bargain enough power to be fun to ride and buy all accounts good handling.

Just my opinion

 

[Faust]

That's exactly the reason I switched my deposit from the 9T to a GS. As a bonus I get tubeless tires.

The tubless tire issues is another concern - doesn't make any sense.

 

[Faust]

Sounds to me like you would be happier with the GS! I know if I was wanting a bike to ride a bit in the boonies, it would be a pretty easy decision. Of course, as I said before, I need a stepladder for the GS's.

I've had a few GSrs - enjoyed them all. But, the KTM Adventure looks like it'd be worth a try - they go like ****!

 

[rkevwill]

I've had a few GSrs - enjoyed them all. But, the KTM Adventure looks like it'd be worth a try - they go like ****!

I tend to lean to the 690 Duke, as I really like single thumpers They do make sweet bikes. Soon we will be getting 390 dukes, and I bet they sell like hotcakes. (they are assembled in India though instead of austria)

 

[penner]

everyone has their set of requirements and wants when buying something like this

if the Nine T checks all the boxes it's a great match

but like with all products. its not right for everyone

and there is nothing wrong with that

the other bikes you listed all are great options that many love.

 

[Faust]

OK; the Jury is Out.

On Saturday (3/8/14) I got my first glimpse, close look and opportunity to sit on the R9T. No ride allowed or even called for.

While the R9T has a great deal to say for itself, I was on the whole, unimpressed. No question regarding quality, design intent and execution. No doubt for some riders it'll be a blast, and for others something to brag about, and for still others something to collect; a bike with many purposes capable of fulfilling. However:

It's squat, short, fat, top heavy in appearance, non-adjust-ably to close between seat and handle bar, as well as saddle and foot rests; For a man 6'2, it's cramped and uncomfortable. From some angles it's almost pretty, by not for long, that is, if you walk around it.

As far as current, proven, market-available motorcycle technology, including simple things like spoke wheel design allowing for tubed tires ( think the obvious; GS), safety features etc, the R9T is a sorely lacking.

When the term Naked Bike is used, the R9T is less than naked, if not in appearance, surely in technology. There's no sound, logical reason for any motorcycle maker, especially BMW, to produce a new, modern motorcycle without including modern technology.

In terms of cost/benefit/comparison and Cool-Factor there are at least five other, more sophisticated naked-machines on the market worth considering; MV Agusta, Ducati, KTM, Triumph as well as the R1200R; each far more sophisticated, and I might suggest more likely to enthrall. One look at the new MV Dragster is enough for anyone seriously into riding to pass-out on contact.

So, the Jury is out, deposit, retracted. The R9T is short on everything except cool, and even that won't last more than a season for most. It can't, and maybe that's why BMW made it modifiable; perhaps they knew the only way to keep people riding the R9T was to make it flexible, in appearance if not performance. My bet: wait until the end of this riding season and find one with 2000m on the clock for pre-owned money.

You know the saying, "an old ***** in a new dress"? Well an old *****, regardless of presentation is still an old *****; enter the outgoing boxer, solid like a good ***** should be, and like old whores are, titillating for young men about to get their dick wet for the first time, or old men rarely satisfied with anything for long; married to the wrong woman...always searching, never finding, you know who you are...

Would I take a R9T if it was a gift? Sure, and I'd ride it, straight to the BMW shop and trade it on a GS, or maybe to the MV store for a dragster. Even an old man accustomed to a good ride that may be too old to stay in the saddle for long likes a hot ride now and then; especially one that makes him forget his name.

For some, for various legitimate reasons ( all reason are I suppose ) the R9T is going to be fantastic. Not me. Enjoy the ride!

 

[dave]

1290 super duke is awesome. The 9t is a fun tool around bike and I love it's looks and handling. However my Ducati 1098 street fighter runs circles around it. The 9t is not the end all bike but rather a niche bike that's very entertaining to ride. I'm waiting for the 1000r to replace my Duc