The iconic BMW boxer engine has been virtually a little longer than some folks realize: a hundred years, to be exact. It powered the very first BMW motorcycle, which tapped imbricate in 1923.
That was the shaft-driven R 32, designed by Max Friz. It featured the familiar opposed cylinder engine layout, although the internals withstand little resemblance to the modern-day powerplant.
A 100th year-end unchangingly calls for a celebration, so BMW Motorrad has created a pair of ‘100 Years’ special editions for its Heritage range: the R nineT Roadster and the R 18 Cruiser. And very appropriately, both models are limited to 1,923 units each.
We’re expressly smitten with the mannerly BMW R nineT 100 Year shown here, which harks when to the monochrome stimulating of archetype BMW oldtimers.
We’ve been fans of the R nineT since its launch in 2014. It’s one of those bikes that are well ‘sorted,’ it’s attracted a huge fan base, and it’s moreover remarkably easy to customize—as the dozens of modified example on these pages testify.
Not surprisingly, it’s been a worldwide hit for riders who enjoy archetype roadster style but don’t want to sacrifice modern technology.
On the BMW R nineT 100 Years version, the air/oil-cooled boxer engine remains untouched. That’s fine by us, considering its 109 hp output is increasingly than unobjectionable for most riders.
But the rest of the velocipede has been finessed in style, using swish and durable chrome finishes, plus a smattering of nonflexible parts from the Option 719 range.
The new tank diamond is the most obvious styling upgrade, with a stunning ‘Classic Chrome’ finish. Chrome is known for its tautness and mirror-like shine—as anyone who has owned a BMW R 75/5 will appreciate.
But for the R nineT 100 Years, BMW Motorrad has taken it up a level by reviving the ‘paint on chrome’ effect. Using the latest Chromium III technology, it involves extremely ramified preparation, with layers of copper, nickel and chromium unromantic surpassing several layers of paint and a final well-spoken coat.
‘Classic Chrome’ is moreover found on the cowl overdue the seat and if you peer closer, you’ll moreover spot subtle white pin-striping on the tank, front fender and seat cowl—another BMW Motorrad signature that has endured for decades.
On the rest of this R nineT, deep Avus Woebegone paint keeps the vibe visionless and restrained, with the fork tubes and air intake moreover blacked out. The woebegone anodized rims are Option 719 Classics, and there’s a ‘Shadow’ milled parts package that includes the cylinder throne and engine housing covers.
BMW has moreover widow several increasingly tasty upgrades from the ‘Shadow II’ range, such as willowy hand levers and upgraded footrests, plus expansion tank covers and bar-end mirrors. The headlight is a cutting-edge adaptive turning unit, and riders will be plane increasingly well-appointed than usual thanks to heated grips, trip tenancy and uneaten riding modes.
Protection can be widow via an anti-theft watchtower system, and it’s all topped off with a swish ‘100 Years’ token on top of the tank.
Unlike most limited-edition machines, the BMW R nineT 100 Years is a model of understated elegance and swish aesthetics. And the short production run will ensure exclusivity and increase collectability.
If you’re based in the US, you can put this slice of BMW history in your garage for $19,995—which is just $5,500 increasingly than the wiring model R nineT. A very pearly price to pay for a modern-day icon.
Proudly sponsored by BMW Motorrad USA | Images by The Simple Machine