The Urban G/S is the fifth variant of the BMW R nineT (including the original Roadster). Photos by Drew Ruiz.
It seems there are two general approaches to new motorcycle design: modern/futuristic and retro/old school. The head-turning R nineT, which BMW launched in 2014 to demonstrate it?s got some artisanal hipster rock ?n? roll in its DNA in addition to a Teutonic need for functionality, represents the latter. At more than $15,000, the R nineT is still just a bit on the expensive side though, and to our pleasant surprise BMW has been releasing less-expensive variants of the original that keep getting cooler and cooler: the Scrambler, Pure, Racer and, most recently, the Urban G/S.
Read our comparison test between the BMW R nineT and Triumph Bonneville T120. A fleeting glance at the Urban G/S might make you wonder if you?re experiencing a blast from the past. With its Light White high fender, headlight cover and gas tank with BMW Motorsport blue accents, tall, flat red seat and optional spoked rims, the Urban G/S bears a strong resemblance to its ancestor, the 1980 R80G/S?a nod to Boomers and Gen Xers hungry for a taste of nostalgia. OK, fine, I?m one of the latter. I?ll admit the retro-cool Urban G/S plucks my child-of-the-?80s heartstrings.
The Urban G/S evokes the nostalgia of the original R80G/S, quite possibly the first ever “adventure bike.” While it may look the part, the Urban G/S is really intended to stick to pavement and dirt roads, with limited lugga...