In addition to the BMW R nineT Racer, BMW Motorrad introduced the 2017 BMW R nineT Pure, the most stripped down version of the R nineT platform to date. Released today at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, BMW claim the Pure has been "reduced to its essentials."
The Pure retains basically the same appearance as the original R nineT roadster, but ditches the upside down Ohlins fork for a non-adjustable conventional 43 mm unit, lower spec monoshock mated to a Paralever swingarm, steel 4.5 gallon fuel tank, and reduced electronics package. The radially mounted monobloc brake caliper is also ditched, replaced with a more basic Brembo four-pot unit.
Like the Racer, it also gets a new exhaust (although in brushed trim), new fuel map, and larger cat so it will meet Euro4 emissions regulations. Like the Racer, it's only being offered in one color, something BMW are calling Catalano Grey.
While the Pure has the least bling of anything in the R nineT line, its charm is in its ability to be somewhat of a blank canvas. And, as a guy who bought the most basic version of the Triumph Bonneville years back, I can tell you that there's a certain pleasure that comes from pouring over style options yourself, picking out your own bars, mirrors, exhaust, and other aesthetic touches. And, while my Bonneville never strayed too far from most putting down the road, I took joy in knowing the difference between it and every other, because they were all decisions I'd made and I'd installed and that felt like my own.
BMW (as well as lots of other companies) has done an incredible job at creating a robust line of customization options for the R nineT line and, for the guy worried more about making the bike his own and less about shredding the canyons, the R nineT Pure is a much better option than the others in the line (assuming that fork is half decent when we get a leg over it).
No word yet on pricing or a release date, but early rumors put MSRP around $11,500.