2021 BMW R NineT GS Bumble Bee Edition

It seems every motorcycle manufacturer is reaching back in their archives for inspiration these days, and BMW is no exception. It’s a lucrative market, after all. About eight years ago, the firm released the R nineT: their very traditional 1,170cc air/oil-cooled engine producing 109bhp boxer engine in a custom frame with minimal but exciting design cues, offering the perfect basis for customizers to make their mark. It was an instant success as a “modern classic”.

As the brochure says, “The classic roadster embodies the passion and innovation of over 90 years of motorcycle design, with high-quality materials and careful workmanship in the smallest detail. Countless individualization options mean no limits when it comes to your self-realization.”

And reaching back deeper, BMW released the R NineT GS model to celebrate 40 years of the bumble bee R80GS. With high pipes and front fender, the bike is an homage to the motorcycle that defined dual sport adventure riding. Gold, outside rim laced wheels with aggressive tire tread pattern are at the front and rear, while the tank and seat offer the black and yellow livery reminiscent of the original. Yellow handlebar shields  complete the package, though not sure of their effectiveness in an urban setting.

As James Oxley of Adventurebikerider.com put it, “Am I tempted to head over to my nearest BMW dealership and part with my hard-earned cash? The answer is yes, and no. As an adventure biker, the Urban G/S just isn’t practical enough to be my main motorcycle… However, as a second bike for Sunday rides through the Cotswolds and cruising through town, it excels and it’s for this purpose I’d be tempted to buy one… Honestly, the bike has proved the perfect antidote for a man who may be struggling more than he realised with turning 40. Is it helping me through some sort of mid-life crisis? Maybe. But, if a bike looks and feels this good to ride, who cares.”

The motorbike offered

The 2021 BMW R NineT GS Bumble Bee Edition on offer here comes from a local SoCal collector. With 6,100 miles on the odometer, the bike is offered in excellent condition throughout, but for some finish-loss on the front rim. Having just been serviced, the bike starts easily and rides like new, with great and surprising power from its 1200cc heart. New tires were installed with only a few miles on them. In the striking Bumble-Bee livery, the bike is a blast through town or in the twisties.