Initially introduced in 2014, the BMW R nineT was such a surprise hit that it eventually led to an entire family of bikes – but the original is the best in terms of components.
A dual exhaust, inverted forks, spoke wheels, aluminum fuel tank, and dual gauges (including tachometer) differentiated the model from future variants, all of which were given cheaper price tags and lower specifications to match. It was a rare case of the original standard being the flagship model.
Nevertheless, the R nineT (in any form) is a good choice for someone who wants to do some customization. The motor is a classic air/oil-cooled engine that puts out useful power with 110 horses and a significant 88 ft/lbs of torque.
As Rider Magazine found in its review: “This is a gorgeous bike that stops people in their tracks, with dozens of finely crafted little touches to catch the eye. It’s a pretty sweet ride, too, especially for a solo rider who just wants to make day rides, play in the canyons or commute in style… The engine is smooth, docile and easy at low speeds, but can bring the heat on demand; the transmission shifts well and the exhaust makes a sonorous brap brap bark that is unique to this beauteous boxer.”
This example is VIN: WB10A1609EZ397833. The seller purchased the motorcycle new in 2014 from San Diego BMW Motorcycles in San Diego, California. “I bought this R nineT new in 2014, during the first year of production, and it has been with me ever since. Very early in its life, I was fortunate enough to have Roland Sands Design work on the bike in the spirit of BMW’s 2013 Concept 90, the BMW Motorrad/RSD collaboration that helped establish the design language that would become the production R nineT.”
During their ownership, the seller has covered 15,352 miles. The odometer shows 15,352 miles.
The seller states:
“The bike was given the nickname “The Grey Ghost”. Very early in its life, the motorcycle was taken to Roland Sands Design, where it was modified in the spirit of BMW’s 2013 Concept Ninety, the BMW Motorrad/Roland Sands Design collaboration unveiled shortly before the production R nineT. The motorcycle was selected for use in a BMW production associated with the Concept 101 project, and Ola rode it during filming. In preparation for this sale, Roland Sands personally confirmed in writing that RSD had upfitted this specific R nineT for the BMW shoot with Ola and had built the exhaust and seat for it.”
Maintenance:
“Key documented maintenance includes:
– September 2014: BMW starter/combination switch replaced under warranty.
– December 2014 – 2,642 miles: Inspection and repair following a driveway tip-over, with related service work completed by Dave Campbell’s shop.
– March 2015: Clutch hydraulic/master-cylinder-related service.
– August 2015 – approximately 5,050 miles: Major chassis/performance work including Öhlins rear shock, Öhlins fork internals/springs, Öhlins steering damper, Dynojet AutoTune, and suspension setup. This invoice alone totaled approximately $4,569.
– September 2015: Professional dyno tuning with the RSD exhaust, K&N intake, Power Commander V, and mapping. The documented final setup produced approximately 94.5 rear-wheel horsepower and 73.3 lb-ft of rear-wheel torque.
– September 2015 – approximately 5,330 miles: Throttle assembly replaced/serviced.
– November 2015 – approximately 6,016 miles: BMW ignition recall completed, aftermarket valve covers inspected, and rear brake pads replaced.
– April 2016 – approximately 7,040 miles: Engine oil/filter and drivetrain-related fluids/service, plus a Michelin Pilot 4 GT rear tire.
– October 2016 – approximately 8,700 miles: BMW 21-point inspection, brake-fluid flush, and final-drive check/adjustment.
– February 2017 – approximately 9,550 miles: Quick-throttle pulley installed, K&N air filter serviced, foot controls adjusted, and rear ride height checked/adjusted.
– October 2017 – approximately 10,650 miles: Tires mounted/balanced and additional dyno-related checks performed.
– August 2018 – 13,079 miles: BMW scheduled maintenance/inspection covering engine, drivetrain, brakes, chassis, and safety items.
– June 2026 – 15,059 miles: Most recent major service by Motorcycle Service of San Diego, including annual service, engine oil/filter, drivetrain fluids, new lithium battery, and new Metzeler Z8 tires front and rear, followed by BMW-style maintenance/inspection checks.
The bike currently shows approximately 15,352 miles, so the latest service, battery, and tire replacement were completed only about 300 miles ago.”
Mechanical Issues:
“The bike starts, idles, runs, shifts, brakes, and rides properly. There are no known engine, transmission, fueling, electrical, suspension, or braking faults, and no known fluid leaks or warning-light issues.”
Modifications:
“The chassis was upgraded with Öhlins suspension and a steering damper, adjustable Paralever geometry, Rizoma controls, a quick-turn throttle, and other rider-focused changes. The engine management was developed with a Power Commander V, AutoTune, K&N intake filtration, and professional dyno tuning. The documented final configuration produced approximately 94.5 rear-wheel horsepower and 73.3 lb-ft of torque.
Major upgrades and modifications include:
– Bespoke Roland Sands Design header and twin high-mount exhaust system, built as part of the bike’s early RSD/BMW development history
– Additional RSD/BMW collaboration components fitted during the early build phase
– Dynojet Power Commander V
– Dynojet AutoTune
– K&N intake filtration
– Professional dyno tuning and mapping
– Öhlins rear shock
– Clip On style handlebars
– Quick-turn/short throttle
– Bar-end mirrors
– Rizoma Fuel Cap
– Custom hand-control/brake hardware and clutch-line work
– Custom leather grips with contrasting stitching
– Öhlins fork internals/springs
– Öhlins steering damper
– Custom valve-cover treatment and additional bespoke hardware throughout
– Rizoma adjustable rearsets/foot controls
– Custom matte charcoal/black paint finish with yellow pinstriping
– Intake/snorkel modifications
– Wunderlich Vario Paralever arm for adjustable rear geometry/ride height
– Custom rear-frame/tail-section fabrication
– Bespoke solo seat and tail treatment
– Custom LED license-plate/fender-eliminator setup
– Rizoma LED front turn signals and rear lighting
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler Z8 tires with date codes of 4024 and 0626.
The sale includes 2 ignition keys. “It comes with extensive records from new, dyno documentation, service and build invoices, and recent written confirmation from Roland Sands regarding its RSD/BMW history.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: The seller states: ““In 2014 the motorcycle tipped over in my driveway after I accidentally backed into it with my car; the resulting damage was inspected and repaired at the time. Approximately two years ago, the bike was also dropped at very low speed while negotiating a sandy corner. That incident resulted primarily in cosmetic scratching, which is shown in the gallery. No known structural or current mechanical issues resulted from either incident.”
Please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in San Diego, California, this BMW is offered on a clean California title. Have any R nineT stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
