The BMW nineT motorcycle is every purist auto technician’s dream vehicle. The bike, a very basic model, was designed to pay homage to 90 years of BMW motorcycles. Already, the nineT is BMW’s fourth best selling bike of 2014. It is the option of total customization which makes this bike such a hit, along with its back-to-the-roots motorcycle design. The price of this bike starts at $14,900, and goes up depending on how many custom pieces you would like to buy and add. To get you started on what already exists on this bike, here are the standard features:
Features
- 4.8 gallon fuel tank
- Convertible seat for one or two riders
- Boxer engine
- 110 horsepower with 88 torque and a max speed of 125mph
- Telescopic fork
Customizable
The R nineT has been called a blank slate, as it is a great solid bike that owners can add onto at their own will. One option is the rear variants. You may choose “Standard” with pillion passenger seat and frame, “Solo” with storage instead of a seat on the pillion, or “Sport” with no passenger seat. Another option is LED side indicators on the handlebars, which give the bike a more modern aesthetic. Another customizable option is the carbon engine cover, which can be altered to reduce weight or add personal design.
Kneepads, passenger rider’s seat, anti-theft alarm and a rear bag are all also customizable options for this bike which are available to buy from BMW.
Advances in Motorcycle Technology
Unlike many cars of today, motorcycles have not really been following the trend of electric motors. This is mainly because fuel economy is already quite good on most motorcycles. Hybrid motors are also large and therefore difficult to add onto a motorcycle, so there have been few practical designs for more environmental options. An automotive technician would know that despite this, motorcycles have come a long way since they were first invented in the late 19th century. While most motorcycles are designed for cruising and touring, the sports motorcycle has seen a rise in popularity and innovation from companies such as Yamaha and Suzuki.
Many would say the greatest design over the last 30 years for motorcycles are anti-lock brakes, and after that, today’s highly engineered tires. In terms of safety design, the introduction of the motorcycle airbag in 2006 is huge for safety in head-on collisions. Helmet technology has also come a long way, so far as companies experimenting with airbags in the helmet itself. Adaptive headlights which not only show what’s ahead, but predict turns in the roads are also catching on as a clever innovation. Motorists and students in auto mechanic schools continue to welcome the invention of safety features and advancements that maintain the feeling of freedom in motorcycle driving while increasing the safety for the drivers.
