2014 BMW NineT Spied – Lo Rider Concept Finally Coming to Life

Germany’s Motorrad Magazin has uncovered new photos of an upcoming BMW motorcycle rumored to be called the NineT. We caught a glimpse of the boxer-engined roadster testing earlier this summer but the new pictures – snapped at a gas station in northern Italy – reveal three motorcycles that appear close to being ready for production.

The name NineT recognizes the 90th year anniversary, and the new model references that history in its retro styling. The NineT also marks the production version of the popular Lo Rider Concept BMW revealed back in 2008 at the EICMA show in Milan.

The roundel logo on the tank is obscured but there is no mistaken these are BMW motorcycles with twin air-cooled cylinders poking out to either side and paralever rear suspension with shaft drive. The single round headlight adds a retro touch, as do the wire spoke wheels. The fuel tank appears quite long with sculpted sides for the rider’s knees.

The exhaust isn’t visible on the NineT in the photo above, but the additional photos reveal two different exhaust set-ups. One uses a twin-cannister setup routed to the left of the rear wheel, and another appears to be a single  exhaust mounted a bit higher, closer to the seat.

BMW may simply be testing an aftermarket exhaust on the NineT but recall the original art for the Lo Rider concept in 2008 used several different exhaust setups. “Numerous options including different exhaust systems, seats, headlamp units and paint finish variations allow for a level of customization which is far greater than the familiar individualization by means of special equipment features and accessories,” BMW said at the time in a press release.

Motorrad Magazin says BMW will official present the NineT on Oct. 16.

[Source: Motorrad Magazin]

By Dennis Chung