BMW R nineT versus Suzuki GS 500

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R nineT

Retro
Suzuki

Suzuki GS 500

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2023
Built von 2005 bis 2007
RRP 17.050 €
RRP
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Pros:
  • pretty to look at
  • purist
  • cool driving experience
  • Numerous customizing options
Pros:
  • Handy
  • Low seat height
  • Suitable for everyday use
  • Value for money
  • Excellent spare parts situation
Cons:
  • Price
  • nothing for giants
Cons:
  • No electronic helpers
  • Susceptible to rust
  • Weak rear damping

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length :
2.220 mm Height : 1.265 mm
Seat :
803 mm until : 805 mm
Weight :
222 (max: 430 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
174 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor type unknown 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 487 ccm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kette

Performance

Maximum speed: 220 km/h
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
340 km
Maximum speed: 177 km/h
Performance: 45 HP
Tank contents: 17 Litre

Chassis

Frame type:
Space tube, motor supporting (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-Down 45 mm (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 265 mm)

Conclusion - what's stuck?

The R nineT is not only fun to drive, but also looks great! And it is probably this combination that makes the bike so desirable for motorcycle fans worldwide right from the start.
BMW describes it as follows: "Design your motorcycle, design your life." It also has a lot to do with lifestyle and so the nineT leaves hardly any customizer wishes unfulfilled in terms of diversity. It is the basis for deep individualizations, which sets the machine apart from the competition. In addition to the already diverse model and design variants, there are plenty of Customizing accessories, so everyone can make their own roadster dream come true. Even the on-board electronics are designed with numerous interfaces in such a way that changes do not represent a major hurdle.

Even if the NineT is purist in almost all respects, it does not do so in terms of price. Not at all when you make the most of the numerous possibilities for change to realize your own exclusive dream bike. But individuality always has your price. However, the success proves BMW right again in this case, because the BMW R NineT is so popular that one should expect extremely long delivery times.

Das Testmotorrad wurde uns freundlicher Weise von Motorrad Ruser zur Verfügung gestellt.









Price/Availability/
Colours/years of construction

  • Price: 15,350 Euro
  • Used: from 9,500 Euro
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colour:Blackstorm metallic, Blackstorm metallic Vintage (+980 €), Marsrot/Cosmicblue (+1100 €), Pollux/Aluminium (+980 €)
  • Other model variants: Pure, Scrambler, Urban GS

The test motorcycle was kindly provided by Motorrad Ruser.

For beginners? Well, yes....

So what remains? In our case, the question of whether a motorcycle can work for only EUR 900 must clearly be answered in the affirmative. And more: Little Suzi is really fun. Of course, she is especially noticeable when it is brakes, but she has no real flaws. If you want or have to ride a motorcycle cheaply, you would have a long time with this Suzi for the narrow thaler.

Two things about it: It worked in our case, because the buyer had been informed exactly what to look for. It should not be concealed that a portion of luck can't hurt: If a previous owner often turned the Suzi out cold or driven it over the runway at full throttle, this conclusion would probably not be so positive.

The second is the concept of an entry-level machine, which is often attached to machines such as the Suzuki GS 500E. Of course, you don't want to spend a lot of money and gain experience first. But whether you should do this with a motorcycle that lacks any electronic safety feature?

Everyone has to make up that with themselves.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: In the year 2000: 4480€
  • Used from 200 to approx. 2,500€
  • Years built: 1988-2007
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: initially

    red, black, blue, white, later also in purple and green