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ADV BikesTouratech Racing a BMW R nineT in Red Bull Romaniacs

Touratech Racing a BMW R nineT in Red Bull Romaniacs

The first time big-bore twin-cylinder machines compete in the hard enduro.

Published on 07.24.2017

The BMW R nineT is known more for its visual appeal and retro styling than any off-road prowess it might posses. With 17″ wheels, 4.7 inches of suspension travel, a shaft drive and 1200cc’s of air-cooled cylinders sticking out the sides, it might be the last bike you would expect to see at one of the world’s toughest off-road races. But that is exactly the bike Touratech intends to bring to this year’s Red Bull Romaniacs competition.

Starting tomorrow, July 25th, roughly 500 racers from 50 different countries will descend on Sibiu, Romania for the start of the 5-day competition which has earned a reputation of being slightly ‘nuts.’ Competitors will test their mettle on some of the toughest enduro trails in the Southern Carpathian mountains along with several hair-raising man-made challenges over the 600km (373 miles) course.


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Touratech BMW R nineT RX9

Touratech BMW R nineT RX9 Red Bull Romaniacs

The challenging conditions offer the ultimate proving grounds for Touratech’s development department to test new products and their BMW R nineT prototype — the R9X — is extensively modified to handle the rigorous terrain. Full build details are limited, but the R9X will feature Touratech suspension, TT-3D bodywork and more.

Yet the race will be just as much a test of the rider as it is for the bike, and this will be the first year twin-cylinder machines take on the Romaniacs course. The Touratech R9X will be piloted by none other than former BMW factory rider and Red Bull Romaniacs veteran Gerhard Forster. Forster has ridden BMW HP2 enduros in a variety of races and has also finished in the Gold Class Top 10 five times at the Red Bull Romaniacs on a single-cylinder machine. Other achievements include being a six-time finisher at the Erzberg Rodeo, a 4th place at the Roof of Africa and a 2nd place at the GetzenRodeo.

Touratech BMW R nineT RX9 Red Bull Romaniacs

Touratech BMW R nineT RX9 Red Bull Romaniacs

Gerhard is clearly up for the challenge, but there are also bragging rights at stake. The KTM vs. BMW rivalry will be in full force during the race with both Chris Birch and Quinn Cody piloting modified KTM 1090 Adventure R’s in the Iron Class. All the action will be live streamed from the Red Bull Romaniacs website and you can get your first glimpse of the big bikes when the action begins tomorrow!

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.

Author: Rob Dabney
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Eric Hall
Eric Hall
July 24, 2017 3:06 pm

Proving it can be done. Wish BMW could resurrect the HP2 one day.

paquo
paquo
July 24, 2017 6:38 pm

right except the katoom is actually a production bike you can buy and the other is a one off

michael
michael
December 29, 2017 7:57 am

Any technical spec available , weight ? a lot of mods on the frame, 800 front ?

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