BMW R nineT Pure (2017-2020) Maintenance Schedule
This is the complete maintenance schedule for the BMW R nineT Pure, made from 2017-2020, before gaining throttle-by-wire in 2021.
The maintenance schedule for the R NineT Pure is very similar to that of the “Classic” R NineT. But there are a few small differences in specs and parts that warrant a different maintenance schedule.
What the whole R nineT line has in common is the engine base — an air-cooled 1170cc flat twin “boxer” engine with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts, pushing about 81 kW (110 hp) of power and 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque to the rear wheel through a dry clutch and a shaft drive.
You may be searching for one of the following maintenance schedules from the BMW R nineT family:
| Model family | 2014-2016 | 2017-2020 | 2021+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| R nineT (Classic) | 2014-2016 R nineT | 2017-2020 R nineT | 2021+ R nineT |
| R nineT Pure | n/a | 2017-2020 R nineT Pure | 2021+ R nineT Pure |
| R nineT Urban G/S & Scrambler | n/a | 2017-2020 R nineT Urban G/S and Scrambler | 2021 R nineT Urban G/S & Scrambler |
| R nineT Racer | n/a | R nineT Racer | n/a (discontinued) |
The motor in the 2017-2020 R nineT is the same “camhead” engine that was used in the previous R 1200 generation of motorcycles, by the way, including the contemporaneous R 1200 R and 2010-2012 R 1200 GS. But those motorcycles evolved to add liquid cooling and generally have been higher-spec bikes than the air-cooled R nineT, with things like TFT displays.
In 2021, the BMW R nineT range was updated to throttle by wire, and the maintenance schedule changed slightly.
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Service Intervals for the BMW R nineT Pure
Like the previous BMW R nineT (and other R nineT models), the 2017-2020 R nineT Pure has an air/oil-cooled boxer engine with service intervals of a relatively short 6000 miles / 10000 km. At every service, you change the oil and filter and also check the valve clearances.
Note that BMW also specifies an annual oil change in their service schedule, regardless of distance travelled. There’s also an annual full multi-point inspection to check for leaks or parts that need lubrication.
Luckily, the valve clearance inspection isn’t too hard on the R nineT. Once you’re changing the oil, it’s easy to remove the valve covers as they’re poking out the sides of the motorcycle. It doesn’t add much cost to the service.
Every two services for the R nineT Pure, change the air filter and the spark plugs.
Finally, make sure you regularly check and replace fluids like shaft drive lubricant and brake fluid.
What you need to service the BMW R nineT Pure — Consumables and Special Tools
For the BMW R nineT Pure, the manual recommends the following specific consumables.
| Part | BMW R nineT Pure Spec |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | Per the manual for all R nineT bikes, a maximum of 3.8 L (1 US gal) L of SAE 15W-50, API SJ/JASO MA2. Additives (for instance, molybdenum-based substances) are prohibited, because they would attack the coatings on engine components, BMW Motorrad recommends BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate oil. |
| Oil filter | All BMW R bikes use a BMW/Mahle oil filter, part number 11 42 7 673 541. The best replacement is a Hiflofiltro HF164. |
| Spark plugs | NGK MAR8B-JDS This is what the manual suggests. Make sure it’s gapped correctly to 0.8mm (get a gapping tool). |
| Air filter | You can get the stock air filter (part 13717706414), but riders love the BM-1204 air filter from K&N, which is reusable. |
| Brake pads | Use the standard brake pads by Brembo, which you can order from your dealer. Or use EBC double hardened brake pads to get the best out of your advanced braking system. Use two FA244HH for the front, and one FA363HH for the rear. * Note — Pads are different across the R nineT line (R nineT Classic vs Pure, Racer, Scrambler, and Urban GS) — get the right ones. |
| Drive oil | Called the “Rear axle differential oil” in the manual. BMW recommends “SAE 70W-80 / hypoid axle G3”, but many hypoid gear oils work, e.g. Mobil 1 75W-90. |
| Alternator belt | Super annoying when this breaks! The part number is 11 31 8 528 385. It’s easiest to pick this up from a dealer. |
BMW R nineT Pure Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the BMW R nineT Pure as per the manual, but made clearer so that you can understand what needs to happen more easily.
The R nineT range, being air-cooled, have surprisingly short maintenance intervals — quite similar to other air-cooled performance bikes. You have to service the valves every 6,000 miles or 10,000 kilometres.
The good news is that you can get to the valve heads very easily, as the cylinders are sticking out into the wind.
The Pure also doesn’t need you to change fork oil, as the forks are simpler than on the R nineT.
Simplified, the maintenance for the BMW R nineT Pure involves:
- A standard service every 12 months (irrespective of distance)
- Oil change every 10000 kms / 6000 miles or 12 months, whichever is earlier,
- Checking the valve clearances every 10000 km / 6000 miles (with no time restriction)
- Adjust engine synchro every 10000 km / 6000 miles
- A series of other periodic checks
Notes on the maintenance schedule
- At the end of the indicated schedule, keep following it in the pattern shown (every 1-4 service intervals)
- Where there’s a time and a distance-based interval, follow the earlier of the two.
- The break-in service isn’t shown, as the dealer usually takes care of this during the warranty period.
| x 1000 km | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| x 1000 mi | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | Every |
| Conduct the standard BMW service (below) | Year | ||||
| Change engine oil (BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate oil) and oil filter (BMW/Mahle oil filter, part number 11 42 7 721 779) | X | X | X | X | Year |
| Oil change in the rear bevel gears (Mobil 1 75W-90) | X | X | 2 years | ||
| Check and adjust valve clearances | X | X | X | X | |
| Change transmission oil (Mobil 1 75W-90) | X | After 1 year, then every 2 years | |||
| Replace spark plugs (NGK MAR8B-JDS) | X | X | |||
| Replace air cleaner insert (BM-1204) | X | X | |||
| Replace alternator belt (11 31 8 528 385) | X | 6 years | |||
| Adjust engine synchronization | X | X | X | X | |
| Change brake fluid in entire system (Castrol Dot 4) | After 1 year, then every 2 years |
BMW Motorrad Service, standard scope
The activities in the BMW Motorrad Service standard scope (that are to be done periodically according to the service schedule above) are listed below.
There might be additional work to be done on your BMW R nineT Pure in addition to the standard service — whatever you (or the mechanic) observe.
Note: Some of the below tests, including those that need the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system or re-setting the service due date, require BMW-specific equipment. These are marked with a [B].
| BMW R nineT Pure Regular Service |
|---|
| [B] Perform vehicle test with BMW Motorrad diagnosis system |
| Visually inspect the clutch system (adjust free play and lubricate as necessary) |
| Check steering-head bearing |
| Visually inspect the brake lines, brake hoses and connections |
| Check front brake pads and brake discs for wear (replace pads with FA244HH if necessary) |
| Check front wheel brake fluid level |
| Check rear brake pads and brake disc for wear (replace pads with FA363HH if necessary) |
| Check rear wheel brake fluid level |
| Check the cable linkages for ease of movement, chafing and kinks, and play (lubricate with Protect All Cable Life as necessary) |
| Check tyre pressures and tread depth |
| Check side stand for ease of movement |
| Check tension of the spokes and tighten as needed |
| Check the lighting and signal equipment |
| Functional check for engine start suppression |
| Final inspection and road safety check |
| [B] Set the service-due date and service countdown distance (using the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system) |
| Check battery charging state |
| [B] Confirm BMW service in the vehicle literature |
BMW R nineT Pure Tire size and pressures
The following are tire sizes and tyre pressures for the BMW R nineT Pure.
BMW recommends these tyre pressures for most of their standard bikes and sport bikes. Stock, the wheels are cast wheels, though you can opt for spoked wheels.
| Wheel/Tire | Size | Pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70 ZR 17 | 2.5 bar (36 psi) |
| Rear | 180/55 ZR 17 | 2.7 bar (39 psi) one-up 2.9 bar (42 psi) two up with cargo |
About the BMW R nineT Pure
The BMW R nineT is an already legendary motorcycle from BMW, representing “simplicity”, but doing so in a typically classy BMW fashion. The name R nineT is meant to pay homage to BMW’s 90 years in the business, not to any one specific model.
All motorcycles in the range (including the BMW R nineT Pure) are powered by the final air/oil-cooled version of the opposite-twin Boxer engine, which in dual overhead cam form from 2017-2020 produced a claimed 85 kW (110 hp) and 116 Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque.
In contrast with earlier BMW roadsters, BMW finally ditched the telelever front suspension for a traditional fork. The R nineT Pure (2017-2020) has a non-adjustable conventional fork, in contrast with the sporty setup on the 2017-2020 BMW R nineT (classic).
The R nineT Pure also comes classic with cast alloy rims and tubeless tyres.
There is, of course, a wide range of accessories and options for the R nineT. These have really filled out over the years. You can pour a lot of money into a BMW motorcycle!
In 2021, the R nineT Pure was updated to include a 6-axis IMU, ride by wire, and a host of rider aids including cornering ABS, and even optional cruise control.
The maintenance schedule changed slightly with the ride-by-wire update so is kept separate.
Manual for the BMW 2017-2020 R nineT Pure
Below is a screenshot of the maintenance schedule from which the above was derived (there’s more information in the manual about what the numbers mean) for the BMW R nineT Pure.
The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the 2019 BMW R nineT Pure. You can download it from BMW’s website directly here.
