BMW Motorrad Korea, the motorcycle arm of BMW, launched Wednesday in Seoul its latest addition to the local lineup, the New R nineT.

The timely release of the new motorbike may be interpreted as a strategic move to capitalize on the fast-growing domestic market.

The R nineT draws inspiration from the R32, BMW Motorrad’s very first motorcycle, made in 1923.

The R nineT has a 1,170 cubic-centimeter air-cooled boxer engine and integrates advanced modern technologies yet displays a retro design, creating harmony between old and new ideas.

The traditional twin boxer engine featured 90 years ago on the R32 was remodeled to include an air-cooling system, according to the company.

The R nineT boasts a maximum of 110 horsepower at 7,550 revolutions per minute and 12.1 kilogram-meters of torque at 6,000 rpm. It uses a six-gear transmission and can jump from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.6 seconds.

The BMW Motorrad designers and engineers responsible for the R nineT continuously collaborated to create a simple exterior while maintaining a luxurious look of handmade craftsmanship, the company said.

Another key characteristic is the newly optimized customization process that caters to the various design needs of customers.

For instance, a biker may choose to use BMW Motorrad’s original parts and accessories to fit his or her style demands or preferences.

Such personalization is made possible due to a Module that supports the four main frames of the R nineT, allowing it to be disassembled and reinvented.

Moreover, the R nineT also utilizes ― for its primary framework ― the tubular-shaped “space frame,” which is made of steel and traditionally known for being lightweight and sturdy.

Other notable features include a telescopic fork (applied instead of the more common telelever), a central spring strut in the rear suspension, a swing arm in the cross section of the paralever that includes the shaft drive, black wire-spoke wheels and black aluminum hubs.

The price of the New R nineT is set at 21.7 million won ($20,260).

By Kim Joo-hyun (jhk@heraldcorp.com)