The BMW R nineT has several design elements configured to allow the bike to be easily modified, such as separate engine and chassis wiring harnesses and minimal bolts attaching the rear subframe, tail lights, and headlight.

[5] The R nineT version of the bike has upside-down (USD) telescopic forks rather than BMW's usual Telelever front suspension.

All variations have an air/oil-cooled oilhead flat twin (or boxer) 1,170 cc (71 cu in) engine, which has the inlet manifold at the rear of the cylinders and the exhaust at the front.

As of 2017 there are five R nineT variations: In a The Daily Telegraph review, Roland Brown said the R nineT is "not the bike for impecunious custom builders, but a retro roadster that combines heritage, good looks, high quality finish and entertaining performance in one cleverly integrated package, with potential for easy personalisation".

[7] A Motor Cycle News review says of the R nineT: "The build quality is superb and the attention to detail impeccable.