BMW R nineT Scrambler in the driving report

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BMW R nineT Scrambler in the driving report

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The R nineT from BMW sells like sliced ​​bread. It was only a matter of time before the Munich team added another retro boxer. Here you go, here comes the BMW R nineT Scrambler.

D.he was almost as good as signed, his future sealed. The air-cooled boxer, which for decades was a style-defining feature of countless BMW motorcycles, was about to be extinguished in its final expansion stage with four valves. Around the corner, the water-cooled brother peeked out, ready to fire up the modern boxer range from now on. And then everything turned out differently. The old flat twin celebrated its triumphant return in the BMW R nineT. Too much flattery? No, because if you look at it soberly, for the period from January to June 2016, for example, only number one subscriber R 1200 GS is ahead of the retro boxer in BMW’s internal hit list. And with 1720 units sold in this period, it was even enough for fifth place among the best-selling motorcycles across all brands. At BMW, they didn’t have to think twice to extend the legacy of what was once dead a little, even to expand it with more models.

BMW R nineT Scrambler in the driving report

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This is exactly how the boxer must sound

The fork is allowed to deflect 125 millimeters at the front. So that there is no contact between the oil cooler and the tire when the way to work is fully utilized, BMW changed the front part of the three-part steel frame concept, which includes the steering head. The steering head angle is now 61.5 degrees flat, the caster increased to over 110 millimeters, the wheelbase to 1.53 meters. Other important changes? The rear damper has been given more travel to work with 140 millimeters of spring travel, and the engine meets the Euro 4 standard. But enough of the data, now the BMW R nineT Scrambler has to show what it’s made of on the road. The foothills of the Alps behind Munich beckons with small, enchanted streets, brisk arches, and a trip into the gravel is also on the test protocol.

The key is in, the starter pushes the boxer briefly, ignition and a satisfied grin. That’s exactly how he has to sound, the boxer. The two Akrapovic trumpets, which are standard on the left side of the motorcycle, are full and audible. The boxer steps on the gas with fine manners. The memory says: The R nineT engine followed the desire for a brisk gas flow in a more spontaneous, snotty way. And the imagination is not deceptive. In order to meet the Euro 4 standard, BMW had to lend a hand to the boxer. This was used to domesticate the air-cooled buffalo a little. Although he has retained his original character, he has exchanged his bearish research in small parts for a bit more civilized manners. Ultimately, that remains a matter of taste. On the other hand, everyone will be happy that the boxer is still good in the feed. The interventions in the matter of the new emissions standard have not changed anything. It develops a credible 110 hp at its peak just under 8000 revolutions, 116 Nm at 6000 rpm pushing forward vigorously. The engine of the BMW R nineT Scrambler is always there when it is needed and works its way through the rev range with verve. Gear changes are easy, the clutch separates cleanly and easily controllable the flow of power during gear changes.

BMW, jkuenstle.de

BMW R nineT Scrambler.

It crouches loosely on the BMW R nineT Scrambler. The footrests placed a bit lower than on the R nineT, the handlebars mounted a little higher, plus the seat height, which has increased slightly to 820 millimeters: the arrangement fits. Even the wide steel tank, with the R nineT, the fuel sloshes in the aluminum barrel, leaves plenty of space for the legs with the recesses in the knee area and provides good contact with the motorcycle. The scrambler scurries through the first slow corners in a slightly wobbly manner and has to be kept on track with a gentle hand. The effect is reversed in rapid bends. The 19-inch model at the front and the conservative steering geometry challenge the whole man or woman. Grabbing the wide handlebars and forcing the retro hop on the right track is the name of the game. An effect that, in addition to the chassis data, can be attributed to the comfort-oriented coordination of the suspension elements, especially the shock absorber.

When the vehicle is stationary, the rear damper is already on the stop and offers no negative spring deflection. If the driver crouches on it, the shock absorber sags noticeably. An unmistakable sign of a very soft spring rate that is 19 percent lower than that of the R nineT. The reserves are quickly used up when cornering quickly. More preload than the standard 25 millimeter free thread length on the damper helps in the short term; a harder spring would be the better way. The adjustable rebound traineeship would still offer reserves for this. The fork of the BMW R nineT Scrambler also works with a softer set-up, but much more inconspicuously and also has better responsiveness.

BMW R nineT Scrambler shines with clean workmanship

This is how the BMW R nineT Scrambler makes the light bobble dog, likes to go the wide arc when the narrow one is desired. Even the well-gripping Metzeler Tourance Next tires cannot change that, nor can the brake, which grabs the 320 millimeter discs in a finely dosed manner without significant lever travel. The ABS regulates cleanly, the whimpering front tire begs for mercy, the load still remains stable and comes to a standstill without any tendency to stop. That’s a good thing, because there is a small gravel path through the forest up ahead. Put the indicator on and off. The scrambler follows the imaginary line light-footed at a moderate pace and puts you in a good mood. Until a pothole wedges the rear damper from lock to lock.

Even 140 millimeters of suspension travel doesn’t help. Keep your eyes open when choosing your line. Finished appropriately, the scrambler announces a little later, leaning on the side stand, of its proper use. The dirt patina looks good on the Klettermax. Whereby it pleases even without speckles of dirt, shines with clean processing, is not a blender. What looks like metal is also metal. Like the R nineT, the Scrambler stands for purism, citing less historical models than motorcycle construction reduced to the essentials. This is their approach to the retro idea. If you can get used to it, you should set aside 13,000 euros and go to the dealer from mid-September. From then on, the BMW R nineT Scrambler will be available along with an accessory program – and maybe there will also be a harder spring for the rear shock?

Technical data BMW R nineT Scrambler

BMW, jkuenstle.de

With the BMW equipment program, the Scrambler becomes a dedicated gravel thrower.

Equipment program for the scrambler

BMW, jkuenstle.de

The standard two-person bench with subframe. It can be unscrewed in a few simple steps.

Let’s be honest: Like the R 1200 GS, hardly anyone will take the BMW R nineT Scrambler on unpaved roads. But if you have this thought deep inside, you will find numerous parts in the BMW special equipment program, not just for the gravel excursion. The rear wheel drifts slightly over the gravel, stones fly through the air, the Scrambler has arrived where it belongs by its name definition. If you want to do the same as the driver in the picture, you cannot avoid the appropriate tires. The Tourance Next from Metzeler, which was mounted on the motorcycles at the ride presentation, is a good tire. However, its profile clearly reveals that it was designed for road-oriented use.

The grip is quickly over on unpaved ground. The Karoo 3 (optionally available when ordering at no extra charge) from the same company, which can also be mounted on the rims of the BMW R nineT Scrambler, provides a remedy. However, anyone who has also ordered the optional stability control (320 euros) should stop by the BMW dealer before the first gravel excursion. It plays a different vote that allows more slip. The cross-spoke wheels (395 euros), which are also available, make more sense off-road, act more flexible and shift the look more towards off-road.

Two versions of the bench at no extra charge

And since the ground clearance is not excessive, the BMW range also has engine protection ready. So equipped, the next gravel excursion is welcome. Weight fetishists can also mount the aluminum tank of the R nineT, which makes the BMW R nineT Scrambler 3.7 kilograms lighter on the plus side – with the same content. It is available from 900 euros. The individual sports silencer from Akrapovic, which replaces the double-flow system, should also save additional pounds.

So you can quickly make a few more out of the 13,000 euros cost price for the BMW R nineT Scrambler. So it’s all the more gratifying that, in addition to the tires mentioned, the bench seat is also available in two variants at no extra charge. The standard long version for two people is available as a normal (820 millimeter seat height) and high version (830 millimeter seat height), which also takes long distances away with more comfortable upholstery. Gravel fans also appreciate that.

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