BMW R nineT Scrambler test: new with neo-retro
Encouraged by the phenomenal success of its R nineT and enticed by the equally impressive one of the Ducati Scrambler, BMW will offer its own Scrambler in September. Site has already been able to test this new bike … ” New ”, really ? Test.
Technical report BMW R nineT Scrambler
Engine
The R nineT Scrambler is powered by a flat twin assisted by a cardan shaft transmission: this duo has been the hallmark of the R series of BMW "motorrad" for more than 90 years … And there is no reason that this changes !
The engine that drives this Scrambler is borrowed from the "short" R nineT: it is the ultimate air / oil cooled Boxer, with a displacement of 1170 cc (101 x 73 mm) whose distribution is still ensured by a double overhead camshaft driven by chain, the valves being actuated by latches.
Its mapping and exhaust have been revised in order to meet the requirements of the Euro 4 antipollution standard. At the same time, the fuel supply system has been fitted with an activated carbon filter for degassing the tank..
If the operation is transparent with regard to the maximum power (110 horses always, at 7750 rpm), it results in the loss of 3 Nm (116 Nm of maximum torque at 6000 rpm). "This slight decrease is not sensitive to driving", promised the German engineers…
At high revs perhaps, but in the memories of MNC, the R nineT (Euro 3) seemed to have even more muscular mid-revs (read our). The power and torque curves – especially – published by BMW confirm this impression..
The six-speed gearbox and the cardan shaft are renewed as such in their functions. The shorter gear ratio – of the R nineT compared to the – has therefore been scrupulously preserved on the Scrambler (see the technical sheet on the last page).
The exhaust line on the other hand is modified, in order to correspond to the codes of the genre: fixed much higher than those of the roadster, the double stainless steel outputs of the Scrambler graze the rear wheel. Made by Akrapovic, the two "silencers" give the Boxer a particularly serious and fat sound.
A hint less bursting than the R nineT, the sound of the Scrambler remains a treat for lovers of this style of "classic" music. "Obviously in accordance with the new European regulation EEC R41-04 relating to the noise emitted by motorcycles, the new scrambler takes into account (its sound) thanks to an acoustic shutter controlled by an electric servomotor", specifies the manufacturer.
Cycle part
Based on that of the R nineT, the Scrambler’s tubular steel trellis frame consists of three bolted components: "the front main frame, the rear main frame integrating the end of the frame as well as the so-called passenger frameBMW explains. Like the R nineT, the Scrambler allows the upper part of the rear buckle to be removed. Hipsters will appreciate !
At the front, the arrival of the 19-inch wheel leads to a modification of the geometry: the frame angle is open by 3 ° (28.5 ° therefore) and the frame is increased thanks to a greater offset of the triple trees (110.6 mm), so that the wheelbase reaches 1527 mm on the Scrambler, against 1476 on the roadster.
In order to look like a "real" scrambler, the "Behème" also adopts a telescopic fork with a less impressive size (43 mm) than the inverted fork of the nineT (46 mm). It is equipped with essential rubber bellows responsible for protecting the dip tubes from potential projections….
With its limited travel of 125 mm at the front and 140 mm at the rear (via the Paralever, dear to the Bavarian brand and identical to that of the nineT), excursions across fields will however have to be careful. Especially since no engine guard protects the low engine as standard….
Attracted by the images and videos of "konzepts" broadcast by BMW, future buyers may also be surprised – disappointed ?! – by fitting road type tires (Metzeler Tourance Next, 120 / 70-19 and 170 / 60-17) and the absence of spoke rims which nevertheless characterize the scrambler style.
"We have achieved a saving on the wheels by selecting cast alloy single spoke rims", do not hide the creators of the R nineT Scrambler, before maliciously signaling that"spoke rims are available in our accessories catalog"…
The same principles are applied to the tank: the aluminum one of the original R nineT (18 liters) is replaced on the Scrambler by a similar model in steel (17 l). This further contributes to the lower note of 1,850 euros observed between the R nineT (15,400 €) and the Scrambler (13,550 €).
The same goes for the front brakes: the two 320 mm discs are bitten by calipers – Brembo, "bitte schon" – axially and not radially fixed, as is the case on the roadster. No changes otherwise: the dual piston caliper and 265 mm disc are extended to the rear, as are the braided steel hoses.
Finally, "the ergonomic triangle formed by the handlebars, the seat of the saddle and the footrests has been redefined with, as objective, a much more upright position on the handlebars". Site can attest that the driving position is a little more" cool "than on the roadster (read the previous page).
Electronic
In accordance with new European rules – and like the entire BMW Motorrad range since 2013 – the BMW Scrambler receives ABS as standard. ASC (Automatic Stability Control) traction control is available as an "ex-works" option..
"The motorcycle will arrive in French dealerships on September 15, 2016 and the prices of options and accessories have not yet been communicated to us.", informs us in passing the press manager of BMW France.
In line with the stripped-down style of the bike, driving modes, electronic suspensions (ESA) or cruise control are banned on this new BMW. Even the instrumentation is – almost – reduced to its simplest expression…
The analog speedometer houses a small liquid crystal window which alternately displays the odometer, two trip odometer, the engine temperature and the clock, by means of the "info" button located on the left control unit, above the order – conventional! – turn signals.
No tachometer (available as an option), fuel gauge, average consumption, remaining range, battery voltage or gear indicator light engaged, despite a mysterious empty square … which serves as a witness for the heated grips !
BMW specifies, however, that "with the engine and motorcycle wiring harnesses separate, the work required for extensive conversions remains manageable. A sine qua non condition, especially for professional trainers"… and amateur DIY enthusiasts (?) of Scrambler !
Options and accessories
BMW recalls that "the options are delivered ex works and integrated into the manufacturing process. The accessories are fitted by the BMW Motorrad dealer or by the customer. They are also available as retrofittingHere are the lists:
- Options
- Cross spoke wheels (standard cycle part)
- All terrain tires
- ASC (Automatic Stability Control) traction control
- Heated grips
- LED turn signals
- Hand-brushed aluminum tank with visible weld seam or grind-ground
- Chrome manifold
- High saddle
- Anti-theft alarm system
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