BMW R nineT Scrambler 2016 — Specifications

When Munich decides to play the nostalgia card, it doesn't do so halfway. The BMW R nineT had already rekindled the neo-retro flame among motorcyclists seeking authenticity. With the Scrambler version of this 1170 cc boxer, the brand takes an additional step: it embraces a rural, almost romantic positioning, while retaining the serious foundations that underpin the Bavarian reputation. A risky exercise in style, but rather well executed.

The first encounter is at eye level. This BMW R nineT Scrambler motorcycle imposes a silhouette that contrasts with the muscular nervousness of its roadster cousin. The raised handlebars, the fork gaiters, the 19-inch front wheel shod with a 120/70 tire, the high exhaust pipes that reveal the rear wheel: everything tells a story of dirt roads and freedom. The 43 mm telescopic fork replaces the more sporty inverted architecture; rigidity is lost, aesthetic coherence is gained. It is an assumed choice. For those who wonder what the seat height of a BMW R nineT Scrambler is, the answer is 820 mm, which remains manageable for an average-sized rider, especially since the relaxed riding position, the slightly recessed footpegs and the handlebar brought closer provide a natural, almost urban seat comfort. The motorcycle clearly targets the solo rider who likes to tell themselves an adventure without necessarily wanting to cross the Sahara.

Under the 17-liter steel fuel tank, the air-cooled flat-twin turns its 1170 cc with the regularity of proven mechanics. 110 horsepower at 7750 rpm, 115.7 Nm at 6000 rpm: the figures are not intimidating, and the 6-speed gearbox coupled with the shaft drive ensures smooth progression, without jerks. The engine of the BMW R nineT Scrambler motorcycle is not the newest in the BMW Motorrad range, and that is precisely what suits here. A Euro 4 mapping, injection, but no multiple riding modes or intrusive electronics. ABS does the legal work, and the ASC traction control system remains an option. The 220 kg when fully fueled are managed without drama thanks to the generous torque available early in the rev range. The announced top speed of 180 km/h will rarely be requested by the target clientele.

What distinguishes the BMW R nineT Scrambler custom in the neo-retro universe is its native compatibility with customizers. The removable rear subframe and the wiring prepared to accommodate aftermarket accessories open the door to serious customizations, and workshops like JVB Moto BMW R nineT Scrambler have made it their playground. The minimalist dashboard, a single circular gauge with speed indicator and small digital window for the time and mileage, perfectly matches this philosophy. No tachometer, no multifunction screen, no connectivity. It is a commitment that will please some and irritate others, depending on whether one is looking for a motorcycle to live with or a tool to optimize.

The price of a BMW R nineT Scrambler was set at 13,550 euros at launch, positioning it below the standard R nineT and giving it a real advantage over competitors such as the Ducati Scrambler 1100 or the Triumph Scrambler 1200. But honesty compels us to say: for the machine to truly make sense visually, spoked wheels, an engine guard and trail tires are almost essential options. The bill climbs. This is the small manufacturing defect of the exercise: selling a motorcycle whose soul requires an additional budget to fully express itself. A used BMW R nineT Scrambler therefore often represents the best calculation, especially if the previous owner has already ticked the right boxes in the catalog. However, for those looking for a motorcycle with character, capable of attracting attention without resorting to electronics to mask the rider's imperfections, this Scrambler offers a coherent and difficult-to-ignore proposition.