BMW R nineT Scrambler Review (2016)
What Is It?
The BMW R nineT Scrambler is a premium retro motorbike based on the R nineT Pure but with a high exhaust. It's powered by a Euro 4 compliant air cooled 1,170 cc Boxer engine, producing 110 bhp at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque at 6,000 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (820 mm / 32.3 inches)
- Weight: Heavy (220 kg / 485 lbs)
- Economy: Average (45 mpg / 6.3 l/100km / 15.9 km/l)
- Range: High (170 miles / 274 km)
- Power to Weight: Average (0.500 bhp/kg / 0.373 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: High (125 mph / 201 km/h)
Pros
- Easy to customise
- Build quality
- Handling
- Looks
Cons
- No gear position indicator or fuel gauge
- Suspension
What Is It Like?
What's Good?
It's a lovely little bike. Yep little, it handles like a 600cc if not better due to its low down weight. So flickable and light in city traffic and twisties the more the merrier.
The power from the 1,200cc 110bhp boxer is just fine. You can really feel it's a quality, sturdy, well made bike. It oozes character and is an eye catcher.
Any Downsides?
It's air-cooled and doesn't like 25+ degrees Celsius in traffic where it will heat up. You literally have to pull over and switch off to let it cool, unless you can come up with an after market system to cool it down.
I haven't found one yet so I'm considering making one myself. I might put a guard or wrapping on the exhaust near the peg because it will easily melt your boot.
There's no fuel gauge, just a reserve light, which is in keeping with going retro, but a pain. An extra clock similar to the Pure model might solve the issue and it's an easy add on.
Get a crud protector for your spring and you might want to think about your jacket also. I widened my rear mudguard but that's a personal preference.
- Dave B, 2019
Price Guide
Related Bikes
BMW R nineT Pure: Road focused version with a low exhaust.
BMW R nineT Urban GS: More off-road focused version with wire-spoked wheels.
BMW R nineT Racer: Pure with a headlight fairing, seat hump and more aggressive riding position.
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.
More Info
Check out this video review from TheMissendenFlyer.