![bmw r ninet scrambler bmw r ninet scrambler](https://bikebrewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Monika-Balan-3.jpg)
The tubeless cross-spoke wheels are a $400 option, and the off-roady Metzeler Karoo 3 tires are optional too, but for no extra charge. The base model Scrambler comes equipped with cast aluminum wheels rolling on Metzeler Tourance tires. Note that the footpeg’s rubber inserts are removable. Historical flat-Twin personality remains with a little side-to-side rocking when revving the engine at a standstill. A conveniently placed twistie knob for hydraulically adjustable preload is preferable, but that type of convenience may detract from the heritage experience and costs extra.įor an engine whose roots date back 103 years, BMW’s Boxer remains a sprightly modern-day performer. The shock’s preload is adjustable by way of old-school locknuts requiring a screwdriver and hammer to adjust. The rear shock with 5.5 inches of travel is better able to deal with urban assaulting or mild off-roading.
![bmw r ninet scrambler bmw r ninet scrambler](https://www.unitgarage.it/data/cat/img/r_nine_t_urban_gs_7.jpg)
I’ve ridden with better-sorted front suspension on bikes costing half as much. Regardless of fork travel, anything short of smooth pavement proves the Scrambler’s fork to be harsh. A situation exacerbated by the cost-saving, non-adjustable traditional 43mm fork on the Scrambler replacing the inverted 46mm fork of the standard NineT. Sitting down means slowing down, and here’s why.Ģ017 BMW R NineT Pure And R NineT Racer Previewsįour-point-nine inches of fork travel (only 0.2 inches more than the standard NineT) simply isn’t enough travel to contend with modest-size impacts. The Scrambler does have higher handlebars compared to the standard model, but it still requires you to maintain a crouched, attack position.
![bmw r ninet scrambler bmw r ninet scrambler](https://i2.wp.com/www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2016-BMW-R-nineT-Scrambler-stills-27.jpg)
Otherwise, the Scrambler’s seating position felt pretty good during our 2.5 days aboard the bike, with no notable cramps or complaints.īarreling down one of the longer stretches of dirt at a 75 mph clip, praying one or both of the wheels don’t explode when striking the hard-to-see chuckholes littering the road (one journo did bend a front cast rim), it becomes apparent the NineT Scrambler is only meant to be ridden while standing for short distances.
#Bmw r ninet scrambler series
Their width provide leverage for quickly wending around a series of mud holes.
![bmw r ninet scrambler bmw r ninet scrambler](https://rustsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/PC3M0664.jpg)
Scrambler handlebars are taller than the standard NineT’s, but keep a rider bent forward. Most of both were of the higher-speed variety, but when it came time to tip-toe around a series of mud puddles (my attire did not include the term waterproof) or brake hard then point-and-shoot through New York traffic, the Twin made easy work of either situation, even if stuck in a gear too high. While our two-day ride around rurals of New Jersey and the urban jungle of Manhattan was mostly an affair with asphalt and potholes, BMW did graciously include some off-roading befitting the nature of 500-pound scrambler. Eventually, though, engine sound and feel are learned, allowing its rider to execute proper gear selection for the given situation. Sans tach, it takes a while to fully understand the engine’s preferences, especially with its ability to spin freely – surprisingly – to its rev-limiter. The air/oil-cooled 1170cc boxer-Twin may not equal the output of its liquid-cooled cousins, it nonetheless gets the job done with oodles of low-end, torquey grunt, as well as sporty thrust. Good thing is, both NineT’s share the same engine performance. For easy comparison sake, the most notable differences are referenced in the chart below. To reach this lower threshold, the Scrambler had to endure a few cust-cutting measures, most of which do not adversely affect the Scrambler’s performance – except for one or two, and we’ll get to those shortly. With the announcement of two new R NineT models for 2017, BMW is now quickly capitalizing on its own heritage as well as the prevailing trend in heritagesque.Īt $13k, the Scrambler comes in $2,100 under the standard NineT’s $15,095 price tag. It seems as though BMW was caught off guard by the success of the original R NineT (launched in 2013 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the R 32, BMW’s first motorcycle), which might explain why it took three years to follow up with the Scrambler model. If you’re wanting to spend some quality time with your millennial hipster kid and think some shared motorcycle experiences are the way to do it, but you don’t want to relive your ownership of a Honda CB400, and have the means to afford a shiny new two-wheeler even the youthful bearded crowd will have a hard time pooh poohing, BMW’s new R NineT Scrambler might be for you. Photos by: John Beck & Kevin Wing 2017 BMW R NineT Scrambler Editor Score: 81.25% Engine