BMW R nineT ScramblerSince the launch of the 2015 Ducati Scrambler, a rebirth of popularity was instilled into the scrambler name. For baby boomers, the scrambler likely brings back the image of up-swept exhaust and the desert, along with names like Steve McQueen and Triumph.For Generation X and the Millenniums, a much hipper image surfaces, one that’s rooted in nostalgia. Most OEMs understand this, and waste no time – a missed trend equals missed sales. BMW is one of those OEMs that understands, and has unveiled its new R nineT Scrambler – a bike that mates the styling of the 1970s with modern technology of its air/oil-cooled 1170cc boxer engine and safety enhancements such as ABS.
The 2016 BMW R nineT Scrambler does have some roots in the original scrambler era, also; the BMW R 68 was released in 1951, and raced by BMW Motorrad legend George “Schorsch” Meir. BMW says “while the standard version of the R 68 had a conventional exhaust installed in a lower position, the raised exhaust version was already available back then as a BMW Motorrad accessory. To this day, some owners of this highly valuable post-war BMW Motorrad classic still like to retrofit the special Scrambler-style exhaust.”Based on the R nineT Roadster designed with the help of Roland Sands, the R nineT Scrambler’s boxer produces 110 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 86 ft/lbs of torque at 6,000 rpm. The engine breathes through typical scrambler-styled pipes, the up-swept left-side mounted exhaust completing the retro styling of the R9T Scrambler.The BMW Scrambler’s steep tubular frame uses the engine a load-bearing element, and the bike features a traditional telescopic front fork with 4.92 inches of travel up front. Out back, the BMW Scrambler uses a Paralever setup with a single-sided swingarm that offers 5.5 inches of suspension travel.The R nineT Scrambler rolls on alloy cast wheels with tire sizes of 120/70-19 at the front and 170/60-17 at the rear. Stopping the 2016 BMW R nineT Scrambler are dual 320mm discs up front squeezed by four-piston calipers, and a 265mm rear disc squeezed by a two-piston caliper. ABS is standard.The 4.5-gallon sheet-style fuel tank and the various aluminum trim enhances the classic look, along with the only paint finish offered on the BMW R nineT Scrambler – Monolith Metallic Matte.BMW released the price in September 2016–$13,000, roughly $2,000 less than the R nineT.Following are highlights and a photo gallery of the 2016 BMW R nineT Scrambler:
2016 BMW R nineT Scrambler Highlights:
Purist design
Classic color concept
Stitched seat in patinised leather look
Workmanship with great attention to detail
Air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder boxer engine with a capacity of 1170 cc. Output 81 kW (110 hp) at 7 750 rpm, maximum torque of 86 ft/lbs at 6 000 rpm
Designed to be customized
Modular frame concept with removable passenger frame offering a range of variations
Classic wheel suspension by means of telescopic fork at front and Paralever at rear
Large 19-inch front wheel as is typical of a Scrambler
Upright seating position in classic Scrambler style
Raised exhaust fitted close to the body with twin silencer
This week we ride two genre-departing motorcycles from the established American manufacturers. Jess McKinley gives us his thoughts on the all new Harley-Davidson Pan America Special, and Ron Lieback gives his on Indian’s latest version of the FTR 1200 S.
The BMW Scrambler’s steep tubular frame uses the engine a load-bearing element, and the bike features a traditional telescopic front fork with 4.92 inches of travel up front. Out back, the BMW Scrambler uses a Paralever setup with a single-sided swingarm that offers 5.5 inches of suspension travel.The R nineT Scrambler rolls on alloy cast wheels with tire sizes of 120/70-19 at the front and 170/60-17 at the rear. Stopping the 2016 BMW R nineT Scrambler are dual 320mm discs up front squeezed by four-piston calipers, and a 265mm rear disc squeezed by a two-piston caliper. ABS is standard.The 4.5-gallon sheet-style fuel tank and the various aluminum trim enhances the classic look, along with the only paint finish offered on the BMW R nineT Scrambler – Monolith Metallic Matte.BMW released the price in September 2016–$13,000, roughly $2,000 less than the R nineT.Following are highlights and a photo gallery of the 2016 BMW R nineT Scrambler:
