VOL. 53 ISSUE 49 DECEMBER 13, 2016 P55
THE VITALS
BMW R nineT Scrambler
Engine: 1170cc, air/oil-cooled,
8-valve, twin-cylinder boxer
4-stroke
Chassis and suspension:
Tubular space frame in steel,
engine self-supporting, 43mm
unadjustable, inverted forks,
unadjustable monoshock
Front brakes: Dual 320mm
discs, Brembo four-piston
calipers, ABS
Rear brakes: Single 265mm
disc, Brembo two-piston
caliper, ABS
Front/Rear wheel sizes: 19
in./17 in.
Weight: 485lb (wet, claimed)
Electronics: ABS, ASC (traction
control) heated hand grips
MSRP: $13,500 (this price
excludes the navigation
system but includes the
spoked wheels fitted to our
test bike)
Kit Palmer: "The BMW R nineT
Scrambler is a looker. And I would consider
owning one just for that reason alone.
Luckily, the BMW has the performance
to match. I enjoyed the Beemer's strong
engine and smooth power delivery, the
suspension is solid and egos are well laid
out, the only hitch in the BMW's get-along
is a strange-feeling front end. Lean it to the left and the front
end feels like it wants to go to the right, and vice versa. It feels
very odd at first but you do get used to it eventually. On the dirt,
steering feels fine — the front end stays planted and the smooth
power makes sliding fun and controllable, even though it's the
largest-feeling bike of the four. It's also the best sounding with
that Akrapovic exhaust system. Good job, BMW."
The fit and finish
on the R nineT
Scrambler is
superb, as is that
leather seat.
Sean Finley: "Regardless of cost, I
would buy the BMW. It has the best motor,
most comfortable riding position and looks
really cool. The Akrapovic exhaust looks
and sounds really cool, and compared to
the Ducati and Moto Guzzi, the BMW feels
a little bigger and more comfortable for
extended riding. Some felt that the corner-
ing character of the BMW was a little vague in the front end on
the pavement but I would not buy any of these bikes for ripping
through the canyons. If I was looking for that type of bike, I'd get
the standard R nineT. In the dirt, the BMW is at least as good as
any of the other bikes and a little more stable at higher speeds."
Jesse Ziegler: "This bike is the biggest,
baddest and most eye-catching of the bunch
— you can't not be attracted to it. The op-
posing twin cylinders draw even more atten-
tion than the Guzzi's upright outriggers and
it's got a shake and rumble that is undeniably
old-school. Hell, it even smells like oil after a
good flogging—I'll take it! Clearly, the BMW
is a style winner but it also performs pretty
damn well. The front geometry is funky on the tarmac, feeling
stretched out where most scramblers are more like compact street
bikes with knobbies. It takes some getting used to on the street. I
love the power delivery of the BMW boxer — it leaves knobbie-
like trenches in dirt with reckless abandon. It's a hoot on the street
with passing power on tap and plenty of comfort from the seat and
rider positioning. Plus it looks awesome – I grew a hipster beard
just by looking at it in my garage!"
