BMW
R nineT Scrambler
This is the new BMW R
nineT Scrambler which combines the air/oil cooled boxer twin used in the wildly
successful R nineT with Scrambler styling and fewer high-end cycle parts to
deliver a more affordable retro offering.
The most striking
element of the new bike is the higher-level exhaust, which gives that classic
Scrambler style. To get through stricter Euro4 noise and emissions regulations
there is a large catalytic converter and cable-operated valves to pass the noise
regs. Engine mapping has been changed for Euro4 too and there is now the
mandatory carbon capture canister to close off any fuel tank overspill.
The 1170 cc
air/oil-cooled boxer twin is lifted straight out of the existing R nineT model,
which means the 110 bhp peak power at 7750 rpm and maximum torque of 85.5 lb-ft at
6000 rpm remain unchanged. The Scrambler is the first of an anticipated four new
models we will see appear in the coming years based around the R nineT
platform.
Like the R nineT, the
rear subframe can be unbolted from the main frame but the expensive S1000RR
derived fork has been ditched in favour of a traditional item, which have
signature fork slider covers for the Scrambler look. Combined with a larger
19-inch front cast alloy wheel the look of the bike is pretty different. The
rear tyre is also a narrower 170/60 R17, while the handlebars are now higher,
and the seat a little lower.
The new round headlight
is a cheaper and simpler alternative design, and there are more off-road
orientated footrests for better grip when the going gets muddy. The Scrambler
can also be specced with off-road knobbly tyres and wire-spoked wheels.
One of the key changes
in reducing costs on this bike is the change from the hand-welded aluminium
allow fuel tank on the R nineT in favour of a sheet steel one. But BMW didn’t
want the Scrambler to be too plain, so details like the bead-blasted and clear
anodised forged aluminium parts like the handlebar top clamp and the ‘aged’
brown leather of the seat cover give a classy look.
There will be a massive
list of accessories available, from wheels through to a different fuel tank,
luggage, a windscreen, and a different Akrapovic exhaust.
There's no official
word on prices yet, but we expect the Scrambler to arrive for around £ 8500, and
to be the first of a range of new affordable R nineT models that will emerge
over the next eighteen months.
