2015 EICMA: BMW R NineT Scrambler

Evans Brasfield
by Evans Brasfield

BMW took the lid off of the R nineT Scrambler we confirmed last week, and it looks like it may have been worth the wait. Based on the R nineT first seen in Munich in late 2013, the Scrambler expands upon the potential of the platform.

2014 BMW R NineT First Ride Review

In a move sure to make Boxer purists happy, the R nineT Scrambler utilizes the classic air-cooled flat-Twin Boxer engine whose 90 year history BMW chose to honor with the original R nineT. The displacement remains at 1170 cc, producing a claimed 110hp at 7,750 rpm and 85 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm, thanks to new engine mapping to meet the EU4 classification. The Scrambler style utilizes two vertically paired mufflers while the rolling gear also gains off-road-inspired components.

A 19-inch cast alloy front wheel mounts to a traditional fork wearing period-correct rubber gaiters. The rear suspension is the Paralever single-sided swinging arm, like the Scrambler’s the other boxer siblings. Tires sizes are 120/70–19 for the front and 170/60–17 at the rear. The standard cast wheels can be replaced with optional cross-spoked items.

The Scrambler’s brakes will include dual 320mm front discs and a 265mm rear disc with ABS as standard. The front calipers are 4-piston units fed by braided steel lines while two pistons handle the clamping duties on the floating rear caliper.

When compared to the original R nineT, the Scrambler’s riding position is a little more open, using a slightly higher bar and lower, more rearward pegs. Additionally, the seat padding is slightly reduced on the tapered seat with its “patinised” leather.

Other finish details are as similarly refined as those on the original R nineT. The painted steel 4.5 gallon tank and the aluminum intake trim embossed with the R nineT name returns. Other forged and glass bead blasted components are clear coated to preserve their finish. The paint color will be Monolith metallic matt while the engine housing, fork sliders, and wheels will wear classic black.

The frame utilizes the same modular concept at the original R nineT allows for the rear subframe to be replaced with other seating options. Likewise, components, such as the wiring harness, were designed with easy customizability and integration with factory accessories in mind.

Follow the rest of our 2015 EICMA Show coverage for more information on new 2016 motorcycle announcements.

Evans Brasfield
Evans Brasfield

Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.

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  • Montana dave Montana dave on Nov 18, 2015

    After Ducati's smash hit,looks like it the year of the faux scrambler. Will they replace the faux 600 lb. Adventurer models in popularity?

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