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Review: BMW R nineT Scrambler (Baujahr 2019)

The bull among the scrambers

18.10.2019

Actually, Scrambler are cool in two ways: they come not only as retro bikes on the road, but in the hottest form at the moment. The Scramblers were something like the forerunners of the enduros in the 50s and 60s. When these were still pure competitive devices, the French (exactly, sometimes not the Americans) wondered how they could make their mopeds suitable for off-road. We tested the BMW version of a Scrambler.

The way to the Scrambler

The self-construction formula for the trendy Scrambler was quickly found: Longer spring distances, high seating position, stud tyres, wide handlebars and of course the raised exhaust system let a road machine pass as scrambler. The fact that Mr. Cool, the US actor Steve McQueen, was casually on a scrambler with a tip, added to this design.

BMW has been involved in this trend following Ducati and Triumph since 2016, the starting model being the R nineT, which has become a whole series. Pimped up with the usual Scrambler ingredients, she has a unique selling point with her boxer engine. In keeping with the retro shaft, it is not the latest expansion stage of the two-cylinder engine, no, BMW is relying on the older, air-cooled version. It fits well into the stylish surroundings, whose harmonious details include, for example, the fork bridge or the rubber bellows on the fork.

Also suitable for large ones

Longer people can take a good place: the higher seating position, the long wheelbase and the deep footrests of narrow grown-ups do not enter. However, this only applies to the driver, passengers have little to report in their short space and enjoy only meager comfort.

When starting, the classic engine shakes briefly, stronger than the modern versions. The fact that the engine is running is heard at the exhaust system by the specialist Akrapovic. You don't see it in the form of a rev counter, because just like a gear or fuel indicator, this info is completely missing. After all, it looks good, the very pure and pure instrument cluster.

But let's go now.

The power comes from below

The air-/oil-cooled engine produces 110 hp, a whole sip more than the engines of triumph (90 hp) and Ducati (86 hp). The BMW is thus moving from the speed cellar, but the momentum is not permanent. Upthere is not much going on, so the performance increase is hardly noticeable in comparison. But the torque-focused design fits well with a scrambler, which is designed for comfortable cruising rather than corner ingess. The upright sitting position plays its part in this.

A word about the tyres: BMW offers a more coarse version in addition to the road-ready version that our test bike wore. We couldn't drive them, but give one thing to consider: The chassis of the BMW is not the most precise even with these tyres, with off-road tyres the somewhat indifferent steering feeling is likely to become stronger.

Otherwise, there is only one thing left to complain about: Regardless of the tyres, the suspension is a point of criticism. Bmw has meant it a little too well with its sportiness: the backhand only slightly filtered the rearhand to the crew.

Relaxed Cruiser

If you overlook this, getting around with the BMW is a very enjoyable hobby. Let it be with the hustle and bustle, the appropriate movement of the BMW automatically leads to a flowing driving style, without corners or edges. The faster you drive, the more steering momentum would be needed, so at some point you let it be easy – well.

Compared to the competition, the BMW convinces with its bullish start and the gnarled, authentic nature. She is equal with the consistency of her design as well as the crisp sound and loving details. Although the comfort on long distances may not be the best, you are well dressed with the BMW everywhere.

Although the BMW nineT Scrambler is actually 1,900 euros cheaper than its heritage sister, who would have thought that, you shouldn't do without an extra: The beautiful spoke wheels (395 euros) are excellent. BMW was the last to ride the Scrambler wave for the time being, but with a convincing model.

Was there anything else? Oh yes, the off-road suitability. Oh no, there was nothing – just like the Scrambler models of the competition.

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg.

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