BMW R nine T Scrambler

The R NineT is already one sophisticated-looking platform, and the BMW R NineT Scrambler, being based on the same motorcycle, takes the niche essence even higher with the pinch of ruggedness. While the motorcycle misses out on spoke wheels like a traditional scrambler, BMW has aced the scrambler essence in this motorcycle by giving it a heightened and relaxed stance.

The front profile of the BMW R NineT Scrambler looks simple with a round headlamp taking the centre stage. This headlamp unit is modern with all-LED illumination, while also featuring a horizontal daytime running LED strip in the middle. The headlamps are placed within a silver-finished cowl, which further makes the fascia look premium. Completing the frontal look of the BMW R NineT Scrambler are rubber gaiters over the lower part of the forks and a compact, chopped-off front fender, with the sleek LED turn indicators mounted on the sides of the frame a bit backwards.

The side profile of the BMW R NineT Scrambler has the large and bulky-looking fuel tank as its prime highlight, which has been shared with the R NineT roadster. However, what’s not shared with the roadster is the choice of different alloy wheels, as the BMW R NineT Scrambler gets black-coloured, five-spoke 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels. The muscular fuel tank here gets curved knee recesses which are roomy enough even for taller riders.

Towards the rear, the BMW R NineT Scrambler carries a minimalist look, with the left side of the rear section having vertically stacked, rugged-looking exhaust pipes emerging from the large boxer engine placed beneath the fuel tank. The BMW R NineT Scrambler gets a triangular, satin silver clamp-like element below the rider’s seat, with it not having any rear side body panels in place. Behind the long, contrast-themed seat of the BMW R NineT Scrambler, there is a tiny LED tail lamp placed at the top of the rear fender.

The BMW R NineT Scrambler gets an old-school single-pod instrument console, which feels quite basic for a motorcycle of this price, as it packs only an analogue speedometer and a small LCD screen for fuel gauge, odometer and trip meters. The motorcycle also comes with a USB charger as standard and is offered with optional elements like cross-spoke wheels and heated grips at added costs.

The BMW R NineT Scrambler gets a rugged suspension combination, comprising 43mm telescopic forks at the front and cast aluminium single swing-arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever and mono-shock, the latter of which supports preload and rebound adjustments. The BMW R NineT Scrambler sits on a rugged three-section frame while offering 125mm travel for the front and 140mm travel for the rear suspension.

For a scrambler, the suspension travel for both front and rear isn’t long enough, which makes the overall ride quality a bit stiff. The BMW R NineT Scrambler also gets a 120/70 R19 tyre at the front and a 170/60 R17 tyre at the rear, with the option of having off-road spec tyres at added prices. For braking, this BMW scrambler has dual 320mm discs at the front and a single 265mm disc at the rear.

The BMW R NineT Scrambler shares its four-stroke, air/oi-cooled, twin-cylinder Boxer engine with the R NineT roadster, which displaces 1170cc and churns out a maximum power output of 109 bhp and a peak torque output of 116 Nm. BMW claims a top speed of over 200 kmph and a fuel economy figure of around 19.6 kmpl for the R NineT Scrambler.

BMW Motorrad has equipped the R NineT Scrambler with dual channel ABS, automatic stability control and two riding modes – Rain and Road as standard. The optional safety features on offer for the BMW R NineT Scrambler include adaptive cruise control and a riding mode Pro with Dirt mode.

The BMW R NineT Scrambler might not be a hardcore scrambler to take on some of the worst and most difficult off-road sections. However, the motorcycle feels sturdy and stable enough in mild off-road riding instances, while exhibiting the premium essence of the R NineT brand with a sturdy build and relatively taller stance.