2022 BMW R nineT Scrambler. (BMW/)

Ups

• New Euro 5 cylinder heads produce better low-midrange torque
• Upgraded electronics suite, rear shock
• Lots of customization options

Downs

• Not very capable riding off-road
• Sluggish steering and handling on road
• Lots of style, not very much substance

Verdict

Another one of the more successful offshoots of the R nineT, the R nineT Scrambler has its own little boxer-shaped niche in the varied world of OEM scrambler bikes. In a market where style plays an outsized role in the purchasing decision, the Scrambler certainly has the goods, especially with the numerous customizing options available from BMW. Just don’t ask it to do anything more than light work on the performance side of motorcycling (both on and off-road), otherwise you will likely be disappointed.

2022 BMW R nineT Scrambler. (BMW/)

Overview

Based on the successful back-to-basics R nineT platform that proved to be a hit with the burgeoning retro-classic heritage bike movement, the R nineT Scrambler made its debut in 2017, and it has continued to be one of the more popular versions of the R nineT. Utilizing the same previous-gen “oilhead” boxer engine platform, the Scrambler gets slightly longer-travel suspension, different chassis geometry, and a 19-inch front wheel to give it some off-road capability and bolster the adventure bike look. Check out CW’s First Ride Review of the BMW R nineT Scrambler here.

Updates for 2021

The entire R nineT lineup received numerous subtle upgrades for 2021. In order to comply with stricter Euro 5 emissions regs, new cylinder heads with improved combustion not only run cleaner, but also boost low-midrange power. The cylinder head covers and round analog speedometer have been restyled, a USB charging port for your phone is now standard, and all lighting is now handled by LED units. A new rear shock with travel-dependent damping is also equipped with a handwheel spring preload adjuster. Electronics have been upgraded, with Road and Rain ride modes now standard equipment, in addition to ABS Pro (cornering ABS) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC, adjustable engine-braking). With the optional Ride Modes Pro, you can access Dirt ride mode, which optimizes throttle response, traction control, and ABS to better suit off-road conditions.

For 2021 (being sold as an early release 2022 model), the Scrambler is available in the Granite Gray Metallic Matte  or Kalamata Metallic (an additional $200), and two Option 719 motifs: Black Storm Metallic/Racing Red, and Cosmic Blue Metallic/Light White. Either of the Option 719 colorways cost an additional $590.

Pricing and Variants

The base-model R nineT Scrambler starts at $13,495, but most owners will likely opt for the $1,000 Select Package, which includes Dynamic Traction Control, adaptive headlight, Dynamic Engine Brake Control, heated grips, cruise control, and Ride Modes Pro. From that point though, the options abound, with four different Option 719 Billet Pack CNC-machined aluminum component packages ranging from $1,000–$1,200, various wire-spoked wheels for tubed and tubeless tires running between $500–$950, nice-looking aluminum fuel tanks (one with visible welds for $1,000 and the other with sanded welds for $1,200), chrome exhaust ($150), or off-road tires (Metzeler Karoo 3 rubber that works adequately on-road, $75). Of special note is a suspension lowering kit including a lower seat that drops seat height an inch to 31.5 inches ($250), as well as a taller seat option that raises seat height to 33.5 inches (no cost).

Competition

Competitors for the R nineT Scrambler include its own sister model R nineT Urban G/S, as well as several editions of the Ducati Scrambler: Urban Motard, Desert Sled, and Fasthouse. Triumph’s Street Scrambler and Scrambler 1200 XC are also competitors.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Utilizing the previous-generation air/oil-cooled 1,170cc opposed-twin boxer engine with updated cylinder heads for improved combustion in order to pass stricter Euro 5 emissions regs, BMW is claiming 109 hp at 7,250 rpm with 85 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm for the newest R nineT. This is 1 hp down on the prior version, but BMW is claiming a marked increase in midrange power with peak power occurring 500 rpm sooner than the old version.

Handling

The Scrambler has some major differences from the standard R nineT or Pure models, starting with the larger 19-inch front wheel, more than two degrees increase in rake angle (28.5 degrees versus 26.8 degrees on the standard R nineT and 26.6 degrees on the Pure) for better stability off-road, and a wheelbase that’s more than an inch longer. This results in steering that’s noticeably heavier and more sluggish than the standard R nineT on the street, and if you choose the off-road Metzeler Karoo 3 rubber, even more so. Softer spring and damping rates in the suspension are quickly overwhelmed over sharp potholes and washouts if you try to push the pace in any way, either on or off-road. Keep the speed down and the route not too bumpy, and alle ist gut. Read CW’s First Ride Review of the 2017 R nineT Scrambler here.

Brakes

The R nineT Scrambler utilizes the same dual four-piston Brembo caliper and 320mm front disc combination up front as all the other R nineT models, providing excellent stopping power (if you’re running off-road tires, as much as their grip on the pavement will allow). A two-piston sliding-pin caliper and 264mm disc handle rear brake duties.

2022 BMW R nineT Scrambler. (BMW/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

There are no fuel economy figures for the 2022 R nineT Scrambler.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

In typical scrambler fashion, the R nineT Scrambler has a standard-style upright riding position, with a short reach to the tubular handlebar, decent legroom, and a firmly padded one-piece seat. Standing on the footpegs for off-road obstacles isn’t very comfortable because the bars don’t rise high enough, forcing your torso over the front end more than usual. Because of the one-piece seat, passenger accommodations are adequate as well.

Electronics

Part of the upgrades in 2021 included rider aid electronics, in the form of the making Road and Rain ride modes, ABS and ABS Pro (cornering ABS), and Dynamic Engine Braking Control all installed as standard equipment. The Ride Modes Pro option is also now available, which allows access to Dirt ride mode; this mode delays the intervention parameters for the traction control, ABS/ABS Pro, and Dynamic Engine Brake Control to allow the rider more leeway when riding off-road. The headlight, taillight, and turn signals are all LED units, and a USB charging port for your smartphone or other personal electronics is included.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The R nineT Scrambler comes with BMW’s excellent three-year, 36,000-mile warranty, as well as its three-year, unlimited-mile roadside assistance.

Quality

The R nineT Scrambler has the typical quality BMW feel throughout, and all the available options and parts are just as top shelf. The company prides itself on the quality of its motorcycles, and the three-year, 36,000-mile warranty shows how confident it is of those products.

2022 BMW R nineT Scrambler. (BMW/)

2022 BMW R nineT Scrambler Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com