MILAN SHOW: BMW reveal new Scrambler

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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.

R nineT Scrambler highlights

More affordable than R nineT

110bhp | 85.5ftlb | 220kg

R nineT engine

Brown leather seat

New suspension and wheels

Optional wire wheels with knobblies

There’s no surfboard hanging off the side of the bike and no flowery paintscheme like the ‘Concept Path 22’ bike BMW revealed in summer, and is essentially identical to the bike MCN revealed back in April 2015 would be a production reality.

The 1170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin is lifted straight out of the existing R nineT model, which means the 110bhp peak power at 7750rpm and maximum torque of 85.5ftlbs at 6000rpm 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.

BMW's Scrambler changes

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.

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.

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