The Scrambler uses the same 1,170cc oilhead Boxer twin motor that-while Euro 4 compliant-produces the same 108.6 horsepower at 7,750 rpm at the crankshaft as its Roadster predecessor that’s still only good for Euro 3, and gives just 2.2 lb-ft less torque with 85.6 lb-ft on tap at 6,000 rpm. Smaller, premium Akrapovic mufflers with an even throatier song are standard on the Scrambler. But less can indeed be more-especially when riding the result is so engaging, with minimal vibration from the flat-twin engine that delivers authentic personality as a traditional-style motorcycle with modern manners. That’s still quite a bit of money for the bike, which is only available in a single Monolith metallic matte paint scheme-gunmetal to you and me.
You can also transform it into a reasonably serious off-road bike via the extensive list of factory and aftermarket options, which includes wire-spoked rims, and by swapping the stock Metzeler Tourance Next street rubber for the German tire company’s Karoo 3 knobbies.īut best of all the basic Scrambler will come in quite a bit cheaper than the original R nineT-it’s priced at $13,000 vs. You can ride it to work, to go to the shops, to take the scenic route in visiting your local café or to go on holiday. Whereas the more performance-focused R nineT Roadster is a bike for Sunday morning blasts along Racer Road, you’ll look forward to riding its more polyvalent Scrambler sister any time you can, whether for an hour, a day, a week or a month, on all kinds of roads, and even in cities.
Advertisement Minimalism is key to the R nineT Scrambler design, with the single instrument and simple round headlight (below) as centerpieces.Ī 250-mile, two-day trip through BeeEm’s beautiful Bavarian backyard amply demonstrated the new Scrambler’s appeal as a practical but pleasurable real-world ride with heaps of personality.