BMW R NINE T Scrambler

Unmistakably pure BMW class, style and authenticity! I had the privilege of experiencing a taste of true original BMW history combined with the future at the recent BMW R nine T launch in Cape Town. On first glance I wondered what exactly about this motorcycle was going to excite me and hopefully surprise me in good way. It’s a typical café racer styled bike but with the solid ‘build’ that we’ve come to expect from BMW. When looking down at the tank you get to appreciate true craftsmanship in the welding that stretches right through the middle of the tank from top to bottom. It’s the kind of detail that some may take for granted, but i don’t recall when last I’ve seen this kind of rugged and suburb detail, yet modernised to fit with today’s styling needs

Generally on these authentic type of motorcycles you are limited when it comes to accessories. It seems like BMW went all out. You have a waterproof tank bag made of Canvas that provides 11 liter of storage space. A rear soft bag that provides plenty of luggage space (40 l) that fits in perfectly behind the seat. Knee pads that complete the Heritage look and also protect the tank from scratches. Chrome, silver or black cylinder head covers – each variant contributes to a visual improvement. End caps for the handlebars and even a higher seat. If you go to this link you will find a few more accessories

The R nine T was fitted with offroad tyres as part of the scrambler notion. At first I did not really understand why and questioned the handling capabilities for road use. The first stretch was a touch and feel scenario with surprisingly good traction through the turns. In a matter of minutes the BMW R nine T managed to surprise and excite me all at the same time. Especially when turning the motorcycle into a turn. When riding on the tar with these offroad tyres you will find it turning in very fast. You can almost associate it with over steering in a car. At first it may actually feel like it’s too much. What this does however allow you to carry a bit more speed by opening the throttle sooner whilst having the confidence that you will be able to turn this motorcycle with ease, even on high speeds.

Overall I find the handling easy, comfortable and far from boring. If you would consider the price of approximately R196 000 then you will happy the happy owner of a bit of past and future technology all in one. I believe this motorcycle could be a week day as well as weekend motorcycle

Some more specs for your convenience:

Engine
Type	Air/oil-cooled flat twin ('Boxer') 4-stroke engine, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft
Bore x stroke	101 mm x 73 mm
Capacity	1,170 ccm
Rated output	81 kW (110 hp) at 7,500 rpm
Max. torque	119 Nm at 6.000 rpm
Compression ratio	12.0 : 1
Mixture control / engine management	Electronic intake pipe injection
Emission control	Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Performance / fuel consumption
Maximum speed	over 200 km/h
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h	4,5 l
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h	5,8 l
Fuel type	Unleaded fuel, octane number 95-98 RON (rated output at 98 RON)
Electrical system
Alternator	three-phase alternator 600 W
Battery	12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Power transmission
Clutch	Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Gearbox	Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth
Drive	Shaft drive
Chassis / brakes
Frame	Four-section frame consisting of one front and three rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removable pillion frame for single ride use
Front wheel location / suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork with 46 mm diameter
Rear wheel location / suspension	Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Suspension travel front / rear	120 mm / 135 mm
Wheelbase	1,476 mm
Castor	102,5 mm
Steering head angle	64,5 °
Wheels	Spoke wheels
Rim, front	3.50 x 17"
Rim, rear	5.50 x 17"
Tyres, front	120/70 ZR 17
Tyres, rear	180/55 ZR 17
Brake, front	Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm, four-piston radial calipers
Brake, rear	Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, double-piston floating caliper
ABS	BMW Motorrad ABS
Dimensions / weights
Length	2.220 mm
Width (incl. mirrors)	890 mm
Height (excl. mirrors)	1.265 mm
Seat height, unladen weight	785 mm
Inner leg curve, unladen weight	1.760 mm
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 1)	222 kg
Permitted total weight	430 kg
Payload (with standard equipment)	208 kg
Usable tank volume	18 l
Reserve	app. 3 L

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