BMW R nineT Scrambler (2020): A Boxer-Powered Rebellion With Retro Soul

Introduction: The Unapologetic Spirit of Modern Heritage

The BMW R nineT Scrambler isn’t just a motorcycle – it’s a middle finger to conformity disguised as a retro-modern masterpiece. From the moment you throw a leg over its 820mm (32.3") seat, the message is clear: this machine refuses to be pigeonholed. It’s equally at home carving canyon roads as it is kicking up gravel on fire trails, all while looking like it just rolled out of a 1970s desert race.

What makes the 2020 model year special? It’s the culmination of BMW’s Heritage line philosophy – a motorcycle that respects its boxer-engined ancestry while embracing modern engineering. The air/oil-cooled 1170cc heart beats with mechanical authenticity, yet delivers performance that’ll surprise riders weaned on liquid-cooled hyper-nakeds.

Design & Aesthetics: Factory-Built Custom

BMW’s designers played a brilliant game here. The Scrambler walks the tightrope between retro charm and modern function:

• The Silhouette: That high-mounted dual exhaust isn’t just for show – it actually provides 190mm of ground clearance. The staggered pipes create visual tension with the 19" front/17" rear spoked wheels shod in block-tread tires.
• Material Truthfulness: No fake plastic covers here. The engine cases wear a raw aluminum finish, the fuel tank shows weld seams, and the cross-stitched seat uses leather that actually weathers with use.
• Color Psychology: Our test bike’s Black Storm Metallic/Aurum scheme isn’t just paint – it’s a statement. The dark base with gold pinstriping plays tricks in sunlight, looking subdued one moment and flashy the next.

What truly impresses is how BMW baked customization into the DNA. The subframe bolts off for solo rides, while that trellis main frame practically begs for aftermarket bolt-ons. At MOTOPARTS.store, we’ve seen owners transform these into everything from Dakar replicas to urban trackers – the platform’s that flexible.

Engine & Performance: The Boxer’s Roar

Don’t let the retro looks fool you – this 1170cc (71.4 cu in) boxer is a wolf in vintage clothing:

• Power Delivery: 110 HP @ 7,550 RPM sounds modest until you feel the 116 Nm (85.6 lb-ft) torque wallop from 3,000 RPM. It’s not the explosive hit of a superbike, but a relentless shove that makes overtaking effortless.
• The Soundtrack: With the stock pipes, you get a bass-heavy burble at idle that builds to a metallic howl as the revs climb. It’s all mechanical symphony – no artificial exhaust enhancers here.
• Real-World Fueling: BMW’s injection system nails the retro-bike brief. Throttle response is immediate but not twitchy, with a slight softness below 2,500 RPM that actually helps in technical off-road sections.

The shaft drive deserves special mention. While purists mourn the lack of chain adjuster rituals, there’s joy in 30,000 km maintenance intervals. During our test ride, the system proved its worth – zero lash on acceleration, no drama when hammering through quick downshifts.

Riding Dynamics: Tarmac Meets Trail

BMW’s suspension choices reveal the Scrambler’s dual personality:

Front End:
- 43mm telescopic forks with 125mm (4.9") travel
- Stiffer springs than the Roadster model
- Progressive damping that firms up as you push

Rear Setup:
- Paralever single-sided swingarm
- 140mm (5.5") travel with preload and rebound adjustment
- Hidden linkage maintains chassis geometry under load

On twisty asphalt, the Scrambler carves with unexpected precision. The wide handlebar gives leverage, while the 220kg (485 lbs) dry weight feels centralized thanks to the boxer’s low CG. Push hard into a corner, and the 120/70-R19 front tire communicates through subtle vibes – it’s more intuitive than modern sport bikes’ hyper-analytic feel.

Dirt performance surprises. While no enduro, the Scrambler handles hardpack trails with dignity. Stand on the pegs, and the riding position naturally aligns – seat-to-peg distance is 480mm, ideal for alternating between sitting and standing. The ABS can’t be fully disabled (without aftermarket tricks), but the system intervenes later than expected in Off-Road mode.

Competition: How It Stacks Up

The neo-retro scrambler segment is fiercely contested. Here’s how the BMW fares:

1. Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
- +20mm suspension travel front/rear
- 10kg lighter but lacks shaft drive durability
- Requires more frequent valve adjustments

2. Triumph Street Scrambler
- Bonneville engine has character but less power (64 HP)
- Superior aftermarket exhaust options
- Chain drive needs regular maintenance

3. Yamaha XSR900
- Triple-cylinder offers more peak power (117 HP)
- Missing the BMW’s off-road pretense
- Lacks the boxer’s visceral feel

The R nineT Scrambler’s ace card? That maintenance-free shaft drive. For riders covering serious mileage (especially in gritty urban or dusty environments), it’s a godsend.

Maintenance: Keeping the Boxer Healthy

As MOTOPARTS.store’s in-house wrench, here’s what every R nineT Scrambler owner should know:

Critical Intervals:
- Oil Changes: Every 10,000 km (6,200 mi) with BMW’s 15W-50
- Valve Checks: Every 20,000 km (12,400 mi) – cold clearance specs:
- Intake: 0.13-0.23mm
- Exhaust: 0.30-0.40mm
- Shaft Drive Lube: Every 40,000 km (24,800 mi)

Common Wear Items:
- Brake Pads: The radially mounted 4-piston calipers chew through pads faster than axial setups. Upgrade to sintered compounds for mixed-surface riding.
- Tires: The stock Metzeler Tourance lasts ~8,000 km. Consider Heidenau K60 Scouts for 50/50 use.
- Battery: Despite being maintenance-free, the 14Ah unit dislikes cold storage. Use a tender during winter.

Pro Tips:
1. The alternator’s 600W output handles heated gear – no need for aftermarket stators.
2. Paralever bushings wear faster if ridden aggressively off-road – inspect every 15,000 km.
3. Use BMW-approved 75W-90 in the final drive – cheaper alternatives can cause whine.

Conclusion: The Timeless All-Rounder

The 2020 R nineT Scrambler isn’t about being the best at any single discipline. It’s about being good enough at everything while radiating character that specs sheets can’t capture. That boxer throb, the way the suspension soaks up broken tarmac, the satisfaction of a shaft drive that just works – these elements create a motorcycle greater than the sum of its parts.

For MOTOPARTS.store customers, the appeal runs deeper. This is a platform begging for customization. Whether you’re bolting on crash bars for adventure touring, swapping the seat for a solo unit, or upgrading to Öhlins suspension, every modification feels purposeful. The Scrambler doesn’t just tolerate your tinkering – it rewards it.

In an era of increasingly homogenized motorcycles, the R nineT Scrambler remains gloriously idiosyncratic. It’s a machine that asks not “What can you do for me?” but “Where should we go next?” And in that question lies the essence of motorcycling’s enduring appeal.

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Specifications sheet

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