5 Things To Know BEFORE You Buy A BMW R nineT Scrambler!

[@motobob]

Get the exclusive NordVPN deal here at nordvpn.com/MOTOBOB. It's risk-free with NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee!

[@motobob]

I’m on holiday this week so a massive thanks to Tim for stepping in and making this video to keep the channel ticking over :)

[@canmert7215]

Massive thanks Tim!

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

What a cop-out!!! 😂 Just kidding… he’s ok but I don’t believe a word he says! Looks? like they’ve improved the readability of the clocks mph dial (slightly larger? or am I seeing things)? The previous models it needed a magnifying glass to read the speedometer. Good stuff! 👍🏻 Ps. Have a fab holiday!

[@Dreddingbath]

A great super-sub, nice one Tim.

[@giovanniricci2869]

It’s always a pleasure having Tim around for a video. Very useful presentation 👍✌️

[@Vegesaurus7]

Nice. I have always liked Tim’s reviews. He just gets into details about style and feel that I really appreciate like the comment on 19” wheels. Thanks Tim

[@petlan8816]

Bought the 2017-version some months ago. Getting so much attention from all kinds of people. Even grandma loves it. Its not rare, but it sure feels so. Apart from that the bike in itself is so much fun. Its a lovely ride!

[@randalljcovard1062]

I cant recommend the KOSO DL-04 gauge enough. Adds a lot more info including gear indicator, looks fantastic, is super bright, and complete plug and play. Does not add fuel gauge though. $370 US but by far the best upgrade I have made on my 2019 R NineT Scrambler!

[@MTJoe406]

Great video. I have a 2021 R9T Scrambler. Great bike and I'm very happy with it for all the reasons you mentioned. Pro tip on the cruise control. If you twist the throttle forward, there is a detent and it will cancel the cruise control.

[@AnotherHipster]

excellent points about the R9T, its a great bike off road but I have found its limits. i bottomed out twice on the Adventure bike festival's off road trail but apart from that the low weight keeps it perfectly balanced and the calm boxer engine is really easy to control, 1.2 litres of engine braking really helps as well! I also rode from London to Athens on mine back in April, and it never missed a beat through 28 days of rain, sun, dirt and heat

[@gcosmos960]

Hey, I am planning the same trip and looking for a bike. The scrambler a on my list. Was it comfortable in the long journey?

[@AnotherHipster]

@@gcosmos960 Yes most of the time it was fine, just after long motorway stretches to catch back up on milage I was a bit cramped up, the rural towns have very slick roads so my back end was always kicking out even at 5mph turns, and the suspension is a bit rough for poor road surfaces. but it never let me down and it was great on the gravel roads, even with the steep inclines 👍 i have videos of the trip on here

[@gcosmos960]

@@AnotherHipster Thank you for your reply!! Your videos are amazing! Thank you for sharing the experience.

[@VanBlamm]

Always great to see Tim! I've been following Rarefied Road since the beginning.

[@shmac96]

Glad you guys have joined forces? I hope so! I always enjoyed your reviews and commentary from your channel and haven't seen you much. I guess this is why? Great video! Made my day! Cheers!

[@bobz1736]

Nice job Tim... concise, professional and informative 👍

[@SSS-mp8th]

I have a 2017 Roadster and it's a really nice bike. I sometimes pine for super duke levels of power but it's really plenty for the street. Combined with shaft drive, minimal tech and how long BMW has been making this engine and it's bulletproof and low maintenance. Lots of modifications available either by BMW $$$ or aftermarket for you to customize it to your taste.

[@noelleahy7427]

I wouldn't want to trade any bottom or midrange for more top end.... or long term reliability.... 21 Scrambler here.

[@fededuran2523]

Today I went to a dealer in Seville, Spain, expecting to love de R Nine T Urban (I actually did), but then saw the scrambler and knew that is the one. Before that, I tried the Triumph scrambler 1200 XC, maybe the most beautiful bike on the market right now (to me), but there's something about BMW's quality that felt superior imho. Maybe I'm wrong, of course.

[@felipesierra5031]

i have the ninet scrambler with spoke wheels and karoo 3 tires. It works good offroad an onroad. The only thing that i have to get to improve my bike is the skidplate for the carter. i love my ninet. Its Pure soulfuel...

[@jonnybegood4848]

-Surprisingly well done. I loved the brisk but detailed pace. Thanks!

[@gerardmontgomery280]

The RnineT in general are lovely, have the right amount of power, have bucket loads of character and......... are way to small for my 6'3" frame.

[@danielsandoval8345]

Can’t wait for the actual off-road variants of the scrambler and GS R9T to come out

[@5tevieb954]

Love urban rider- great to see more of Tim

[@erlingdale4784]

You get a gear indicator and other goodies if you buy the optional rev counter. Only negative for me with this bike is the seat. It gets really uncomftable after 90 min or so, due the the shape of it (hard edges).

[@robertcorbett4720]

Not seen you before Tim but well done for a very professional and informative video……and, as an RnineT Scrambler owner, I appreciated your positive overview. PS, as you noted the stock seat soon becomes very uncomfortable so I fitted a Wunderlich comfort seat to mine….and upgraded the rear shock

[@mirceatrica4428]

Robert, can you tell me what seat from Wunderlich did you buy? I'm hoping to change mine, with one that's more comfortable.

[@Hotduck63]

Don’t replace the exhaust,just remove the 2 little mufflers in the back and it will just give that little extra hoomph!

[@hudsonquay]

And remove the cat for even more!

[@keenwai]

Urban Rider fan here. That voice was a pleasant surprise!

[@lifesjourneyat50]

I love mine...mine is a little more aggressive compared to that - I have the off road tires...plus the both 719 options which completely makes the bike so different....nice job on review!!!

[@joshnnik]

Just got one of these as a loan bike. Quite agree about absence of fuel gauge and gear indicator. A bit draughty compared with my F900XR and slightly cramped for me but a really decent ride other than the usual balance of speed versus comfort limitations of naked bikes.

[@beer3029]

Year's ago I bought an R9T that had the aluminum fuel tank with the beautiful welded seam in the middle. I liked the way the front end looked like but the rear of the bike looked pretty unfinished and all the electrical components were just out in the open, it looked very unfinished compared to the tank. The power delivery was good except for low end jerkyness (probably could tuned out), the reason why I sold it was because the suspension was extremely harsh on anything but smooth roads, I mean it would beat you to death on some of these country roads. Conversely it handled decent on smooth roads and the brakes were good too....the sound the stock pipes made on overrun reminded me of my old Porsche 911 which was pretty awesome as well.

[@DustyCowdog]

I had an R9T from 2014 and it had gear indicator... I loved that bike, but riding in Dallas is a very high-risk activity. Decided to sell it. Although, I do miss it. Cheers.

[@tpv59]

WHY Please is it a very high risk activity?? WHY please? Thank You.

[@DustyCowdog]

@@tpv59 - Because the dopes in Dallas, driving their cars and trucks are not paying attention. They are checking their phones, texting, checking Facebook, etc. They will run over you because they aren't paying attention.

[@tpv59]

@@DustyCowdog THANK YOU 'Dusty'. I did not know this. ALL the VERY BEST and greetings from the land of 'OZ'. (Australia)

[@DustyCowdog]

@@tpv59 --hAHAHA... COOL, YOU'RE WELCOME AND HAVE A GOOD ONE!

[@agoodmansaid]

My favorite bike on my favorite bike channel. Imagine my excitement when I saw this video

[@UncleWally3]

Thanks but, reviews seem to pivot on the same thing: It’s not designed for off road. Okay, but how good or bad is it on tarmac? Is it only a short commute bike or is it comfortable for five or six hours in the saddle? How’s the road ergonomics, suspension, brakes, serviceability and what farkles make the bike better? Barely used and unsold examples are popping up so these are the questions that drove me here - are there reviews available that move beyond the basics?

[@fuze59]

Me too Surprisingly tough to find!

[@noelleahy7427]

As a 60yo returning rider (20 year break).... I bought a 21 Scambler last November. I'm 5'11" and 75kg..... anyway... I ride 40% on dirt.... I find mine perfect for my riding.... needed suspension work though (worth doing if a keeper)... I can see this bike as part of my life 'till the end. I laugh about the need for a gear indicator and fuel gauge..... next thing you know people will want a quick shifter.... this is motorcycling in it's purist form.

[@paulgray3013]

Nice to see you back Tim, love your rarified road channel. Don't worry Rob, you rock too 😊

[@tanmaygadre26]

first here mate, always enjoy your content. I'm planning to buy a bike in the coming 3 months. your videos help a lot!

[@KevinofWessex]

I had of these..I had severe pain throughout a journey because of the seat... great engine thoe

[@spiffybiker]

I literally saw one on the street and booked a test ride this Saturday. Seeing this video pop up must be a sign 😉

[@rahjr65]

I demo'd one a couple years are but it had the knobby tires. It had great acceleration and everything. I just struggled getting to to turn moving slow or from a stop. I have a Street Triple and can flick that thing around like nothing.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

One thing to know: motorrad is forging a revised scrambler and g/s rninet with honest 21 inch wheels and off-road suspension.

[@garretalegre1907]

Great job Tim 👏🏽 but we miss MotoBob 🤣 A huge shoutout here from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@JoePolaris]

Great review, indeed, the fuel gage is an odd miss, otherwise, lots of great bike. I wonder how the non-telelever front feels and rides.

[@noelleahy7427]

I added some hyperpro springs, YSS emulators and went 7.5w oil to the forks on mine.... about a $400 thing..... sorted the forks real well..... I also replaced the rear shock.... no fixing that thing.

[@JoePolaris]

@@noelleahy7427 take note , thanks for sharing

[@tvtriviachampion]

Beautiful bike. But no fuel gauge? If you ride away from the city you would have to add an extra margin of safety on your fuel estimate to avoid running out. Effectively shortening the range of the bike.

[@DigitalTheologian]

I rode a vintage bike for over a decade that didn’t have a fuel gauge. I took it on a handful of multi-day trips on backcountry roads. Never ran out of gas. You learn the range pretty quickly, and usually the low fuel indicator gives you plenty of time to find a station (at least in the US).

[@tvtriviachampion]

@@DigitalTheologian I agree that it CAN be done. But on a 2022 BMW it seems odd.

[@DigitalTheologian]

@@tvtriviachampion, I hear you. It's an odd choice. It definitely wouldn't keep me from buying a bike, though.

[@MTJoe406]

I have this bike. Mine is a 2021 Scrambler. I felt that way at first, but it is especially good for city riding. The light comes on and you still have just under one gallon left, which is about 40 miles. I get exactly 160 miles on a fill before the light comes on and it averages 40 mpg with spirited riding. There is a reserve indicator that shows how many miles you traveled since the reserve light come on. It also has a trip odometer which I reset at every fill. It works okay.

[@wandering_armadillo]

@@MTJoe406 Thanks for chiming in, I think people need to realize it doesn't have a traditional gauge, but has a low fuel warning and I've found it accurate as well.

[@bumblebee_tuna]

Where can we get the Motobob shirts from? Looks smart.

[@yianniskritos5671]

Hey what jacket are you wearing while riding the r9t?

[@RealWunderBanana]

As a BMW technician, 1 thing you should know is that it's damn near impossible to work on any of the BMW bikes with out the thousands of specialty tools that BMW has.

[@MTJoe406]

Selling those tools to the dealerships is probably a huge revenue source for BMW.

[@victorgama3d496]

Hello, is it possible to do a comparison of KTM 890 and Tiger 900 and maybe another competitor, mostly street oriented? Trying to decide which direction I want to go in. I am looking for a longer term motorbike that is good for commute and highway riding, and some off road.

[@chriscurrie5597]

You been working out Bob... 😁

[@markb3180]

Good job Tim.

[@evelation5223]

The overhang of that boxer engine gives me anxiety by just looking at it. Engine protection would absolutely be the first step on this bike but it'll make it even wider lol.

[@Dius765RS]

First an foremost, it is a rather uncomfortable riding position, compared to its competitors like the Triumph Thruxton / Triumph Scrambler, in my opinion. If you can forgive that, it is a truly beautiful and unique bike. The Boxer engine is a gem...👍

[@paulwalker797]

I find it super comfy round town and short jaunts......and you can shift about a lot. After a couple of hours it is a bit much on the backside...but then what isn't?

fist though: Bob Shaved... OH MY GOD!

[@eternallearner8185]

Unrideable until suspension is changed/modded at each end.

[@williamhood5062]

How does the scrambler compare to the Urban GS? thanks

[@Ralf916]

Gs slightly higher and more comfy seat but very similar. Test rode both

[@TomVestvik]

Bought an Urban GS a week ago. Only got one issue. The fuel reserve light comes on at half full/empty tank.

[@RicardoBryanOfficial]

I’ve always had Japanse bikes and i’m wondering, how is the reliability because i love how the way they look?

[@DustyCowdog]

Well, I had one for three four years. It never left me stranded due to mechanical issues, but I was religious in taking it to the BMW mechanics to have all of the scheduled maintenance completed... It was the coolest looking thing out there on the road. People always turned to look. I don't know if I would get another, though. It wasn't inexpensive, in my opinion. A couple of the required services ranged from $400 - $600. And you need to do them otherwise you break the warranty. I loved the shaft drive - that's what keeps me on the fence. I don't like chains, but a belt would be fine. Cheers.

[@RicardoBryanOfficial]

@@DustyCowdog Thanks for your response, would you buy a used one? With Japanse bikes you can skip a few services because they don’t break down, but thats the thing that kept me form buying this bike. I’m afraid it wil cost a lot of money to maintiane

[@DustyCowdog]

@@RicardoBryanOfficial - I do believe that the BMW is more expensive to maintain. And, there are some places that won't work on them. But to buy a used one, I would be very careful to verify that the bike has been through all of it's scheduled maintenance. Also, there are occasional recalls for this or that, and when the bike is taken into a BMW shop, they know about those and take care of them at that point. I think you can even take the serial number into BMW and they can review the complete history of repair, if it was done at BMW. For used bikes, its all about price vs new and how well the bike was maintained. I guess most people who buy BMWs take care of them. But that's just an opinion. If you find one, I would take it to a BMW shop to have them inspect. Cheers.

[@DustyCowdog]

@@RicardoBryanOfficial --Also, yeah, Japanese bikes are very reliable. I just wish they had a belt drive or shaft.

[@RicardoBryanOfficial]

@@DustyCowdog I ride a Yamaha XV950 café that is belt driven, but they don’t produce them new anymore.

[@fauveride]

You've changed your style a lot

[@JonOsborne]

What does the 23 stand for?

[@anthoolivier6638]

1923. the year the boxer was created

[@sayagou]

How tall are you?

[@ronnie.b31]

For 11k no fuel gauge how do you figure it ur running out of fuel

[@pierrelaporte150]

It has a digital reserve indicator that starts blinking and resets the counter to 0 miles before counting upwards. From there, you have roughly 40 miles to find gaz. Very cool.

[@charliestoybox2099]

I guess you kids have no idea what a trip meter is used for.

[@ronnie.b31]

@@charliestoybox2099 yeh n ur a relic right

[@charliestoybox2099]

@@ronnie.b31 I guess so. Don’t worry, being called a relic doesn’t hurt my feelings. Just happy that I’m smart enough to know how to use a trip meter which is more reliable than a fuel gauge that can read wrong.

[@michaelevans1658]

Servicing costs always helpful.

[@paulwalker797]

I live in Germany and paid about 300 euro for my last service...I reckon it could sometimes go up 60 euros more..or a bit less depending on circumstance.

[@morrisdennis]

i had 3 BMW's decided 2 try hd, i'm on #2 no regrets 😎 btr dealer network.

[@lorenbourassa1780]

It’s like BMW has a window into the minds of upper middle class SUV enthusiasts.

[@f_r_e_d]

Sounds a bit tame, is this due to EU emissions or the mic? Regardless, if I were to buy a BMW this would definitely be it

[@doxydoxdelamanca9902]

Bought my first ever boxer engine R18 three months ago. Great engine, bike, etc. They probably share similar things on the brain side with this nineT. Interestingly, my has a gear indicator.

[@SSS-mp8th]

The Roadster gets two clocks and has a gear indicator and RPM gauge (still no fuel gauge that even my 2022 Monkey has). I believe the Pure, Scrambler and Urban only get one clock.

[@steeltownbarbercompany9741]

I had serious buyers remorse with my 18 scrambler. Bought with my heart and not my head. I’m 6”2 and I looked like a man mountain on the thing. The suspension is diabolical and the seat position is just agony on the knees after half an hour, along with that plank of wood for a seat. Sure, it was cool as hell being different at group meets, but that was really as far as it went with me. Also, the resale on them is crazy low. You’ll never sell it for what you want, I eventually had to give a flawless bike to Superbike Factory (U.K. reseller) as it just didn’t sell. Loads stay for sale for months, sadly.

[@danymaes252]

Thanks for your objective, personal review. I was considering buying one but I think I am going to keep my triumph t100 (I'm 6"2 aswell and, even after an operation at my back, I have a very relaxed seat position)

[@steeltownbarbercompany9741]

@@danymaes252 No problem. Look out for the rumoured 23/24 model that they are gonna try to compete with the new triumph scrambler. Test ride photos show it to be very tall and aggressive looking. I LOVED my R9T for everything except ergonomics. No bike has ever made me feel that ‘connected’ way before. It’s just such a shame about its pitfalls. I ended up selling (took me forever and had to make a loss, thankfully it was a cash buy) and bought a 2017 XSR900. Much better, just as many mods to do and very tall. I can’t flat foot it and it’s very comfortable. Ps I LOVE the model of triumph you have.

[@danymaes252]

@@steeltownbarbercompany9741 I agree with you for 100%. The good looks of a bike is one thing but if the ergonomics are not good, it becomes useless for me. Anyway, the 'r nine t' is one of the better looking, modern bikes.

[@Zulfiqar32]

What are good aesthetic bikes for folks that are 6’2?

[@andrewmeads6136]

@@Zulfiqar32Triumph Scrambler 1200s are nice looking bikes in my view. Tall, too. I think they’ve just revised them for the new model year. Might be some bargains on the outgoing model.

[@pixelmixture3067]

if you want to get the perfect exhaust sound , just unplug the 2 cables going to the exhaust valve ...

[@noelleahy7427]

I've done that.... perfect!

[@ukaszczekaa3061]

Which would be better for 6"2 (188cm) guy: Triumph Scrambler 1200XE or this one?

[@hansihans7105]

Same question i am 8,1

[@colindeans5972]

So there's tech for self cancelling indicators but no fuel gauge, whaaa?

[@michaelevans1658]

Mate got his reversed in to in a car park. What we thought was a broken front mudguard turned out to be a 5 k fix half the value of the bike . B M W stands for B ring My W allet .

[@chriscurrie5597]

Just bought a 17,plate urban gs, never had so many looks, since I went to school without my pants.. 😁

[@R6M3]

I thought I was in the wrong channel hahaha

[@vesaparkkonen4279]

It has style that talks to me

[@VVoltz]

I almost thought this was an Urban Rider vid LOL

[@Altruistic00]

No fuel indicator is honestly a stupid omission.

[@paulwalker797]

It is dumb but I just use the trip meter and top up when it occurs to me, even if I know it still has enough juice.

[@StayAtHomeBiker]

For a moment I thought the trademark beard had been shaved off.

[@documotory]

A lovely bike, indeed. I just picked up a 21' of this exact model and love it so far. But I am still not 100% sure, if i want to tweak it to be a little more tour-orientated or just do the basics (e.g. ergonomics) and keep my V-Strom for the longer rides.

[@joelfogelman4156]

Not a touring bike... its a city bike for weekend rides too. Coming from an ex-NineT owner. Suspension is wayy to stiff. And of course zero wind protection.

[@documotory]

@@joelfogelman4156 Well I politely disagree. A few weeks prior to the delivery of my Scrambler I did a 7 day/1650km trip on a stock RnineT Classic through Austria and northern Italy, which was surprisingly comfortable and is the better touring bike out of the box imho. But I personally know a Couple who rides their Urban G/Ss through the America's right now. And others who did the most badass offroad mods. So the question should be "Do you want to tour with it or do you prefer an ADV Bike?"

[@VivekSingh-hy1dk]

Why this engine is so big as compared to triumphs or Harleys? Aren't they supposed to make it smaller?

[@wandering_armadillo]

It's a very famous engine configuration, very historic. Also brings centre of gravity low, with brilliant engine braking. You must try the Boxer engine Vivek! :)

[@VivekSingh-hy1dk]

@@wandering_armadillo sure one day! Btw, which bike do you ride?

[@johnmaynard3989]

Please send one to Ms. Itchy Boots to test ride and video!

[@Punisher2all]

No fuel Guage? Wtf. Is that common in Europe? Genuinely curious.

[@martinhughes9769]

For me I don't see the point of buying a bike then replacing bits , such ad exhaust pipes the cost 🤔

[@SimonCole]

Burns oil like it’s going out of fashion, and does not have an oil warning light. Not a good mix

[@chewylandlive]

No fuel gauge? That is borderline comical.

[@pierrelaporte150]

It has a digital reserve indicator that starts blinking and resets the counter to 0 miles before counting upwards. From there, you have roughly 40 miles to find gaz. Very cool.

[@philipmannino6689]

No fuel gauge no gear indicator terrible seat no wind protection hot exhaust pipes fuel mileage is low tube tires clunk when shifting but he loves this bike

[@pierrelaporte150]

Guess you need a Japanese bike...🥱

[@The9meister]

At the price it comes at, do you really want to take it off road, come on, have more fun with a lighter more nimble bike for that, best for on the road is where most be ridden. Coffee anyone?

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Hmmm, the number of chaos, lol.

[@JimGoryeb]

“…could HAVE been much…” Might want to edit that title.

[@yesbroariel]

I like that Bike

[@Vegesaurus7]

I’ve often wondered if the R9T Scrambler might suit a taller more relaxed ride a bit more. Sounds like it might? Would it be kind of an upright cruiser?

[@noelleahy7427]

I added a handle bar riser and dropped the forks 20mm... helped.

[@michaelhayward107]

Why review it now? A new family of off-road-orientated models are due to replace it soon.

[@steeltownbarbercompany9741]

They look diabolical.

[@rubo1964]

Lets face it nobody is going to ride this on dirt.As street bike to me Kawasaki Z900RS is superior bike and thousands less.

[@pierrelaporte150]

Funny, I ride it on dirt 80% of the time, and loving it !

[@hgm8337]

its got inferior front suspension to the rninet roadster the brakes are inferior to the roadster's radial brakes its got very little off-road capability the road handling is compromised by the larger 19" front wheel and tyres its missing a rev. counter

[@smelly551]

TIM

[@morrisdennis]

woah it appears u don't understand counter steering? thats how most ppl wreck or die not understanding that...

[@rockyp3917]

All I want is a 120 HP scooter

[@nataliefenelon4796]

Bloody hell, I was sorted for the Triumph 1200X but this review made me swoon...not that size & grunt is everything, right boys? But that engine and HP... would be nice to outrun the odd tough bloke posing at the lights in the Gold Coast!! Truth is ... who the f#@# am I kidding ? If I want the freedom to go off-road (99.78% of the time I am a lone wolf... no pun intended) I have to be able to pick her up, plus fully accept that beautiful box ( the engine) will get damaged. I guess I just want it all in one package... this is one seriously good looking bike. She has bold sexy curves, solid weight for stability with serious 🦾and speed capability- what's not to love? Sell my 4x4 and buy 2 bikes?

[@morrisdennis]

very nice 👌

[@bluefoam]

You're not MotoBob...

[@nizzmo100]

No gas gauge or gear change indicator = deal breaker oh and over priced .

[@DMFP93]

Gorgeous bike, but... a Scrambler? Its built like a tank

[@michaelevans1658]

Start putting those extras on you get a very expensive bike .

[@mehdilali83]

Half of the video is advertising

[@vinceking7878]

Wow, air cooled...

[@lame6893]

The wheels look so basic...it looks a 150 cc bike wheels.

[@bradg.3306]

the bike is awesome except for that hideous engine jutting out.

[@poemsnow4898]

If you can't avoid smashing the boxer engine, then you suck at riding. Improve your own capabilities--should you have any.

[@johnmaynard3989]

That's an ugly color scheme compared to the fabulous bluish silver BMW seen before. Surprised to read below that it is cramped too; at 6ft 3in or 193 cm it would be a deal breaker.