I Get It! BMW R NineT Scrambler! Buy One While You Can. [The R12 NineT Is Coming!] 

Part exchanged my r1200gs for one in 2017 - it’s a keeper and I haven’t regretted the swap - only one real bugbear - the absence of a fuel gauge drives me nuts 😬

Great motorcycle - I would still argue about the „a lot of bike for the money“ verdict. At least here in Germany BMW will charge you extra for such a normality like a gear indicator in the instrument. Personally I have ended up buying a Guzzi V100 Mandello S and have not regretted it. But still like the R9T.

Stunning looking bike. I love the boxer but for the kind of mileage I’m getting I preferred the 1250 RS. I hope you’ll be reviewing that one too. Thanks ✌️

I have the standard R9T and love it to bits. Replaced the rear suspension with Wilbers and it’s truly transformative for road holding, and a tail tidy that just looks better. Super easy to commute across town and wonderful for weekend blasts. Strap some luggage on and it will tour happily. It will sit on a motorway all day with no bother despite the wind blast. I love the boxer engine and power delivery, super torquey, but it does spray mud and road grime all over itself and up your back when it rains which is just annoying. Everyone will eventually find a bike they just bond with more than others and the R9T did it for me.

I have an Urban GS model, my 5th BMW boxer. Very addictive power delivery and noise (gun it from low-ish revs and it sounds like a WW2 fighter from the saddle). Love it, and by the look of the R12 I’ll be keeping my one forever 😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I actually prefer the new r12 NineT I was never fond of that asymmetrical air intake just weird to me.

My daily rider is a big modern ADV bike, it would be nice to have a second, simple, air cooled classic. There are so many great choices today it’s hard to narrow down to just one. I hope you and your father make a video discussing the RE, Bonneville, Guzzi, BMW, etc. and which you would buy with your own money.

This year I traded my R9T for a new Speedmaster. The R9T was a great bike - nice handling, excellent brakes, loads of 'go'. But I did find the riding position was getting a bit cramped for my aging knees (mine wasn't a scrambler so had a slightly lower seat). It's a bike that encourages a 'press on' riding style, though, unlike the far more relaxed ride on the Speedmaster. As one reviewer put it "Riding the R9T, it's all about the bike. Riding the Speedmaster, it's all about the ride". The Speedmaster sounds much better than the R9T (I don't think a boxer will ever be a great sounding engine) - I don't know how Triumph got the Speedmaster through Euro 5, but I'm glad they did! Vince

Shaft drive is great. I owned a BMW for 25 years, and I loved the shaft drive. Compared to a chain driven bike it eliminates most of the regular maintenance you have to do, and you don't have to clean the rear end of the bike of stains of chain lubricant all the time. On the R NineT you have to clean the front end of dirt instead because of the useless front mudguard, but nothing is perfect, I guess.

I really like it but prefer the Urban G/S. However, I don't trust BMWs. Their parts wear out earlier than big Japanese bikes, the dry clutch lasts around 30,000 miles and costs a fortune to replace. They are prone to burn a lot of oil and develop oil leaks. The shaft drive can be problematic. Having said all that, I did 91,000 miles on an R1100GS, but I'd like to bet that if I'd kept my Suzuki B-King as long, nothing would have gone wrong on that, whereas the 1100GS... lots of stuff. Nick J

The new version looks a little too "clean" to me. These look like a custom even though they're factory bikes. The new one still looks nice though but I prefer these.

I have this bike, and I love it. This is my mission bike, for when I need to get something done. King of the retros. Get this one--The new styles are not as good, just my opinion.

Brilliant bike, I’ve spent almost 4 hours on one. I would spring for the Tach/gear position indicator. Only 2 complaints: The upright position without a windscreen can be somewhat punishing on long rides exceeding 100 Km/h. The other is the bend in my knee after said hours… it was in pain. Other than that, an absolute dream of a bike. Nothing like an air cooled boxer 🙂

Fair review. Shaft drive always the best. BMW need to get back to their best ever bikes of late 70's. R100R, R100RS, R100RT. I really like the wire spoked tubeless rims and tubeless tyres 😊

My bike absolutely love it! 'characterful' torquey engine, sublime build quality. I've got the gold spoked wheels and Akra end cans for some extra bling!

I miss the olde bmws, when they built the best for the $ & "cosmetics" didn't matter....

I got the first thumbs up 🎉I feel like I’ve won something. So many positive waves, woof woof 😂

Really love the look of that bike and great for bumpy UK roads. Great review Darcy 👍🏼

actually not true I'm 5'10" (33" inseam) and i can totally flatfoot that bike. The Thruxton I tip toe, The monster 1200 as well. The KTM SAS I barely can put two legs down. It is the shortest of my fav bikes

Thanks for the video. You can get a used 9T for aabout 8-9k euro. Thats a lot of bike for the money. New ones are not worth it - there is too much competition in the 12-16k eur bracket and 9T loses to all its counterparts, even to cheap ones like RE and Guzzi. Been with my 9T for more then a year. Hate it. Selling it. Cant sell it cause its fucking unusable and no one needs it. Hate it even more. End now im a circle of hate with the bike i cant sell. Dont get me wrong, i really like the bike. It looks very good. Very predictable when yanking the throttle. Handles fine. With a few upgrades it becomes very comfortable. Classic vibes and e.t.c. Thats why i bought one in the start. BUT there are a few hidden shit nuggets in this barrel of mead that is the 9T, that no reviewers talk about. First and the worst The bike is absolutely, hideously figgin uncomfortable. The comfort factor of this bike sucks so much that even a beat up 30-year old naked performs better in that part. Im actually sad that i did not buy a new RE Interceptor 650 - it may have WAY less power, disgusting plastics, no shaft drive and rust issues but the ride comfort is on a new level if compared to a 9T. (i have 10+ hours of city riding on the INT650, i've felt what i've needed) Second Cleaning issues. Stock mudguards are useless. Your back will be in dirt. Oil radiator and motor will be covered in dirt. Pipes. Dont get me started on the pipes, after 5k km they start to look like shit - metal changes color and develops some "rustyness" > clean em with special paste > ride 500km > they look like shit again. Third Repairs and overall costs. Thats natural to all bmw's - cars and bikes alike. Every hicckup is 200eur. There is not a lot to break down in the bike, just be aware of that if you buy one used. Yearly service? Phew ,that will be 300 eur,sir. Thought that may be my bike has something wrong with it. Nop. They are the same except that Scramblers\Urban GS have a bit better seating position from the factory and the 9T (high cost one) has decent front forks installed. Joined R9T owners group in facebook. Asked around. Basically got this - "Yep, stock suspension and seat are shit. Throw in another 3k eur on the front+ back upgrade, and another 600eur on the seat - and you will be fine". I got my bike for 8.5k eur. Throwing in 3.5k more will make it the same as a new Triumph T120 or TWO new royal enfields or even a new Moto Guzzi V7 and a new Interceptor 650 if i scope for winter deals. Soooooooooooo this bike sucks. P.S dear rider, if your weight is up to 85 kg or there are no bad roads where you live, then buy the 9T and be happy - you will not encounter this. It just me and fat people talk :(

Agree, it's a nice bike to ride.....but the high level pipes are form over function, making panniers difficult to use. Never understand why BMW feel the need to splash numbers all over the tanks of various RnineT models - detracts from the otherwise beautiful aesthetics.

nice ROAD bike i guess... i couldn't knock it... but can't imagine anyone taking it off road ..... :) A scrambler in name only...

If these had great suspensions, these would possibly be one of the best naked bike on the market.

Seat, wheels and pipes look great. The mid section, whopping engine and bloated tank not for me. New Ducati scrambler Nightshift is Cinderella compared to this.

Love my R9T Pure. My one and only grumble is the lack of a fuel gauge (which by the looks of it the Scrambler version shares). It's not a huge issue as a warning signal does come on when you're low on fuel, but would prefer to see clearly the amount of fuel before setting off on long journeys. Besides that, an awesome bike to ride, and the after service BMW provides has been amazing.

You either love it hate it. From one angle I love it then from another I don't. She's a piece of exotic art, like no other machine you'll find in the parking lot at the local dairy bar on a Friday night. And her lineage is a respectful one. I admire this machine. Johnny Boy

The bike is stunning, but yes, its my bike of choice so I’m bias on the main analysis. Until I got it, I was very keen to buy the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC that now would be the X version, for my use that is almost in tarmac. I tested both and felt that the R nine T was more suitable to my riding requirements. Nevertheless, this bike is full of character, and I like those particularities on a bike. I really appreciate the drive shaft, even if the boxer engine consumes an extra quantity of oil between Services, its all part of that characterful personality of the bike. Didn’t enjoyed the Keyless of the Triumph Scrambler though, and neither the too modern dash, I felt it was in contrast with all the rest. The R nine T as a modern retro looking bike seemed a more convincing proposal on this segment and its significantly more punchier. Not That the Triumph wasn’t a responsive bike, because it is, and more than enough in the majority of the occasions…I still found the BMW R Nine T much more appealing as a daily road bike. It was a toe to toe challenge for me, but in the end I made my decision for the BMW R Nine T Scrambler. Thank you for the nice video and overall expert’s opinion.

I don't understand why they put a dual muffler on the bike. It looks silly. Also, the "snorkel" and cover on the right side looks like a gimmick. Other than that, i like the bike, i have a '21 model which I dressed up with BMW rev counter, windshield (Wunderlich), engine guards (SW-Motech), center stand, replaced the useless rear seat with BMW aluminum "seat hump", battery charger and I am going to replace the stupid air intake "snorkel" with Pier City Cycles "air scoop" cover. Also installed steering bar risers for a more comfortable riding position. Much better.

Expensive and overpriced, unfortunately

Excellent video mate.. the R9T is a great bike and I agree with almost everything you say in the review.. not that brown seat though.. it’s grim.. 🤣

Ride an R100 from the early 80s and you will understand why so many people love BMW.

I was delighted to watch your positive review of this bike. It’s the only machine I have owned so I don’t have anything to compare it with. I was between this and a retro Triumph but the boxer engine with guards fitted offering my legs a bit more protection should I lay it down swung my decision.

Always look forward to you and the ol mans vid/reviews, something that occurred to me while watching this vid, something you and the ol boy do is you always sit on the bike mention how tall you are and say "this is how I look on the bike or how I fit on the bike. I'm only 5' 6 on a very very tall day but even still it gives me perspective, this is something I notice you guys do more than others, I really like that you do that. Another thing I'm glad you touched on with this review, you wouldn't take it off road, I was looking at that bike thinking, Scrambler is a style of bike, not a function of a bike, I have yet to see a scrambler I would really take off road, not Ducati, Not triumph not any of them. These adventure bikes also are almost as bad, if one wants to off road it has to be dual purpose class or dirt bike class. That been said I really like the Scrambler look, Thanks for the review Darcy, Have a great day, Cheers.

Nice bike, nice review, exhaust sound ? I'm not sure what they were thinking.

That’s a nice bike Darcy, great review!

I owned that too, great bike.

I had a R9T Urban GS, I loved that bike, great on road, but indeed, as you mention, it is really not made to get off pavement... not even green lane, that’s the reason why I sold it. That’s a pure roadster actually, dressed in Scrambler. Very good review 👍

Thanks for the awesome video Darcy. I had an R NineT pure 7 years ago and loved it. Traded it in for a Ducati Diavel but have just gone back to a scrambler. In fact I bought the last one here in New Zealand out of the box. You sum it up so well. It’s the character that got me a second time.

These things are so good to ride. Gobs of torque and plenty of power, it will happily cruise for days and still let you carve up just about any road like a demon. Surprisingly fast when you turn up the wick. A homage to the past yet modern enough without compromises. Just sort your gearing out earlier than you think if coming off a sports bike. Loads of traction and a stable chassis encourages confidence when powering out.

I took a 1200 gs urban out and loved it , one of the few bikes I’ve ridden that was exactly as I thought it would be , I could never understand what the urban and the scrambler were so called as naming them the other way round would have suited their appearance better

I’d like to have the Rnine9T Pure. Huge fan of the boxer engine.

I swapped mine for a T100. Much better choice.

She's a thing of beauty, she is...

how tall are you? i would not look like on Honda Monkey😂

It’s great, but get the Urban GS instead.

All well said Junior Darcy. Except the suspension is soaking up the potholes and it is a smooth ride. I am not sure about this. I had a test ride for an hour and could last 30 minutes max. It was hard and bumpy ride. Maybe the suspension needed adjustment. So I went for T120 Bonneville. Very happy. But still the idea to own a shaft driven bike haunts me 😂 Maybe a moto guzzi V7 special🤔

Nice one Darcy 👍. Love the heritage line up 🤓

After riding my 2021 for 12 tkm i got the impression the sound improved….as far i know it isn’t possible to configure a new scrambler because BMW discontinued it. So curious about the new model….

Nice. Super review. Appreciated

BMW's are great bikes, but cost a fortune to maintain. BMW is one of those manufacturers who deliberately make the bikes difficult to maintain and repair. I quit BMW for Moto Guzzi when BMW quit making the airheads. I learned the cost of BMW ownership lessons the hard way with Kbikes.

If you have the money, pick up a (standard, its the one with the fancy suspension) R Nine T or a Thruxton. They're both end of an Era bikes, they're never going to make them like this again. I'd wager they will again make bikes that move the soul like either of these . A final, brilliant, beautiful swan song before emissions and electrification turns bikes into appliances. They'll have to pry mine, from my cold dead hands. Oh, also, honorable mention to the Ducati Scrambler 1100. An often overlooked gem.

BMW seems to be having a lot of Problems in the Colonies... The Americas lol. Don't seem to have the same reliability as decades ago... Good Stuff, thanks for posting... Cheers mate...👍

i think the only other brand that makes boxers is Ural but it is plagued with quality issues😢

With the Triumph scrambler 1200’s on the market I don’t consider the RnineT scrambler, a great scrambler. Doesn’t compete in real off road riding. It is a great bike though. I love my BMW R1200GS, I definitely wish I didn’t trade in my 1200XC scrambler for a different 2nd bike.

needs a gay mode for you

Not having a fuel gauge is a pain. I'm spoiled from my Triumph Rocket IIIGT. I used to have an RNineT, loved it... but the Rocket spoils you.

Awesome presentation of this beamer. My 👍as well as comment are well deserved for your restless work, Darcy!

I always liked the look of the R nine T but looking at press releases of the 12 T, I think the new bike looks better, more of a 'finished' design. From what I can gather, the new bike is virtually mechanically the same and and couple of Kg lighter. Slightly smaller fuel capacity and the option of a quick shifter ( dont know if that was available in the 9T) and a small TFT dash. Also a redesigned frame. New bike is said to handle better.

I have a 23 plate Scrambler and you sum up the bike perfectly. Yes, the seat starts to get uncomfortable beyond an hour or so of riding but that’s my only criticism. Everyone seems to go on about the fact that it doesn’t have a fuel gauge but I’ve never found it a problem as you get a low fuel alert, which tells you how far you’re travelling on reserve.

The engine is identical to my 2012 BMW gs I have an "acrapovich" and de cat headers plus flapper eliminator so its loud I keep the baffle in place .Great Bike great engine which is why its still in production .

No one ever says power loss on shaft I have both R9t and a Ducati chain drive 1260

I used to have a 1977 90R sport, there was loads of torque, it would rumble on all day. The only trouble every 3 thousand miles the rear tyre would need replacing and Metzler tyres were expensive. The solenoid was really heavy. The batteries would go very quickly. But it was beautiful.

Thank you so much for the contents.

The dude in the new tv series 'The Couple Next Door' rides the BMW R NineT. I instantly recognized it. Such a cool bike.

Never hear of a Crambler

I definitely want to see a review of the new R12.

I have owned a 21 Scrambler for 2 years now, and also added a R18 to the garage (same as the olds mans)..... love both.... though both benefit hugely with a Wilbers/Nitron rear shock and some fork work (springs, emulators and lighter fork oil)..... the R18 is a heart decision and scrambler a head decision.... if looking for a ride that touches one spirit it's the R18 4 times out of 5..... as far as the scrambler goes.... spend some time above 6,000 rpm in 2nd and 3rd before taking it back..... that get up and go isn't that common in lots of the competition.

A top class review,, many thanks. This looks like a superb bike in most ways other than (in my eyes) the looks, which are rather ugly and so I'd not be interested in buying one. Thanks and have a great Crimo lads

Very nice and easily customised to suit your needs not sure about pillion comfort though as the girl friend likes to go for a blast with me on my 1200gs

I test road one about 3 years ago, but it had the knobby tire option. I had a hard time getting it to lean. I really likes the looks of it though.

Gorgeous

The reason they are renaming the new model is everyone thought the R9T was a 900, including me before I got interested in them and bought an R9T racer, it’s an 1170cc , stupidly named R9T to commemorate BMW’s 90th year, especially when you consider the German word for ninety is nuenzig which sounds nothing like “9T”! According to my local BMW dealer the misnomer actually hurt sales.

I have a gs.I have never understood this bmw you have there? It has all the "bad" engine and transmission qualities that like an agricultural engine and transmission.

Not quite ALL the info you need - no fuel gauge stops my purchase! Even Honda Monkey has a fuel gauge.

The BMW R9T Scramblers are let down by those noodle looking forks.

Can’t wait for the urban gs review

disconnecting the piloted valve leaves it open all the time and change the sound just the right amount... no need to change the cans. i love mine ... it's really the perfect bike. The roadster position makes the bike disappear ... it's like riding a magic carpet

Hello Darcy, few months ago your father made a video riding the RE Classic 350 offroad on a very stony and steep track. He seemed to have had some hard times dealing with such rugged terrain but was not defeated, nor his little steed. It was great. I want to watch it again but I can not find it anywere. Did you guys took it of YT? As usual, nice review of the BMW which reminded me the video I'm asking about above because in the offroad enviroment that little 350 seems to be much more capable with no modifications whatsoever than the mighty BMW "scrambler". If the video of your father riding the RE Classic 350 on that stony track is still available would you please put the link here? Thanks. Regards from Brazil.✌

They’re discontinuing the RnineT? Was this officially announced by BMW? Was planning on buying one in spring 2024.

This bike is Incredible

Was the throttle snatchy or abrupt at all? Is this a 2030?

Sinnis wouldn't fit those front forks on there terrain 125, BMW are having a laugh.

Interesting to see if BMW start doing any deals

Yes the boxer engine has good torque and good sound.

Why does it have ‘23’ on the tank?

We love you.

Better go for Royal Enfield's, you pockets will not go empty, you will ride without any worry, you will have BIG SMILE on your face whenever you ride. AND! you will be enjoying you r journeys..

As a former R9T owner I found tne engine strong but a little vibey at 75 to 80 mph and surprisingly seem to run hotter than expected. I haven’t found a good stock seat on any of the R9Ts. The gearing was good and the bike would run an honest 130 mph with high 11 second quarter miles. Fuel mileage even when ridden gently seldom exceeded 45 U.S. mpg Otner than the hand tingling around 80 mph I think they have underrated performance, decent handling, sound good. The 1200 Triumph twins are a bit slower in the quarter mile but a hair faster, get better fuel mileage, tend to handle better and are definitely smoother. I liked both and also the Kawasaki z900rs and purchased one of each in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Too early to say how the Kawasaki compares.

I have found the clutch uneasy to handle. And since it has s dry, it gets too hot easily

Had one..loved the looks, the sound but the ride was horrid with the cheap suspension, dodgy tyres and ironing board seat... so beware, do not see many high mileage scramblers for a reason.