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2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler Overview
The 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler is a naked bike motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 camshafts and 4 radially aligned valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft engine, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler delivers 81 kW @ 7550 rpm of peak power and 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2018 R nine T Scrambler tips the scales at 220 kg, carries a 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1522 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 11.5 kg heavier than the average naked bike motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2018 R nine T Scrambler - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler makes 81 kW @ 7550 rpm with 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Fuel injection: The Electronic intake pipe injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Large fuel range: The 18-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 820 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
R nine T Scrambler's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from Electronic intake pipe injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Brake disc and pad wear
The 2x 320mm floating brake discs, 4 piston radial calipers front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the R nine T Scrambler runs Telescopic forks with 43 mm fixed-tube diameter and Cast aluminum single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring preload steplessly adjustable by hook at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Four-section frame consisting of one front and three rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removable pillion frame for single ride use - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Handling the weight at a standstill
At 220 kg, the R nine T Scrambler is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.
R nine T Scrambler - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R nine T Scrambler should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any R nine T Scrambler. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The R nine T Scrambler's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler have?
The 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 camshafts and 4 radially aligned valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
How much does the 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler weigh?
The 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler weighs 220 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler make?
The 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler produces 81 kW @ 7550 rpm of power and 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler?
The 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler has a 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.
Is the 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler suitable for shorter riders?
The 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler have?
The 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler uses 2x 320mm floating brake discs, 4 piston radial calipers at the front and Single 265mm disc, 2 piston floating calipers at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler use?
The 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler runs 120/70 R 19 front and 170/60 R 17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler have?
The 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed transmission.
BMW R nine T Scrambler Spec Evolution
The BMW R nine T Scrambler was produced across 4 model years (2016-2022). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2016 |
2019 |
2020 |
2022 |
| Max Power |
82 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm |
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm |
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm |
80 kW /109 hp @ 7250 rpm |
| Wet Weight |
220 kg / 485 lbs |
220 kg / 485 lbS |
220 kg / 485 lbS |
223 kg / 491.6 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft, Euro4 compliant |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 camshafts and 4 radially aligned valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 camshafts and 4 radially aligned valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft. |
| Seat Height |
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820 mm / 32.3 in |
820 mm / 32.3 in |
820 mm / 32.2 in |
| Fuel Capacity |
17 L / 4.5 US gal |
18 Litres / 4.5 US gal |
18 Litres / 4.5 US gal |
17 Litres / 4.5 US gal |
| Frame Type |
Modular frame with replaceable rear sub-frame |
Four-section frame consisting of one front and three rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removable pillion frame for single ride use |
Four-section frame consisting of one front and three rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removable pillion frame for single ride use |
Four-part frame concept with front frame and three-part rear frame, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, rear-seat frame removeable for one-up riding |
| Displacement |
1170 mm / 71.4 cu in |
1170 cc / 71.4 cub in. |
1170 cc / 71.4 cub in. |
1170 cc / 71.4 cub in |
| Wheelbase |
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1522 mm / 60.1 in |
1522 mm / 60.1 in |
1527 mm / 60/1 in |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 camshafts and 4 radially aligned valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm
Torque
116 Nm / 86 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.5 US gal
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Full 2018 BMW R nine T Scrambler Specifications
Year
2018 - 19
Make Model
BMW R nineT Scrambler
Seat Height
820 mm / 32.3 in
Wheelbase
1522 mm / 60.1 in
Height
1330 mm / 52.3 in (excl. mirrors)
Length
2175 mm / 85.6 in
Seat Height (Inner Leg Curve)
1830 mm / 72 in
Width
880 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight
220 kg / 485 lbS
Displacement
1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 camshafts and 4 radially aligned valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft
Bore x Stroke
101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Cooling System
Air/Oil cooled
Emissions
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Fuel Induction
Electronic intake pipe injection
Lubrication
Wet sump
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Clutch
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft
Transmission / Drive
Constant mesh 6-speed
Frame Type
Four-section frame consisting of one front and three rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removable pillion frame for single ride use
Suspension - Front
Telescopic forks with 43 mm fixed-tube diameter
Suspension - Rear
Cast aluminum single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring preload steplessly adjustable by hook
Steering Head Angle
61.5 °
Trail
116.1 mm / 4.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front
125 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
140 mm / 5.5 in
Alternator
Three-phase alternator 600W
Brakes - Front
2x 320mm floating brake discs, 4 piston radial calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 265mm disc, 2 piston floating calipers
ABS
BMW Motorrad ABS
Tyres - Front
120/70 R 19
Tyres - Rear
170/60 R 17
Wheels
Cast aluminum
Wheels - Front
3.00 x19
Wheels - Rear
4.50 x 17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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