All-new really does mean all-new: engine, chassis, exhaust, aero, fuel tank cover, you name it. At Jerez, Aprilia also said the final package will only be finalised at the Mandalika test. The feedback and lap times so far make for some good reading as the marque begin a new era as a standalone factory team though, so Sepang will likely see the Noale factory continuing to steal some headlines.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
With the start of a new MotoGP™ season just around the corner, preparations are well underway for Team Suzuki Ecstar as they prepare to tackle 2022 with Joan Mir and Alex Rins. With a new look GSX-RR, which is upgraded not only on the surface but also under the fairings, the entire team are highly motivated and eager for trophies. 2021 may have been a tough challenge, but with their constant strive for success the squad managed to close the year with Mir in the Top 3, the goal for this year is simple: podiums, prizes, and points.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Fabio Quartararo: “The winter break was quite long, but if I’m honest I feel like I kept busy the whole time. There were many events for me to attend, and of course training continued as normal – so all in all it was quite busy, but in a good way. I’m excited to begin the new season and start riding and improving. We got the title last year, and that’s great. Nobody can ever take that away from me, but as of the first day of riding, none of that matters anymore. Last year’s title win is behind us now, we must focus on this year’s championship. Last year we barely did any pre-season testing due to the pandemic. This year I already have a year of experience with the Factory Team, so we know how to work well together. We know our strengths and where we can improve, so that will help during the tests in Sepang and Mandalika.”
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
It’s not far off the mark that as a young junior rider Senna Agius may well have been described as a prodigy. Claiming 14 Australian dirt track and motocross titles, along with 19 State titles in the disciplines, it is a good indicator that the youngster from south of Sydney has a modicum of talent.
It’s also safe to assume that Senna has had one major life goal since a very young age; to be a world champion motorcycle racer.
After talking with the 16-year old, it soon becomes apparent that he is extremely articulate, analytical and displays a maturity far beyond his years. Attributes that will hold him in very good stead as he chases his dream of being MotoGP World Champion.
Born in the rural setting of Camden, in the south-western outreaches of Sydney (NSW), he was brought up in a perfect environment to pursue his racing aspirations and spent the vast majority of his time charging around a paddock.
Senna stated racing on the dirt in 2013, and three years later took to the bitumen at the earliest opportunity to hone his considerable skills in road racing aboard a Honda NSF100 and in 2017 competed in the Australian Junior Road Racing titles, finishing second in the 85cc two-stroke class even though he didn’t compete at all rounds.
His focus was already on the bigger picture of international competition and at the end of 2017 Senna was selected to compete in the 2018 Asia Talent Cup. He finished 17th with his best result an eighth place in the second race of the season at Qatar.
For 2019 he gained plenty of frequent flyer points as he competed in the MFJ All Japan Championship – GP3 Class with a brace of six place finishes his best results. At the same time he was commuting back and forth to Australia to contest the ASBK Supersport 300cc title. The title went down to the wire at the final round at SMSP with another young champion Max Stauffer as his main rival, Agius took the crown by a solitary point.
For the past two seasons Senna competed in the helter-skelter class of the CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship but didn’t manage to deliver the results his determination and talent warranted, but as they say, that’s racing at the top.
Agius returned to Australia to compete in the final round of ASBK Supersport 600 at the Bend but after a sterling effort in practice and qualifying to be third on the grid, he was forced to withdraw from the weekend because of a mix up in quarantine protocol.
While he didn’t get to strut his stuff that weekend, Senna has made up for it in 2022. Riding a Honda at the St George Summer Series in early January he broke the 13-year-old Supersport lap record set by multiple Australian champion Jamie Stauffer way back in 2008. He was also quick when he joined the Australian Supersport regulars at the recent Phillip Island pre-season test.
For 2022 Senna will step up to the CEV Moto2 class and There’s something about the opportunity for Senna, his attitude and suitability to the larger bike that gives the impression that this year may be his very best year on the international scene.
Senna Agius is delaying his return to Europe so he can compete in the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship later this month at Phillip Island in the Supersport class. If the planets align sufficiently, Senna will also return from Europe in time to compete in the final two rounds of ASBK, but at this stage is unsure as to which class he will compete in on his return.
MB: First up, well done on breaking such a long standing lap record at the Creek recently, and great to see you at The Bend before the authorities stepped in.
SA: “Thanks mate, but we couldn’t do much about that although we didn’t do anything wrong. It was just an ulnacky government change. It wasn’t something I did wrong.”
MB: What actually happened in that regard?
SA: “When you land in Australia you have to be in your home state for seven days before you go interstate. I filled out the form and the first day we were in SA it was nine days since I had returned to Australia, and I had done the seven days quarantine at home. At this point, as you know, the cases went up overnight. I had my green entry form for SA for The Bend and the rules changed overnight ,from seven days to 14. I was at nine days. They tracked everyone down and they told us we had to go back and abide by the rules.”
MB: Thats unbelievable. It’s always changing day to day. What a disappointment for you. Last couple of years doing CEV with Sic 58, how was that, because personally, I don’t think your results were a fair indication of your riding talent?
SA: “Look, I had a character building two years with Sic 58. For me, honestly you had to be there to understand the progression because on paper and TV it didn’t look like I was doing what I was expected to do, but I was learning. Maybe it’s a question of my riding style and the little bike, proving to be a little bit more difficult than my riding style with a bigger bike, but the team was fantastic, and I’ve learnt a tremendous amount to take into the future as a person, and as a rider for other teams and other categories. I am forever grateful for what they taught me . It’s true that I didn’t get the results that I feel that I worked for but thats all part of it, but I guess we come across that over the years. I feel that I’ve taken those hard times and am turning it into a progression. I am very excited for the future.”
MB: So Is your size that much of a disadvantage on those little machine?
SA: “I don’t particularly believe so because some people make it work. It’s true that maybe the ergonomics for me, I get a bit more “crampy” after a certain amount of laps or it gets little bit more difficult, but I don’t believe that is the sole reason why I didn’t do super well.”
MB: Would you be willing to discuss the reason or keep that to yourself?
SA: No not really. I’d just like to move on, if thats alright.
MB: “That’s okay. If you don’t want to say, you don’t need to say. I’m just thinking you’re there its going to happen and gel for you sooner or later. I think now that you are getting on this 765; you proved at the Bend you can sure ride a bigger bike. – I wish you’d hung around for those races, you Broc and Tommy would’ve had some great battles, as you proved with the lap record at Eastern Creek. Were you doing much riding on a Moto2 machine when you were over there?”
SA: “I started doing a lot of days in the second half but not a tremendous amount of riding. Me and Steph Redman from coach49 started training with me halfway through the year, so we progressed quite quickly when she came onboard, but we got a few days in. I have a Yamaha over there and a Honda over here, and the Honda is 180-degrees a different motorcycle to the Yamaha, so it helps to understand the power.”
MB: So I guess the learning curve starts all again when you jump on the Moto2 machine. Have you managed to sample one of them yet?
SA: “I had a few days on the Honda version. It’s been in the CEV traditionally In previous years; they were using the old Hondas with a Kalex frame, but the rules have changed for this year; we are on the 2021 Kalex Triumph 765 from last year.”
MB: You’re going to love the triple…
SA: “Yeah, I got to sample the Honda but I am excited because I gelled with it. By the time we got to the second day I was there or thereabouts happy with how I was riding. The times that were coming and how it was all working, the team is fantastic and I am super excited.”
MB: Who is the team?
SA: “Promo Racing Team, based in Barcelona. I live in Andorra.”
MB: With the rest of the boys.
SA: “Yeah, I am near Jack, I am friends with Jack but I rarely get to see him. He’s away a lot and obviously we have different schedules.”
MB: This year obviously you would want to win the championship – like any rider, but the other side of the coin is that you have to take baby steps cause you’re learning a new bike, a new team and a new championship.
SA: “I feel that I have set my expectations higher than I did in the Moto3 class, because I’ve ridden on similar machinery and I am feeling super good on bigger bikes. I am definitely keeping two feet on the ground, but focused because I truly believe we can hit the ground running.”
MB: So how’s your feeling with your confidence – you’re sounding very confident and champing at the bit to get going compared to how you were feeling with your second year in the Sic58 team?
SA: “I am not thinking too much about the championship this year because everyone is going to be on new equipment and there are some super fast riders retuning to that championship. Everyone would love to win it. If we focus on round by round we could be in a good spot at the end ,but my second year in the Moto 3 I was confident about that as well . Maybe I am a little bit more confident than I was in the second year of the Moto 3 I wanted to keep progressing.
“I actually made a very solid improvement in the second year and actually went faster than all my times in 2020 but everyone improved, the field got quicker again. I am sure that is the case with a lot of riders who didn’t get the results they wanted but I 100% improved and I was actually quite happy. The team were happy with my results and improvements, so that year for me was okay.
“I feel if the rule change to enter the world championship didn’t happen we were very, very serious in doing a third year in CEV Moto3, but once the rule changed that you cant enter world championships until 18 ,that meant that I would have to do another two years in CEV Moto 3 and I felt – and everyone around me told me and really steered me into the position to get out of it while I can and get onto a big bike.”
MB: Thats excellent to hear mate. With last year were you getting depressed or frustrated as the year went on, when it wasn’t gelling for you, or were you copping it on the chin and thinking “it’s going to get better sometime”?
SA: “At the beginning of the year maybe I didn’t handle the first two rounds when I came home and the attitude of the weekend transferred into my moods during the week and the weeks rolled on. Leon Camier and all my guys in Andorra, sat me down, not pulled me into line, not angry with me, but we had a serious talk of how to handle this as no situation is going to be ever perfect. When there are bad ones, like the first few rounds of CEV Repsol was, of how to handle that , because if I handle it in the future in the way I did those weeks, I am not going to enjoy the sport anymore. I learnt my lesson because a few months later I had a very good preparation and a very good start to the weekend at Misano, and then I came down with a crazy illness that we cant begin to describe what happened. That took me out of the event and I handled that one really well. That was a completely missed opportunity to maybe do my best weekend, but we handled that well and we left the attitude at the track. We started again so I corrected myself. Another lesson learnt last year.”
MB: You sound like you are pretty hard on yourself.
SA: “Yes yes I am. I dont give myself much leeway.”
MB: When you mention Leon, will you still have much contact with him next year, now you are moving on?
SA: “Yeah, Leon is Team Manager of HRC in WorldSBK so that takes away his presence a bit. After he retired he got straight into that gig ,and that takes a lot of his time but he’s happy to work with me next year. Everything he has brought to the table to help me is fantastic and he believes in me, and I believe in him, and everything he has brought me. It’s not just him, but all the guys he’s recommended to work with so we have a really good group at the moment. We keep in contact with each other and Leon oversees it all.”
MB: Will Steph be going back with you this year?
SA: “Yep Steph is going to come back this year. She is putting in a lot of effort and that just drives me to put in the same amount of effort and motivation into training and racing.”
MB: So you have been putting in heaps of training and push bike riding?
SA: “Yeah last year we clocked nearly 12,000 kilometres on pushbikes, and that is my main source of cardio. It’s something I will enjoy later into life. I take it pretty seriously.”
MB: Well, you have a good place to be doing it in Andorra up at those heights so that’s got to be good?
SA: “Yes it’s really good. I cant complain.”
MB: All the best mate. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you kick it this year with the Moto2 class.
SA: “Thanks Bracksy, hopefully it’s going to be a great year.”
Source: MCNews.com.au
Joining the scooter segment in Australia is the Pista 50 and Pista 125, with the latter arriving in both a carbed and EFI version, offering great value for those looking to get started on two wheels or riders who want a second bike to run around town on.
On sale through a robust network of more than 20 dealers Australia-wide and distributed by PS Importers, the Pista 50 and 125 scooters are sport-inspired and run LED lighting for a modern look.
Sharp rideaway prices start at $2940 for the Pista 50 and $3740 and $4190 for the Pista 125 carburetted and EFI models respectively. All three LAMS-approved commuters complete with generous levels of standard equipment and a 12-month/30,000km warranty (including parts and labour).
For a limited time, the Pista 50 and 125 models come with a complementary topbox and mounting rack, representing up to $109 of free added value (excludes EFI model).
The Pista 50 is powered by a 50cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine, with 12-inch wheels, a low centre of gravity and a wet weight of just 93 kg for maximum agility and versatility. Being a 50cc moped, the Pista 50 can be ridden legally in Queensland and Western Australia on a regular driver’s license. 50cc models are also much cheaper to register in some states, in Victoria, for example, it is less than $150 to register a scooter under 60cc for 12 months, that’s less than a third of the price of registration for an electric scooter.
Both Pista 125 models up the ante with the force of a flexible 125cc four-stroke engine as well as 13-inch wheels and a combined braking system. Choose from the Pista 125, fuelled by a tried-and-true carburettor, or the Pista 125 EFI for punchier performance and optimum fuel efficiency.
The Pista 50 and 125 scooters are available in three colourways: White Edition/Blue, White Edition/Flame and White Edition/Carbon.
Genuine accessories include the choice of a 31-litre top case in either Matte black ($99) or Matte black with white insert ($109). A mounting rack is included.
For more information see the Pista Scooters Australia website, or check out their dealer locater to find your nearest stockist.
Source: MCNews.com.au
World Superbike’s most successful rider, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), is gearing up to try and regain his title from Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK). The 35-year-old is excited to embark on another season and has already commented that he’s found better performance in braking: “Right now in January, this is our second test of our pres-eason and to be honest, we had a good test at Jerez in December where we tried some new items and I felt really good with the bike. The biggest difference is that you can brake how I want to, and I have more confidence in the front of the bike; everything is going on plan.
“Kawasaki have been working really hard in the background and hopefully we can learn some things from this test, go to Portimao, the MotorLand Aragon test before the race weekend and also Montmelo before that, where we will face our main rivals; then we can compare exactly where we are.”
The famous #65 will be back on Rea’s bike for 2022, and whilst the change was forced, he relishes the return of his number: “Changing my number, firstly, is not by choice, but of course, going back to #65… let’s say it is my career number. It gives me a lot of happy memories: I remember the #65 being on the front of my 2015 Kawasaki and it was an incredible moment, and incredible time and it changed my life.
“When I put it back on my bike in Mandalika at the end of last year, I had this nice feeling inside that ‘I’m going back to #65 and this is going to be good.’ For me, the number’s not about pressure and it’s not like when I’m racing that I see it in front of my face! It’s strange to go back to that and I might have to rejig my merchandise a little bit, because after six years, we’d started to incorporate some number ones! It’s a little bit of a change!
“Well of course, 2021 was a challenging year but also, when I look back, it was a fun year,” began a reminiscent Rea. “I really enjoyed 2021 because I learnt a lot, I was still fast, and I still battled… the battles in the races were incredible. For 2022, my target is to make less mistakes. How do we do that? We need to improve the technical package of the bike. First impressions so far are that the bike’s a little bit more user-friendly when I’m riding on my limit.
“I need to try and forget about all my other competitors and the other manufacturers and focus on my job inside Kawasaki. Sometimes last year, that was my biggest mistake: I was looking to the others. It was playing negative doubts in your head like, ‘oh, they are fast’ or ‘there bike is so fast’ but inside here, we have a great bike. Even when we have some limitations or difficulties, I can still compete for winning races. That’s what I need to focus on and bet on myself a bit more.
“When people ask, ‘what’s the difference in motivation from keeping winning or trying to beat someone again,’ it’s the same. When you’re winning, it’s almost like the fear of not winning is keeping you motivated. When you finally accept that and you’re second and you’re at peace with it, then you can work forward in a good way. There’s no fear involved, and it becomes being all about trying to win.
“This off-season has been really nice; sometimes when you’re winning a Championship, it’s incredible: for TV, for media etc. However, what you don’t see in the background is the marketing commitments, flying everywhere to see a sponsor, manufacturer, or country. The last time I was on a plane before this test was in December to come here, so I’ve had such a good off-season. Sometimes, the weight of that #1 is heavy. I’ve enjoyed the positive sides of not being World Champion, but it doesn’t outweigh wanting the #1; I want that and I’m going to work hard to get it this season.”
Assessing his main competition for the year ahead, rivals from now and before were mentioned: “Is Toprak the guy to beat? Well, let’s see! You’d be silly to bet against him and I really feel that he starts as favourite, and I think that it really helps the preparations and the hype surrounding him and his future. I’m curious to see how he is going to perform in 2022. In WorldSBK, you never know. After Toprak, so many guys filled the podium in 2021, a lot of unexpected guys and a lot of race winners, it was incredible!
“I expect the same kind of season; rookies with more experience, factories learning more, rider changes such as Bautista to Ducati, Redding to BMW and also MotoGP riders coming into Honda! It’s all change! With that, you need to understand everyone’s place and I’m sure that after three or four rounds, we’ll understand the evolution of the Championship but for me, I’m just focussed on myself. If I can do that, then I’ll be fighting for podiums and hopefully a little bit more.”
Looking back on becoming World Champion, Rea explained where the motivation comes from even after six titles: “At this stage of my career, I feel like motivation is at an all-time high. I don’t need to ride on the limit… all I wanted to be as a child was a World Champion and I did that in 2015. Right now, I’m motivated just by winning, pushing my bike to its limits, beating my rivals, but I also get a lot of enjoyment from travelling to new places and working hard with my team in the background. I don’t know when it’ll stop… what was a strange feeling for me this year was when Chaz retired. He’s been my career rivals and I almost wanted to go to Chaz and say, ‘hey man, is this something that creeps up season-by-season or race-by-race or does it just arrive one day and that’s it’ because I know my time’s going to come but I want to finish my way.
“That’s what I want… that’s how I see things. As a motorcycle racer, that never happens, but I must say that the feeling isn’t around right now. It’s about winning, trying to do my best at Kawasaki and enjoying it too; it’s a lot of hard efforts in the off-season and for me at home. Also, for the team and the schedule, it’s a busy Championship. If you’re not enjoying it, then it’d be the perfect time to step away but when there’s the possibility to win and you’re having fun, I’ll be lining up on the grid for sure.”
| World Superbike Entry List 2022 | ||||
| N° | RIDER | NAT. | MOTORCYCLE | TEAM |
| 1 | Toprak Razgatlıoğlu | TUR | YZF R1 | Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK |
| 55 | Andrea Locatelli | ITA | YZF R1 | Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK |
| 19 | Alvaro Bautista | ESP | Panigale V4R | Aruba.It Racing – Ducati |
| 21 | Michael Rinaldi | ITA | Panigale V4R | Aruba.It Racing – Ducati |
| 22 | Alex Lowes | GBR | ZX-10RR | Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK |
| 65 | Jonathan Rea | GBR | ZX-10RR | Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK |
| 45 | Scott Redding | GBR | M1000RR | BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team |
| 60 | Michael van der Mark | NED | M1000RR | BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team |
| 7 | Iker Lecuona | ESP | CBR1000RR-R | Team HRC |
| 97 | Xavi Vierge | ESP | CBR1000RR-R | Team HRC |
| 3 | Kohta Nozane | JPN | YZF R1 | GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team |
| 31 | Garrett Gerloff | USA | YZF R1 | GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team |
| 47 | Axel Bassani | ITA | Panigale V4R | Motocorsa Racing |
| 5 | Philipp Öttl | GER | Panigale V4R | Team Goeleven |
| 44 | Lucas Mahias | FRA | ZX-10RR | Kawasaki Puccetti Racing |
| 29 | Luca Bernardi | SMR | Panigale V4R | Barni Spark Racing Team |
| 52 | Oliver König | CZE | ZX-10RR | Orelac Racing Verdnatura |
| 23 | Christophe Ponsson | FRA | YZF R1 | Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha |
| 35 | Hafizh Syahrin Bin Abdullah | MAS | CBR1000RR-R | MIE Racing Honda Team |
| 36 | Leandro Mercado | ARG | CBR1000RR-R | MIE Racing Honda Team |
| 50 | Eugene Laverty | IRL | M1000RR | Bonovo Action BMW |
| 76 | Loris Baz | FRA | M1000RR | Bonovo Action BMW |
| TBA | – | ZX-10RR | TPR Team Pedercini Racing | |
| 32 | Isaac Viñales | ESP | YZF R1 | Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team |
| Date | Location | Classes |
| April 8-10 | MotorLand Aragon, Spain | WorldSBK/SSP/SSP300 |
| April 22-24 | TT Circuit Assen, the Netherlands | WorldSBK/SSP/SSP300 |
| May 20-22 | Circuito Estoril, Portugal | WorldSBK/SSP/SSP300 |
| June 10-12 | Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”, Italy | WorldSBK/SSP/SSP300 |
| July 15-17 | Donington Park, UK | WorldSBK/SSP |
| July 29-31 | Autodrom Most, Czech Republic | WorldSBK/SSP/SSP300 |
| September 9-11 | Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, France | WorldSBK/SSP/SSP300 |
| September 23-25 | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain | WorldSBK/SSP/SSP300 |
| October 7-9 | Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal | WorldSBK/SSP/SSP300 |
| October 21-23 | Circuito San Juan Villicum, Argentina | WorldSBK/SSP |
| November 11-13 | Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, Indonesia | WorldSBK/SSP |
| TBA | Phillip Island, Australia | WorldSBK/SSP |
| TBA | Earlier in season | WorldSBK/SSP |
Source: MCNews.com.au
It’s official – Kimi Räikkönen, formerly a Formula 1 racer with the nickname “The Iceman,” will become the new Team Principal of the MXGP Kawasaki Racing Team for the 2022 season.
This neat tidbit of news comes from a report on Racer – and it’s the first time that I personally have seen such a blend of top-notch cager genetics make a complete transfer to the world of two-wheeled Powersports.
Kimi Räikkönen will be joined by team manager Antti Pyrhonen – both of which have had a private motocross experience in their past.
Starting this year, however, Räikkönen will be putting his best foot forward to the factory-backed teams of MXGP – and we’re excited to see the results.
“It’s no secret that, for me, one of my great passions in life for many years has been motocross, but this team is not what you might call a hobby; it’s very serious, very focused, and we aspire to be the best we possibly can,” Raikkonen says in a report from Racer.
“Now, I have retired from racing I will be able to spend more time on this project; not on the daily issues but more from a strategic point of view using my experience of how teams work and what creates success on the world stage.”
“Everyone, including myself, is delighted that Kawasaki has chosen us to be the Factory team. I know that the chance of success is always greater with direct factory support, so this translates into a great opportunity for us as the new Kawasaki Racing Team in MXGP.”
Kimi Räikkönen completed his Formula 1 career with 349 starts since his 2001 debut – and with so much knowledge on team building and the mechanics of a functioning group on the MXGP stage, we look forward to seeing the end results.
Drop a comment below letting us know what you think, and as always – stay safe on the twisties.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Bezzecchi, a 24-time Grand Prix podium finisher, ended the Shakedown as the second fastest rookie behind Raul Fernandez (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing). The VR46 Academy rider posted a 1:59.711 to end a positive trio of days on the saddle of a Ducati as Bezzecchi improved every day, becoming more comfortable on his new bike in the process.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Aprilia Racing Technical Director, Romano Albesiano, has revealed that the 2022 RS-GP is a completely new bike. The air intake, wings, front fairing, chassis, exhaust, and engine have been updated. It’s definitely something to look out for during pre-season testing, and it will be interesting to hear from both Viñales and Espargaro about the new machine.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Ups
Downs
Verdict
Another one of the more successful offshoots of the R nineT, the R nineT Scrambler has its own little boxer-shaped niche in the varied world of OEM scrambler bikes. In a market where style plays an outsized role in the purchasing decision, the Scrambler certainly has the goods, especially with the numerous customizing options available from BMW. Just don’t ask it to do anything more than light work on the performance side of motorcycling (both on and off-road), otherwise you will likely be disappointed.
Overview
Based on the successful back-to-basics R nineT platform that proved to be a hit with the burgeoning retro-classic heritage bike movement, the R nineT Scrambler made its debut in 2017, and it has continued to be one of the more popular versions of the R nineT. Utilizing the same previous-gen “oilhead” boxer engine platform, the Scrambler gets slightly longer-travel suspension, different chassis geometry, and a 19-inch front wheel to give it some off-road capability and bolster the adventure bike look. Check out CW’s First Ride Review of the BMW R nineT Scrambler here.
Updates for 2021
The entire R nineT lineup received numerous subtle upgrades for 2021. In order to comply with stricter Euro 5 emissions regs, new cylinder heads with improved combustion not only run cleaner, but also boost low-midrange power. The cylinder head covers and round analog speedometer have been restyled, a USB charging port for your phone is now standard, and all lighting is now handled by LED units. A new rear shock with travel-dependent damping is also equipped with a handwheel spring preload adjuster. Electronics have been upgraded, with Road and Rain ride modes now standard equipment, in addition to ABS Pro (cornering ABS) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC, adjustable engine-braking). With the optional Ride Modes Pro, you can access Dirt ride mode, which optimizes throttle response, traction control, and ABS to better suit off-road conditions.
For 2021 (being sold as an early release 2022 model), the Scrambler is available in the Granite Gray Metallic Matte or Kalamata Metallic (an additional $200), and two Option 719 motifs: Black Storm Metallic/Racing Red, and Cosmic Blue Metallic/Light White. Either of the Option 719 colorways cost an additional $590.
Pricing and Variants
The base-model R nineT Scrambler starts at $13,495, but most owners will likely opt for the $1,000 Select Package, which includes Dynamic Traction Control, adaptive headlight, Dynamic Engine Brake Control, heated grips, cruise control, and Ride Modes Pro. From that point though, the options abound, with four different Option 719 Billet Pack CNC-machined aluminum component packages ranging from $1,000–$1,200, various wire-spoked wheels for tubed and tubeless tires running between $500–$950, nice-looking aluminum fuel tanks (one with visible welds for $1,000 and the other with sanded welds for $1,200), chrome exhaust ($150), or off-road tires (Metzeler Karoo 3 rubber that works adequately on-road, $75). Of special note is a suspension lowering kit including a lower seat that drops seat height an inch to 31.5 inches ($250), as well as a taller seat option that raises seat height to 33.5 inches (no cost).
Competition
Competitors for the R nineT Scrambler include its own sister model R nineT Urban G/S, as well as several editions of the Ducati Scrambler: Urban Motard, Desert Sled, and Fasthouse. Triumph’s Street Scrambler and Scrambler 1200 XC are also competitors.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Utilizing the previous-generation air/oil-cooled 1,170cc opposed-twin boxer engine with updated cylinder heads for improved combustion in order to pass stricter Euro 5 emissions regs, BMW is claiming 109 hp at 7,250 rpm with 85 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm for the newest R nineT. This is 1 hp down on the prior version, but BMW is claiming a marked increase in midrange power with peak power occurring 500 rpm sooner than the old version.
Handling
The Scrambler has some major differences from the standard R nineT or Pure models, starting with the larger 19-inch front wheel, more than two degrees increase in rake angle (28.5 degrees versus 26.8 degrees on the standard R nineT and 26.6 degrees on the Pure) for better stability off-road, and a wheelbase that’s more than an inch longer. This results in steering that’s noticeably heavier and more sluggish than the standard R nineT on the street, and if you choose the off-road Metzeler Karoo 3 rubber, even more so. Softer spring and damping rates in the suspension are quickly overwhelmed over sharp potholes and washouts if you try to push the pace in any way, either on or off-road. Keep the speed down and the route not too bumpy, and alle ist gut. Read CW’s First Ride Review of the 2017 R nineT Scrambler here.
Brakes
The R nineT Scrambler utilizes the same dual four-piston Brembo caliper and 320mm front disc combination up front as all the other R nineT models, providing excellent stopping power (if you’re running off-road tires, as much as their grip on the pavement will allow). A two-piston sliding-pin caliper and 264mm disc handle rear brake duties.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
There are no fuel economy figures for the 2022 R nineT Scrambler.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
In typical scrambler fashion, the R nineT Scrambler has a standard-style upright riding position, with a short reach to the tubular handlebar, decent legroom, and a firmly padded one-piece seat. Standing on the footpegs for off-road obstacles isn’t very comfortable because the bars don’t rise high enough, forcing your torso over the front end more than usual. Because of the one-piece seat, passenger accommodations are adequate as well.
Electronics
Part of the upgrades in 2021 included rider aid electronics, in the form of the making Road and Rain ride modes, ABS and ABS Pro (cornering ABS), and Dynamic Engine Braking Control all installed as standard equipment. The Ride Modes Pro option is also now available, which allows access to Dirt ride mode; this mode delays the intervention parameters for the traction control, ABS/ABS Pro, and Dynamic Engine Brake Control to allow the rider more leeway when riding off-road. The headlight, taillight, and turn signals are all LED units, and a USB charging port for your smartphone or other personal electronics is included.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The R nineT Scrambler comes with BMW’s excellent three-year, 36,000-mile warranty, as well as its three-year, unlimited-mile roadside assistance.
Quality
The R nineT Scrambler has the typical quality BMW feel throughout, and all the available options and parts are just as top shelf. The company prides itself on the quality of its motorcycles, and the three-year, 36,000-mile warranty shows how confident it is of those products.
2022 BMW R nineT Scrambler Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $13,495–$18,240 |
| Engine: | 1,170cc DOHC, air/oil-cooled, opposed twin; 8 valves |
| Bore x Stroke: | 101.0 x 73.0mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/shaft |
| Fuel Delivery: | Electronic fuel injection w/ 50mm throttle bodies |
| Clutch: | Dry, single disc; hydraulic operation |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | Ride by wire/TCI |
| Frame: | Triangular steel-tube chassis |
| Front Suspension: | 43mm Marzocchi conventional fork, nonadjustable; 4.9 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Marzocchi shock, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable; 5.5 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 4-piston Brembo caliper, dual 320mm discs w/ ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 2-piston slide-pin caliper, 264mm disc w/ ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Wire-spoke wheels; 19 x 3.00 in. / 17 x 4.50 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 120/70R-19 / 170/60R-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 28.5°/4.4 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 60.1 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | N/A |
| Seat Height: | 32.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.5 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 492 lb. |
| Contact: | bmwmotorcycles.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
