By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic vs Scrambler
BMW R nineT (MY2014) vs Ducati Scrambler 1100 (MY2018)
BMW R nineT vs Ducati Scrambler 1100: which one to buy once you're past the looks.
Tip the BMW R nineT into a bend and it's the front you notice first: it settles on its line and stays hooked up once you're leaned over. On the Ducati Scrambler 1100, the bars don't seem to weigh anything as you turn in. It flicks in at the lightest nudge.
So which one do you buy?
The Scrambler 1100 has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
By a nose: Scrambler 1100
The Scrambler 1100 should be a little cheaper to keep on the road. It's a small gap.
What makes each one tick
R nineT
Low in the revs, the R nineT's boxer already pulls hard, and there's a meaty rasp from the exhaust across a wide spread of torque. On the brake lever, radial Brembos haul it down and the steering won't stray from neutral into the apex. Long rides expose the firm seat. Those jutting cylinders stay clear of the tarmac.
Nils rode the R nineT in 2014 and 2015, and in Styria in 2018 (NastyNils Testride).
Scrambler 1100
From the bottom of the tach, the Scrambler 1100's Desmodromic twin shoves hard with real low-end muscle. The ride-by-wire throttle picks up smoothly, and the engine doesn't stumble as it answers. Steering's down to a nudge. The underslung twin pipes bark in their own voice.
Nils rode the Scrambler 1100 in Styria in 2018 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The R nineT has the lower seat: 30.9 in (785 mm) vs 31.9 in (810 mm).
- The Scrambler 1100 has the lower wet weight: 454 lb (206 kg) vs 489 lb (222 kg).
- The R nineT makes more peak power: 109 hp (80 kW) vs 86 hp (63 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not their thing
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Neither one fits
As first bikes, both are a stretch. Starting smaller isn't a step down.
Look at commuting and twisty roads and you'll find two bikes doing the same job equally well. Fit is what breaks the tie.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
R nineT
What owners say
Strengths
- Engaging boxer engine character
- Highly customizable modular design
- Superb handling and cornering confidence
Trade-offs
- Thin, uncomfortable seat
Scrambler 1100
What owners say
Strengths
- Characterful air-cooled V-twin
- Nimble, easy handling
- Premium retro design
Known problems to check before you buy
R nineT
- Fuel pump leak (recall 21V-060) Recall 21V060000 Fuel pump support ring cracks could develop over time, leading to a fuel leak and fire risk. BMW recalled affected 2011-2014 models to replace the fuel pump with an improved version. Owners should verify if their bike was repaired.
- Swingarm pivot pin loosening (recall 17V-502) Recall 17V502000 On early 2014 motorcycles, the swingarm pivot pin bolts could come loose due to insufficient threadlocker. This could affect handling and stability. Dealers applied Loctite and re-torqued the bolts as part of a safety recall.
- Oil consumption Some owners report that the engine consumes oil, particularly during the first 10,000 miles. The amount is usually negligible and is considered normal for this boxer design, but requires regular level checks.
Scrambler 1100
- Piston slap on 2018 models Some early 2018 units developed piston slap noise; Ducati has addressed it under warranty.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 320 mm
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| R nineT | Scrambler 1100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 30.9 in (785 mm) | 31.9 in (810 mm) |
| Wet weight | 489 lb (222 kg) | 454 lb (206 kg) |
| R nineT | Scrambler 1100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1170 cc | 1079 cc |
| Engine | Flat-twin (boxer) | 90° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air/oil-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Power | 109 hp (80 kW) | 86 hp (63 kW) |
| Peak power at | 7,550 rpm | 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 88 lb-ft (119 Nm) | 65 lb-ft (88 Nm) |
| R nineT | Scrambler 1100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 US gal (18 L) | 4.0 US gal (15 L) |
| R nineT | Scrambler 1100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Shaft | Chain |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 | 120/70-18 |
| Front travel | 4.7 in (120 mm) | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
| Rear travel | 4.7 in (120 mm) | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| R nineT | Scrambler 1100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cornering ABS | Not offered | Standard |
| Traction Control | Option | Standard |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
