By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Scrambler vs Retro Classic
Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle (MY2015) vs BMW R nineT Pure (K22)
Roll on the gas aboard the Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle and there's an even pull from its air-cooled twin that swells through the midrange under a throaty growl. The BMW R nineT Pure's boxer doesn't build up to it: the same twist brings a punchy shove. Its exhaust barks back with an old-school BMW voice.
So which one do you buy?
The Scrambler Full Throttle has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Nose ahead: Scrambler Full Throttle
Running costs lean slightly toward the Scrambler Full Throttle. A well-kept example of either matters more.
Which one's the smarter buy
Different bikes, different deals
These bikes sit in different classes, so neither is the clear better buy for the money. The Scrambler Full Throttle costs less, but that doesn't make it the value winner.
What makes each one tick
Scrambler Full Throttle
The Scrambler Full Throttle's wide bar and 410 lb (186 kg) wet weight let it dart through stop-and-go traffic and tight back roads. Its Desmodue engine spins up smoothly from a stop, then it's short of breath near the redline. Corner entry doesn't take more than a nudge on the bar. The front tucks straight in.
R nineT Pure
The R nineT Pure's chassis stays put through a fast sweeper, and there's ground clearance to spare under the pegs. A sharp bump doesn't get soaked up: the plain fork and basic shock send it straight through the seat. The brakes haul it down hard.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Scrambler Full Throttle has the lower seat: 31.1 in (790 mm) vs 31.7 in (805 mm).
- The Scrambler Full Throttle has the lower wet weight: 410 lb (186 kg) vs 489 lb (222 kg).
- The R nineT Pure makes more peak power: 109 hp (80 kW) vs 73 hp (54 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both fall short
For all-day comfort, both fall short. Keep the rides short and you'll get on fine with either.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Not its job: R nineT Pure
Too much motor for a beginner: the R nineT Pure sits this one out.
For commuting and twisty roads, you won't find daylight between them. Let the test ride settle it.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Scrambler Full Throttle
What owners say
Strengths
- Charismatic air-cooled V-twin engine
- High build quality and attention to detail
Trade-offs
- Basic suspension adjustment
- Lacks top-end rush
R nineT Pure
What owners say
Strengths
- Powerful, high-quality brakes
- Timeless retro styling
- Charismatic air/oil-cooled boxer engine
Trade-offs
- Budget suspension limits ride quality
- Uncomfortable seat on long rides
Known problems to check before you buy
Scrambler Full Throttle
- Oil leaks from filter area Some owners have reported oil leaks, often traced to a poorly torqued oil filter or loose drain bolt from the factory.
R nineT Pure
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 6-year-old Scrambler Full Throttle with a 6-year-old R nineT Pure.
- Scrambler Full Throttle
- about $5,800
- R nineT Pure
- about $7,800
At six years old, the Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle sits around $5,800 while the BMW R nineT Pure runs about $7,800. That's a $2,000 gap in the Scrambler's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Scrambler Full Throttle | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 31.7 in (805 mm) |
| Wet weight | 410 lb (186 kg) | 489 lb (222 kg) |
| Scrambler Full Throttle | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 803 cc | 1170 cc |
| Engine | L-twin | Flat-twin (boxer) |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Air/oil-cooled |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 109 hp (80 kW) |
| Peak power at | 8,250 rpm | 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) | 86 lb-ft (116 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 5,750 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
| Scrambler Full Throttle | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 44 mpg (US) / 5.4 L/100 km | 46 mpg (US) / 5.1 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.6 US gal (13.5 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| Scrambler Full Throttle | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Chain | Shaft |
| Front brake | 330 mm | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 110/80-18 | 120/70-17 |
| Wheelbase | 56.9 in (1445 mm) | 58.1 in (1476 mm) |
| Front travel | 5.9 in (150 mm) | 4.9 in (125 mm) |
| Rear travel | 5.9 in (150 mm) | 4.7 in (120 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Scrambler Full Throttle | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Option |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
| USB Charging Port | Standard | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
