Spyshots show BMW R nine T Scrambler and Urban G/S models are set to get serious off road

BMW are working on two new scramblers inspired by the early R80G/S. With a focus on competent off-road ability, it’s likely these bikes will be successors to the R nine T Urban G/S and the Scrambler, and will be targeting Triumph’s Scrambler 1200 models.

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Up front both bikes have 21-inch spoked wheels shod with Metzeler Karoo 3 off-road tyres. Both also have longer travel suspension front and rear, however we’d expect the Urban G/S model to have 250mm front and rear while the Scrambler is more likely to have closer to 220mm.

For even more off-road prowess the G/S has the headers tucked up high by the engine, while the exhaust collector is stuffed up tight by the gearbox to create as much ground clearance as possible.

Both bikes also sport a new seat unit, with the Urban G/S model having a single bench seat that’s reminiscent of the early BMW rally bikes that were raced at Dakar. There are other nice off-road touches too including chunky footrests and levers, high mudguards and pillion peg hangers that appear to be removable.

On the Urban G/S it looks as though BMW have tucked the oil-cooler up a little higher so that it’s out of the way of any flying debris.

In terms of electronics, we’d expect BMW to go the whole hog and fit the advanced electronics from the latest GS models if they hope to compete with Triumph’s Scrambler 1200.

Readers with long memories might recall that this is not the first time BMW have created a boxer powered dedicated off-roader.

BMW briefly built the HP2 Enduro from 2005 – 2008 but it was a difficult sell at the time. In the years since, the bike has developed a cult following with used models now commanding higher prices than when they were new.

There’s no official word from BMW about these new bikes or when they might appear. The R nine T models were given minor updates recently but BMW will also be keen to get these to market before the Scrambler 1200 models become ubiquitous. We’d expect to hear something official before the end of the year.