BMW R nineT Scrambler versus Suzuki GS 500

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R nineT Scrambler

Scrambler
Suzuki

Suzuki GS 500

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2016 bis 2023
Built von 2005 bis 2007
RRP 14.750 €
RRP
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Pros:
  • Quality
  • Pulling power
  • Details
  • Value for money
Pros:
  • Handy
  • Low seat height
  • Suitable for everyday use
  • Value for money
  • Excellent spare parts situation
Cons:
  • Long-distance comfort
  • Willingness to turn
Cons:
  • No electronic helpers
  • Susceptible to rust
  • Weak rear damping

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.527 mm
Length :
2.175 mm Height : 1.330 mm
Seat :
820 mm
Weight :
220 (max: 430 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
174 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor type unknown 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 487 ccm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kette

Performance

Maximum speed: 220 km/h
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
321 km
Maximum speed: 177 km/h
Performance: 45 HP
Tank contents: 17 Litre

Chassis

Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 265 mm)

Relaxed Cruiser

If you overlook this, getting around with the BMW is a very enjoyable hobby. Let it be with the hustle and bustle, the appropriate movement of the BMW automatically leads to a flowing driving style, without corners or edges. The faster you drive, the more steering momentum would be needed, so at some point you let it be easy – well.

Compared to the competition, the BMW convinces with its bullish start and the gnarled, authentic nature. She is equal with the consistency of her design as well as the crisp sound and loving details. Although the comfort on long distances may not be the best, you are well dressed with the BMW everywhere.

Although the BMW nineT Scrambler is actually 1,900 euros cheaper than its heritage sister, who would have thought that, you shouldn't do without an extra: The beautiful spoke wheels (395 euros) are excellent. BMW was the last to ride the Scrambler wave for the time being, but with a convincing model.

Was there anything else? Oh yes, the off-road suitability. Oh no, there was nothing – just like the Scrambler models of the competition.

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 13.250€
  • Used (3 years old): 9.500€
  • Years of construction: since 2016
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: grey-matt metallic, gold, white

For beginners? Well, yes....

So what remains? In our case, the question of whether a motorcycle can work for only EUR 900 must clearly be answered in the affirmative. And more: Little Suzi is really fun. Of course, she is especially noticeable when it is brakes, but she has no real flaws. If you want or have to ride a motorcycle cheaply, you would have a long time with this Suzi for the narrow thaler.

Two things about it: It worked in our case, because the buyer had been informed exactly what to look for. It should not be concealed that a portion of luck can't hurt: If a previous owner often turned the Suzi out cold or driven it over the runway at full throttle, this conclusion would probably not be so positive.

The second is the concept of an entry-level machine, which is often attached to machines such as the Suzuki GS 500E. Of course, you don't want to spend a lot of money and gain experience first. But whether you should do this with a motorcycle that lacks any electronic safety feature?

Everyone has to make up that with themselves.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: In the year 2000: 4480€
  • Used from 200 to approx. 2,500€
  • Years built: 1988-2007
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: initially

    red, black, blue, white, later also in purple and green