Ducati Scrambler 1100 vs BMW R Nine T Scrambler: Competition Check

The BMW R Nine T Scrambler did not have any real competition in the Indian market until recently. Now, it goes head on against Ducati’s latest offering, the Scrambler 1100. We see how the two bikes scramble against each other in this on-paper comparison.

Design

Ducati has made a rational decision of not deviating from the classic design of the Scrambler family. And hence, the Ducati Scrambler 1100 seems to heavily borrow styling cues from its smaller 803cc sibling. However, it gets a few changes that set it apart like the full-LED headlamp, twin underseat exhausts and 10-spoke alloy wheels. 

The BMW R Nine T Scrambler is based on the standard R Nine T although with design elements to justify its scrambler name. The bike gets twin high-mounted exhausts and dual-sport tyres. 

Features and electronics

The Scrambler 1100 gets two fully-digital instrument clusters which display speed, gear indicator, fuel gauge, tachometer and mode among other information. On the other hand, BMW has taken a minimalistic approach with the instrument cluster of the R nineT Scrambler. It features a speedometer, odometer, two trip meters and engine temperature. It does not get a tachometer. While the Ducati gets an LED headlamp, the BMW makes do with a conventional unit. 

The Scrambler 1100 is also loaded to the brim with electronic aids. It comes equipped with a four-level traction control system, cornering ABS and three riding modes - Active, Journey and City as standard. The R Nine T Scrambler only has an ABS unit as standard. BMW offers traction control as optional. 

Engine

The Scrambler 1100 is powered by a 1079cc, Desmodue L-twin engine that produces 84bhp and 88Nm of torque. This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox and final chain drive. Meanwhile, the R Nine T Scrambler uses a 1170cc boxer twin engine that puts out a higher 110bhp and 116Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive. 

Cycle Parts

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 rides on 17-inch wheels on both ends. Suspension duties are taken care of by 45mm, fully-adjustable Marzocchi inverted fork up front and a preload and rebound adjustable Kayaba rear monoshock. Stopping power has been sourced from Brembo with dual 320mm discs at the front and a 245mm rear disc.

Keeping in tune with its scrambler characteristics, the BMW R Nine T Scrambler gets a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel with dual-sport tyres. BMW offers spoke wheels although as an optional accessory. The bike uses telescopic forks which are non-adjustable for the front and a Sachs monoshock at the rear which is preload adjustable. It gets 320mm discs brakes up front and a 265mm disc at the rear.

Pricing

The standard Ducati Scrambler 1100 is priced at Rs 10.91 lakhs. The BMW R Nine T Scrambler however costs around Rs 5 lakhs more than the Ducati. It carries a price tag of Rs 15.40 lakhs.

All prices ex-showroom, Mumbai.