2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler vs 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft, Euro4 compliant
Power
82 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
220 kg / 485 lbs
2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120

Naked bike

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder
Power
59 kW / 80 hp @ 6550 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
224 kg / 494 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20162016 - 17
Make ModelBMW R nine T ScramblerTriumph Bonneville T120
Dimensions
Seat Height-785 mm / 30.9 in
Wheelbase-1445 mm / 56.9 in
Height-1125 mm / 44.3 in
Length-2170 mm / 85.4 in
Width-785 mm / 30.9 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-224 kg / 494 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 L / 4.5 US gal14.4 Litres / 3.8 US gal / 3.2 Imp gal
Wet Weight220 kg / 485 lbs-
Performance
Max Power82 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm59 kW / 80 hp @ 6550 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm105 Nm / 10.7 kgf-m / 77.4 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 mm / 71.4 cu in1198 cc / 73.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft, Euro4 compliantFour stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm97.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:110.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/Oil cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-EURO 4 compliant
ExhaustTwin exhaust, high, vertically paired mufflersChromed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin chrome silencers,
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injectionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Ignition-Digital
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectric-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedWet, multi-plate
Final DriveShaftChain, X-ring
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed 6-Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeModular frame with replaceable rear sub-frameDual tubular steel cradle
Suspension - FrontRight-way-up 43mm forks with gaitersKayaba 41 mm forks
Suspension - RearParalever single-sided swinging armKayaba twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake-25.5°
Trail-105.2 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9"120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear125 mm / 4.9"120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDual 320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers2 x 310 mm discs, 2 piston floating Nissin calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 255 mm disc, 2 piston floating Nissin caliper
ABS-Standard
Tyres - Front120/70-19100/90-18
Tyres - Rear170/60-17150/70 R17
Wheels - FrontCast or cross-spoked2.75 x 18, 32 spokes
Wheels - RearCast or cross-spoked4.25 x 17, 32 spokes

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler and the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 82 kW vs 59 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 105 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.

2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler vs 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler and 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
The 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft, Euro4 compliant, while the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 is powered by Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder.
Which has more power, the 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler or the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
The 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler produces more peak power at 82 kW, compared to 59 kW for the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120.
Does the 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler or 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 have ABS?
The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler or the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler has the edge in more peak power and higher torque, while the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 stands out for liquid cooling and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.