2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler vs 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200

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 Thruxton 1200 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, 270° crank angle parallel-Twin, SOHC. 4 valve per cylinder.
Power
71.5 kW / 96 hp / @ 6750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
206 kg / 454 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20162016 - 17
Make ModelBMW R nine T ScramblerTriumph Thruxton 1200
Dimensions
Seat Height-805 mm / 31.7 in
Wheelbase-1415 mm / 55.7 in
Height-1030 mm / 40.6 in without mirrors
Length-2105 mm / 82.9 in
Width-745 mm / 29.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-206 kg / 454 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 L / 4.5 US gal12.5 Litres / 3.8 US Gal / 2.7 Imp gal
Wet Weight220 kg / 485 lbs-
Performance
Max Power82 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm71.5 kW / 96 hp / @ 6750 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm111.9 Nm / 11.4 kgf-m / 82.6 lb-ft. @ 4950 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 mm / 71.4 cu in1200 cc / 73.2 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft, Euro4 compliantFour stroke, 270° crank angle parallel-Twin, SOHC. 4 valve per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm97.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/Oil cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-EURO 4 Compliant, CO2 - 106.0 g/km
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 electronic
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedWet, multi-plate assist clutch
Final DriveShaftChain, X-ring
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeModular frame with replaceable rear sub-frameTubular steel cradle, Twin-sided, aluminum swingarm
Suspension - FrontRight-way-up 43mm forks with gaitersKayaba 41mm cartridge forks
Suspension - RearParalever single-sided swinging armKayaba twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake-22.7°
Trail-90.8 mm / 3.57 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 310mm discs, Nissin 2-piston axial floating calipers, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 220mm disc, Nissin 2-piston axial floating caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front120/70-19120/70 ZR17 - Pirelli Angel GT
Tyres - Rear170/60-17160/60 ZR17 - Pirelli Angel GT
Wheels - FrontCast or cross-spoked32-spoke 17 x 3.5 in
Wheels - RearCast or cross-spoked32-spoke 17 x 5 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200

The 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 edges out the 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler thanks to its lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 206 kg vs 220 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler vs 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler and 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200?
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 Thruxton 1200 is powered by Four stroke, 270° crank angle parallel-Twin, SOHC. 4 valve per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler or the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200?
The 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 is lighter at 206 kg compared to 220 kg for the 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler - a difference of 14 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler or the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW R nine T Scrambler has its own strengths, while the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 stands out for lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.