MOTORCYCLE CLASSICS STREET BIKES OF THE 70S SPECIAL COLLECTOR EDITION

Motorcycle Classics has dedicated its first Special Collector Edition to celebrating the 1970s. Many great and classic motorcycles were designed and built in the ’70s, and Motorcycle Classics has put together a 100-page special edition featuring articles that explore the decade and what it brought to the motorcycle world. The Honda GL1000 Gold Wing, Triumph X75 Hurricane, BMW R90s, Suzuki GS1000, along with many others are all covered in this glossy-page, full-color guide. Whether you’re just discovering these bikes or have been riding them since they first came on the market, you’re sure to enjoy this special edition.

Discover how the Yamaha RD350 was the poor boy racer of its time and why it’s still great today. Learn how the best of Kawasaki’s 2-stroke, 3-cylinder rockets came from the days of heavy metal. Read how the often-overshadowed Triumph TR7V Tiger performed much like its twin-carb brother, the Bonneville. Understand why the iconic Ducati 750 Sport holds a special place in the hearts of Ducati fans everywhere.

More articles in this special edition include:

The New Year Bike: Harley-Davidson XLCR – Owned by Mark Harrigan since new, this 1,776-mile XLCR is original right down to the tires.England’s First Superbike: BSA Rocket 3 – BSA’s Rocket 3 was, for a time, the fastest production bike available.Perfection: Honda CB750 Four – The CB750 Four caused waves in the motorcycle market when it debuted. Viewed from the perspective of its contemporaries, the CB750 was a revelation.Belle of the Ball: Yamaha XS1100 – Better late than never, Yamaha blew away the liter bike competition with its fast and fabulous 

BMW R NINE T SCRAMBLER (2016-on) Review

Much more than a styling exercise

At a glance1170cc  -  110 bhp45 mpgMedium seat height (820mm)

3416

New: £10,530

Used: £10,500 to £11,100See all BMW R NINE T SCRAMBLERs for sale



Overall Rating5 out of 5

Don’t think of the Scrambler as a fashion bike, think of it as a great looking  lightweight version of the GS that is pleasingly lacking in the fussy electronics that the latest water-cooled model is so adorned with but still delivering a comfortable riding stance and decent tank range. While ultimately this makes it less practical and a bit more demanding to ride as it lacks some creature comforts such as a proper screen, it also gives the Scrambler a special character and unique appeal all of its own.

Ride Quality & Brakes4 out of 5

The 19-inch front wheel is basically a fashion accessory, but BMW has ensured that this feature doesn’t detract from the Scrambler’s handling by giving it the same size tyres as the GS. These fatter tyres are very much road orientated and feel far more natural to riders who have grown up on 17-inch rubber, giving good front end feel. The seat isn’t the most comfortable, but it is ok for most uses.

Engine4 out of 5

The Scrambler retains all the spirit and character that epitomizes the R nineT Roadster. Not to mention a healthy 108.6bhp with 85.6lb.ft of torque. The air-cooled engine is far removed from its considerably more civilised water-cooled brother and it demonstrates this through a barrage of noise and vibrations that the current GS would certainly consider uncouth but suits the Scramber’s character perfectly.

Build Quality & Reliability4 out of 5

It’s an air-cooled BMW, so the engine is as solid as they come. The overall feel of the bike is one of quality and it is unusual for BMW to cut corners.
Insurance, running costs & value4 out of 5

At £10,530 the Scrambler is actually a pretty well priced BMW model, especially when you look at the competition. A Street Twin with a Scrambler inspoiration kit costs £9095 while the Ducati Scrambler is £8395 and both have less powerful motors.

Equipment4 out of 5

The Scrambler is designed to be stripped back and therefore you only get ABS as standard equipment and conventional forks instead of inverted items. If you want more bling, spoke wheels, traction control, heated grips and even a rev counter can be added via the parts and accessories catalogue.

DUCATI SCRAMBLER 800 (2015-on) Review Published: 19 December 2014

Overall Rating4 out of 5

You don’t have to be a fashionable hipster to enjoy the Scrambler, its qualities shine through without the clever marketing. It’s easy to ride, small and light, has a lovely useable air-cooled V-twin with lots of low to mid-range power. There’s some lovely attention to detail on all the models. Experienced hands may want a little more power and noise, but everyone else will love it.

Ride Quality & Brakes4 out of 5

Despite the odd wheel sizes (18 inch front and 17 rear) and off road-looking Pirelli rubber, the Scrambler can hold its head high and punch well above its weight in handling terms. It’s relatively light and nimble and the wide bars enable you to throw it around with ease. 

Engine4 out of 5

The 803cc, air-cooled, motor is based on the old 796 Monster unit. The bore and stroke has remained the same but valve overlap, injectors, air-box and exhaust are all new. The result is 75bhp and 50.2ftlb of torque - slightly down on the old Monster but the spread of torque is greater. Power starts from low down, is linear, more than enough for this type of bike, but it does lack a litte top end rush for experienced hands.

Build Quality & Reliability4 out of 5

The level of finish is very high – there is some lovely attention to detail. Ducati have also worked in partnership with reliable, quality brands such as Brembo, Pirelli and Kayaba. Reliabity shouldn’t be a problem as the motor is based on the proven 796 Monster. 


Insurance, running costs & value5 out of 5

The Scrambler range is exceptional value for money. The bikes are desirable, well built and good looking. The cheapest model, the Icon, doesn’t feel like an entry level ‘budget’ Ducati, you’d estimate the price to be much higher.

Equipment4 out of 5

ABS comes as standard on all models but that’s it in terms of rider aids. It’s relatively basic but is designed to be at a competitive price. The Kayaba suspension only has pre-load adjustment, and there’s only a single brake disc up front, but it’s controlled by a huge radial Brembo caliper.
The Scrambler comes in six varients with options of wire spoked or alloy wheels, Termignoni exhausts, different seats, headlamp guards, bodywork and handlebars depending on the model.