[Airheader]

Hello, folks!

After following this form for a while, I picked up this ‘17 scrambler out in the country and rode it 300km to my home in Canberra, Australia. The ride was fantastic, except for the rear suspension, which bottomed out on quite a few potholes. I now know what everyone was talking about. Definitely something to tune.

The last owner kept it in the sun, so the bike could use a polish and a new pannier (any good polish for the exhaust?). The pannier, a Givi, has completely fallen apart, which is shocking, given how much it cost new. The mounting system looks cool, though, and I wonder whether I can cut it out and attach it to another bag. Unfortunately, I don’t have key — any ideas how to get a replacement?

 

[BlitzSchnell]

Hello, folks!

After following this form for a while, I picked up this ‘17 scrambler out in the country and rode it 300km to my home in Canberra, Australia. The ride was fantastic, except for the rear suspension, which bottomed out on quite a few potholes. I now know what everyone was talking about. Definitely something to tune.

The last owner kept it in the sun, so the bike could use a polish and a new pannier (any good polish for the exhaust?). The pannier, a Givi, has completely fallen apart, which is shocking, given how much it cost new. The mounting system looks cool, though, and I wonder whether I can cut it out and attach it to another bag. Unfortunately, I don’t have key — any ideas how to get a replacement?
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View attachment 162822

You’re going to have to pick the lock or have it picked … you need to take the lock apart to read the tumbler to cut a new key .,,,,,……………….. Blitz

 

[Dauphinais]

Hello @Airheader

Welcome to the forum. Good luck with your Scrambler.

 

[Baloo]

Welcome to the forum. Tell us more about yourself.

 

[gene_apodaca]

Scrambler riders unite!! You are a man of refined tastes and clearly know how to identify a great motorcycle. I'm with @BlitzSchnell on how to get a new key made and like @Baloo we'd love to know more about you and your journey that led you to the R NineT. Welcome to the asylum.

 

[Airheader]

Scrambler riders unite!! You are a man of refined tastes and clearly know how to identify a great motorcycle. I'm with @BlitzSchnell on how to get a new key made and like @Baloo we'd love to know more about you and your journey that led you to the R NineT. Welcome to the asylum.

I am a simple man. I own and love R100R, but want something with some modern advances in the essential systems (e.g., braking, charging, etc.), while maintaining the same-ish core engine and appearance. While there seems to be a relatively small overlap between airhead and r9t owners, these bikes clearly form a progression. And I feel that my scrambler has the same unrefined feel of the R100, but with some modern conveniences thrown in, and brings me joy. And the bike looks gorgeous. I have the strange desire to wash and polish it, that’s totally foreign to me.

My main use for this bike is in-town (and the 300km trip between Sydney and Canberra), though I can see potential for some touring. Other than the horrible rear suspension configuration, it did splendidly on my ride home. I’m definitely getting an appointment at my local suspension shop, though. It is something I would usually try myself, but without a centre stand, too painful. The bike comes with Andreani cartridges in the front, and I would like to adjust them and the rear shock for a decent ride. I am confident it can be done!

PS. Found a local locksmith who can cut a key using the barrel number. Now I have to find a pannier that will receive the givi mounting system.

 

[Captain]

Hi and welcome to the forum. 👋

 

[BMWMG]

Hi from Massachusetts, USA.

 

[Noel61]

Congrats on the scrambler...... I've had one for almost 18 months now and have not washed or polished it even once.... so resist I say..... you need to be the alpha.....

And.... hi from Goolwa.....

 

[TimC]

Congratulations on your Scrambler and welcome to the forum from Ohio, USA!

You've obviously done some research on the suspension. I would only add that depending on whether you'll do any off-pavement riding (and your height) and since you're doing to have it looked at anyway you might consider raising the rear a bit. Maybe it isn't necessary, but I thought I'd mention it.

My R9T Pure is my first BMW. But I get the whole lineage thing. It makes me smile thinking that my fairly modern but still simple bike has a bit of a throwback engine as its heart. The rawness to me is part of the character of the bike, and I wouldn't trade that for anything!

 

[BaldyDave]

Good to have you here!

 

[Airheader]

Congratulations on your Scrambler and welcome to the forum from Ohio, USA!

You've obviously done some research on the suspension. I would only add that depending on whether you'll do any off-pavement riding (and your height) and since you're doing to have it looked at anyway you might consider raising the rear a bit. Maybe it isn't necessary, but I thought I'd mention it.

My R9T Pure is my first BMW. But I get the whole lineage thing. It makes me smile thinking that my fairly modern but still simple bike has a bit of a throwback engine as its heart. The rawness to me is part of the character of the bike, and I wouldn't trade that for anything!

After simply playing with preload on the rear shock, I was able to get ‘acceptable’ results. I weight 85kg, so the spring might be just about OK for me. I’ll see if it bothers me after another long ride before spending money. The front forks need work though. The bike has a cartridge system, but the damping screws are screwed up — one stripped and the other seized. I will probably have these rebuilt.

 

[JohanH]

After simply playing with preload on the rear shock, I was able to get ‘acceptable’ results. I weight 85kg, so the spring might be just about OK for me. I’ll see if it bothers me after another long ride before spending money. The front forks need work though. The bike has a cartridge system, but the damping screws are screwed up — one stripped and the other seized. I will probably have these rebuilt.

From factory the suspension would have been set up for a person of about 80 kilos, so play a bit with the rear suspension. Hope you got the bike for a good price, the previous owner was careless ( as per info provided above) and there is a good chance he never serviced that bike. Give it a proper service, and replace all oils. I will not be surprised if a few rubber seals perished as a result of excessive heat. Rubber does not last forever and these bikes love being ridden. Enjoy, they tend to grow on you over time.

 

[Airheader]

From factory the suspension would have been set up for a person of about 80 kilos, so play a bit with the rear suspension. Hope you got the bike for a good price, the previous owner was careless ( as per info provided above) and there is a good chance he never serviced that bike. Give it a proper service, and replace all oils. I will not be surprised if a few rubber seals perished as a result of excessive heat. Rubber does not last forever and these bikes love being ridden. Enjoy, they tend to grow on you over time.

Previous owner wasn’t too bad (I have the service records). We just got lots of sun in Australia, particularly in the countryside where the bike lived. But, these were good points to lower the price No leaks so far, but that’s something always to keep an eye on for a bit.