BMW R nineT Scrambler (K23) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
1,170cc Air/Oil-Cooled Boxer Twin DOHC 8-Valve (Dry Single-Plate Clutch) · Source: BMW R nineT Scrambler (K23) (2016–2023) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the BMW R nineT Scrambler (K23) (2016–2023) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 2016–2023 BMW R nineT Scrambler (K23) (chassis K23/0J31/0L71) requires 3.7 L (3.91 US qt) of SAE 15W-50 (JASO MA2, API SJ / BMW Advantec Pro 15W-50) engine oil for a drain-only change and 4 L (4.23 US qt) with filter service (11427673541 / HF164). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI front (120/70 R19) and 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI rear (170/60 R17), paired with 4× NGK MAR8B-JDS / DCPR8EKC spark plug(s) and a YTX14-BS / BMW 14Ah AGM battery.
Drain only: 3.7 L (3.91 US qt)
R 290 kPa (2.90 bar)
Est. Range: ~320 km (199 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Dry Single-Plate Manual Clutch (Separate Gearbox Oil) |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 15W-50 (Alt: SAE 20W-50) · JASO MA2 · API SJ / BMW Advantec Pro 15W-50 |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 3.7 L (3.91 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 4 L (4.23 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 4.3 L (4.54 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 11427673541 / HF164 |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 32 N·m (23.6 lb-ft / 3.26 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
| Separate Transmission / Gearbox Oil | 800 ml (0.80 L) — SAE 75W-90 GL-5 (800 ml separate manual gearbox) |
| Final Drive / Bevel Gear Oil | 180 ml (0.18 L) — SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Axle Oil (180 ml Paralever bevel drive) |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 120/70 R19 · Rear: 170/60 R17 (Tubeless) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI Rear: 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI Rear: 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK MAR8B-JDS / DCPR8EKC × 4 (Gap: 0.8 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTX14-BS / BMW 14Ah AGM (12V 14.0Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | Cardan Shaft Final Drive — Replace rear bevel-gear hypoid oil at exact measured volume |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Air/Oil-Cooled Engine (No liquid coolant) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 1170 cc · 109 hp @ 7,250 rpm · 116 N·m (85.6 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 820 mm (32.3 in) · 220 kg (485 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 17 L (4.5 US gal) · ~18.8 km/L → ~320 km (199 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 10,000 km / 10,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 20,000 km / 20,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 10,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Heritage K23 Scrambler riding on a 19-inch front wheel, high-mount twin Akrapovic exhaust, gaitered telescopic forks, and 17 L steel tank; updated to Euro 5 E-Gas in 2021.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Automotive-style dry single-plate clutch completely isolates 4.0 L of SAE 15W-50 engine oil from 800 ml of 75W-90 gearbox oil and 180 ml of rear bevel-drive oil.
Garage Wrenching Gotchas
- Avoid slipping the dry single-plate clutch in traffic—overheating glazes the organic disc, and clutch replacement requires splitting the rear frame and gearbox.
- Never leave an air/oil-cooled Boxer idling stationary for 10+ minutes—without airflow over the cylinder fins, oil temperatures spike rapidly.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How are engine and separate drivetrain fluid capacities split on the BMW R nineT Scrambler (K23)?
The engine sump takes 3.7 L drain-only and 4 L (4.23 US qt) with filter (11427673541 / HF164) of SAE 15W-50 (JASO MA2), while isolated drivetrain cavities (separate gearbox 800 ml, final drive 180 ml) require dedicated gear/chaincase fluid.
How do you accurately check the oil level on the R nineT Scrambler (K23), and what are its service intervals?
Hold the motorcycle dead-vertical on level ground 2–3 minutes after warm shutdown and verify the oil sits mid-way between the Upper and Lower marks in the crankcase sight glass—never on the sidestand. Torque the drain plug to 32 N·m with a new crush washer. Factory oil change intervals are every 10,000 km, with valve clearance inspection every 10,000 km.
What are the cold tire pressures, puncture repair type, seat height, and range of the R nineT Scrambler (K23)?
Fitted with 120/70 R19 front and 170/60 R17 rear tubeless rims (compatible with roadside plug kits), set cold tire pressures to 36 / 42 PSI (250/290 kPa) solo or 36 / 42 PSI loaded. Seat height is 820 mm (32.3 in) at 220 kg wet weight, delivering ~320 km per 17 L tank.