The Scrambler is the golden mean between a city motorcycle and a bike for dirt and country roads. A once ordinary road biker, turned by amateurs into a motorcycle that can just as easily wiggle briskly over different quality road surfaces. Once upon a time, the Scrambler was the brainchild of hobbyists, but now manufacturers are producing production models so that you and I don't have to reinvent the wheel ourselves.
“The real Scrambler is relaxation, not competition.”
Let's look at what modern bikes the motorcycle industry market offers today. Let's take a look at the latest interesting models.
BMW R nineT Scrambler
Classic and minimalism, that’s how you can describe this bike. At the same time, users will be greeted by a welcoming and obedient 1200 cc four-stroke two-cylinder boxer engine with air-oil cooling. It produces 110 horsepower. Maximum torque -116 Nm at 6000 rpm. The maximum speed stated by the manufacturer is over 200 km/h.
Consumption per 100 kilometers at a constant speed of about 90 km/h is 4.5 liters, and if you unscrew the trigger beyond 100 km/h, the consumption will increase to 5.8 liters.
A six-speed gearbox with constant-mesh helical gears is responsible for shifting.
The distinctive high-mounted twin muffler features a three-way closed-loop catalytic converter that complies with EU-4 emission standards. The total result is a loud, unique “voice”.
As for the design, the frame is three-section - one front section and two rear. It’s interesting that you can create an “egoist” out of a two-seater motorcycle through simple manipulations.
Suspension is provided by 43mm telescopic forks, while the rear features a cast aluminum single-sided swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever suspension and adjustable shock absorber.
The wheels are tubeless, cast aluminum alloy wheels. The front wheel has a double-disc brake, floating brake discs with a diameter of 320 mm, and four-piston calipers. At the rear there is one disc with a diameter of 265 mm, a two-piston floating caliper. Don't forget to add BMW Motorrad ABS.
The tank volume is 17 liters, this includes a reserve of 3.5 liters. A loaded motorcycle with a full tank weighs 220 kilograms. In this case, the maximum permissible weight is 430 kilograms.
Personally, I like this model. But I can’t help but agree with the opinion of some users who are worried that the windswept boxer engine, when driving on narrow and not always smooth roads, can pick up all sorts of things in its “belly.” After all, real scramblers are made to be light, small and... flat.
The price for a brand new BMW R nineT Scrambler is set at 1,063,000 rubles.
Triumph Scrambler 1200 Family
Let’s not go far, speaking of engine protection and the ability to absorb road adversity with its “belly” - the engineers of the Triumph Scrambler 1200 thought about this, the engine protection from below is visible to the naked eye.
The family's production line includes the Scrambler 1200 XC and Scrambler 1200 XE. Let me remind you that it is from the Triumph Scrambler that the very motorcycle of agent 007 is made, which can also be purchased from the manufacturer.
"James Bond Motorcycle - Triumph Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition"
The XC is characterized as a true Scrambler in urban form. But the XE is a true dual-purpose hooligan. Let's take a closer look at it.
Engine 1200 cc 2-cylinder in-line water cooled. Produces 90 horsepower. Slipper clutch, centrifugal type, multi-plate in an oil bath. Six-speed gearbox.
As befits a scrambler, the mufflers are located high. Here it is a two-in-two system made of stainless steel.
Tubular steel frame. The rear swingarm is double-sided aluminum with adjustable Ohlins shock absorbers. Showa inverted front fork, fully adjustable, 47mm. The wheels are tubeless spoked.
The front brake is handled by two Brembo floating discs with a diameter of 320 mm, 4-piston Brembo M50 monoblock calipers, and ABS. The rear wheel has one brake disc with a diameter of 255 mm, 2-piston Brembo caliper, ABS.
Tank capacity – 16 liters. The dry weight of the motorcycle is 207 kilograms. The price range per million rubles, judge for yourself from the screenshot from the official website.
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New birth
Today, the motorcycle world is overwhelmed by the fashion for retro, rarities and hipster style. The Italian manufacturer, which has always tried to be on the same wavelength with its customers, immediately responded to the trend.
Released in 2022, the Scrambler motorcycle combines the unique style of the seventies, modern features, legendary Ducati quality and excellent handling characteristics. The bike turned out to be quite compact, agile and beautiful. This is one of the few café racers produced in series.
Large Ducati Scrambler family
Italians always have something to offer. The manufacturer has quite a few options in the family, and we will take a closer look at the brand new Ducati Scrambler 1100 PRO.
The Scrambler 1100 Dark PRO engine is a two-valve L-twin engine with air and oil cooling with a volume of 1079 cm3, meeting Euro-5 standards. Produces 85 horsepower.
Engine features include lightweight crankcases and machined aluminum clutch and alternator covers. The two belt covers are also made of aluminum.
The 2-1-2 exhaust system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes exits to one side. Visible from under the seat is a dual stainless steel muffler with aluminum and end caps.
The motorcycle is built on a tubular steel trellis frame. The wide handlebars combined with the original swingarm on the rear wheel, which makes this bike recognizable, allows the owner to maneuver easily.
The Scrambler 1100 Dark PRO is equipped with a Brembo braking system with ABS. The front brake is handled by a double disc with a diameter of 320 mm, which is mounted on two Brembo M 4.32 B monoblock four-piston calipers with a radial connection. At the rear wheel we see a 245 mm disc, which is supported by a 34 mm single-piston caliper.
The bike consumes an average of 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers.
Husqvarna 401 Svartpilen
When it comes to off-roading and hooliganism, at least one “husky” must appear somewhere! Even though it is small, inside there is only a single-cylinder engine with a volume of 375 cubic centimeters and a power of 44 hp. Six-speed gearbox with the ability to shift up and down without pressing the clutch. Small town badass.
The secret to the extra-light frame is that it is made from high-strength steel using hydroformed tubing and robotic welding. The subframe has become 40mm longer. We add here the adjustable WP APEX suspension – a telescopic inverted fork and a swingarm, and we get a maneuverable Scrambler controlled by a high motocross handlebar.
The lightweight and narrow bike is equipped with a ByBre hydraulic braking system - disc brakes front and rear. There is a dual-circuit ABS system. The wheels are spoked as a tribute to the motorcycles of the past.
The weight of this baby is only 152 kilograms, and the tank is 9.5 liters.
By the way, the cost is the most affordable compared to other participants in the selection - 512,000 rubles. But the engine size is much more modest.
Modern design and external features
Photos of the Scrambler motorcycle help to get an idea of the model, which is still a rarity on the Russian market. The manufacturer offers several color solutions. The buyer can choose not only the color of the cladding, but also the shade of the metal: gold, silver or black.
The bike lacks a fairing and windshield and is equipped with a spacious seat. And the pendulum rear suspension adds even more charm to it. You can't help but pay attention to the bizarre curves of the exhaust pipes. Open frame elements also look great.
Indian FTR 1200
It would be a stretch to call it a real scrambler, but, nevertheless, it feels good both in the city and outside the city. Indian FTR 1200 has a sports brother - S version.
Let's talk about the standard Indian FTR 1200, which features a new birdcage tubular frame, inverted forks and an asymmetrically mounted monoshock. As a result, engineers were able to reduce the wheelbase as much as possible. The fuel tank located under the saddle ensures a low center of gravity.
“How does the length of a motorcycle affect its handling?”
The newly developed 1203 cc V-twin engine develops 120 horsepower. The exhaust system exits to one side using the 2-1-2 principle. The gas tank has a volume of 12.9 liters.
Braking is handled by Brembo monobloc radial-mount calipers. Interestingly, the Dunlop® DT3-R Radial tires are designed specifically for this motorcycle.
The dry weight of the bike reaches 221 kilograms, the maximum curb weight is 430 kilograms.
The starting price of this motorcycle starts from 1,359,000 rubles.
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Tuning options
has always been loyal to those who strive to give their transport individuality, to customize it with their own hands.
The Scrambler motorcycle also attracts increased attention from customizers. The manufacturer traditionally offers an excellent selection of additional equipment, which can be purchased through the company’s official dealer network.
Many seek to emphasize its café-racer style. Most modernizations are aimed at improving ride comfort (replacing the seat, installing heating, fairing, windshield) or modernizing the design (experiments with body kit, pipes). The “cafe” clip-ons also look harmonious on this motorcycle.
Judging by the reviews, not everyone is completely satisfied with the standard light. This applies to both the intensity of the beam and the design of the headlight. The backlight is also often subject to tuning.
Yamaha SCR950
As he says. In my opinion, it is a little low, because a scrambler is supposed to be an all-terrain vehicle... In general, the engine here is a V-twin, air-cooled, 942cc.
Fuel consumption averages 5 liters per 100 kilometers. Gas tank is 13 liters. Curb weight 252 kilograms.
As a nod to history, there are larger-diameter aluminum spoked wheels, a thin, flat seat and the typical scrambler wide handlebar with cross brace. The design of the motorcycle is reminiscent of the models of the 60s in every detail. For example, metal fenders, optics, speedometer and flat gas tank. The front fork is telescopic. A pendulum with two shock absorbers goes to the rear wheel.
For lovers of retro style, this is a godsend, it looks like it jumped out of the pages of old magazines!
The motorcycle also features heavy-duty Bridgestone tires designed specifically for this model.
The cost of such a “bandit” ranges from 9,147 dollars, which for our “wooden” ones at the current exchange rate is about 713,140.37 rubles.
First episodes
The name comes from the English word “narrow”, which is due to the structure of the body. The company produced the following models:
- Scrambler OHC 250 (1962-1963);
- Scrambler 250 (1964-1968);
- Scrambler 350 (1967-1968).
The second series was marked by the development of a new, wider body. The frame has also been modified. The following Scrambler motorcycles were produced in this version:
- Scrambler 125 (1970-1971);
- Scrambler 250 (1968-1975);
- Scrambler 350 (1968-1975);
- Scrambler 450 (1969-1976).
Since the late seventies, demand for the model began to fade. The production of the Scrambler motorcycle was suspended.
