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Oct 19, 2023

The Curious Case Of Scramblers: Are They Any Good?

Scrambler motorcycles find themselves at the crossroads of purpose-built

Scrambler motorcycles find themselves at the crossroads of purpose-built adventure motorcycles and good-looking street bikes

Almost unavoidably, scrambler motorcycles find themselves at the crossroads of purpose-built adventure motorcycles and good-looking street bikes. It is a segment that has really picked up in recent times. Even so, the market share of scramblers is a rather niche one. That leaves many to ponder about what these bikes are exactly about - where they came from, their ability and what sets them apart from other off-road bikes.

In this article, we dive into the fascinating world of scramblers and answer the most important question - are they for you? Surely there is more to them than just looks, right?

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Around 100 years back, scramblers were born out of the enthusiasm of modifying road production motorcycles for intensive road use. The idea was basic - strip anything off that wouldn't add weight and wasn't necessary on the trails, increase the ground clearance and restructure the exhaust pipes to a higher position.

British manufacturers were the first ones to catch on and started offering purpose-built off-road motorcycles which had decent ability on the road as well. The style was given a great deal of weight and almost all models on offer at the time were very similar looking - high exhaust, tall suspension setups, knobby rubbers, and a relatively chiseled body. Japanese heavyweights like Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki were next to get in on the act. In fact, many of their bikes did one better than what the Britishers were capable of.

But this relatively fun-looking scrambling expedition was short-lived. With the arrival of hardcore adventure motorcycles, the scrambler segment started receding. That was until it was almost brought back to life by who else but yet another British company. With Triumph's introduction of the then Bonneville which was inspired by the lucrative past of scrambler motorcycles, this segment picked up again at the start of this century.

One of the most captivating aspects of scramblers lies in their distinctive design, which seamlessly blends classic elements with modern design language. Manufacturers realized that retro is now cool and almost every offering in the segment comes with the retro badge - something that holds true to date. The result is a visually striking bike that exudes both ruggedness and elegance. Motorcycles like the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR, the Ducati Desert Sled and the Triumph Scrambler, famously used in a James Bond film, only exemplify the appeal of these bikes.

With their upright riding positions, wide handlebars, retro-styled fuel tanks, chunky tires on spoke wheels and purposeful stance, scramblers not only look the part but also deliver an enchanting ride quality. Whether cruising the city streets or exploring the beaten path, these machines showcase a wide range of functionality, all with a unique sense of appreciated style. This makes them an attractive choice for riders seeking adventure without compromising on aesthetic appeal.

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Scramblers are not just about style; they pack a punch when it comes to performance too. In fact, many would argue it's their ability to be a jack of all trades that help them exceed expectations. One of the key factors that contribute to their exceptional performance is their powerful yet simple engines. With robust displacement and advanced engineering, scramblers are capable of generating impressive low-end torque that is ever-so-critical for eating up dirt roads and equally inspiring peak power figures that make them no slouch out on the roads.

The wide variety of engines on offer is a big plus too, which gives enthusiasts a big range to choose from. For instance, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE boasts a big 1200cc parallel-twin engine, while the compact Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 comes with a 373cc single-cylinder power plant. But one thing is common across the range - the necessary grunt to tackle challenging terrain and ensure swift acceleration on the tarmac. Adding to the mechanical prowess are further hardware choices like long travel suspension, spoked wheels, basic but effective ride modes, low seat height, big fuel tanks and the ability to add luggage systems.

The appeal of scramblers lies in their simplicity. No frills, relatively straightforward engineering, useful hardware, there are so many things that scramblers get right. That is in part what makes them special. These motorcycles may not be the best at cruising down straight roads. They are not the best at conquering trails and dirt roads - we’ll leave that to the dual sports. But the beauty of scramblers is that they CAN do each of these things. And that too without many bruises and broken parts.

Related: 10 Great Dual Sport Motorcycles For Experienced Riders

So in part, it Is the word versatile that is the core part of their character. The avid traits of being able to do so many things without a second thought. After all, that is why you buy a motorcycle, right?

These motorcycles speak to those who seek the challenges of dirt roads, all the while traveling on the paved tarmac to get to those terrains. If you are looking to go touring, look elsewhere. Long-hours comfort isn't what scramblers are best known for. If you are looking to fly around trails, again, look elsewhere. These are not light motorcycles, and while they are able to take you through a dirt road, you will in no way be easing through it like you would on an enduro.

But if you are someone who is looking for a do-it-all, road and off-road-ready, cool-looking, functional motorcycle, by all means, look at the options for the best scramblers in the market. Scramblers do make a great second bike in the garage too. The likes of Ducati, BMW and Husqvarna, all have diverse offerings and even Chinese manufacturers have some good options in Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR and Benelli Leoncino Trail. Without a doubt, scramblers are one of the coolest-looking bikes. And there are very few that can say no to that.

Utkarsh has over a decade of experience traveling and documenting his adventures through photographs and films.He has a YouTube channel where he shows his motorcycle adventures through India. On days when he is not writing about motorcycles, he's riding one.