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.
BMW
There were three of us. At the end of the test, two said that they would be kicked out of the house, and one turned out to be a cheater, who organized a test drive... I was frankly tired of reading all kinds of foreign and other reviews on the BMW R9T Scrambler. Unusual, strange, vintage... The only irritation was that these reviews were not written by me, and I could not write them, because I did not ride the bike, which is the granddaughter of my wonderful Thirteenth. But what could be cooler than comparing models of the present and the past, which are separated by almost a quarter of a century.
They are both very real, very ironclad and very unmodern. But if for the R80R of the early 90s this is a normal phenomenon, then for those who do not ride the Thirteenth and the like here and now (and this is 99.9% of motorcycle users), the scrambler is a wonderful and strange motorcycle. ABS - this is where we can finish the description of modern goodies on the experimental R9T variation. Well, ok, add a damper here and that's exactly it.
...I almost shit myself in the first sharp turn, because the scrambler took and did not go where both the Thirteenth and the R1200R would have gone (this is a reading of the BMW R80 with the “luxury” badge). No, I still didn’t fly out of habit into oncoming traffic, but to do this I had to make a direct effort and overcome the resistance of a fairly powerful damper, which created such an unusual effect. Fresh, not quite road tires and fork angle were added to the pepper. The signal was received, the challenge was accepted, and we fought for the next 80 kilometers, although less and less with every kilometer, and eventually we got used to it and became friends.
If in the R80 the first gear is exclusively for starting, and the second only to switch to third, then in the scrambler these three pleasures are much longer, which allows you to feel great in traffic jams. Vibration complaints? They are already familiar to me and there are definitely no more of them on the new thing. There is nothing to write about the acceleration dynamics. This piece of hardware has 110 horses, this number speaks for itself: the bike is peppy, cheerful and it’s not something to be bored at all.
Look, the word “wild” definitely suits this beha. Yes, this is one hundred percent mustang, rough, obstinate and real. It is not created for comfort and there is no desire to snore on it due to its excessive flexibility and smoothness. But at the same time, it feels excellent at the bottom, and acceleration is dosed almost intuitively and smoothly. Since the motorcycle was being run-in, it briefly accelerated only to 160. 120-130 is excellent, and above that a windshield is already asking for, but from my own experience I know that although this part gives comfort, it takes away the pleasure of riding, the perception of the road and the equipment under you . That is why I always remove the wind protection from the Thirteenth when I return from a long trip and at the same time get an almost different device.
The rejuvenated Brembo works amazingly and makes you completely forget that you can still press the rear brake. Well, damn, what a sound those two Akrapovic pipes make. Even though I myself love a lower sound, and the reference for many is Harley-Davidson, the Slovenian product on a scrambler sounds decent, and besides, it can be tuned to achieve greater lows.
"Wow" effect? Probably not, there’s more “wow” here! With the appearance of the most beautiful factory motorcycle in the world (IMHO), this Bavarian is almost sure to interest those who like a challenge. Not convinced? Perhaps, but you definitely have to try it and I sincerely envy you, because I already had it, and it’s just waiting for you.
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.
“Triumph Rocket 3 2021 is the monster everyone is talking about”
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.
Model Review
general information
- Price: $ 12 995
- Key Feature: ABDOMINAL PRESS
- LED lightening
- disc brake
Main characteristics
- Engine type: 1170 cc CM air/oil cooled 4-stroke flat twin engine
- Power: 110 l. With.
- Wet weight: 463 lb (210 kg)
- Seat Height: 33.5 inches
main competitors
- Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
- Royal Enfield Himalayan
- Ducati Scrambler Badge
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.
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.
“100 years of the Scout – Indian releases Scout 100th Anniversary model”
Classic design and attention to detail
Whether the motorcycle is fitted with standard light-alloy wheels or spoke wheels, the new R nineT Scrambler always exudes genuine style. One of the most important design challenges was to achieve a classic appearance. From all sides of the motorcycle body, a combination of modern and traditional design elements is striking.
The round headlight gives it an expression of freedom, independence and calm, while the speedometer with analogue display has a simple, unpretentious design that closely reflects the traditional principles used in the design of scramblers. Also striking is the 17-litre fuel tank made of sheet steel and its neat cover made of thin aluminum sheet with the “R nineT” lettering in relief, which runs through the intake duct on the right side. The manufacturing quality of the new BMW Motorrad can also be seen in numerous details. The light brown leather seat, made from two halves, also demonstrates sophisticated design and the use of high-quality materials. The new model is available in matte metallic color. The classic design and character of the motorcycle is enhanced by the black finish of some components such as the frame, wheels, suspension forks and engine housing.
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.
Classic exhaust
The raised exhaust with two vertically mounted rear mufflers meets the requirements of a classic Scrambler. It is mounted very close to the body of the motorcycle, giving it an even more compact appearance. The melodious sounding engine meets the new ECE R41-04 noise control standards. The large size of the catalytic converter allows you to purify exhaust gases even more efficiently.
