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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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.
How to build a scrambler
who is not afraid to poke around in the garage can build a scrambler with their own hands from a suitable donor . Any “classic” will be suitable as a donor, preferably originally vintage, like the Yamaha SR400 or Honda CB400 SS . The donor should not be too heavy or powerful, since mass is very important in this case. The lighter the motorcycle, the easier it will be to control it outside the asphalt. The simplicity of the stock suspensions will also play into your hands - if instead of a progressive monoshock absorber, two conventional ones are installed at the rear, it will be cheaper to replace them with more energy-intensive ones.
Don’t forget to protect the engine crankcase from possible collisions with bumps, stones and other obstacles that are found in abundance off-road. This will slightly reduce the already likely low ground clearance, but it is a necessary protective measure. Any workshop specializing in stainless steel products will probably be able to make a suitable protective plate for you. There is no need to worry that the cooling of the engine by the incoming air flow will worsen, since the difference will be, but not at all critical.
It is also necessary to lighten the bike by removing from it everything that is not directly related to the process of movement and the desired style. After this, you can start working on the pendants. There is no point in installing Chinese components if you want not just a visualization for a scrambler, but a bike that is actually capable of off-road driving. The most budget-friendly option would be to select suitable suspension elements from used Japanese bikes, although owners of tight wallets can choose from hundreds of types of products from different manufacturers.
The most difficult part for many bikers will be the manufacture of plastic elements of the body kit , such as a small fairing, a tail plug (optional) and side trims. They are usually made from fiberglass and epoxy resin, but these materials are not easy to work with and require a lot of experience. If you do not have such experience, the best solution would be to develop a design and contact some workshop that provides similar services.
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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Eastern Spirit Garage
Sylvester from Eastern Spirit Garage has long wanted to build something amazing out of an unassuming motorcycle, and the Honda fits the bill. When the NX650 first appeared, it seemed that it would always be a relatively cheap enduro, not designed for serious off-road use and a rather boring appearance. But its high-torque engines and simplicity of design made it desirable for customizers.
Scrambler from Eastern Spirit Garage
The inspiration for this scrambler was a passion for motocross - the design came straight away. The basis was a 1996 Honda NX650 in average condition. First, the motorcycle was disassembled down to the frame and the rear part was cut off. The lever and shock absorber were removed and thrown into scrap metal. We took an old fuel tank from the now defunct Polish company SHL and modified it a bit. The frame was also modified so that the tank sat lower and looked harmonious. The final touch was a rear subframe created from scratch. The Scrambler gets a luxurious "old-school" leather seat. The front and rear fenders are handmade and blend seamlessly with the old Polish tank. All these parts are painted in seven layers of paint, which is usually used by automakers to paint flagship models, and the dark blue color and bright stripes turn the budget Dominator into an expensive toy.
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.
Eligible Donors
Lightweight retro classics like the aforementioned Honda CB400SS or Yamaha SR400 are very often used. For customizers with a larger budget, the choice sometimes falls on Triumph or Kawasaki W650/W800 motorcycles. Some enthusiasts create their creations based on Harley-Davidson and other cruisers, including Japanese ones, like the Honda Steed. If you want, you can build a scrambler from almost any motorcycle, depending on your desires for style and off-road capabilities. True, in this case, a Soviet bike is unlikely to be of much use - an insufficiently strong frame, excess weight and a weak engine do not allow most garage craftsmen to create anything decent from a model produced back in the USSR.
