An Introduction to Scramblers: What is a Scrambler Motorcycle

Are you a fan of the open road and the freedom of the wind blowing into your helmet? If so, you’ve likely heard of scrambler motorcycles and all the amazing adventures they can take you on. Scramblers are a type of two-wheeled vehicle that are quickly gaining newly found popularity among motorcycle enthusiasts. But what is a scrambler motorcycle? This article will provide you with an introduction to scrambler motorcycles, and explain their features and benefits. Read on to find out more about what makes scrambler motorbikes such a great choice for your next big adventure.


What is a Scrambler Motorcycle?

Definition

A "Scrambler" motorcycle is a type of motorbike that has been modified for both off-road and street riding. These motorbikes have a classic look and are designed for better speed and off-road capability with taller shock absorbers, spoked wheels, knobby tires and a higher exhaust pipe for more clearance from the ground. A scrambler motorcycle is a two-wheeled vehicle that is capable to traverse off-road terrain. It typically features wide tires, a high ground clearance, and a lightweight frame to ensure that it can handle the rougher terrain. The scrambler also has a unique vintage look and feel, with an upright seating position and higher handlebars for a more comfortable ride. Scramblers also often come with features like skid plates and crash protection, making them a great choice for those who plan to take their motorcycle off-road.

History

In the late 1920s, point to point races began in England which tested the ability of riders to reach from one point to the other in the shortest amount of time, regardless of the terrain. As motocross motorbikes were not yet in mass production, the riders had to modify their road motorbikes to be suited for off-road challenges. These competitions were dubbed 'Scrambles', and by the 1950s, these events had evolved into structured contests like the California Desert Scramble and closed circuit trials, which is seen as the beginning of motocross. By the mid-1960s, dirt bikes had been developed that were closer to the motocross motorbikes we know today and were known as 'Scramblers'.

Scrambler motorcycles first rose to popularity in the 1950s, when they were designed as a way to navigate off-road terrain. Over the years, they continued to grow in popularity, with the modern scramblers being designed with a focus on performance, styling, and overall comfort. Today, scrambler motorcycles are a popular option for those who want to take their motorbike on some off-road fun.


What Makes Scrambler Motorcycles Different?

Dual-Purpose Design

Scrambler motorcycles are unique in that they feature a dual-purpose design, meaning they have been modified for both off-road and street riding. This type of motorbike typically features wide tires, knobby tires, taller shock absorbers, spoked wheels, and a higher exhaust pipe for more clearance from the ground. It also has an upright seating position and higher handlebars for a more comfortable ride. This design allows riders to take their motorbike anywhere, from the streets to the backcountry.

Aggressive Styling

In addition to their dual-purpose design, scrambler motorcycles also have a unique aesthetic that makes them stand out from other motorcycles. Their classic look and feel make them a popular choice among those who want to make a statement with their motorbike. With their classic styling, scrambler motorcycles have become a symbol of adventure and freedom, making them the ideal choice for those who are looking for an escape.

Scrambler motorcycles feature an aggressive styling that is sure to turn heads. The sleek lines and rugged details of these motorbikes make them great for those who want to show off their biking prowess. With their off-road capabilities and unique aesthetic, scrambler motorcycles are sure to make a statement on the road.

Innovative Technology

While scrambler motorcycles have a classic design, they are also equipped with modern technology to make them even more enjoyable to ride. All of the latest scrambler motorcycles feature disc brakes, fuel injection, and traction control, making them the perfect choice for off-road riding. Whether you're looking for an off-road adventure or a more comfortable ride, scrambler motorcycles are sure to meet your needs.


Benefits of Owning a Scrambler Motorcycle

If you’re looking for a motorbike that can take you anywhere, a scrambler is your best bet. They offer a perfect combination of street performance and off-road capabilities, so you can take your scrambler out for a cruise on the highway and then switch gears and take it off-roading. Scramblers also tend to be more lightweight than other motorcycles, allowing you to more easily maneuver and control them. They are also typically more affordable than other motorbikes, making them a great option for those on a budget.

Versatility

Whether you’re looking for something to use for weekend trips or a reliable motorbike for daily commutes, a scrambler is a great choice. With their classic design and modern features, scrambler motorcycles offer a unique combination of style and power that make them stand out from the crowd. And with their ability to take you from the streets to the backcountry, they are the perfect choice for those who want a motorbike that can do it all.

Durability

Scrambler motorcycles are known for their durability and reliability, which is why they are often the go-to choice for those who want a motorbike that can last. With their rugged design and modern components, scramblers are built to last and can handle any terrain you throw at them. Whether you’re traversing city streets or taking on off-road trails, you can count on your scrambler to get you to your destination safely.


Popular out of the Box Scrambler Motorcycles Today

Triumph Scrambler

The Triumph Scrambler is a classic scrambler motorbike with a modern twist. This motorcycle is manufactured with a powerful liquid cool parallel twin 900cc or 1200cc engine, disc brakes, and adjustable suspensions, making it a great choice for those who want a reliable and powerful off-road motorbike. When you look at the cost of this motorcycle being about $11,000 for the 900 cc and $14,000 for the 1200 cc version in comparison to other scramblers available, it is very similar and reasonable.

The motorbike is light and fast on dirt tracks and excellent for city riding too. The Triumph Scrambler is also sturdy enough to withstand highway roads, making it a very versatile choice for both on-roading and off-roading

Ducati Scrambler

The Ducati Scrambler is a classic Italian-made motorbike that comes with modern features such as a twin cylinder engine, adjustable suspensions, and dual disc brakes. This motorbike offers a great balance of comfort and power, making it the perfect choice for those who want the best of both worlds. With its classic design and modern features, the Ducati Scrambler is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

Ducati Scrambler is being offered only in 800 cc for 2023 although 1000 cc option is on the market in the form of used motorcycles. It is not really a true scrambler in the essence of the definition, as current versions come equipped only with street tires and exhaust being low, together with the suspension and protection offering very little to none off road capability. But it is a very stylish and still versatile motorbike, very nimble and lightweight, with a typical Ducati two cylinder engine, that brings so much fun from the very low revs. All the Ducati Scramblers also come with the option of 35 kW power which is the legal limit for the A2 driving license.

BMW R nine T Scrambler

The BMW R nine T Scrambler is a modern-day classic that combines retro styling with modern engineering. It comes equipped with a powerful 1170cc engine, dual disc brakes, and adjustable suspensions, allowing you to take on any terrain with ease. The BMW R nine T Scrambler starts at $13,000 making it comparable to the 1200 Triumph.With its sleek design and stylish features, the BMW R nine T Scrambler is sure to be the envy of all your friends.


How can you make your own scrambler?

A scrambler motorcycle is defined by it is powerful, reliabiliy and lightweight, not because of its looks. This is one of the reasons why scramblers are so fun to ride. If you want to make a scrambler out of a regular, torquey machine, you can make some modifications


  • To make your motorcycle a proper scrambler, you need to reduce its weight by removing any extra styling elements such as cowls and fenders. You can install a lighter and round-shaped headlight instead of the factory one.
  • High-mounted, chopped fenders can also be used to increase ground clearance when taking the motorbike off-roading. Increasing the ground clearance of the machine that can be achieved by replacing the suspension set-up with a different unit that is having a larger travel
  • The seat should be kept short for weight-saving and padded for comfort.
  • The muffler should be mounted higher or removed completely for a more aggressive sound.
  • The wheels should be replaced with spoked rims and tires suitable for both on- and off-road conditions.
  • Finally, if additional performance is needed, aftermarket carbs can be added for increased horsepower.

To summarize, you should make sure that the chassis of your scrambler is durable enough for off-roading, remove all extra weight, increase the ground clearance, install a shorter seat with good padding, replace the regular muffler or mount the same at a higher position, replace the regular wheels with more durable and flexible spoked wheels, and install aftermarket carbs if needed.


Conclusion

Scrambler motorcycles are a great option for those who want to take their motorbike off-road for some fun and adventure. With a dual-purpose design and a unique aesthetic, scramblers are sure to make heads turn whether you're on the street or in the backcountry.

With the right modifications and a torquey motor, you can create a truly unique motorbike that is sure to turn heads and provide endless hours of fun. So, if you're looking for a motorbike that can handle the roughest roads and trails, then a scrambler may be just the motorbike for you.


What features does a scrambler motorcycle typically have?

  • Lots of torque and power
  • A higher mounted exhaust
  • High ground clearance
  • A shorter seat to save some of that weight
  • Aggressive Styling
  • Smaller gas tanks
  • Lightweight components to shed as much weight as possible
  • Durable classic spoked wheels
  • Off-road capability tires

A scrambler motorcycle typically has a few key features that make it great for off-road riding. These features include a higher ground clearance, knobby tires for improved traction, and a longer wheelbase for better stability on rough terrain. Additionally, scramblers usually feature a more upright riding position, allowing for better maneuverability and control. Many scramblers also feature a single-cylinder engine, which is designed to be lightweight and provide plenty of power. Finally, they often have a retro, rugged look that makes them stand out from other motorcycles.

What are the alternatives to a scrambler?

If you're looking for a motorcycle with a classic, vintage look but don't want to sacrifice performance, you might consider a café racer. These motorbikes were designed for speed and agility, with a low-slung frame and powerful engine and as far as style come closest to the scramblers, but without the off-road capability. Alternatively if you are after the on and off road versatility and don’t mind the motocross look, you might look into a dual-sport motorcycle, which combines the benefits of off-road riding with the convenience of a street motorbike. This type of motorcycle is great for exploring the roads less travelled.

What is the definition of a scrambler motorcycle?

A scrambler motorcycle is a type of dual-sport motorcycle specifically designed for off-road riding on terrain such as dirt, sand, mud, and rocks. Scramblers typically feature high ground clearance, long-travel suspension, knobby tires, and a single-cylinder or dual-cylinder engine. They are typically based on standard street motorcycles or café racers and have been popularized newly by the classic Triumph Scramber and Ducati Scrambler models.

What kind of terrain is a scrambler motorcycle designed for?

A scrambler motorcycle is designed to handle a variety of terrain, from light off-roading to pavement. It's designed to be a versatile machine that can handle whatever you throw at it, from dirt and gravel roads to mud and rocky trails. Scramblers are also great for city riding, as they provide a comfortable ride with good gas mileage. The upright seating position allows for easy control and visibility, making them perfect for exploration.

What is the history of scrambler motorcycles?

Scrambler motorcycles have been around since the 1940s and have evolved over the years. The first scramblers were British motorcycles that were designed to compete in off-road racing events. They typically had higher ground clearance and bigger tires than street bikes, allowing them to better handle the terrain. Over time, the style and design of scrambler bikes evolved to include high-performance, lightweight engines, as well as other modifications that improved the off-roading capabilities. Today, scrambler motorcycles are still popular, and they’re available in a wide range of models and styles.

What is the best scrambler motorcycle on the market today?

That's a tough question to answer! It really depends on what you're looking for in a scrambler motorcycle. Some brands offer great overall performance, while others are more focused on style and aesthetics. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Do some research and figure out what features are important to you, then you can make an informed decision. If you look for true scrambler capability from the stock models Triumph Scrambler probably comes the closest, as its competitors like Ducati Scrambler or BMW R nine T scrambler are more focused on style than functionality.