With pretty much every manufacturer from Triumph to Ducati not being able to resist the temptation of releasing a Scrambler of their own, we’ve seen this mixed breed of motorcycle continue to grow and grow and grow.
With this high-fashioned style of motorcycle on the rise, we’ve put together this list (in no particular order) to include 10 of the best Scramblers ready for action. Let’s find out if they have what it takes to survive the ride that is 2022!
1. Indian FTR1200 Rally
Starting with a bike that is technically part of a Flat Tracker range but can get away with being called a Scrambler depending on what side of the fence you are on, the Indian FTR1200 Rally definitely has the personality traits to make it in this category.
With retro good looks, iconic Indian finishing touches and a rough’n’tumble spirit, the FTR1200 Rally has a real raw edge to it that certainly helps it stand out. What also helps is its knobby tires, high exhaust, inverted front suspension, massive 1,203cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine and 123 bucking broncos.
Yes, many of you may disagree when it comes to the FTR1200 Rally’s true Scrambler-ness and I know I’m stirring the pot by including this on my list, but we’ve got to keep you on your toes and throw in a few curve balls now don’t we! It may sit at the top as one of the most expensive models on the list but because of all that £12,795 price bags you, I’m giving it a big ol’ US of A star!
Engine | 1,203cc, 123 hp, liquid-cooled |
Fuel tank | 13L |
Brakes | Front: Brembo Dual 320mm t5 Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper Rear: Brembo Single 260mm t5 Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper |
Suspension | Front: Inverted Telescopic Cartridge Fork / 150mm Rear: Monotube IFP / 150mm |
Seat height | 815mm |
Weight | 240kg (wet) |
Price | £12,795 |
2. Royal Enfield Scram 411
Royal Enfield struck gold when they released their entry-level adventure bike, the Himalayan. It was easy to ride and even easier on the wallet, now their back, stepping up to the plate and taking yet another swing at the market, but from a Scrambler perspective, I’m introducing to you the Scram 411.
As just mentioned, this Scram has been heavily based upon the Himalayan, so it’s going to steal the best of its design and use it for itself – if it’s not broken and all! This includes the frame, motor, easy-going nature and charming spirit. They’ve also addressed a few niggles and grumbles riders found in the Himalayan, such as the firm and uncomfortable seat, with the Scram 411 now offering a bit more padding and give in its foam.
The nitty, gritty finer details are when you’ll start to see differences between the two. For example, the Scram gets a 19-inch front wheel opposed to the Himalayan’s 21-inch, fatter tyres compared to slimmer for better grip and a slightly taller seat height (its only increased by 5mm).
What really seals the deal for me though is the excellent value for money price tag. At only £4,599 it’s the cheapest on today’s list. However, even though that price, where it’s low in dollar, the Scram 411 is also significantly lower on power and therefore will definitely be left behind by the majority of its competitors.
Check out our Royal Enfield Scram 411 – 7 things to know for a detailed look at this bike.
Engine | 411cc, 24.3 bhp, air-cooled |
Fuel tank | 15L |
Brakes | Front: 300mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper Rear: 240mm disc, single-piston floating caliper |
Suspension | Front: Telescopic, 41mm forks, 190mm travel Rear: Monoshock with linkage, V180mm wheel travel |
Seat height | 795mm |
Weight | 185kg |
Price | £4,599 |
3. Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
Though time travel isn’t possible, a Triumph motorcycle is the closest alternative. The brand knows how to evoke emotion and create bikes that feel as if they have the ability to rewind time. Retro styling can be tricky, but Triumph get it right every single time, and nothing has changed when it comes to their Scrambler 1200 XE.
It not only comes fully loaded with the British brand’s high-quality stamp of approval but heaps and heaps of off-road capability too! We’re talking Showa USD front forks and twin piggyback Öhlins rear shock absorbers, DRL headlight, all-LED lighting, cornering ABS, traction control, 17-inch rear wheel and a 21-inch front, we also can’t forget that 1,200cc parallel-twin Bonny! The Scrambler 1200 XE isn’t just another retro-styled machine, no this is the real deal!
This is a powerful bike (both in bhp and presence) and with power comes a hefty price tag – I wouldn’t blame you for being blinded this bike’s beauty though, and conveniently forgetting all about that near £13k price!
Engine | 1,200cc, 89 bhp, liquid-cooled |
Fuel tank | 16L |
Brakes | Front: Twin 320mm discs, Brembo M50 monobloc calipers. Radial master cylinder Rear: Single 255mm disc, Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, ABS |
Suspension | Front: Showa 45mm fully adjustable upside down forks, 200mm travel Rear: Öhlins fully adjustable piggy-back RSUs with twin springs. 200mm rear wheel travel |
Seat height | 840mm |
Weight | 230kg (wet) |
Price | £12,995 |
4. Benelli Leoncino 800 Trail
Following the premise that less is more, Benelli has gone back to their roots and designed this Leoncino to focus on the simplest of riding pleasures, just like they did way back with their 1951 original.
Steering clear of any fancy bells and whistles that might take away from the bike’s simplistic and uncomplicated nature, Benelli has favoured a steel trellis frame with a sharp and modern tank design to give it a real elegance, then front Marzocchi up-side down forks, Brembo brakes, ABS for comfort and handling and a basic TFT dash for authenticity.
With its 754cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder they’ve also made sure it lives up to its name because this ‘little lion’ produces 75 hp which is enough roar to keep most riders happy.
Looking at the price side of things, getting your paws on one will only cost you £7,499. That’s enough even to tempt me! Here kitty kitty…
Engine | 754cc, 75 hp, liquid-cooled |
Fuel tank | 15L |
Brakes | Front: Twin semi-floating disc ø320mm Rear: Single disc ø260mm with double piston |
Suspension | Front: Upside-down forks Rear: Swing arm with central shock absorber |
Seat height | 805mm |
Weight | 215kg |
Price | £7,499 (+OTR) |
5. BMW R nineT Scrambler
With its high exhausts and metallic matt paint job, the BMW R nineT Scrambler takes everything we love about Scramblers and puts them on display in a very modern way. It may be lacking a few creature comforts, but you can’t disagree, the R nineT Scrambler has style and a real uniqueness of its own.
Alongside that, with fatter tyres and telescopic forks, it’s built to ride the road, though it does have a few impractical ‘fashion accessories’ but I think these just make it look even better. Other things to note are that it’s powered by a 1,170cc boxer engine, produces 109 stallions and has a 17L fuel tank – the biggest by far on today’s list.
At the end of the day, the R nineT Scrambler is a BMW so you know the quality and stature is going to be high, that’s one of the reasons why they can justify charging £11,670 for it.
Engine | 1,170cc, 109 hp, air/oil-cooled |
Fuel tank | 17L |
Brakes | Front: Twin-disc brakes, diameter 320mm, 4-piston callipers Rear: Single disc brake, diameter 265mm, double-piston floating calliper |
Suspension | Front: Telescopic forks Rear: Cast aluminium single-sided swingarm |
Seat height | 820mm |
Weight | 223kg (wet) |
Price | £11,670 |
6. Fantic Caballero Scrambler 500
Bringing beautiful Italian styling to the list, next up is the Fantic Caballero Scrambler 500 (this features on our Top 10 Retro A2 Motorcycles list too).
Alongside beautiful, the bike also has a certain level of charm to it that really warms the heart. It’s an easy rider with plenty of dual-sports capabilities in the form of upside-down front forks, adjustable rear suspension, knobby tires and a steel central-tube frame. Then dual-channel ABS and front and rear LED lights are nice and practical added extras that come as standard.
Price-wise, it’s coming in at just over £6.5k and we’ve got to give the Caballero kudos because of how generously equipped and gorgeously styled it is.
Scrambler is literally in this guy’s name so it’s nice to see that the Caballero Scrambler 500 does in fact have the kahunas to live up to it. Overall, it looks authentic and makes for a great addition to the retro bike scene!
Engine | 449cc, 40 hp, liquid-cooled |
Fuel tank | 12L |
Brakes | Front: Floating ø320mm disc Rear: ø230mm disc |
Suspension | Front: ø41mm upside down Rear: Rebound damping regulation |
Seat height | 820mm |
Weight | 150kg |
Price | £6,545 |
7. CCM Maverick
Flying high and providing the Maverick to your Goose, CCM has added the ultimate British Scrambler to their Spitfire line-up.
It’s ultimate because it’s equipped with high-level exhausts, Enduro trail dual-sport tires, Marzocchi upside-down forks, 17” rear and 19” front spoked wheels for off-road as well as on-road fun. It’s also powered by that all too familiar Spitfire 600cc single for a decent dose of power.
Styled with a black powder-coated trellis frame, brown leather seat and 'Satin Emerald Green' bodywork (my absolute favourite!), CCM has reimagined the classic Scrambler to create a handsome gentleman of a motorcycle – for some reason, I’m thinking it would fit in well with the secret agents from the Kingsman film series.
To top it all off, it’ll only cost £9,995 to make this Maverick your wingman. Fantic say it will definitely ‘leave the herd behind’ and I’ve got to agree with them!
The CCM Maverick is also included in our Top Retro Motorcycles article, so check it out!
Engine | 600cc, liquid-cooled |
Fuel tank | 14L |
Brakes | Front: 240mm disc |
Suspension | Front and rear:120mm wheel travel, adjustable |
Weight | 145kg |
Price | £9,995 |
8. Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro
You didn’t think we could get any further without featuring a bike from Ducati’s Scrambler range, did you? Well, you’re in for a treat because we’ve actually got two for you today but we’re starting with the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro.
This is a new model that was released to celebrate 50 years of the Ducati air-cooled engine. It has all the iconic, retro style and Ducati street cred that makes us ogle and drool over bikes from the brand. I really like the yellow colourway it wears. It’s officially known as ‘Giallo Ocra’, not to be mixed up with the African vegetable, and is the same used on 1972 450 Desmo Mono and 750 Sport, so it’s nice and nostalgic.
Its good looks might honour the past but on the spec side of things, it has a lot of modern features including traction control, cornering ABS, various riding modes, Brembo brakes, adjustive suspension, USB socket and that all-important 1,079cc air-cooled engine.
That all comes at a £12,295 cost but overall, the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro is one that will touch the hearts of many and one that can be easily customised – another important characteristic of a Scrambler.
Engine | 1,079cc, 86 hp, air-cooled |
Fuel tank | 15L |
Brakes | Front: 2 x Ø320mm semi-floating discs Rear: Ø245mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper |
Suspension | Front: Marzocchi fully adjustable Ø45mm USD fork Rear: Progressive linkage with adjustable Kayaba monoshock, Aluminium double-sided swingarm |
Seat height | 810mm |
Weight | 194kg |
Price | £12,295 |
9. Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Exceptionally good value for money, well-built and nice to look at, does it get any better than that? Technically yes because we have one more entry to go but, the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is definitely a serious contender that’s here to play.
With equipment such as dual-channel Bosch cornering ABS, LED lights, high front mudguard and, as the name suggests, Scrambler goodies including, adjustable Kayaba suspension and semi-knobby tyres, we’re fully off-road ready.
I’ve got to say as well, I just can’t get enough of the new, bright ‘Sparking Blue’ livery with red and white detailing and gold rims. It definitely sparks a fire in my belly because I personally think it’s the best looking of the lot and I just love how it hints towards the Enduro bikes of the 80s.
Engine | 803cc, 73 hp, air-cooled |
Fuel tank | 13.5L |
Brakes | Front: Ø330mm disc, radial 4-piston calliper Rear: Ø245mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper |
Suspension | Front:46mm fully adjustable USD forks Rear:Kayaba rear shock, pre-load and rebound adjustable. Aluminium double-sided swingarm |
Seat height | 860mm |
Weight | 193kg |
Price | £10,695 |
10. Triumph Street Scrambler
First to bring back the Scrambler in 2006, Triumph has updated their Street Scrambler and boy does she blow!
Equipment such as long-travel suspension, Brembo brakes, ride by wire, a large 19-inch front wheel, switchable ABS, traction control, road, rain or off-road riding modes and a 900cc liquid-cooled engine with a good enough amount of 64.1 bhp make it highly capable for the road and wherever you go off it. The contemporary styling with Bonneville family resemblance makes it pretty easy on the eye too!
This Scrambler is definitely worthy of a place in your garage, however that space is going to cost you £9,595, but this is significantly cheaper than the majority on the list today – making it even more of a winner!
Triumph are experts in creating bikes that are truly unique and distinctive in looks, design and performance and the Street Scrambler not only ticks all the boxes of the Scrambler craze but also for motorcycles in general.
Engine | 900cc, 64.1 bhp, liquid-cooled |
Fuel tank | 12L |
Brakes | Front: Single Ø310mm floating disc, Brembo 4-piston fixed axial caliper, ABS Rear: Single Ø255mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS |
Suspension | Front: Ø41mm forks with cartridge damping. 120mm travel Rear: Twin shocks with adjustable preload. 120mm rear wheel travel |
Seat height | 790mm |
Weight | 223kg |
Price | £9,595 |
The last stop
There we go, the Triumph Street Scrambler brings the Top 10 Scramblers list to an end for 2022. You’ve seen who we deem worthy, but I want to know what you think to our contenders. You’ve heard my opinion and that’s that it takes a lot to beat a Triumph, though Ducati did give it a good go. I’ll be interested to hear if you have any other suggestions. Drop a comment below or on social media.
If you have your very own scambler you need to insure, make sure to get a motorcycle insurance quote direct with Lexham!