Introduced in 2019, here at last was a Scrambler worthy of the name: long-travel suspension, wide bars, super-torquey 1200cc parallel twin-engine, spoked wheels and tall stance. Triumph did it with the original Thruxton when it changed into the Thruxton R with the 1200cc engine and it happened again with the introduction of the Scrambler 1200. Typical Triumph: take the original concept and change it out of all recognition into perhaps the best scrambler out there, retro or not. FTR R Carbon - $16,999 (Carbon Fiber goodies and Öhlins suspension in place of the Sachs unit) All this gives the FTR the appearance of a Scrambler, if not the off-road prowess. While it is a flat-tracker-inspired motorcycle, you can opt for the ‘Rally Kit’ which isn’t cheap (around $6,000) but gives you new fenders front and back, gloss pearl white tank covers, aluminum spoke wheels, vinyl “Aviator” saddle, and a high-mount titanium Akrapovic slip-on exhaust muffler. Think of it as the American Ducati Monster and you won’t be too far off the riding experience. Two versions were announced, the base model and the ’S’, which has fully-adjustable forks and uprated electronics, controlled through a TFT dash.ġ9/18-inch wheels at first, giving way to the 17-inch front and back in 2021 for better road performance - after all, how many owners will head to their local dirt track and indulge in a bit of sliding? Powered by a 118bhp version of the Scout’s liquid-cooled v-twin engine mounted in an all-new chassis, comprising Sachs suspension and Brembo brakes, the FTR1200 first appeared in 2019. In terms of popularity, the FTR did still tap into the retro craze, despite having no obvious predecessor and being much more modern in its styling. Mind you, that does mean that you should be able to find low-mileage examples on dealer’s floors for very reasonable money, especially when compared to other bikes on this list.Īlthough not strictly a Scrambler as such - it’s more of a flat (or street) tracker, which, let’s face it, is almost the U.S. The only problem is that it isn’t available new anymore. Braking is a basic single-disc set up, the tank holds 13 liters, wheels are wire-spoked and there are a couple of scrambler styling cues to complete the package. It remains a fairly basic motorcycle but that only adds to its charm: there’s nothing to get in the way of enjoyment. Having said that, ground clearance is limited and the exhaust is still mounted low. New 'bars and footpegs complete the picture and give the SCR a much more upright riding position. Naturally, the SCR rides higher than the donor bike, thanks to a new rear subframe that raises the seat height to 830mm from 690mm. If anything, the SCR is closer to an old-school scrambler than any of the others, being a production model re-purposed for another role. But, this translates into a ‘scrambler’ better than you might think. The SCR makes use of a steel tube frame, 41mm forks, short-travel twin rear shocks, a single front disc, and the same 51bhp air-cooled 60° V-twin as the XV950, XV950R, and XV950 Racer series. But what the SCR950 lacks in credentials, it more than makes up for in personality. ![]() Basing a ‘scrambler’ on a cruiser platform might not seem like the most obvious route to off-road ability and you’d be right. Something a little bit different from Yamaha. Better still is the bargain-basement (in this company) price. ![]() ![]() With proven mechanicals and those futuristic looks, the Svartpilen 401 is the best argument for style over substance yet. Weighing in at only 335lbs, this would be a brilliant little off-road bike if it wasn’t for the low 5.7-inch ground clearance. It is surprisingly well-equipped on the mechanical side - slipper clutch, ride-by-wire throttle allowing for alternative engine maps and traction control, and high-end WP Apex suspension front and back. Powered by the single-cylinder engine from the KTM 390 range, performance was perfect for the urban jungle which is really what it was designed for, despite the off-road trinkets such as spoked wheels with knobbly tires, sump guard, and wide handlebars. Two variants were offered - the cafe racer Vitpilen and scrambler Svartpilen. Husqvarna’s first foray into road machinery under ownership by KTM was a startlingly modern piece of design hiding KTM running gear.
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