The "scrambler" is the MOST versatile motorcycle for ALL road riding.
Motorcycles and motorcycle riders span a huge, diverse spectrum. BUT - there is ONE category of cycles that is the MOST versatile and the BEST value.
In my opinion, EVERY motorcycle rider should own a SCRAMBLER.
In this article, I will outline my reasoning (and I WELCOME your comments below). At the outset, let me qualify by adding that you can ALSO own other motorcycles. Motorcycles are like bicycles, canoes, rifles, and other sporting goods - there is NO one-size-fits all users and applications.
I have owned MANY different motorcycles at the same time - and each is BEST for a specific type of riding. But - the scrambler is the MOST versatile over all types of roads, and for all types of riding from daily commutes to extended tours.
I am going to list several reasons why I recommend riding a scrambler. But FIRST, we need to agree on the definition. (See also the previous article on scramblers - CLICK HERE.) I can summarize in just a few points what defines a scrambler.
A "scrambler" motorcycle has a unique COMBINATION of characteristics:
Number 1: The "scrambler" is a lightweight motorcycle.
The first scramblers (and cafe racers) were stripped down to increase the power-to-weight ratio.
As discussed in the previous article, scramblers evolved from cafe racers, which were the stripped-down, minimalist versions of the bulky motorcycles from the 1960's. The first Nortons, Triumphs, and BSA's were certainly "sporty" (compared to the equally bulky autos of the day) but they were FAR from high-performance.
A scrambler is lighter than most cruisers and bloated "adventure bikes", simply easier to roll around, pick up when you drop it, and fix when you break it!
Number 2: The "scrambler" is ALL-road capable.
A scrambler is equally comfortable and stable on paved and unpaved roads.
Most street bike and sport bike riders go miles out of their way to avoid gravel roads. The pretty chrome, low ground clearance, and seating position are not suited to loose road conditions. (Even stretches of road construction are a problem.) What's worse, the long wheelbase and slick street tires make for a squirrely and dangerous ride.
In contrast, the scrambler eats up whatever road conditions you encounter, alternating from pavement to gravel and back, mile after mile.
Number 3: The scrambler is affordable.
Scramblers are not the most powerful or flashiest motorcycles - which means that scramblers are also the LEAST expensive choices.
The original scramblers were home-built. Today, scramblers are available off the showroom floor. But, in my opinion, TRUE scramblers are among the least expensive models. Yet, ALL the big brands now offer at least one "scrambler" model.
I would argue that a $30,000 motorcycle with a 1,200cc motor, weighing 500 pounds, with more Bluetooth connectivity than the Space Shuttle is NOT a "scrambler"! I would argue that the most expensive motorcycle models do NOT fit the "scrambler" category, as defined above.
If you are not looking at a light, minimalist motorcycle with a smaller motor and limited technology, I would argue that you are being sold an over-priced street bike dressed up as a "wannabe" scrambler.
That's my baseline definition of the scrambler. I am not excluding modern improvements like electronic fuel injection, LED lights, and tubeless tires. But weight and cost are the TWO most important criteria.
So - let's get to the reasons WHY I only ride scramblers - and why you should own AT LEAST one scrambler motorcycle!
The MAIN reason why I own and ride scramblers is because I live in farm country with unlimited gravel roads.
Did you know that nearly 50% of the public roads in the U.S. are unpaved?
You will DOUBLE your riding possibilities as soon as you stop avoiding unpaved routes and connector roads. I live in an area with a grid of gravel farm roads, forming a crosshatch nearly every mile, in every direction. Where the farm lands end, the county, state, and national forests begin with thousands of additional miles of gravel roads!
I don't live in the "boonies". I live on a paved street in a small town. But I have access to gravel roads within five miles in every direction.
Once I reach gravel roads I see very little traffic. People driving cars, in a hurry to reach their destinations, also avoid gravel roads.
The only vehicles I encounter are the few people living in these rural areas, or the owners of recreational properties or hunting camps. It's not unusual to ride - right down the center of the gravel road - for over an hour between passing vehicles. (I typically see the rural mail carrier or propane delivery truck - but never semi's, with the occasional exception of logging trucks.)
In fact, on the gravel roads close to home, I am more likely to encounter tractors - or an Amish horse and buggy!
The lack of traffic is the SAME reason I ride a "gravel bike" - along with millions of other cyclists.
We are SICK of sharing the paved roads with aggressive drivers and harried truckers. On gravel roads I might see a vehicle once per HOUR. On the paved connecting roads, I might be passed (too close for comfort!) once every few minutes. I honestly see more deer and turkeys than vehicles.
A "street" bike simply makes no sense for my preferred style of riding.
Riding gravel roads on a scrambler motorcycle is actually RELAXING - as opposed to "street-fighting" on the highways.
You can allow yourself the privilege of taking in the scenery, including STOPPING for a photo or to enjoy a point of interest. If you need a snack or to make adjustments to your cycle or gear, there are plenty of safe places to pull off.
Which leads us to the benefit that gravel road riding DEMANDS a slower pace.
On the highway, you might hold up traffic if you aren't riding at 10 miles OVER the speed limit. No one is going to pressure you on gravel roads. I can loaf along at 25 or 30 miles per hour if I want. There is no reason to ride beyond my skill level. Cruising at 30 to 45 miles per hour is very comfortable, and that means I ride MORE safely on gravel than the highway!
Many new motorcycle riders are frightened by mixing it up on the highway. Many older riders no longer want to deal with the crazies and road rage. EVERYONE can enjoy riding at a slower pace, with minimal traffic.
But you can't enjoy these benefits without a motorcycle that is safe and comfortable on both gravel roads and paved highways. Like so many other riders, I choose the scrambler for my riding - whether day trips or multiday tours.
Now - I am very aware that scrambler motorcycles also have limitations.
Owners of scramblers ackowledge, being the most versatile motorcycles, also means that these are NOT the best in any single area.
You need to choose to be less than perfect. In my case, I don't ride single-tracks up the mountains so I don't miss the offroad capabilities of a high-performance dual-sport. I prefer planning my long-distance rides over secondary highways, so I don't miss riding a powerfull "bagger". I'm no longer interested in logging mega-miles, so I've matured beyond high-speed sport bikes.
However, at the same time, I can cruise the alternating pavement and gravel on my light scrambler as fast - or faster - than most dual sports or top-heavy "adventure" bikes. I can ride to the quiet destinations I prefer and never see a loud Harley or tricked-out crotch rocket.
Light scramblers "float" along gravel roads. Riding is easy, not tiring.
When riding on unpaved roads, I seldom ride faster than 40 miles per hour. It doesn't matter if I'm riding an 800cc loaded ADV bike or a 125cc mini moto scrambler. I can't justify up to TEN TIMES the cost of some high-tech, over-powered motorcycles now marketed as "scramblers".
My scrambler might not match your defintion of an "adventure" motorcycle. However...
I have stalled on water crossings on the Trans-America Trail on a 650cc Vee-Strom.
I have gotten stuck in ONE inch of gooey mud on the Utah Backcountry Discovery Route on a 800cc Triumph Tiger.
I have flopped repeatedly in the sand on the Trans-Wisconsin Adventure Trail on a 400cc CSC RX4.
In EVERY case, I could have skipped over the offending obstacles in my lightly loaded scrambler. LESS is MORE!
Here is a sample of riding scrambler motorcycles in central Wisconsin farm country, northern forests, and scenes from a few of my favorite destinations in the Southwest:
Which brings me to my final point: True, light scramblers are the most economical all-road motorcycles.
Obviously, smaller engines suck less gas. Don't forget, we are also riding shorter distances at slower speeds. I never get tired of filling my tank at the end of a 100-mile ride and spending less than $5.00! These small engines are also simple to maintain, with the parts and oil changes equally affordable.
Lower purchase price, less maintenance, and the most economical operating expenses - what's not to like?
As I mentioned, you might own more than one motorcycle. But if you also own a light scrambler, this will be the cycle that you choose for that short trip to the store or to a close appointment. Worst case, if low traffic gravel is an hour or more from home, you can easily load a light scrambler on a hitch rack on nearly any truck, SUV, or minivan.
Transporting a light scrambler also opens the possibility of riding distant destinations.
Rather than fighting traffic for days and hundreds of miles to "bucket list" locations, load up the scrambler and drive there. Save time and fatigue by unloading the scrambler in the center of the epic riding destination. This also includes hauling your scrambler with your vehicle or RV when heading to a vacation destination or as a winter "Snowbird".
Now, this doesn't mean that your scrambler isn't capable of overnight trips. Especially if you pack lightly, a scrambler makes a great touring motorcycle. Being light, economical, low-maintenance, and comfortable defines the BEST type of touring motorcycle! See also the related articles which discuss the many advantages of "Going Small" and minimalist "MotorBikePacking"
Has your motorcycle riding gone stale? Have you reduced your riding (or stopped all together) because of the dangers on the highway? Are you longing for new challenges, new horizons, and more solitude in less traveled surroundings? Then an all-purpose, all-road scrambler should be in your future.
Scramblers are the "Swiss Army knives" of motorcycles. They are not perfect in every way - just the most versatile for the widest range of riding. If you can own only ONE motorcycle, I would recommend the scrambler. If you are lucky to own more than one motorcycle, I'd be willing to bet that the one you ride and enjoy the most is a light and economical scrambler!
Let me know what you think! Comment below. Subscribe to the GreatOutThere.online blog for more outdoor content. Follow me also on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram!
Comments