Honestly I don't get the pointing fingers attitude in the motorcycle community... you can literally drive any bike anywhere, just some more comfortably than others... you choose what you want/like and nobody should influence you
The people pointing the finger think they made a superior choice, therefore making them feel superior than their fellow riders. It is quite annoying, but it’s also just human nature.
I have a mate who has a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, he put a 21" front wheel on it, beefier bash plate and some Barkbusters and has ridden with me in the Flinders Ranges, Kennedy Ranges, Helena & Aurora Ranges and forests all around Perth. We regularly do overnight trips and he straps soft luggage to it and away we go. It might not hammer through the rough stuff but it gets through just the same. I have ridden it and it feels a bit like a DR650. With a few mods (like most adventure ADVs and dual sports) they will do the trick if you aren't frightened to get them dirty.
I was wondering if people did modify the Ducati Scrambler with a 21" front wheel , so I am glad to hear it is being done. I think that would make all the difference to make the bike a great all around bike.
Scramblers as ADV bikes are simply what Nakeds are to Sports Tourers/Supersports; Nakeds can tour and also go to track days. Different strokes for different folks, do and ride whatever makes you happy. Variety is the spice of life.
In the 1960s I had a Honda 305 scrambler, I’m now on a home built Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 scrambler. At 75 I love the low 31” seat height. My scrambler has luggage, Himalayan windshield, knobby tires, high front fender, aux fuel, hand guards and a bash plate. All I need for dirt and gravel roads.
I own both a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled and an Aprilia Tuareg 660. The key advantage of the Ducati is it's simplicity. Air cooled oil cooled, low center of gravity and low seat height, lesser weight. The advantages of the Tuareg is cruise control for the highway trips between the off road excursions, windscreen for those highway trips between the off road excursions. Liquid cooled, can sit in traffic and not get hot, and bigger fuel tank. Adventure bikes and scramblers and most all bike have become too specialized. The manufacturers figured that out. Now you need 2 or 3 bikes because each is so specialized; so they want us to think.
That’s the world we live in - choices…. Over 40 years ago I started windsurfing with one board and one sail. In 8 years I had four boards, six sails, five masts and three booms. All for differing water conditions and wind strengths…. I needed a trailer to take them to the beach. And you thought it was just plain water. I now have one bike (R1250GS - will never go off road, but is going around France in the summer), no windsurfers, but two boats… Thank god there’s just not enough room in the garage for a classic SP370 or that a Desert Sled…
I'm glad I'm not the only one that takes hourly breaks on a longer bike trip. Even if I don't need gas just stopping for a few minutes to walk around and stretch keeps me going for longer periods if I were to ride straight through to mi destination. And it's just more enjoyable IMO.
I think the scramblers will replace over half of the adv market. For most adv riders don't really go to far off the beaten path. Cheers mate a good one
That's why Moto Guzzi V85TT it's such a success in the global market. Fresh Air, old scramblar retro desain. Only issue is wheit. If Piaggio group release Moto Guzzi V550 Tutto Terreno or V45, whit V85TT looks that will be unicorn :) MG engine is so good in the low revs, like a tractor!
Two years ago I sold my KLR and bought a Scrambler desert sled. I put some sort of aggressive tires on it and rode down some fire roads. It scared the crap out of me! The front end would just push and slide. I came close to dropping it 3 times in 5 miles. Like you I loved the looks of the bike and just didn't want to ding it up. It was actually a really fun light weight street bike that cornered wonderfully and had the esthetic of a 70's Yamaha 500. Great retro bike. But I sold it and bought a KLR again. The fact is, I will ride the KLR anywhere, travel to my destination, camp off it, throw it off a cliff if necessary. Its my go to long range ADV bike. I don't care if its missing plaint, has broken plastic and is a turd quite frankly. It has a tractor motor and goes almost anywhere. Sob.... I do miss that beautiful duck though!
Honestly, it sounds like you did not set the suspension up properly. I rode enduro bikes for a few years. Last year I bought a Desert Sled. In many situations it does as well as my previous bikes did. As far as gravel and fire roads, it rips. Pushing and sliding are not an issue for me.
The 19" front wheel on the Desert Sled was a non-starter for the reasons you noted. I had a 21" wheel assy installed and put knobbies on both ends of my 2020 Sled. To make that work for a standard human frame I slid the fork tubes through the head and crown. It now feels and functions near enough to my '67 Triumph 650 C-Model which, with all the engineering progress since then, makes it comfortable and predictable. I'm in the SE corner of Arizona and plan to ride this until I'm 80 - that's next year.
This is great way to present the information. For me I finally figured out the equation that works. I took what I actually ride (not what I think I want to ride) percentage of usage on road over 65, under 65, dirt, single track, hard enduro, river bed riding, sand. Then I weighted that with what I have experience doing in my past, mostly dirt riding under 55 mpg from the age of 9 - 16. I bought a Ducati desert sled and people would stop me everywhere but little stuff made me not trust it. Stuff would vibrate loose, I has 2 flat tires in 2 months on a ride. I've never had a flat on a ride in my life! Then I started riding a bunch of bikes to see what fit me like 150 XRL KTM 390 ADV, GSA 1250, KTM 500 EXC-F, 690, 701 and Africa Twin 1100. I ended up with 150 XRL for my daughter (which I ride too) KTM 500 EXC-F for mostly dirt days (so light and flickable) I will learn harder single track on in and then go back to the trail with the Africa Twin 1100 (which is just a huge bike dirt bike with the power of a crotch rocket.) The twins weakness is mud, road rides over 80 for 3 hours or more (due to the tires I have) and ruts on aggressive down hill since there is a point where you don't have enough traction for the weight of the bike and you loose the ability to slow your roll. I just avoid the steep stuff in mud with ruts with the twin, or send it and pray
There were scramblers in the 70’s. Back then they were just street bikes with upswept pipes. Today the range of off road capability varies greatly in these “scramblers”. For any one with adventure touring aspirations I would first check fuel capacity. A lot of these scramblers have tiny tanks. Another thing I would check is the compatibility for luggage systems. When I bought my Himalayan I didn’t want bags because I wanted to make it more suitable for trail riding. Two years later, I have lockable aluminum panniers, which I love. When I go to another ADV rally with trail riding I’ll leave the panniers in the hotel room.
I'm tempted by the lower centre of gravity for off road as a confidence boost. I think I can do without the higher ground clearance on the terrain I ride.
I grew up with the original Scrambler bike fad,, craze,, movement, whatever you want to call it. To say I'm a bit smitten 😘, is an understatement!! That said, w/a few little tweaks anyone of the New Scrambler bikes could become the new "Swiss Army Knife" machine in your stable 🙌💯. And Solid,,!!, you are one of the BEST on the Tube. 🙏🏻Thank you. Cheers 🍻, G . in beautiful Boulder City Nv, USA 🇺🇸
Buy used. It's much easier to commit to doing your own valve checks and parking lot learning exercises when you aren't emotionally tied to the bike and you don't have a few years of sizable payments ahead of you. It's especially satisfying when you get a great deal on a bike that satisfies your requirements but has fallen into disfavour in the marketplace.
Only bonus of my duel sport xl250 is its light weight, good off road and in the woods, also makes it good in the city with cars. Scramblers are a good compromise bike for those that feel no need for going flat out or jumps in dirt. Asthetics are personal, the orginal Himmy still has the look, if not the hp.
I currently ride a Honda Africa twin 1000. Love it but..... When I rode the Ducati desert sled it gave me more off road confidence and more road confidence through the twists. I've seen reviews where an owner owned a t7 and a desert sled and remarked that the Ds was better in the technical terrain. Alot of scrambler bikes are seriously lacking in the suspension department but some like you mentioned are pretty dam good. Another thing about all these adventure bikes when you drop them the fairings can get badly damaged. Again the desert sled has a visard plastic which can be easily replaced
In a country like India, with unpredictable road conditions, another thing about scramblers that really help is the ability of the headlights turning in the direction of the front wheel. It's a really big advantage after dark, to be able to clearly see where you are going.
unpredictable road condition is the exact reason I wanted a scrambler (I ended up being semi-gifted an '09 BMW G650GS, which doesn't have the look but has similar function). Our road maintenance in my neck of the roads is SHIT, and "back" roads (ie to a mate's place!) can become dirt or gravel unpredictably. I mostly want a road bike! But I want something that can respond to that kind of road condition, too! And, heck, if I feel like going down a fire trail...I can! :D
I own a Fantic Caballero 500 Rally, one year now. It does great job on and off road so far, I'm very satisfied with that scrambler. If i can say a negative it would be the windy highway! Nothing else!
@@leeroykelly781I have made only 5000km and so far the engine seems reliable. Since I did the first, 2000km the engine started to behave much better. I had a minor issue with the clutch plate, but it was a fault of my mechanic from the dealership, he did put in a wrong viscosity engine oil!!!!😵💫
I bought my Triumph Scrambler 1200XC new in 2020 and have averaged about 30k/year since I've had it. I live and work in the hinterlands of southern California's Mojave Desert, and the machine has proven to be ideal for my uses. Between recreational riding and commuting to work I travel on about an 70/30 mix of paved/unimproved road surfaces. I have had a few brief forays into more technical offroad riding but have found the 1200XC to be a bit of a pig when I'm in anything deeper than about four inches of loose sand (although admittedly, this is probably more of an indictment of my own lack of ability rather than any deficiency in the Triumph). Many of your assessments of Scramblers in this video I have found to be spot-on. You're particularly accurate when talking about the aesthetic appeal of the bike. No matter where I ride my Scrambler, I'm besieged by people that range from gawkers to nods and thumbs-up and hipster chicks seem to be attracted like moths to a flame. Sure, there are occasions when I wonder if I wouldn't be more comfortable on an adventure bike with more amenities and fairings, but then again, it would pretty much defeat the purpose of riding a motorcycle in general in my mind. If I really want to keep the wind and other elements off of me and enjoy a heated seat, I'll drive my car instead of the bike.
I bought TVS Ronin 225, as my beginner bike, a "scrambler" with adventure and cruise/naked bike DNA. Its jack of all trade, master of none.. Its one of a kind straight from factory.. Hope it serve me well and full of joy.
THANK YOU! I have sold my 900 Street Scrambler and my Tiger 900Gt; I now have the Triumph Scrambler 1200X 2024; This will be my unicorn bike. Its got a 15ltr tank, I have put on a windshield, rear rack, heated handgrips, Barkbusters, a small tank bag and lower crash bars. I am Fkn ready for adventure and for me its Dirt Roads and mostly sealed...So thanks for sharing.....David....Adelaide....Triumph Scrambler 1200X...one bike for all!
I pretty much use my Royal Enfield classic 350 as a go anywhere bike. I still have the stock tyres on it too. Works fine. Obviously I'm not hitting 60 foot triples on it. I think we sometimes get too caught up in our heads that this bike can do that, and this bike is for this. Just ride guys! Knees in the breeze!
I still remember when a Range rover or the original land rover Discovery were actually very off-road capable & now look at them!. The same can be said about many or even most adventure bikes. Many of the new breed of scramblers are starting to fill the gap that the over complicated, over priced & over weight adventure bikes have left behind. Not to mention that they actually look like motorcycles.
I used to have too large expectations as to off road riding. Now, at 62, I understand I will never be able to do what, I see, pro riders can. This is why I believe that realistically, with my skills, a scrambler would be more than enough to enjoy a "semi" off road situation (< 5%) and enjoy my on road (>95%) normal riding.
What sold me on the Triumph 1200 XE was a video of 2 guys comparing it to the Africa twin, their goal in the video was to go up a mountain, cut down a Christmas tree, and come back. At the end of the video, both guys said they would prefer to take the Triumph over the Africa Twin. Another video was the guy doing the Mexican 100 rally, which I believe you have clips of in this video at 4:12. It seems to all come down to your individual skill. Sure, you might not be able to do a single track, but tearing ass across the desert looks like too much fun!
For a moment I thought I was looking at my near new 74 TS185 or later new, & handsome, Red 77 DT400 monoshock (loved that bike). Those were the days of new-found freedoms. Old x-military lace up boots, a pair of blue jeans and I can't remember if I even wore a jacket or not. I can still remember carrying salt with us to peel the leaches off after getting out of the swamp. Before burning real sausages over the red coals. And then crashing in the back of my XY van. (before someone else did). Never carried cameras, we thought it would never end I suppose.
I've never gelled with the ADV look & dual sports aren't great for the long road rides I have just to get to the dirt. So scramblers make the most sense to me. Last year I threw some 50/50 tyres onto my Yamaha Scorpio for some cheap off road fun. I also recently took a Lioncino 500 with road tyres down a few gravel roads & it was surprisingly easy to confidently ride at speed, despite the lack of grip. I am now selling my Ninja & a kidney to upgrade to a real factory scrambler after these experiences. And as for luggage, get the Kriega US Drypacks, or the Rhinowalk equivalent if you're on a budget. The 10l is always on whatever bike I'm riding, and it can fit the 30l plus 2 20l bags inside it, giving me 80l of storage if I need to do the weekly shopping on the way home from work.
I remember when BMW took up the trend in building Urban Jungle bikes. After a street bike had trashed its panels and exhaust, a naked was born. BMW made a Rockster based on the OilHead boxer. I think the Street Triple was a born from trend too.
I don't have a bike for offroad that's why I converted my CG125 into a scrambler. Best decision of I've ever made so far. It can go anywhere can ride on any roads without problems specially in the mountain trails, well it all depends on the driver anyway. For someone like me who can't afford those big adv's, a converted small bike scrambler is perfect.
Hi, great video. It is the very one about acrambler vs ADV bikes I have seen. Another advantage of the scramblers is its weight, they are much lighter than an ADV with the same cc. Congs. for this excellent video from Argentina.
I've been saying for years that the Ducati DS is an amazing adventure bike. Especially after fitting 21/18 wheels. I've bought and sold so many actual "adventure" bikes but kept the DS
I like your comment about having a bike that you are emotionally connected with. If you love the look, feel, and performance of the bike you will love riding it. I'm looking forward to more reviews of the Triumph Scrambler 400X.
@@briandyson7800 I can't wait for this lot to get to our age, {i'm in my early 60"s, been riding on and off road for 45 of those} to get to our age and realise it's only your body that gets old, I know I can out ride most of these "experts", I have mates in their 70's that have motorcycle championships under their belt and still racing, but let them dribble on, they'll find out soon enough...
Had been riding one for years.. did TAT on it, multiple BDRs, will do CDR on it too. ..as for your points scramblers have lower seat too, another pro point
Fantic Caballero 500 Rally is holy grail. I'm biased because I own one, but you get 40HP, but it weights more like 250cm, not 450. 160kg with full tank or even less with some upgrades. Quality parts: arrow, domino, tomaselli, bybre. Reliable engine (yes it's chinese, similiar engine can be found in kove 450 dakar moto), adjustable suspension, exhaust shots :D, michelin anakee tires, MY24 has many improvements: new engine map, heavier flywheel, led blinkers, new full led front light, new gauge with current gear info, bigger rear mudguard. 200mm suspension travel, super fun when doing offroad, you cannot drop it XD as it is so light you will always prevent that ;). around 6 sec. 0-100kmh, vmax circa 150-160 kmh. full size bike and in the same time super light, scrambler and in the same time lightweight adv Forget about Tenere 700, desert sled etc. here you get real fun that does not weight >200kg, as this kills all fun. It's like a mix of best qulities of crf300 and desert sled. Cheers and have fun, go back to basics and just enjoy it!
Great subject! I wanted an off-road capable bike that wasn't a dirt bike. I had a DRZ 400, and should have just kept it. I tried the Husky Svartpilen and beat the crap out of it - no suspension travel, and not upgradeable. I tried an Indian FTR off-road - not enough clearance, too heavy. I have a Triumph 1200 XE which is supremely capable, but top-heavy and hard to pick up. Still have that one, but it stays mostly on the road, now. Got an Aprilia Tuareg, which is truly a do-everything bike, but still pretty heavy, and now looking for something lighter still......Waiting on the new Triumph dirt bikes coming later in the year.....
Solid, I fell in love with the looks of the Ducati you used in the thumbnail. They had one at my local dealership, but they wanted a small fortune for it.
I have a 2009 BMW G650 xcountry, a rather rare scrambler from the German makers. It's such a good all rounder, weighing only 160kg wet, it can go many places with ease. I've personally put 14k km on it and it won't be going anywhere soon.
Riding a bike is indeed a "visceral and emotional experience..."because in the "western" markets, few of us ride a motorcycle because we have to--and that is a privilege I do not take for granted. My last 3 motorcycle purchases were born out of pure emotion. Two were purchased with a deposit, and never test ridden. Yeah, you forfeit your ability to negotiate on price, but in the end, I'd rather feed my soul than my bank account.
Most people don't travel across country on an Adventure bike but they like to fantasize about it. I believe smaller adventure bikes can do more than the big bikes, definitely more off road capable and will eventually take the majority of the market. Scramblers could IF they have a good suspension travel. BTW my "adventure" bike is a KTM 500EXC-f...with 9" of travel.
Back in the day scramblers or motorcycles turned to scramblers by simply changing the wheels to more offroad oriented use were perfectly suited for adventure riding, they were just standard motorcycle modified to the user needs. Nowadays I think people lost a bit of that sense of adventure, they want fairings , tall screens, heated grips, huge panniers to bring many unnecessary things..yes I know, its nice to be comfortable but In my eye you end up just a shy less in money and comfort in buying a Small offroad capable car and do the trip in it.
Off subject, but I am all over the place on this topic. I have the crf300, and I might get something lighter in the future. I agree that these scramblers are appealing if they fit your needs
1200xc as much first bike. I immediately went off road with 90/10 tires in mud and sand. I'm not a good rider, yet, but the bike seemed to handle that slippery crap quite well. It hammers around terrible roads like they are well paved.
You read my mind 😂😂 the RE Scram 411 is a case in point (talk is that it will soon inherit the 450 motor as in the Himalayan). Versatility and ease of riding 😎
Looks good to me the 300l is a little tall I’ve dropped it when stepping off at the worst times when people are watching get my boot caught on my rack bag. A scrambler would suit me!
After being disappointed with the looks of the Himalayan but wanting the same performance, I've ended up looking at the triumph scrambler 400x lately. It has that retro look still, strong performance, and while it is an extra $2000 it comes with a lot of upgrades like the bark busters, LED headlight, and skidplate from factory, meaning its only about $1000 extra in the end.
I been contemplating downsizing from my adv. Bike to the honda scl500, and if I do I will need to change the suspension, raise it up 2 more inches, and relocate the exhaust in order to meet my needs.
A Detail I know, but the wider/flatter tyres fitted to many NewAge Scramblers when used on actual gravel roads suck big time. As they're simply too flat, and roll along on top of the gravel providing little grip. For newer riders this can be dangerous. Depending on the bike there maybe some more pointed tyre's as an option, but sometime the rims are just too wide, or the tyre selection just isn't there...
Poms/Europeans of a certain age will remember the 1970s 50cc Fantic Caballero which gamed the regulations to be rideable at 16 rather than 17. I never managed to get one but never forgot that first love. Fast forward 40 years and I have the Scrambler in red just like the og. I sold the Tenere 700 and my other bikes mostly gather dust in the shed. To be fair, the Tenere is a better ADV/Tourer, my old Honda NX650 better on really rough tracks. The only gripe I have with the Fantic is the non adjustable forks (more basic than the Rally version) are really harsh. But on the most important measure; grins per km, there is no contest.
I'm 6,000 miles and three weeks into a tour of America and Canada on my Bonneville. Spend less time on youtube looking for the perfect adventure bike and more time riding what you have. Bonnie has gotten me to all the same places as my buddy's KTM 950 with just a skit plate, tires, and knuckle guards, and as a backpacker all my gear fits. STAY PSYCHED!
I got hooked to offroad riding on my Urban GS (not a good bike to learn off-road riding on in hindsight...) - But I did manage Desert Raid 2021 on it , out to well 5 on the Canning and I only fractured a rib... -- I always wanted a classic looking bike that performs like a KTM and that's how I ended up with my Husky 901 :)
Scramblers aren't for me but I can see where some people would like them. Not enough fuel capacity, no luggage rack and often not enough suspension travel or ground clearance for me. What I really want is a big thumper dual sport that's more comfortable on the road, with a generous rear rack and a ridiculously large fuel tank.
The perfect bike for you is a decision only you and nobody else makes. It all depends on your physical, financial, personal and other considerations as well as what you are going to do with the machine.
after running my T7 over 70 000 klms through out south America what you say here is 80% correct .. im old school MX racer into ADV bike thing never again would I do the ADV bike "thing" even down to the / That jacket bullshit .. my T7 is for sale in Panama if anyone wants it :) old guys with tooo much $$$ my time again very different bike ..I am back there to live permanently Venezuela . im 60 and rode as much off road as possible staying as far as I could from where most ADV riders go . thats how I roll
and yet BMW seems to have gotten ride of their RNineT Scrambler and Urban GS this year. A shame, cause your video presents a good argument for buying a decent scrambler, and I think the Urban GS is better yet again.
Very good points made here Solid. I personally owned a Triumph 1200 XE, bought mainly on good looks and high specs. Awesome bike took it on a 3000 miles round trip across part of the US to camp at the Sturgis Rally. Travel light, it will work just fine. But my dreams of supersizing a first gen KLR outfitted with panniers came back to haunt me for my travel needs. The 22 Africa Twin made its way in the stable, the big shinny Triumph went to my mate, where it sits and gets 100 miles per year. Well, it wasn't long before another scrambler came back in the garage, this time a Ducati Desert Sled. I LOVE it. Perfect power for my skills, overall handling, sound from the pipe. I rode it so often last summer I ended up selling my CRF300L. Too slow on road, too porky on trails for my skills. Sherco 125 two stroke was the answer to me. I like to add where I live, northern Michigan, I have plenty of trails for off roading, gravel roads and two tracks where I can blast my Ducati, and we need to take our big bikes on the freeway to get out of state. I always liked the classic motorcycle look, the 70 & 80 UJM, and also the big adventure bikes from the Dakar era I grew up watching every year as a kid.
I reckon many scramblers are more adv capable than any of the heavyweights, simpler because they are stripped back and lighter - easier to ride on dirt. They're almost, but not quite, pretty, slightly heavier dual sports with a road bias. 😂 I'd be worried about ruining the looks, but no more than I would on any expensive adv bike. I'm sure crash bars, etc will be available. For now, I'm going to stick with my chookie, but only because I currently want a stronger dirt bias. Next time I might have that out of my system. Or not. 🤷
I went with a DesertX, absolutely love it. 10k miles in under 10 months. I currently have Scorpion Trail II tires on it and been riding it SuperMoto style. 😂
@briangc1972 The Trail II tires are AWESOME on asphalt. I found the stock Trail STRs would get greasy in the Texas heat (110deg temps). The IIs don't get greasy. The IIs turn the DDX into a wheelie machine on the street too.
@@jamescampbell4334 I have Metzler Torrance Next 2 on another bike and they are on par with the Trail II. I'm having trouble deciding which I like better since they are not on the same bike.
Can you recommend the best scrambler under 1000cc for long distance touring out of say Royal Enfield, triumph, and the Ducati 800 range? Comfort mostly, followed by fuel range?
I don’t think it’s about can the ADV do what a scrambler or enduro do off road, it’s about the ADV bringing some touring ability ( wind proof / comfort / range) to s scrambler- scramblers are cool for short blasts and look cool but if you want to tour primarily with fire track to off the best places the ADV does it all- think the V85TT has the best cool factor ADV?
I think 🤔 you have mostly nailed it on the head with the Negative aspects to Scramblers , ie Tank range or size , carrying capacity ( one ☝️ thing that you probably were alluding to is with a high pipe on one side ) and comfort I had a Ducati Scrambler and it’s seat was like a motocross seat or plank of 4by 2 😂😂😂, also so another one no wind protection. I think also we have to class off scramblers 1 “ the pretend Scramblers that talks the talk - in looks ! , but doesn’t walk the walk in off road performance, and the “ real Scramblers like 👍 the Triumph 1200 XC , Unfortunately the now not made Ducati Desert sled , the Frantic that you tested , also the new off road version of the Triumph 400. Still all the main negatives to to much a down side for me I sold my Ducati Scrambler only after 1/1/2 years . A few bikes latter and I have a Moto Guzzi V85tt , it’s a new class Retro Enduro “ , large tank range , shaft drive - no chain maintenance, comfortable seat , cruise control and it looks cool 😎. I also have a 300 Rally for my snotty riding .
The original adventure bike the rlR80 G/S looks more scrambler than adventure bike today. Great bike. Low centre of gravity rugged. A bit more like a WW2 dispatch rider sort sort of riding vs MX
90% of "adventure" riders spend the most time on forest roads and unpaved rural roads - NOT demanding trails. Scramblers are the perfect "gravel" bikes! In addition, 90% of ADV riders should be taking the "bypass" on the worst trails anyway - since they are WAY beyond their skills, especially on overpowered and overweight adventure models.
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Honestly I don't get the pointing fingers attitude in the motorcycle community... you can literally drive any bike anywhere, just some more comfortably than others... you choose what you want/like and nobody should influence you
My thoughts exactly... This whole discussion makes almost 0 sense
The people pointing the finger think they made a superior choice, therefore making them feel superior than their fellow riders. It is quite annoying, but it’s also just human nature.
I have a mate who has a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, he put a 21" front wheel on it, beefier bash plate and some Barkbusters and has ridden with me in the Flinders Ranges, Kennedy Ranges, Helena & Aurora Ranges and forests all around Perth. We regularly do overnight trips and he straps soft luggage to it and away we go. It might not hammer through the rough stuff but it gets through just the same. I have ridden it and it feels a bit like a DR650. With a few mods (like most adventure ADVs and dual sports) they will do the trick if you aren't frightened to get them dirty.
I was wondering if people did modify the Ducati Scrambler with a 21" front wheel , so I am glad to hear it is being done. I think that would make all the difference to make the bike a great all around bike.
If they were as DIY as a DR I’d be on one but dealers are too few and the high turnover of mechanics in most service dept’s is a big concern.
Scramblers as ADV bikes are simply what Nakeds are to Sports Tourers/Supersports; Nakeds can tour and also go to track days. Different strokes for different folks, do and ride whatever makes you happy. Variety is the spice of life.
In the 1960s I had a Honda 305 scrambler, I’m now on a home built Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 scrambler. At 75 I love the low 31” seat height. My scrambler has luggage, Himalayan windshield, knobby tires, high front fender, aux fuel, hand guards and a bash plate. All I need for dirt and gravel roads.
I'm an odd one with a street twin with dot knobbies.
I need photos sounds amazing
Sounds amazing, I need photos
I was about to say, Honda have built scrambles since the 60's
I love the look of a good scrambler, the Fantics especially.
Nailed it! I have the Triumph Steve McQueen limited edition 1200XE. Magnificent bike.
I own both a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled and an Aprilia Tuareg 660. The key advantage of the Ducati is it's simplicity. Air cooled oil cooled, low center of gravity and low seat height, lesser weight. The advantages of the Tuareg is cruise control for the highway trips between the off road excursions, windscreen for those highway trips between the off road excursions. Liquid cooled, can sit in traffic and not get hot, and bigger fuel tank. Adventure bikes and scramblers and most all bike have become too specialized. The manufacturers figured that out. Now you need 2 or 3 bikes because each is so specialized; so they want us to think.
That’s the world we live in - choices….
Over 40 years ago I started windsurfing with one board and one sail. In 8 years I had four boards, six sails, five masts and three booms. All for differing water conditions and wind strengths…. I needed a trailer to take them to the beach.
And you thought it was just plain water.
I now have one bike (R1250GS - will never go off road, but is going around France in the summer), no windsurfers, but two boats…
Thank god there’s just not enough room in the garage for a classic SP370 or that a Desert Sled…
@@PhilbyFavourites You just haven't figured out the 3D puzzle known as "how many can you fit in this space?"
I'm glad I'm not the only one that takes hourly breaks on a longer bike trip. Even if I don't need gas just stopping for a few minutes to walk around and stretch keeps me going for longer periods if I were to ride straight through to mi destination. And it's just more enjoyable IMO.
same same but every 2 hours i stop for a small coffee from my thermos and i find 8 hour day doable and enjoyable
I think the scramblers will replace over half of the adv market. For most adv riders don't really go to far off the beaten path. Cheers mate a good one
Well put. That's why I love the scrambler.
That's why Moto Guzzi V85TT it's such a success in the global market. Fresh Air, old scramblar retro desain. Only issue is wheit. If Piaggio group release Moto Guzzi V550 Tutto Terreno or V45, whit V85TT looks that will be unicorn :) MG engine is so good in the low revs, like a tractor!
Two years ago I sold my KLR and bought a Scrambler desert sled. I put some sort of aggressive tires on it and rode down some fire roads. It scared the crap out of me! The front end would just push and slide. I came close to dropping it 3 times in 5 miles. Like you I loved the looks of the bike and just didn't want to ding it up. It was actually a really fun light weight street bike that cornered wonderfully and had the esthetic of a 70's Yamaha 500. Great retro bike. But I sold it and bought a KLR again. The fact is, I will ride the KLR anywhere, travel to my destination, camp off it, throw it off a cliff if necessary. Its my go to long range ADV bike. I don't care if its missing plaint, has broken plastic and is a turd quite frankly. It has a tractor motor and goes almost anywhere.
Sob.... I do miss that beautiful duck though!
Honestly, it sounds like you did not set the suspension up properly. I rode enduro bikes for a few years. Last year I bought a Desert Sled. In many situations it does as well as my previous bikes did. As far as gravel and fire roads, it rips. Pushing and sliding are not an issue for me.
The 19" front wheel on the Desert Sled was a non-starter for the reasons you noted. I had a 21" wheel assy installed and put knobbies on both ends of my 2020 Sled. To make that work for a standard human frame I slid the fork tubes through the head and crown. It now feels and functions near enough to my '67 Triumph 650 C-Model which, with all the engineering progress since then, makes it comfortable and predictable. I'm in the SE corner of Arizona and plan to ride this until I'm 80 - that's next year.
This is great way to present the information. For me I finally figured out the equation that works.
I took what I actually ride (not what I think I want to ride) percentage of usage on road over 65, under 65, dirt, single track, hard enduro, river bed riding, sand.
Then I weighted that with what I have experience doing in my past, mostly dirt riding under 55 mpg from the age of 9 - 16.
I bought a Ducati desert sled and people would stop me everywhere but little stuff made me not trust it. Stuff would vibrate loose, I has 2 flat tires in 2 months on a ride. I've never had a flat on a ride in my life! Then I started riding a bunch of bikes to see what fit me like 150 XRL KTM 390 ADV, GSA 1250, KTM 500 EXC-F, 690, 701 and Africa Twin 1100.
I ended up with 150 XRL for my daughter (which I ride too) KTM 500 EXC-F for mostly dirt days (so light and flickable) I will learn harder single track on in and then go back to the trail with the Africa Twin 1100 (which is just a huge bike dirt bike with the power of a crotch rocket.) The twins weakness is mud, road rides over 80 for 3 hours or more (due to the tires I have) and ruts on aggressive down hill since there is a point where you don't have enough traction for the weight of the bike and you loose the ability to slow your roll. I just avoid the steep stuff in mud with ruts with the twin, or send it and pray
There were scramblers in the 70’s. Back then they were just street bikes with upswept pipes. Today the range of off road capability varies greatly in these “scramblers”. For any one with adventure touring aspirations I would first check fuel capacity. A lot of these scramblers have tiny tanks. Another thing I would check is the compatibility for luggage systems. When I bought my Himalayan I didn’t want bags because I wanted to make it more suitable for trail riding. Two years later, I have lockable aluminum panniers, which I love. When I go to another ADV rally with trail riding I’ll leave the panniers in the hotel room.
I'm tempted by the lower centre of gravity for off road as a confidence boost. I think I can do without the higher ground clearance on the terrain I ride.
I grew up with the original Scrambler bike fad,, craze,, movement, whatever you want to call it.
To say I'm a bit smitten 😘, is an understatement!!
That said, w/a few little tweaks anyone of the New Scrambler bikes could become the new "Swiss Army Knife" machine in your stable 🙌💯.
And Solid,,!!,
you are one of the BEST on the Tube.
🙏🏻Thank you.
Cheers 🍻, G .
in beautiful Boulder City Nv, USA 🇺🇸
Buy used. It's much easier to commit to doing your own valve checks and parking lot learning exercises when you aren't emotionally tied to the bike and you don't have a few years of sizable payments ahead of you. It's especially satisfying when you get a great deal on a bike that satisfies your requirements but has fallen into disfavour in the marketplace.
Only bonus of my duel sport xl250 is its light weight, good off road and in the woods, also makes it good in the city with cars. Scramblers are a good compromise bike for those that feel no need for going flat out or jumps in dirt. Asthetics are personal, the orginal Himmy still has the look, if not the hp.
I currently ride a Honda Africa twin 1000. Love it but.....
When I rode the Ducati desert sled it gave me more off road confidence and more road confidence through the twists.
I've seen reviews where an owner owned a t7 and a desert sled and remarked that the Ds was better in the technical terrain.
Alot of scrambler bikes are seriously lacking in the suspension department but some like you mentioned are pretty dam good.
Another thing about all these adventure bikes when you drop them the fairings can get badly damaged. Again the desert sled has a visard plastic which can be easily replaced
In a country like India, with unpredictable road conditions, another thing about scramblers that really help is the ability of the headlights turning in the direction of the front wheel. It's a really big advantage after dark, to be able to clearly see where you are going.
unpredictable road condition is the exact reason I wanted a scrambler (I ended up being semi-gifted an '09 BMW G650GS, which doesn't have the look but has similar function). Our road maintenance in my neck of the roads is SHIT, and "back" roads (ie to a mate's place!) can become dirt or gravel unpredictably. I mostly want a road bike! But I want something that can respond to that kind of road condition, too! And, heck, if I feel like going down a fire trail...I can! :D
I own a Fantic Caballero 500 Rally, one year now. It does great job on and off road so far, I'm very satisfied with that scrambler. If i can say a negative it would be the windy highway! Nothing else!
How’s the reliability and maintenance? I’ve been looking at that bike recent, not as a “next bike” but just out of curiosity.
@@leeroykelly781I have made only 5000km and so far the engine seems reliable. Since I did the first, 2000km the engine started to behave much better. I had a minor issue with the clutch plate, but it was a fault of my mechanic from the dealership, he did put in a wrong viscosity engine oil!!!!😵💫
my first registerable bike was a new 1970 Honda SL450, precursor to the modern scrambler craze
Bet you wish you still had it. I had the late 70’s XL125 twin shock. A lot slower but so easy to pick up.
SL350, you mean?
CL 450 was a scrambler
@@clintwilliams5512 Right, not SL.
I bought my Triumph Scrambler 1200XC new in 2020 and have averaged about 30k/year since I've had it. I live and work in the hinterlands of southern California's Mojave Desert, and the machine has proven to be ideal for my uses. Between recreational riding and commuting to work I travel on about an 70/30 mix of paved/unimproved road surfaces. I have had a few brief forays into more technical offroad riding but have found the 1200XC to be a bit of a pig when I'm in anything deeper than about four inches of loose sand (although admittedly, this is probably more of an indictment of my own lack of ability rather than any deficiency in the Triumph). Many of your assessments of Scramblers in this video I have found to be spot-on. You're particularly accurate when talking about the aesthetic appeal of the bike. No matter where I ride my Scrambler, I'm besieged by people that range from gawkers to nods and thumbs-up and hipster chicks seem to be attracted like moths to a flame. Sure, there are occasions when I wonder if I wouldn't be more comfortable on an adventure bike with more amenities and fairings, but then again, it would pretty much defeat the purpose of riding a motorcycle in general in my mind. If I really want to keep the wind and other elements off of me and enjoy a heated seat, I'll drive my car instead of the bike.
I bought TVS Ronin 225, as my beginner bike, a "scrambler" with adventure and cruise/naked bike DNA. Its jack of all trade, master of none.. Its one of a kind straight from factory.. Hope it serve me well and full of joy.
THANK YOU! I have sold my 900 Street Scrambler and my Tiger 900Gt; I now have the Triumph Scrambler 1200X 2024; This will be my unicorn bike. Its got a 15ltr tank, I have put on a windshield, rear rack, heated handgrips, Barkbusters, a small tank bag and lower crash bars. I am Fkn ready for adventure and for me its Dirt Roads and mostly sealed...So thanks for sharing.....David....Adelaide....Triumph Scrambler 1200X...one bike for all!
Replace the bash plate. They switched to plastic on the X.
Its on order @@logangodofcandy
Yep a twin 500 with a 19 inch front with decent ground clearance would be great for most of the off-road riding I do
Love my Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE for all the good reasons you stated. I keep a DR650 for the real narly stuff 👍
Well, a Desert Sled has been on a rtw trip - I think a guy called Henry Crew was the youngest guy ever to do it
I pretty much use my Royal Enfield classic 350 as a go anywhere bike. I still have the stock tyres on it too. Works fine. Obviously I'm not hitting 60 foot triples on it. I think we sometimes get too caught up in our heads that this bike can do that, and this bike is for this. Just ride guys! Knees in the breeze!
I still remember when a Range rover or the original land rover Discovery were actually very off-road capable & now look at them!.
The same can be said about many or even most adventure bikes. Many of the new breed of scramblers are starting to fill the gap that the over complicated, over priced & over weight adventure bikes have left behind. Not to mention that they actually look like motorcycles.
A scrambler is a jack of all trades and an ace at none ... Like me 😎😉
I still like the Husky Svartpillen. Great for a weekend cruise on dirt or street. Really inexpensive too.
I used to have too large expectations as to off road riding. Now, at 62, I understand I will never be able to do what, I see, pro riders can. This is why I believe that realistically, with my skills, a scrambler would be more than enough to enjoy a "semi" off road situation (< 5%) and enjoy my on road (>95%) normal riding.
What sold me on the Triumph 1200 XE was a video of 2 guys comparing it to the Africa twin, their goal in the video was to go up a mountain, cut down a Christmas tree, and come back. At the end of the video, both guys said they would prefer to take the Triumph over the Africa Twin.
Another video was the guy doing the Mexican 100 rally, which I believe you have clips of in this video at 4:12. It seems to all come down to your individual skill. Sure, you might not be able to do a single track, but tearing ass across the desert looks like too much fun!
For a moment I thought I was looking at my near new 74 TS185 or later new, & handsome, Red 77 DT400 monoshock (loved that bike). Those were the days of new-found freedoms. Old x-military lace up boots, a pair of blue jeans and I can't remember if I even wore a jacket or not.
I can still remember carrying salt with us to peel the leaches off after getting out of the swamp. Before burning real sausages over the red coals. And then crashing in the back of my XY van. (before someone else did). Never carried cameras, we thought it would never end I suppose.
I've never gelled with the ADV look & dual sports aren't great for the long road rides I have just to get to the dirt. So scramblers make the most sense to me.
Last year I threw some 50/50 tyres onto my Yamaha Scorpio for some cheap off road fun. I also recently took a Lioncino 500 with road tyres down a few gravel roads & it was surprisingly easy to confidently ride at speed, despite the lack of grip. I am now selling my Ninja & a kidney to upgrade to a real factory scrambler after these experiences.
And as for luggage, get the Kriega US Drypacks, or the Rhinowalk equivalent if you're on a budget. The 10l is always on whatever bike I'm riding, and it can fit the 30l plus 2 20l bags inside it, giving me 80l of storage if I need to do the weekly shopping on the way home from work.
Kidneys are overrated! Enjoy the new bike 😎
I remember when BMW took up the trend in building Urban Jungle bikes. After a street bike had trashed its panels and exhaust, a naked was born. BMW made a Rockster based on the OilHead boxer. I think the Street Triple was a born from trend too.
“…. pensioner eclipse….” Almost had me blowing my morning coffee out my nose 😆😆😆. Hilariously accurate 🤪👍!
😆😆👍
Ageist crap shits me!
I don't have a bike for offroad that's why I converted my CG125 into a scrambler. Best decision of I've ever made so far. It can go anywhere can ride on any roads without problems specially in the mountain trails, well it all depends on the driver anyway. For someone like me who can't afford those big adv's, a converted small bike scrambler is perfect.
Hi, great video. It is the very one about acrambler vs ADV bikes I have seen. Another advantage of the scramblers is its weight, they are much lighter than an ADV with the same cc. Congs. for this excellent video from Argentina.
I have a scrambler 1200 and am looking at adding a tiger 900. They're about the same weight.
Tiger 900 , 222kg
Triumph Scrambler 1200 228 kg
Tiger 1200 rally: 268 kg, 40 kg more than the scrambler 1200. @@logangodofcandy
I've been saying for years that the Ducati DS is an amazing adventure bike. Especially after fitting 21/18 wheels.
I've bought and sold so many actual "adventure" bikes but kept the DS
I like your comment about having a bike that you are emotionally connected with. If you love the look, feel, and performance of the bike you will love riding it. I'm looking forward to more reviews of the Triumph Scrambler 400X.
I grew up on a scrambler. Love the comeback.
Great video! Thank you! I can’t decide between the scrambler and adventure bike, so this video really helped
“PensionaryEclipse”….. Bravo sir…….. bravo.
👍👍
Ageist crap is completely unnecessary. I’m 68 years old and am riding the back blocks of Vietnam and Laos without a problem!
@@briandyson7800 I can't wait for this lot to get to our age, {i'm in my early 60"s, been riding on and off road for 45 of those} to get to our age and realise it's only your body that gets old, I know I can out ride most of these "experts", I have mates in their 70's that have motorcycle championships under their belt and still racing, but let them dribble on, they'll find out soon enough...
Had been riding one for years.. did TAT on it, multiple BDRs, will do CDR on it too.
..as for your points scramblers have lower seat too, another pro point
Nice point there 👍
Totally,I’ve been saying this since the 1200XE was introduced and I see it so much better than a GS
Fantic Caballero 500 Rally is holy grail. I'm biased because I own one, but you get 40HP, but it weights more like 250cm, not 450. 160kg with full tank or even less with some upgrades. Quality parts: arrow, domino, tomaselli, bybre. Reliable engine (yes it's chinese, similiar engine can be found in kove 450 dakar moto), adjustable suspension, exhaust shots :D, michelin anakee tires, MY24 has many improvements: new engine map, heavier flywheel, led blinkers, new full led front light, new gauge with current gear info, bigger rear mudguard. 200mm suspension travel, super fun when doing offroad, you cannot drop it XD as it is so light you will always prevent that ;). around 6 sec. 0-100kmh, vmax circa 150-160 kmh. full size bike and in the same time super light, scrambler and in the same time lightweight adv Forget about Tenere 700, desert sled etc. here you get real fun that does not weight >200kg, as this kills all fun. It's like a mix of best qulities of crf300 and desert sled. Cheers and have fun, go back to basics and just enjoy it!
My first bike at 10 was a scramblerized cb450 dohc, and nothing else mattered!
I love Scrambler 's.
Enduro and Motocross No. 1
Great subject! I wanted an off-road capable bike that wasn't a dirt bike. I had a DRZ 400, and should have just kept it. I tried the Husky Svartpilen and beat the crap out of it - no suspension travel, and not upgradeable. I tried an Indian FTR off-road - not enough clearance, too heavy. I have a Triumph 1200 XE which is supremely capable, but top-heavy and hard to pick up. Still have that one, but it stays mostly on the road, now. Got an Aprilia Tuareg, which is truly a do-everything bike, but still pretty heavy, and now looking for something lighter still......Waiting on the new Triumph dirt bikes coming later in the year.....
Solid, I fell in love with the looks of the Ducati you used in the thumbnail. They had one at my local dealership, but they wanted a small fortune for it.
Yep, anything with a Ducati badge you're going need a bucket of $$
I have a 2009 BMW G650 xcountry, a rather rare scrambler from the German makers. It's such a good all rounder, weighing only 160kg wet, it can go many places with ease. I've personally put 14k km on it and it won't be going anywhere soon.
Riding a bike is indeed a "visceral and emotional experience..."because in the "western" markets, few of us ride a motorcycle because we have to--and that is a privilege I do not take for granted. My last 3 motorcycle purchases were born out of pure emotion. Two were purchased with a deposit, and never test ridden. Yeah, you forfeit your ability to negotiate on price, but in the end, I'd rather feed my soul than my bank account.
Most people don't travel across country on an Adventure bike but they like to fantasize about it. I believe smaller adventure bikes can do more than the big bikes, definitely more off road capable and will eventually take the majority of the market. Scramblers could IF they have a good suspension travel. BTW my "adventure" bike is a KTM 500EXC-f...with 9" of travel.
Back in the day scramblers or motorcycles turned to scramblers by simply changing the wheels to more offroad oriented use were perfectly suited for adventure riding, they were just standard motorcycle modified to the user needs. Nowadays I think people lost a bit of that sense of adventure, they want fairings , tall screens, heated grips, huge panniers to bring many unnecessary things..yes I know, its nice to be comfortable but In my eye you end up just a shy less in money and comfort in buying a Small offroad capable car and do the trip in it.
Off subject, but I am all over the place on this topic. I have the crf300, and I might get something lighter in the future. I agree that these scramblers are appealing if they fit your needs
1200xc as much first bike. I immediately went off road with 90/10 tires in mud and sand. I'm not a good rider, yet, but the bike seemed to handle that slippery crap quite well. It hammers around terrible roads like they are well paved.
Good bid grew up with scramblers low per centage sales then they caught on. Great gravel road bikes. Of course I'm 100 yrs old
You read my mind 😂😂 the RE Scram 411 is a case in point (talk is that it will soon inherit the 450 motor as in the Himalayan). Versatility and ease of riding 😎
Looks good to me the 300l is a little tall I’ve dropped it when stepping off at the worst times when people are watching get my boot caught on my rack bag. A scrambler would suit me!
After being disappointed with the looks of the Himalayan but wanting the same performance, I've ended up looking at the triumph scrambler 400x lately. It has that retro look still, strong performance, and while it is an extra $2000 it comes with a lot of upgrades like the bark busters, LED headlight, and skidplate from factory, meaning its only about $1000 extra in the end.
Looking forward to reviewing one of those 👍
I been contemplating downsizing from my adv. Bike to the honda scl500, and if I do I will need to change the suspension, raise it up 2 more inches, and relocate the exhaust in order to meet my needs.
A Detail I know, but the wider/flatter tyres fitted to many NewAge Scramblers when used on actual gravel roads suck big time. As they're simply too flat, and roll along on top of the gravel providing little grip. For newer riders this can be dangerous. Depending on the bike there maybe some more pointed tyre's as an option, but sometime the rims are just too wide, or the tyre selection just isn't there...
Poms/Europeans of a certain age will remember the 1970s 50cc Fantic Caballero which gamed the regulations to be rideable at 16 rather than 17. I never managed to get one but never forgot that first love. Fast forward 40 years and I have the Scrambler in red just like the og. I sold the Tenere 700 and my other bikes mostly gather dust in the shed. To be fair, the Tenere is a better ADV/Tourer, my old Honda NX650 better on really rough tracks.
The only gripe I have with the Fantic is the non adjustable forks (more basic than the Rally version) are really harsh.
But on the most important measure; grins per km, there is no contest.
I love the scrambler look , but the CFMOTO 700 adv looks good , the H 710 is a future looking one
"Pensionary Eclipse" insults seniors who work. "Sudden Fog Bank" is kinder.
I'm 6,000 miles and three weeks into a tour of America and Canada on my Bonneville. Spend less time on youtube looking for the perfect adventure bike and more time riding what you have. Bonnie has gotten me to all the same places as my buddy's KTM 950 with just a skit plate, tires, and knuckle guards, and as a backpacker all my gear fits. STAY PSYCHED!
So many nice bikes in your clips, it would be great to have their names at the bottom of the screen. Nice vid, still torn between the two options
I got hooked to offroad riding on my Urban GS (not a good bike to learn off-road riding on in hindsight...) - But I did manage Desert Raid 2021 on it , out to well 5 on the Canning and I only fractured a rib... -- I always wanted a classic looking bike that performs like a KTM and that's how I ended up with my Husky 901 :)
Scramblers aren't for me but I can see where some people would like them. Not enough fuel capacity, no luggage rack and often not enough suspension travel or ground clearance for me. What I really want is a big thumper dual sport that's more comfortable on the road, with a generous rear rack and a ridiculously large fuel tank.
Im a big fan of scramblers. Never had one, just love the idea.
I moved up off my old enduro to a mid weight adv bike. No more mixing 2 stroke gas.
Compared to a mountainbike a scrambler has some advantages, depending on the purpose you want to use it.
Scramblers for the win, who needs all those expensive features? I just wanna go places lol
All bikes can be adventure bikes if you want them to be 🙂🤙
The perfect bike for you is a decision only you and nobody else makes. It all depends on your physical, financial, personal and other considerations as well as what you are going to do with the machine.
after running my T7 over 70 000 klms through out south America what you say here is 80% correct .. im old school MX racer into ADV bike thing never again would I do the ADV bike "thing" even down to the / That jacket bullshit .. my T7 is for sale in Panama if anyone wants it :) old guys with tooo much $$$ my time again very different bike ..I am back there to live permanently Venezuela . im 60 and rode as much off road as possible staying as far as I could from where most ADV riders go . thats how I roll
👍
I’m 50, just getting into motorcycles. What bike would you get now. I enjoy some off road and road touring.
Great Points good sir 😊 aesthetics mean a lot to me
I liked the scramblers pretty much but wasn't really interested, until the Ducati Desert Sled 🤩!
Great video Solid! You have a great way of putting the experience & emotion of riding into words!
Thanks mate 👍
and yet BMW seems to have gotten ride of their RNineT Scrambler and Urban GS this year. A shame, cause your video presents a good argument for buying a decent scrambler, and I think the Urban GS is better yet again.
I think it is due to BMW releasing a new version later this year. Check out my latest video of ADV NEWS where I cover the new models coming.
Very good points made here Solid. I personally owned a Triumph 1200 XE, bought mainly on good looks and high specs. Awesome bike took it on a 3000 miles round trip across part of the US to camp at the Sturgis Rally. Travel light, it will work just fine. But my dreams of supersizing a first gen KLR outfitted with panniers came back to haunt me for my travel needs. The 22 Africa Twin made its way in the stable, the big shinny Triumph went to my mate, where it sits and gets 100 miles per year. Well, it wasn't long before another scrambler came back in the garage, this time a Ducati Desert Sled. I LOVE it. Perfect power for my skills, overall handling, sound from the pipe. I rode it so often last summer I ended up selling my CRF300L. Too slow on road, too porky on trails for my skills.
Sherco 125 two stroke was the answer to me.
I like to add where I live, northern Michigan, I have plenty of trails for off roading, gravel roads and two tracks where I can blast my Ducati, and we need to take our big bikes on the freeway to get out of state.
I always liked the classic motorcycle look, the 70 & 80 UJM, and also the big adventure bikes from the Dakar era I grew up watching every year as a kid.
Nice 👍
I put a thousand miles a month on my 1200. I want to add a second bike so it lasts longer!
So…..good for urban adventures, then, and riding past glass shop windows. Got it.
I reckon many scramblers are more adv capable than any of the heavyweights, simpler because they are stripped back and lighter - easier to ride on dirt.
They're almost, but not quite, pretty, slightly heavier dual sports with a road bias. 😂 I'd be worried about ruining the looks, but no more than I would on any expensive adv bike. I'm sure crash bars, etc will be available.
For now, I'm going to stick with my chookie, but only because I currently want a stronger dirt bias. Next time I might have that out of my system. Or not. 🤷
I went with a DesertX, absolutely love it. 10k miles in under 10 months.
I currently have Scorpion Trail II tires on it and been riding it SuperMoto style. 😂
I put those Trail II tires on one of my bikes. Fantastic grip on the asphalt. I almost forget that the front is 21"
@briangc1972
The Trail II tires are AWESOME on asphalt. I found the stock Trail STRs would get greasy in the Texas heat (110deg temps). The IIs don't get greasy. The IIs turn the DDX into a wheelie machine on the street too.
@@jamescampbell4334 I have Metzler Torrance Next 2 on another bike and they are on par with the Trail II.
I'm having trouble deciding which I like better since they are not on the same bike.
@briangc1972
I've heard those Metzler TN-IIs are very good too.
@@jamescampbell4334 Slightly better in the dirt as well.
Can you recommend the best scrambler under 1000cc for long distance touring out of say Royal Enfield, triumph, and the Ducati 800 range?
Comfort mostly, followed by fuel range?
I don’t think it’s about can the ADV do what a scrambler or enduro do off road, it’s about the ADV bringing some touring ability ( wind proof / comfort / range) to s scrambler- scramblers are cool for short blasts and look cool but if you want to tour primarily with fire track to off the best places the ADV does it all- think the V85TT has the best cool factor ADV?
I think 🤔 you have mostly nailed it on the head with the Negative aspects to Scramblers , ie Tank range or size , carrying capacity ( one ☝️ thing that you probably were alluding to is with a high pipe on one side ) and comfort I had a Ducati Scrambler and it’s seat was like a motocross seat or plank of 4by 2 😂😂😂, also so another one no wind protection. I think also we have to class off scramblers 1 “ the pretend Scramblers that talks the talk - in looks ! , but doesn’t walk the walk in off road performance, and the “ real Scramblers like 👍 the Triumph 1200 XC , Unfortunately the now not made Ducati Desert sled , the Frantic that you tested , also the new off road version of the Triumph 400. Still all the main negatives to to much a down side for me I sold my Ducati Scrambler only after 1/1/2 years . A few bikes latter and I have a Moto Guzzi V85tt , it’s a new class Retro Enduro “ , large tank range , shaft drive - no chain maintenance, comfortable seat , cruise control and it looks cool 😎. I also have a 300 Rally for my snotty riding .
Absolutely
So a heavy shiny bike that replaces a heavier shinier adv bike because the 701 and crf300 do not exist, right ?
The original adventure bike the rlR80 G/S looks more scrambler than adventure bike today. Great bike. Low centre of gravity rugged. A bit more like a WW2 dispatch rider sort sort of riding vs MX
With an 18" by 21" wheel arrangement, a scrambler may go further. Just an idea.
one thing that puts me off is the high pipe.. why cant they put them under the bike????
To keep them out of the water.
Modern people are way too demanding and delicate. Back in the day an "adventure bike" was whatever you had that ran.
90% of "adventure" riders spend the most time on forest roads and unpaved rural roads - NOT demanding trails. Scramblers are the perfect "gravel" bikes! In addition, 90% of ADV riders should be taking the "bypass" on the worst trails anyway - since they are WAY beyond their skills, especially on overpowered and overweight adventure models.
What is your opinion on the CFMOTO CLX700? Is it scrambler?
Always like Scrambler. Eyeing on used Desert Sled.
Go for it. Fun bike. Mine is a 2023, I put 2600 miles on it in 6 months
Should have named the channel spicy egg cracks 😂😂😂
Thank you