Scrambler Motorcycles

The new-from-2016, R nineT Scrambler from the Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW Motorrad) rolls into 2020 still based on a general design popular from the ’50s all the way through the ’70s. The Scrambler embodies the form of the original scramblers, while borrowing from the 1951 Beemer R 68. The result is a ride that invokes nostalgia in those old enough to remember the originals and subsequent variants, but also appeals to a younger crowd who appreciates classic looks coupled with updated performance and more reliable technology than its antique predecessors.

Ducati’s Scrambler division unleashes its new-for-2021 “Nightshift” model on the world in all of its blackout glory in a sinister turn for the usually youthfully-jubilant Scrambler lineup. It carries the mid-range, 803 cc L-Twin engine wrapped in a homejob-custom package with unique components that complete the look. The ABS feature is of the corner-sensitive variety to give the Nightshift an edge on the streets.

The VanVan from Suzuki comes equipped with a 200 cc engine, which is an upgrade from the old 125 cc model still available in other markets. In typical scrambler fashion, the VanVan 200 is the dirt-road/gravel-road/loose-dirt ride that qualifies it as a “sandbike” because of the fat rear tire to keep you going. Better than an ATV in some situations, the Vanvan is lightweight and capable, perfect for a jaunt around the ranch, a quick run up the trapline or an excursion on the beach, anywhere the ground is loose and four wheels just won’t do.

The coronavirus shutdown may be in effect, but the electric-vehicle sector chives on with continued development and product releases. I have a whole handful of products to tell you about that range from scooter-like bikes to full-on, Energica-style superbikes with an extra dollop of “super.”

Fresh off its European release, the 2020 Indian FTR Rally returns to home turf for a North American launch. The Rally comes set up more as a proper dual-surface scrambler than the street-centric, base-model FTR 1200 and souped-up 1200 S models. Power comes from the same 73 cubic-inch engine as the rest of the range with a set of stealth knobbies to make the connection to terra firma. To further the Rally’s multi-purpose mission, the factory offers a quartet of accessory bundles that add four more potential personalities.

Ducati rolls into 2020 with an all-new flagship model for its Scrambler family; the 1100 Sport PRO. The Sport PRO builds on the base 1100 PRO to bring the best the factory has to offer. I’m talking about top-drawer electronics and Öhlins suspension equipment that collectively deliver safety and comfort with all the adjustments needed to dial in the ride to suit the conditions and/or your personal taste. Of course, it all comes wrapped around the proven, 80-plus horsepower, air-cooled L-Twin powerplant that delivers a deep torque well and a tractable nature.

Triumph brings classic scrambler looks and modern performance together with its new-for-MY2019 Scrambler 1200 XE. The “XE” carries itself with plenty of the old-school standard DNA on display and an off-road bias that leaves no doubt as to how it’s meant to be used. Proper “any-road” hoops deliver the goods on just about any surface, but it’s the top-shelf safety electronics that really sell this Bonneville-powered ride. Triumph promises a machine with a true dual-identity.

For MY2018, Ducati released the Scrambler 1100 Sport elevating the family line to a whole new level with some top-shelf suspension components and race-tastic livery meant to appeal primarily to the go-fast crowd. Much is shared with its big-bore siblings — chassis, engine, and electronics — but the Sport endeavors to increase the line’s inclusivity by drawing in those fiery-eyed pegdraggers.

Ducati fills out its large-displacement Scrambler lineup ahead of MY2020 with the Scrambler 1100 PRO that also doubles as the platform for the top-shelf 1100 Sport PRO. The 1100 PRO serves as a gateway vehicle so both new and experienced riders have a capable machine for their entry into the scrambler-tastic lifestyle. A liter-plus mill delivers 86 ponies, and the electronics include corner-sensitive safety features to help you keep it rubber-side down regardless of your experience level and the prevailing conditions.

With knobby tires, spoked wheels, and higher suspension travels, this segment is ready to take on tough terrains across the world. The retro-modern design language is literally in fashion now, and most of the Scramblers in the 2020 line-up flaunt them. It is an intelligent fusion of an old-school cover over modern technology that is born to live both the city and the wildlife.

Here is a list of our six favorite Scramblers who does all of that for just under $ 10,000. Aiding it will be a torquey motor with high mounted exhaust pipes and knobby tires to take it on terrains otherwise not possible.

Triumph Motorcycles bills its new-in-2019 Scrambler 1200 XC as an “all-road” machine that’s got what it takes to tackle everything you throw at it. Not quite as off-road-tastic as its sibling, the 1200 XE, it nevertheless delivers top-notch performance by anyone’s standards. Adjustable, long-stroke suspension components join a “scrambler-tuned” engine and wire wheels for the brown-top work, and for the blacktop, there’s a whole slew of electronic safety goodies that give the “XC” its split-personality. Bonneville power and classic looks come together in the XC.

As part of its brand new “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” growth plan through 2022, HD made inroads with the LiveWire electric streetfighter. It is the first in a broad, no-clutch “twist and go” portfolio of products that will put the company right in the center of the electric race.

A run through their US website today gave us a glimpse of the Milwaukee brand’s flat-track-inspired electric motorbike concept sketched out. This street-tracker is said to be developed to bridge the gap between the “lightweight urban” bike concepts showcased at the 2019 EICMA and the premium, high-power, halo model-the LiveWire.

Unveiling the brand’s FTR1200 street tracker back in 2018, Indian begun the onslaught of looking elsewhere for their inspirations other than just making vintage charmers and majestic cruising machines. Writers have been poetic on the FTR’s performance capabilities and how beautifully different it looks with the aggressive stance, and just about everything else.

From an optional “rally” package, which came along with that 1200 FTR, Indian deemed fit to unveil a product on its own for 2020. This RALLY is a grownup FTR 1200 developed for both everyday ride comfort, as well as, to muck up some dirt. It does all of it while rolling with an authentic retro styling, modern performance, responsive handling, and upright ergonomics.

P.S. This FTR RALLY is only for India’s European, Middle East, and the Asian markets.

2020 is a new decade, a new year for all of us to leap and move forward fearlessly. To re-invent and to make room for things which really matters, things that will uplift you physically, mentally, and spiritually.

OR

Throw up your arms, wash off that alcohol stink, and go get yourself a new motorcycle. Works just the same.

Here’s our top twenty production motorcycles coming in 2020 that does all of that, and more.

Ducati’s Scrambler line has proven popular with the masses, and the factory expands its footprint further with its new Icon Dark. The “Dark” brings all the usual Scrambler-tastic charms to the table along with a custom bent meant to give would-be customizers a gentle nudge down that homegrown-bike path. It rocks the same 73-horsepower, 803 cc L-twin as the rest of the mid-range Scramblers along with the usual electronics suite, but it takes a turn toward the Dark Side with ample blackout paint and a monochromatic finish on the sheet metal.

Reinforced for off-road duty, Scramblers of today hark back at South-West California and Mexico’s Baja scenes in the ’60s and ’70s. They were fitted with engines displacing upwards of 500cc and stripped off anything nonsensical to run on roads or no roads. Featured on these were off-road tires, wheels, and spokes and were given modified suspension systems and engine skid plates, a trademark indispensable in shielding the bike from rocks, stones, and the unforgiving desert terrain.

Here is our list of new Scrambleresque motorcycles coming in 2020 that promise to churn out rugged, stripped down, vintage fun resurrected from its heyday during the 1960s and earlier. Aiding it will be a torquey motor with high mounted exhaust pipes and knobby tires to take it on terrains otherwise not possible.

The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled saw its first major update ahead of MY2019 after only two years on the market, and the new version has a handful of things to offer over and above the previous gen. It starts with the bones reinforced to better withstand the rigors of off-road riding and rally-style tires that are designed for same. Rideability and comfort was buffed along with the security system, and the electronics suite features an off-road-specific upgrade as well. Those are the broad strokes, but as ever, the devil is in the details, so let’s dive right in and start chasing them down.

Moto Guzzi expanded its V7 III footprint off the black and onto the brown with the new-in-2018 “Rough” variant. As its cleverly-ingenious name implies, this model comes set up to have some definite scramble-tastic tendencies with street-knobbies that perform as well on soft terrain as they do on the pavement. Like the rest of the family, power comes from a 744 cc V-twin that delivers 44 pound-feet of torque for solid holeshots and plenty of hill-conquering grunt. There’s plenty of that characteristic MG style as well, courtesy of the sideways engine mount and fuel tank design. Best of all, the Rough beefs up its entry-level bike claim with ABS and traction control that can be turned off for a raw ride, or enabled for maximum stability.

Ducati’s Scrambler Full Throttle was among the Scrambler models brushed up for the 2019 model year, and the revised version brings even more flat-track attitude to the table. The paint was spruced up a bit, along with the saddle to give the “FT” a year-specific finish. It ain’t all about the looks though; new electronics and safety equipment further increases its value right along with its curb appeal.

The beginning of this century saw the world views changing gradually towards climate change and the need to preserve the environment. This, along with stringent policies, has forced the manufacturers to develop motorcycles that can run cleaner fuel and extract the maximum economy from it, sometimes even at the cost of performance.

Bad news for people who seek the element of thrill, but a pretty good one for someone living in urban jungles where folks prefer commuting on a motorcycle rather thank a car for its practicality and frugal fuel-efficiency. Then there are us few who love the idea of putting serious miles on two-wheels and living the adventure.

We here have compiled a list to give you the best available tools for such situations and save some money on gas while at it.

Norton’s Atlas line hit the European markets last year, and it makes it way across the pond in time for MY2019 in the U.S. market. While the Atlas pair are both built as dual-surface machines, the Nomad serves as the more street-tastic ride of the two. It rocks the same all-new and purpose-built, 650 cc powerplant in an equally-new frame with a sort-of nouveau-café vibe that is rather essential and doesn’t rely on a bloated electronics suite or expensive gadgets to make it rideable.

Norton Motorcycles’ scrambler-esque Atlas line is a great platform for customization, and the factory-custom Ranger is a perfect example of what you can build with the right sort of components. True to its name, the Ranger is set up as a dual-surface machine with a bias for off-road work complete with long-stroke suspension components and wire wheels, and it all comes wrapped around an all-new, mid-size, parallel-twin engine designed and built in-house. Released last year in Europe as an all-new model, Norton brings the Atlas Ranger across the pond for the 2019 model year in the U.S. market.