The Best Scrambler Motorcycles Right Now

There’s something about a scrambler that just works. Maybe it’s the upright stance, the chunky tyres and wide bars, or maybe it’s the fact they still tap into that laid-back, go-anywhere spirit made famous by riders like Steve McQueen back in the 1960s. Either way, scramblers continue to hold a unique place in motorcycling, blending retro cool with everyday usability and just enough off-road attitude to make even the shortest ride feel like a small adventure.

That enduring appeal hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Pretty much every major manufacturer now has its own take on the modern scrambler, ranging from simple and affordable machines like the Honda CL500 through to more premium offerings such as the Ducati Scrambler and the highly capable Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE. Some lean heavily into style, others genuinely deliver when the tarmac runs out, and a few manage to balance both surprisingly well.

So, with choices covering everything from budget-friendly retro runabouts to full-fat adventure-ready bruisers, which scrambler comes out on top? We’ve rounded up ten of the best scrambler motorcycles on sale right now.

10. Triumph Scrambler 400 X / Scrambler 400 XC

Launched in 2024, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X, and the more recently launched Scrambler 400 XC, have been incredible hits with fans around the globe. While it's not the most accomplished machine to ride off-road, the on-road manners and performance are about as good as you'll get from a bike of this type in the sub-500cc segment. 

For riders looking for a little more off-road prowess, the XC adds cross-spoke tubeless wheels, a rugged aluminium sump guard, an engine guard, adjustable levers, and paint-matched high-mount fenders and flyscreens. And as it's a Triumph, the build quality, detailing and fit and finish are a step above what you'd expect in the sub-£6,000 price bracket!

You may also like to read our Triumph Scrambler 400 X review.

9. BSA Scrambler 650

Looking every bit the part with its unapologetic 1960s styling, the BSA Scrambler 650 feels closer to the original spirit of scramblers than most modern takes on the genre. That’s hardly surprising either, given BSA was right in the thick of the first scrambler boom back in the 1950s and ’60s.

There’s plenty of visual substance to back that heritage up too. Chunky Pirelli Scorpion STR tyres wrapped around a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, fork gaiters, a bash plate and a high-mounted front mudguard all help give the bike a properly rugged look. Underneath it all sits a liquid-cooled 652cc single-cylinder DOHC engine, based on the old Rotax motor originally developed for the BMW F650 Funduro. It suits the bike’s laid-back character well, delivering a pleasing thump from the exhaust and enough low-down shove to make gravel tracks and back roads entertaining.

That said, the Scrambler 650’s bargain price does come with a few compromises. Some of the finish and details feel like they are built to a budget, which might leave more adventurous riders thinking twice before venturing too far off the beaten track. But as a stylish, easy-going scrambler with genuine retro charm, there’s still plenty to like.

Visordown Review | BSA Scrambler 650

8. Husqvarna Svartpilen 801

On the road, there’s very little to fault with the Svartpilen 801. It’s one of those bikes that immediately feels natural the moment you climb aboard, whether you’re threading through town, scratching along a back road or settling into a longer ride. It’s friendly without being dull, confidence-inspiring without feeling watered down, and carries a level of fit, finish and solidity that makes it feel like a properly premium bit of kit.

Compared to its KTM 790 Duke cousin, the Husqvarna has a calmer, more rounded personality. It’s still quick, lively and entertaining when you want it to be, but it doesn’t constantly feel like it’s trying to bait you into riding flat-out everywhere. That broader spread of ability arguably makes it the easier bike to live with day-to-day, while still retaining enough attitude to keep things interesting.

And yes, purists will rightly point out that it’s not a scrambler in the traditional sense. But given some of the bikes that now fall into the category, the Svartpilen’s light weight, upright riding position and ability to cope with rougher roads means it earns its place here as much as anything else.

Visordown Review | Husqvarna Svartpilen 801

7. Fantic Caballero 700

Powered by the same CP2 parallel-twin engine that made the Yamaha MT-07 such a hit, the Fantic Caballero 700 takes the middleweight scrambler formula and gives it a distinctly more premium twist. With quality Marzocchi suspension, Brembo brakes and plenty of CNC-machined aluminium details throughout, it feels a cut above many of its rivals when it comes to specification and finish.

More importantly, it backs up the styling with genuine ability. While plenty of modern scramblers merely look like they should be ridden down a gravel road, the Caballero 700 is one of the few bikes here that actually feels just as comfortable off-road as it does carving along a decent B-road. The chassis is light, playful and confidence-inspiring, while the torquey Yamaha-derived motor gives it a broad spread of usable performance.

So why doesn’t it rank higher? In truth, it largely comes down to value. At just under the £10,000 mark, the Fantic starts rubbing shoulders with bigger-capacity, more established rivals like the Triumph Scrambler 1200 — a bike backed by a huge global brand and extensive dealer network. Even so, if you want something a little more exclusive, a little more stylish and properly capable away from the tarmac, the Caballero remains a seriously appealing thing.

Visordown Review | Fantic Caballero 700

6. BMW R12 G/S

This one might split opinion. Is the BMW R 12 G/S really a scrambler, or is it just an adventure bike dressed in retro clothing? Truthfully, it sits somewhere between the two. BMW itself is using the bike in its famously punishing GS Trophy events, which would normally push it firmly into ADV territory, but there’s still enough old-school scrambler DNA here for it to earn a place on this list.

BMW has been heavily involved in the modern retro scene ever since the original BMW R nineT arrived back in 2014, and the Scrambler version quickly became one of the standout models in the range. Like the bikes now rebranded under the R 12 family, it combined classic styling cues with genuinely modern engineering, decent performance and the sort of premium badge appeal BMW buyers tend to like.

The BMW R 12 G/S takes things a step further by leaning heavily into the heritage of the legendary BMW R80 G/S — the machine many credit with kicking off the modern adventure bike boom in the first place. Which, admittedly, doesn’t do much to settle the “scrambler or ADV?” argument.

At 229kg wet, it’s hardly what you’d call lightweight, and that number alone might be enough to scare some riders away from taking it too far off-road. But BMW has long had a knack for making big bikes feel more manageable in the dirt than the scales suggest. Just try not to drop it somewhere awkward — or park it next to a tree stump you’ll later have to drag it around.

5. Triumph Scrambler 900

The 2026 Triumph Scrambler 900 might look familiar at first glance, but underneath the retro styling Triumph has given the bike one of the biggest updates in its history. Revised electronics, a sharper chassis and subtle styling tweaks all combine to make the new Scrambler feel more modern, more refined and considerably more capable than the old Street Scrambler ever did, without losing the laid-back character that made the bike popular in the first place.

Out on the road, the improvements are immediately noticeable. The updated 900cc parallel twin still delivers the same charismatic growl and easy-going torque, but the revised ride-by-wire throttle gives it a smoother, cleaner response across the rev range. More importantly, the move to 43mm Showa upside-down forks and upgraded brakes transforms the front end, giving the bike far better composure and feedback when ridden harder. It still feels relaxed and unintimidating, but there’s a newfound sharpness that makes it far more enjoyable when the road starts getting twisty.

Crucially, Triumph hasn’t overcooked it. The Scrambler 900 still feels roomy, comfortable and genuinely easy to live with, while the addition of a proper Off-Road riding mode gives it a bit more credibility away from the tarmac too. There are still a couple of familiar grumbles — the high exhaust can warm your right leg more than you'd like, and the seat could be kinder on longer rides — but overall this feels like a thoughtful evolution rather than a complete reinvention. It’s still unmistakably a Scrambler, just a noticeably better one.

You may also like to read our 2026 Triumph Scrambler 900 review.

4. Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR

The Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR might wear an Italian badge and some properly stylish scrambler-inspired bodywork, but underneath it’s really a straightforward, approachable middleweight naked with a surprisingly premium spec sheet for the money. Adjustable Kayaba suspension, Brembo brakes, Bosch ABS and a smart TFT dash all help it feel more upmarket than its sub-£6,000 price tag suggests, while the SCR version’s wider bars, spoked wheels and semi-knobbly tyres give it a bit more attitude than the road-focused STR sibling.

Out on the road, the 649cc parallel-twin engine is less about outright excitement and more about easy-going usability. It delivers smooth, predictable performance with enough poke to keep things entertaining on a twisty road, even if it never feels especially fast or aggressive. The SCR’s roomy riding position, wide handlebars and neutral ergonomics also make it a surprisingly comfortable and confidence-inspiring thing to ride, especially for taller riders. More importantly, it feels friendly and unintimidating — exactly the sort of bike newer riders or returning bikers will get on with quickly.

Like most budget-conscious middleweights, there are a few compromises. The engine note is a little muted thanks to modern emissions regulations, the throttle can feel slightly abrupt at lower speeds, and while the Italian heritage is strong on styling, the bike’s Chinese manufacturing background will divide opinion for some riders. Still, the Seiemmezzo SCR gets an awful lot right where it matters. It looks distinctive, rides well and offers something a little different from the usual Yamaha and Honda middleweight crowd without emptying your bank account.

You may also like to read our Moto Morini Seiemmezzo review.

3. Honda CL500

The Honda CL500 takes Honda’s dependable and hugely successful 500cc platform and gives it a much-needed shot of personality. Sitting alongside bikes like the CB500F and Rebel 500, the CL500 adds scrambler-inspired styling, taller suspension and chunkier tyres to create something that feels far more fashionable and characterful than its more straight-laced siblings.

Visually, it’s a properly good-looking little thing too. The CL500 manages to look rugged and retro without trying too hard, almost like the Rebel 500 has been sent off on a gap year and come back with hiking boots and a better haircut. Honda’s typically solid fit and finish shines through as well, with the bike feeling more premium than its modest price tag would suggest.

Powered by the familiar 471cc parallel twin producing 46bhp, performance is never intimidating, but with only 191kg to move around it feels lively enough in the real world. The light steering, upright riding position and manageable size make it especially good around town and on back roads. And while it’s worth remembering the off-road look is largely aesthetic rather than functional, the CL500 still makes a huge amount of sense as an affordable, easy-going and genuinely fun modern scrambler.

2. Royal Enfield Bear 650

The arrival of the Royal Enfield Bear 650 felt inevitable the moment Royal Enfield launched its now hugely popular 650 twin platform, and when the bike finally broke cover at the end of 2024, it largely delivered what fans had been hoping for. The styling is unmistakably Royal Enfield, with plenty of retro charm and classic proportions, but there’s enough unique detail to stop it feeling like just another reworked Interceptor.

In reality, though, the Bear 650 sits much closer to the “street scrambler” end of the spectrum than a full-blown off-roader. It’ll happily tackle gravel roads and dusty fire trails, but start pushing harder and you quickly become aware of the suspension and chassis limitations. A more aggressive set of tyres would probably improve things slightly, although this is still very much a bike designed with tarmac in mind rather than proper trail riding.

Thankfully, that doesn’t really matter once you’re back on the road, because the Bear 650 gets a lot right where it counts. The parallel twin delivers its power in the same relaxed, friendly way that’s made the rest of the 650 range so popular, while the handling feels predictable and easy-going without becoming dull. Add in impressively solid build quality for the money, and the Bear ends up being a thoroughly likeable retro roadster with just enough scrambler attitude to keep things interesting. scramblerness.

Visordown Review | Royal Enfield bear 650 (2025)

1. Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

Most riders assumed Triumph already had the modern scrambler market sewn up with the old Street Scrambler, but then the firm went and built the Triumph Scrambler 1200 — a bigger, more powerful machine with genuine off-road ability to back up the rugged styling. Since arriving in 2019, it’s become one of the benchmark bikes in the class, blending retro looks with proper adventure-bike levels of performance and technology.

For 2025, Triumph updated the range again, simplifying things into two versions: the X and the XE. And interestingly, after riding both extensively at launch, it was actually the cheaper X model that made the stronger case for itself. While the XE gets longer-travel, fully adjustable suspension aimed more at serious off-road riding, the X’s shorter-travel setup gives it noticeably better support and composure on the road. The result is a bike that feels tighter, more controlled and ultimately more enjoyable during everyday riding.

The X still comes loaded with quality kit too, including Marzocchi suspension, cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control thanks to the addition of a six-axis IMU. Triumph has also tweaked the 1200 twin so peak torque arrives slightly lower in the rev range, adding even more shove to an already characterful engine. If your weekends regularly involve mud, rocks and green lanes, the XE probably still makes more sense. But for riders spending most of their time on tarmac with the occasional gravel detour, the Scrambler 1200 X arguably hits the sweet spot.

You might also like to read our Triumph Scrambler 1200 X and Scrambler 1200 XE review.

Find the best motorcycle features on Visordown.com