The Best Bikes for Scrambler Builds

Yamaha XT500 Scrambler Restomod
Yamaha XT500 by Motorelic

Scramblers are one of our favorite types of motorcycles here at BikeBound. The origin of the term goes back to 1920s England, when shed and garage builders would modify their primitive road-going motorcycles for cross-country races that followed no set trail or track. Rather, they were point A to point B races across the rough, varying terrain of the English countryside.

Rumor has it the phrase ‘Scrambler’ came from a British race announcer describing the act playing out before his eyes as ‘quite a scramble.'” —Toad & Co.

Triumph T140 Scrambler
Triumph T140 Scrambler

Over time, these races evolved into closed-circuit hare scrambles and motocross courses, though desert racing in the American West would keep the open-range format alive for many years to come.  During the 1960s, California desert racers could be found modifying 650cc Triumphs and other street bikes to survive the extreme punishment of off-road racing.

Soon, aftermarket frame kits like the Rickman Metisse became available, which incorporated such innovations as oil-in-frame design for better cooling, heavy-duty Ceriani forks, nickel-plated tubing, reinforced stress points, and more. These could be purchased to accommodate engines from Triumph, Norton, Matchless, etc.

Metisse Desert Sled
Rickman Metisse by Chelsea B.

By the 1960s, manufacturers were beginning to offer production scramblers, which were derived from street-legal models and lightly modified for some off-road use. Examples include the Honda CL and Ducati Scrambler series. These were really “street scramblers,” and their off-road prowess was limited.  Still, these production scramblers signaled the riding public’s desire for dual-purpose machines that could be ridden both on and off the road.

Honda CB360T Scrambler
Honda CB360 Scrambler by Slipstream Creations

In 1969, Yamaha introduced the 250cc two-stroke DT-1, which would take the market by storm. Now a lightweight, true dual-purpose machine was widely available and affordable for the average consumer:

“Prior to the release of the Yamaha DT-1, reliable, reasonably powerful and inexpensive dirt bikes simply didn’t exist. The various — mostly British — scramblers on the market tended to be big and heavy, and while companies like Greeves, Montesa and Penton offered purpose-built dirt bikes, they were expensive and quirky. The DT-1 changed all that.”

Yamaha DT1
Yamaha DT-1

A new breed of machine was born, the dual-sport or enduro — a cheaper, lighter weight, single-cylinder alternative to the scramblers of yore.

So What is a Scrambler Motorcycle?

Triumph Scrambler Custom
Barbour International Triumph Scrambler by Unik Edition

Here at BikeBound, we generally define as a scrambler as a street bike modified for light to moderate off-road duty. Defining traits often include some combination of the following:

  • DOT-legal dual-purpose rubber, from 50/50 to 90/10
  • Taller, longer-travel front/rear suspension
  • Skid/Bash plates and rock protection
  • Motocross handlebars / footpegs
  • Accessory lighting / luggage
  • Full mudguards / fenders

We’re reluctant to pigeonhole this breed of bike inside a strict definition or set of defining traits, but these are the traits most recognizable in today’s new wave custom scramblers — one of our favorite types of machine to feature here at BikeBound.

In recent years, this scene has exerted a profound influence on the major manufacturers, many of which have begun to offer production scrambler models. The Ducati Scrambler and Triumph Scrambler are the most obvious examples, though both have received flak for being “scramblers” more in name than function.

Perhaps in response, they’ve begun to offer more aggressive, long-travel off-road editions, such as Ducati’s Desert Sled and Triumph’s 1200 Scrambler — truly capable machines in the dirt.

Best Donor Motorcycles for Scrambler Builds

We’ve seen scramblers built from a staggering array of donor motorcycles, some more successful than others. Below, we list some of our favorite platforms to help you decide the base bike for your next build. These are in alphabetical order, not any kind of ranking.

Harley-Davidson Sportster

883 Sportster Scrambler
Sportster Scrambler by K&H Co.

In continuous production since 1957, the Sportster has long served as Harley’s most lightweight, performance-oriented V-twin offering outside the Buell series, available with the Ironhead engine until 1985 and the Evolution after that. While this 500+lb cruiser may seem like an odd choice for a scrambler conversion, these bikes have been ripping down dirt roads since their inception, while the American television series Then Came Bronson helped establish the Sporty’s scrambling potential in the public mind. A number of aftermarket companies now supply off-road parts for modern Sportsters, and builds such as Biltwell’s Frijole 883 desert race bike and the Carducci Dual Sport S3 Adventure have displayed the surprising potential of this platform. Hell, we even built and ride a Sportster scrambler ourselves, Blitzen!

Harley Quad Psychobilly Quad: A Harley Ironhead Four-Wheeler! - As Seen at The One Moto: Harley Quad by Ed Brink…   For the first time in the history of The One Moto Show, one of our very favorite builds didn’t have just two wheels, […]
Adventure Sportster Harley-Davidson XL1200 “Adventure Sportster” - A Go-Anywhere Sportster from FrenchMoto…  Even as Harley-Davidson promotes their liquid-cooled Sportster S, the air-cooled Evolution-powered Sportster is experiencing something of a renaissance in racing circles. Built from 1986 to 2020, the Evo Sportster is […]
883 Sportster Scrambler Strollster: Custom 883 Sportster - Impala-blue XLH883 Sportster from RULER…  Since its release in 1957, the Harley-Davidson Sportster has proved itself as the most adaptable motorcycle in the Motor Company’s bloodline — and perhaps the most versatile American motorcycle of […]

 


Honda CB/CL/SL Twins

Honda CL360 Scrambler
Honda CL360 Scrambler by Inglorious Motorcycles

The Honda CB350 was one of Honda’s bestsellers from 1968-1973, featuring a 36-hp twin-carb parallel-twin engine that earned a reputation for reliability. In fact, it’s still one of the most popular motorcycles in vintage road racing.

“The 350 Honda twin was anvil reliable, with over 300,000 copies being sold in the USA alone, it was one of the most popular motorcycles ever produced.” —SuperHunky

The CL350 was the production street scrambler variant, offering a high-mount exhaust and larger 19-inch front wheel. The SL350 was even more dirt-oriented from the factory, especially the 1971-73 models, which had a 21-inch front wheel and weighed 50+lbs less than the 1969-70 versions.

“When the SL350 got some knobbies strapped to it, and decent shocks bolted on the back, the bike became an unstoppable woods weapon, as nothing short of an atomic blast would cease the rear wheel from spinning.” —SuperHunky

Any of these models make great scrambler donors, as do the larger displacement CB/CL360 and CB/CL450 models. They are heavier and less capable than some of the single-cylinder, mono-shock machines below, but they are well-built, reliable, easy to maintain, and have a vintage charm that some of the modern donors lack.

Honda CL72 Street Tracker TT Special: Honda CL72 Street Tracker - A Record-Setting Ascot TT Special from the 60s…   In 1962, Honda released the CL72 Scrambler 250 with an eye toward the American market, where high pipes, semi-knobby tires, and an off-road attitude were fast becoming […]
Honda CL200 Scrambler Slipstream Creations: 1974 Honda CL200 Scrambler - As most of you are well aware, the CL series was Honda’s line of CB-based “street scramblers,” which often featured larger diameter front wheels, higher fenders, high-mount exhausts, and dual-purpose tires. While the larger displacement […]
Honda CL350 Scrambler Custom Slipstream Creation: Honda CL350 Scrambler - “All of the little, BIG details…” The Honda CL350 was the scrambler version of the beloved CB350 twin, featuring several off-road-inspired elements such as high pipes and larger 19-inch front wheel. While it was more […]

 


Honda NX650 Dominator

Honda NX650 Scrambler
Honda NX650 by Matt Butts

The Honda Dominator was a more street-oriented dual-purpose motorcycle derived from the XR series, featuring a 44-horsepower air-cooled single-cylinder engine and five-speed transmission. It was produced from 1988-2003, but only available in the US market for two years. In Europe, it’s become one of the most popular donors for custom scrambler builds due to its ruggedness, availability, low purchase price, low cost of ownership, good power, and off-road potential. What’s more, the 650cc engine’s dual exhaust outlets  mean that custom high-pipe dual exhaust setups are common. For US builders, the Honda XR650L is a readily available alternative that shares the same engine and many of the same parts and character traits.

Honda Dominator Enduro Enduro Dominator: Honda NX650 “EDNA” - “Enduro-ized” Dominator from Guido Gerretti…  The NX650 Dominator may have gone out of production over two decades ago, but it remains a favorite among adventure riders and custom builders alike. This is particularly true in […]
Honda NX650 Dominator Baja Team Crampons: Honda NX650 Baja Dominator - Baja-Inspired Dominator from Jeremie of Team Crampons…   Honda introduced the NX650 Dominator back in 1988. Power came from a slightly enlarged version of the XR600R dirt bike engine (44 bhp / 39 lb-ft of […]
Honda NX650 Dominator Retro Enduro Retro Enduro: Honda NX650 “Camelle” - A Two-Wheeled, Long-Legged Camel from Gas&Retro (GRMTO)…   The Honda NX650 Dominator is a single-cylinder adventure bike or “trailie” whose engine lives on in the XR650L, one of the most successful dual-sports in motorcycling history. […]

 


Honda XR / XL Series

Honda XR600R Scrambler
Honda XR600R “XLsinore”

As stated above, the Honda Dominator is rare in the US market, but Honda’s venerable XL and XR series provide a great alternative. In the early days, the XL was the company’s range of street-legal dual-sports, complete with electric start, blinkers, license plate brackets, batteries, and more. Meanwhile, the XR was the purpose-built off-road series, typically kickstart only, with the headlight and taillight run directly from the stator — no battery. Later, the XL models were folded into the XR series, and the street-legal models were identified by the “L” suffix, such as the XR250L and XR650L. What’s more, many early XR models can be found on the used market with license plates and street-legal titles. The XL600R and XR600R are probably the most popular donors for scrambler models, but the smaller displacement models should also be considered.

Honda XR628R Honda XR628R: Street-Legal Baja Tribute - Hot Rod XR from Italy’s GPgarage Moto…  Introduced in 1985, the Honda XR600R was destined to become one of the most successful off-road bikes in motorcycling history. The air-cooled thumper would win the Baja 1000 […]
Baja Red: Honda XR628 Desert Racer - GPgarage Moto builds a ’90s Baja dream racer…   Introduced in 1985, the Honda XR600R was destined to become one of the most successful off-road motorcycles in history. In a recent retrospective on the mighty […]
Honda XR250 Tornado Scrambler Tornado 293: Honda XR250 “Pig Tracker” - Rodando Sur builds a burly 293cc Tornado…  While Honda’s lightweight dual-sport in the US and European market is now the liquid-cooled, fuel-injected CRF250L / CRF300L, the company has continued to produce the air-cooled XR250 Tornado […]

 


Triumph Bonneville

Triumph T100 Bonneville Scrambler
Triumph Bonneville by Absolut Motorcraft

The first-gen Triumph Bonneville and its predecessor, the TR6 Trophy, were some of the most popular machines in California desert racing in the 1960s. Today, the third-generation Hinckley Triumph Bonneville, produced from 2001 onward, remains a popular donor for scrambler builds. The parallel-twin engine serves up a decent dose of horsepower and low-end torque — a prime prerequisite for off-road antics — and companies such as British Customs have been testing and developing a broad range of parts for the Triumph Bonneville Carb, SE, T100, T120, and more.

Triumph T120 Scrambler ISDT Tribute: Triumph T120 Bonneville Scrambler - The Triumph Bonneville T120 is probably the most well-rounded Bonnie of the lot, a 1200cc roadster that combines classic style and character with modern tech like liquid cooling, ABS, traction control, heated grips, and more. […]
Desert Bonnie Desert Bonnie: Triumph Bonneville Black - A “Bonnie Desert Sled” from Old Tops Garage x Atlantic Custom Studio…   For many of us, the golden days of 1960s California desert racing remain one of the most romantic and defining periods of motorcycling […]
Triumph T100 Bonneville Bobber Scrambler Classic Meets Off-Road: Triumph T100 Bonneville “Sigma” - A Hybrid-Style Triumph from Tamarit Motorcycles…  The Triumph Bonneville T100 combines the retro style and character of the 1200cc T120 with the lighter weight and quicker-revving engine of the 900cc Street Twin. As the old […]

 


Yamaha XT / DT Series

Yamaha XT550 Street Tracker
Yamaha XT550 “She-Wolf” by Francis Von Tuto

The Yamaha DT series (two-stroke) and XT series (four-stroke) are two of our favorite motorcycle platforms, bar none. These single-cylinder dual-sport/enduro bikes are more capable than most factory scramblers in stock trim. In fact, the XT500 won the very first Paris-Dakar Rallies in 1979 and 1980. At the same time, they are quite capable road-going machines, especially in the 250+cc models. With a few stylistic customizations, such as custom seat/bars/tank/crash protection, they look great, and their performance potential is huge, with upgraded suspension, 12-volt electrical systems, and more available.

Yamaha Tenere Sonauto Dakar Sonauto Edition: Yamaha XTZ750 Super Ténéré - Dakar-inspired Super Ténéré 750 from BIKE Factory…  In 1947, famed French racing driver Toto Veuillet founded Saône-Auto (Sonauto), which would become France’s first importer of Porsche cars and Yamaha motorcycles. Sonauto was involved in many […]
Yamaha Tenere 700 Dual Sport Custom Continent Crusher: Yamaha Ténéré 700 Custom - Etto Motorcycles Recreates a Trans-Australian Ténéré…   The original Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré launched in late 1982, and it brought some serious innovation to the enduro / dual-sport world. Named after the brutal desert section of […]
Yamaha XT500 Restomod Electric Boogie: Yamaha XT500 Restomod - Electric Start, Air-Cooled: Motogadgets’ 1980 Yamaha XT500…   By the early 1970s, the big single-cylinder four-stroke off-roader was thought a species all but extinct.  After all, the great British 500 singles like the BSA B50 […]

 


Recent Scrambler Builds

Triumph T100 Scrambler In Dust We Trust: “Triumph Legend” T100 - FCR Original x BRETT: A Triumph Legend That Embodies British Spirit…   The Triumph T100 is the linchpin of the Bonneville series, with a liquid-cooled 900cc parallel twin producing 64 horsepower and 59 pound-feet of […]
Yamaha MX360 Street-Legal Smoker: Yamaha MX360 - Streetable Endurocrosser from Germany’s Loose Screw…   In 1968, Yamaha hit a home run with the original DT-1 250 — an affordable, lightweight, street-legal two-stroke dirt bike that not only sold out in short order, […]
BMW R100RS Scrambler Backcountry Shredder: BMW R100RS Scrambler - Oldschool Classics builds the perfect backroad burner…   The BMW R100RS was Motorrad’s 980cc sport-tourer, built around a 70-hp version of the two-valve flat-twin boxer engine. Even in its heyday, the Bavarian boxer wasn’t as fast […]
Handbuilt Show 2025: Best Scramblers & Trackers - The 2025 Handbuilt Show in Austin, Texas was another one for the books. Nearly 150 of the most interesting, rare, and custom-built bikes from builders all over the nation and beyond…not to mention some really […]
BMW Boxer Enduro Airhead Enduro: 1070cc BMW “EnduroBoxer” - From SWT-Sports: Dirt-Ready Boxer for an Enduro veteran…   The BMW R80G/S is well-known as the grandfather of the modern adventure bike. True, there was no shortage of strange looks when the original G/S was […]
Suzuki DRZ400 Desert Special Queen of the Desert: Suzuki DR-Z400 “Sirocco” - Desert DR-Z: Aluminum-framed 400 from Giorgio de Angelis and Marco Graziani…   La Ruta del Nabab is an annual desert rally that stretches across 1000+ kilometers of Moroccan Sahara. In many ways, the La Ruta […]
Honda FTR223 Street Tracker Honda “VFTR” Enduro / Tracker - VF-Powered FTR from Garage94…  The Honda FTR223 has been called a “people’s bike” in Japan. The style took inspiration from flat track racing, with some versions wearing a color scheme reminiscent of the mighty Honda […]
Handbuilt Show 2025: Scramblers, Trackers, & More! - Scramblers, Trackers, Dirt Bikes, and More from Handbuilt Show 2025 The 2025 edition of the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show coincided with the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas just last weekend. Handbuilt Show […]
Honda Dominator Enduro Enduro Dominator: Honda NX650 “EDNA” - “Enduro-ized” Dominator from Guido Gerretti…  The NX650 Dominator may have gone out of production over two decades ago, but it remains a favorite among adventure riders and custom builders alike. This is particularly true in […]
Hero Hunk 160R Street Tracker Built in 21 Days: Hero Hunk 160R Street Tracker - Build-off Winner: 160cc Street Tracker from Garage Esquinita…  Last year around this time, we featured a contest-winning Yamaha XSR155 from Jed Patrick Oriña, a young Filipino builder who operates Garage Esquinita. “Esquinita means a small […]

2 Comments

  1. 1st place goes to the Honda XR600R “XLsinore”. Last place goes to that POS HD.

  2. I have an 83 XL250R …would love any advice I can get whilst planning on making a scrambler out of the bike ..its in fairly poor condition but nothing some $$plus some TLC shouldn’t fix ….happy for any feedback ..cheers

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