The Best Production Scramblers You Can Buy Right Now…
If you’re into custom, classic, or retro-inspired bikes, there’s nothing quite like a good scrambler. A scrambler motorcycle gives you that perfect mix of street style and off-road capacity. They’re rugged and fun to ride. Whether you’re looking to buy your first scrambler or add another to the collection, here are some of the best scrambler motorcycles out there right now.
• Ducati Scrambler
Let’s start with an icon: the Ducati Scrambler. This one basically reignited the modern scrambler craze. The air-cooled engine is powerful, while the handling is confidence-boosting for new riders and seasoned enthusiasts. Additionally, the customization potential is immense, which is ideal for those who enjoy personalizing their bike to match their unique style.
Here are 10 of the latest custom Ducati Scramblers we’ve featured:
Sixty2 Street Racer: Ducati Scrambler 400 Custom - 399cc L-twin Ducati from Hardheads Motostudio… The Ducati Scrambler is one of the major success stories in recent motorcycling history. Much like the Monster several decades earlier, the Scrambler aimed for mechanical simplicity and […]
Desert Shred: Custom Ducati Desert Sled - Scram Africa Sled from Cid Motorcycles… When the new Ducati Scrambler hit the market in 2015, it received a warm reception as a retro street bike, but it was no off-roader. As with many of […]
XTR Xpress: “Makoki” Ducati Scrambler Street Tracker - 70s-inspired Ducati 800 Street Tracker by XTR Pepo… Introduced in 2015, the Ducati Scrambler was a bit of a misnomer, as it had a few of the trimmings of a proper scrambler beyond the name. […]• Ducati Desert Sled
If you’re looking for something built for a little more adventure, the Ducati Desert Sled is a great choice. It takes everything people love about the original Ducati Scrambler and amplifies it for off-road riding.
It offers a reinforced chassis, longer suspension travel, spoked wheels, and dirt capability. The desert sled vibe feels straight out of the retro off-road era, and it absolutely delivers on the fun factor.
• Triumph Scrambler 1200
The Triumph Scrambler 1200 brings a whole different kind of energy. This one feels like a true modern classic. It’s big, has the torque, but is incredibly refined. It has a serious presence on the road, but Triumph also built it with off-road performance in mind. Between the smooth power delivery and high-quality suspension components, the Scrambler 1200 rides like a dream whether you’re carving city streets or kicking up dirt.
The 1200 XE ups the ante even further with longer travel suspension (9.8 inches vs. 7.9 inches), larger forks (47mm vs. 45mm), and additional features like Cornering ABS, Off-Road Pro mode, and hand guards.
You can see some of the Triumph Scrambler 1200 customs we’ve featured here:
The Green Pig: “Yax Muuk” Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE - BikeBound Photographer Roberto Garagarza’s Scrambler 1200 XE… For 2019, Triumph unveiled the Scrambler 1200, which soon proved itself to be much more than a scrambler in name alone. For once, a factory had designed and […]
Gold Edition: Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE - Dark and Minimalist Scrambler from Brazil’s Atlantic Custom Studio… A lot of custom builders grew up riding and racing bikes from a young age. However, it’s interesting how many actually weren’t allowed to own a […]
Shaken, Not Stirred: Custom Triumph 1200XE Scrambler - “Martющa” from Tamarit Motorcycles… In the last decade or so, we’ve seen a resurgence of production scramblers from the major manufacturers. At first, most of these bikes were little more than roadsters dressed up […]Triumph Scrambler 400 X
The Triumph Scrambler 400 X brings the scrambler spirit to a more approachable, lightweight platform — without sacrificing the brand’s signature style. Powered by Triumph’s new TR-series single-cylinder engine, it delivers smooth, usable power that’s perfect for everyday riding. Longer-travel suspension, off-road-friendly ergonomics, and a relaxed upright stance make it a fantastic choice for riders who want a scrambler that feels equally at home maneuvering through the city or exploring dirt roads. It also delivers premium build quality in a smaller, more affordable package.
•BMW R NineT Scrambler
The BMW R NineT Scrambler takes the premium roadster formula and gives it a dusty-boots, high-pipes twist. Its air-cooled boxer engine gives it a unique personality—smooth, torquey, and packed with character. With modular components, optional spoked wheels, and an urban-adventure stance, it’s perfect for riders who want something upscale yet playful. It’s also a favorite in the custom scene thanks to its flexible platform.
Built Like a Tank: BMW R nineT “IBIS” - Italian Army veteran builds a burly tribute to Operation IBIS… In 1992, a multinational force was established to assist and secure humanitarian relief efforts in Somalia, which had been wracked by civil war, famine, and […]
Incandescent Boxer: “Vega” BMW R nineT - BMW R nineT Scrambler by Incandescent Motorcycles… The BMW R nineT might be the world’s most widely customized modern production bike. In fact, BMW Motorrad planned it that way, giving the 1170cc / 110-hp roadster […]
Dakar Tribute: “PD85” BMW R NineT Urban GS - From Incandescent Motorcycles: R NineT inspired by the ’85 R80GS Paris Dakar… Released in 1980, the BMW R80GS is the progenitor of the multi-cylinder, dual-purpose “adventure bikes” so popular today. Originally developed to compete in […]• Royal Enfield Scram 411
For riders who want something simple, rugged, and approachable, the Royal Enfield Scram 411 is a great value. Based on the Himalayan, it swaps out some of the utilitarian adventure-bike elements for a more urban-friendly scrambler silhouette.
It’s lightweight, easy to maintain, and impressively capable on light trails—making it ideal for new riders or anyone seeking an affordable scrambler experience.
• Royal Enfield Bear 650
Royal Enfield’s upcoming Bear 650 is shaping up to be a standout in the mid-size scrambler category. Powered by the brand’s proven 648cc parallel twin, it promises smooth, torquey performance wrapped in a rugged, retro-inspired package.
Expect upright ergonomics, scrambler-specific suspension, and styling cues that draw from classic desert sleds. If Royal Enfield’s recent track record with modern classics is any indication, the Bear 650 will be one of the most accessible and appealing scramblers in its class.
• Honda SCL500
The Honda SCL500 is a modern “scrambler-style” bike that blends friendly performance with Honda’s bulletproof reliability. Powered by the lively 471cc twin from the Rebel and CB500 series, it’s smooth, efficient, and easy to ride. Its high-mounted exhaust, upright posture, and minimalist retro styling give it that classic scrambler look, while its manageable weight and predictable handling make it ideal for beginners.
Whether commuting or exploring light gravel roads, the SCL500 is a versatile and approachable option. That said, it’s one of the least off-road-capable scramblers on the market — a great all-rounder, but not ideal for anything more than gravel or dirt roads.
Choose the Bike That Fits Your Style
There are plenty of scramblers on the market, but these stand out because they really capture the soul of what a scrambler should be: versatile, stylish, and ready for anything. Whether you’re after something lightweight and playful, rugged and retro, or powerful and premium, there’s a bike that will fit your vibe perfectly.
If you’re in the market for a new bike, consider where you’ll ride most and how much power you want. Scramblers are all about freedom and fun, so choose the one that makes you excited to throw on your helmet and head out, no matter what road (or dirt path) is waiting.
Custom Scramblers
Here at BikeBound, we’re big fans of custom motorcycles, and modern scramblers are some of the best platforms for customization. Here are some of the latest custom scramblers we’ve featured.
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Desert Sled 55: 1963 Triumph Speed Twin - Built for for £4K: Dan Steward’s Triumph 5TA Desert Sled… Ed Turner — Triumph’s legendary designer and director — launched the original Speed Twin 5T at the 1937 National Motorcycle Show. The 500 parallel-twin […] The Green Pig: “Yax Muuk” Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE - BikeBound Photographer Roberto Garagarza’s Scrambler 1200 XE… For 2019, Triumph unveiled the Scrambler 1200, which soon proved itself to be much more than a scrambler in name alone. For once, a factory had designed and […]
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Moto Guzzi “Gran Sasso 750” Adventure Bike - For Sale: Guzzi ADV Bike from Officine Rossopuro… Moto Guzzi launched the NTX 750 in 1988 as a shaft-drive adventure bike with the Mandello factory’s signature transverse 90° V-twin. The X Publicca Amministrazione (X PA) […]
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680R 2.0: Honda XR650R Scrambler - When Pigs Fly: Parr Motorcycles’ XR680R Scrambler… Introduced in 1999, the Honda XR650R — aka Big Red Pig (BRP) — was destined to become a legend, winning eight consecutive runnings of the Baja 1000. The […]
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