Scramblers sit right at the intersection of style, versatility, and fun. They draw on the spirit of 1960s and ’70s street bikes converted for dirt and desert use — high pipes, wide bars, dual-sport tires — but with modern reliability and performance. In 2026, the segment is broader than ever, ranging from lightweight single-cylinder machines to big-bore twins with genuine off-road chops.
Manufacturers have finally leaned into the idea that many riders don’t want a full-size ADV or a pure retro roadster. They want something in between: a bike that’s happy on gravel, looks at home in front of a café, and doesn’t need a support truck to survive a dirt road.
Today we take a look at the best scrambler motorcycles available in 2026, from full-size desert-capable bruisers to approachable small-bore runabouts.
What is a Scrambler in 2026?
Originally, a “scrambler” was just a standard road bike converted for dirt use: high-mounted exhausts, knobby tires, taller suspension, maybe a braced handlebar and stripped-down bodywork. Today, factory scramblers capture that look and purpose with:
- 19″ or 21″ front wheel and slightly longer suspension travel
- Dual-sport or semi-knobby tires
- Upright ergonomics and wide bars
- Higher pipes or at least generous ground clearance
- Minimal bodywork and a classic silhouette
Some skew more toward road and light gravel; others are essentially street-legal trail bikes with retro styling. The best modern scramblers preserve that “go anywhere, do anything” attitude while still working as everyday motorcycles.
What Makes a Great Scrambler Motorcycle?
A proper scrambler in 2026 should offer:
- Balanced geometry: Stable enough on the highway, but agile in town and on backroads.
- Useful suspension travel: Enough to handle potholes, ruts, and gravel without feeling like a full ADV land yacht.
- Real-world torque: Strong low- and midrange power, not just peak hp numbers.
- Durability & simplicity: Easy to live with, maintain, and potentially drop without crying.
- Timeless styling: Classic lines, round headlamp (usually), and an honest, functional look.
With that in mind, here are our picks for the best scrambler motorcycles of 2026.
Heavyweight & Flagship Scramblers
Triumph Scrambler 1200 X / XE
Triumph’s Scrambler 1200 family remains the benchmark for “big” scramblers that can genuinely handle dirt. The 1200 X is the more accessible road-biased model, while the XE is the long-travel, off-road-focused bruiser with premium suspension and electronics. Triumph continues to refine this platform with modern rider aids, improved ride-by-wire, and updated styling.
- 1200cc “High Power” Bonneville twin with huge torque
- Real off-road suspension travel and 21″ front wheel (XE)
- Advanced electronics (riding modes, traction control, cornering ABS)
- Feels like a retro desert sled with genuine ADV ability
If you want one scrambler that can commute, tour, and tackle rocky trails, this is still the top of the heap.
Ducati Scrambler (Next-Gen 800 Family)
Ducati’s second-generation Scrambler lineup keeps evolving into 2026: lighter, more compact, and more tech-forward than the originals, but still powered by the air-cooled Desmodue twin. Multiple trims (Icon, Full Throttle, Nightshift, etc.) give you different personalities from one core platform — from urban hooligan to mild all-road explorer.
- 803cc air-cooled V-twin with approachable power and great character
- Low weight and narrow chassis for easy handling
- Updated TFT displays, ride modes, and improved electronics
- Huge aftermarket and custom potential
This isn’t the most hardcore off-roader, but as a stylish, capable all-round scrambler platform, it’s tough to beat.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 801
New for 2025 and rolling into 2026, the Svartpilen 801 is essentially a modern “neo-scrambler”: upright ergonomics, wide bars, Pirelli MT60-style tires, and minimalist bodywork wrapped around a punchy parallel-twin. Husqvarna explicitly calls out its scrambler-inspired design, even if it sits in their “naked” line.
- 799cc twin with ~100+ hp and light weight
- Scrambler-influenced tires and ergonomics
- Great choice for riders who want modern performance with a rugged aesthetic
- More road-focused than true off-road, but dirt-road capable in the right hands
Think of it as the contemporary, angular cousin to the more retro-looking twins on this list.
Triumph Scrambler 900
The Scrambler 900 carries on as Triumph’s more accessible, mid-weight Bonneville-based scrambler. It’s less extreme than the 1200 — lower seat height, more manageable power, and friendlier ergonomics — but still offers genuine all-road capability. Updates in recent years have focused on emissions, ride-by-wire, and refined fueling.
- 900cc “High Torque” twin with plenty of grunt for backroads
- 19″ front wheel, longer suspension, and upright stance
- Comfortable for commuting and light touring
- Classic Triumph styling that works with both retro and custom builds
If the 1200 feels like too much, the 900 is an extremely friendly middle ground.
Mid-Size & Value Scramblers
Royal Enfield Bear 650
Royal Enfield’s Bear 650 is a proper mid-weight scrambler based on the proven 648cc parallel-twin platform (Interceptor/Continental GT/Super Meteor). It adds wire-spoke wheels, longer-travel suspension, a more upright riding position, and scrambler-style details — all at a very competitive price point.
- Torquey 648cc twin with real highway performance
- Retro scrambler stance with modern reliability
- Intended as a true off-pavement-capable variant, not just a styling exercise
- Likely to undercut European rivals on price while offering similar capability
For riders who want a classic twin scrambler without spending Triumph money, the Bear 650 is one to watch in 2026.
Triumph Scrambler 400 X / Scrambler 400 XC
Triumph’s 400 platform (built in partnership with Bajaj) has quickly become a global hit, and the Scrambler 400 X is the all-road member of the family. It offers a 398cc single, 19″/17″ wheels, longer suspension, and genuine off-pavement capability at a very approachable price and seat height. The XC variant, where offered, adds more off-road-biased equipment. (Triumph Motorcycles)
- Lively single with enough power for highway stints
- True scrambler proportions in a small, manageable package
- Triumph fit and finish at a lower entry price
- Ideal “first scrambler” or do-everything small-bore all-rounder
It’s one of the most complete entry-level scramblers on the market in 2026.
Royal Enfield Scram 440 / Scram 411
The Scram 411 has been one of the most approachable factory scramblers for years, built on the original Himalayan platform. Royal Enfield is in the process of rolling out the Scram 440 as its successor, with a revised 443cc engine offering a bit more power and torque while keeping the same 19″/17″ wheel combo and rugged stance.
- Air-cooled single with simple, proven architecture
- 19″/17″ wire-spoke wheels, decent travel, and dual-sport tires
- Truly usable off pavement without overwhelming newer riders
- One of the best price-to-character ratios in the scrambler world
It isn’t a rocket ship, but it nails the original scrambler brief: go anywhere, at a relaxed pace, with a ton of charm.
Honda SCL500
Honda’s SCL500 is a scrambler-styled spin on the Rebel 500 platform, but the execution is good enough that it deserves mention. High-mounted exhaust, 19″/17″ wheels, and revised ergonomics give it a legit scrambler look and feel, backed by Honda’s bulletproof 471cc parallel-twin.
- Smooth, flexible 471cc twin that’s friendly for new and experienced riders
- Real-world ergonomics: comfy for commuting, urban use, and light dirt
- Easy maintenance, ABS standard in many markets, big dealer network
- Great canvas for personalization — racks, luggage, high fenders, etc.
For riders who prioritize ease of ownership and everyday usability, the SCL500 is a smart, underrated choice.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Husqvarna positions the Svartpilen 401 as an urban explorer, but its 19″ front wheel, upright ergonomics, and semi-knobby tires give it clear scrambler DNA. Light weight and a lively single-cylinder engine make it ideal for city riding, gravel roads, and twisty backroads.
- Punchy single-cylinder with plenty of character
- Very light and compact — great for smaller riders or tight environments
- Scrambler-inspired styling: minimalist bodywork, dual-sport rubber
- A good “modern” counterpart to more classically styled scramblers
If you want a contemporary design that still captures scrambler spirit, this is a strong option.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea Scrambler
Unveiled at EICMA 2025 as part of Royal Enfield’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the Flying Flea Scrambler brings the brand’s WWII paratrooper “Flying Flea” heritage into a modern small-bore package. While final global specs and availability are still rolling out, it’s aimed squarely at the lightweight scrambler segment.
Why it’s interesting:
- Small displacement, low seat height, and light weight
- Designed as a playful all-roads machine with real heritage backstory
- Likely to be very affordable and approachable for new riders
If you like the idea of a vintage-inspired scrambler that’s genuinely small and friendly, keep an eye on this one as it hits more markets in 2026.
Honorable Mentions & “Scrambler-Adjacent” Machines
A few bikes don’t fit the traditional scrambler mold perfectly, but they’re close enough that many riders will cross-shop them:
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- BMW R 12 nineT / R 12 variants: Heritage roadsters that can be made very scrambler-like with tires, bars, and suspension tweaks. (BMW Motorcycles)
- Brixton Crossfire 500 XC: A middleweight, scrambler-leaning machine that competes with bikes like the Bear 650 in some markets.
- Various boutique and regional models (Fantic Caballero, Moto Morini Seiemmezzo Scrambler, etc.), which may or may not be available in North America but play strongly in Europe.
Depending on where you live, these may be just as relevant as the larger-brand machines above.
Used Scramblers Worth a Look
The 2026 showroom is strong, but the used market is still packed with excellent scrambler options that deserve a nod:
- Older Ducati Scrambler 800/1100 generations, especially the Desert Sled
- Triumph Street Scrambler / Scrambler 900 from earlier model years
- Triumph Scrambler 865 carb and EFI models
- BMW R nineT Scrambler
- Yamaha SCR950, Moto Guzzi V7 Scrambler builds, and various dealer-special “scramblerized” standards
If you’re willing to shop used, you can often get more engine and features for less money, with plenty of aftermarket support to dial in suspension and off-road ergonomics.
Choosing the Best Scrambler for You
- For serious off-road and desert work: Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE or a used Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled are the heavy hitters.
- For everyday mixed riding (city + backroads): Royal Enfield Bear 650, Ducati Scrambler 800 family, Triumph Scrambler 900, Royal Enfield Scram 440/411.
- For smaller or newer riders: Triumph Scrambler 400 X, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, Honda SCL500.
- For modern performance with scrambler flavor: Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 and similar “neo-scramblers.”
Scramblers have always been about freedom and flexibility — one bike that can handle a surprising variety of roads (and non-roads) while still looking right at home parked at a café or trailhead. In 2026, riders have more genuine choices than ever, from affordable thumpers to premium big-twin flagships. However you define “scrambler,” there’s likely a bike in this lineup that fits your riding style, terrain, and budget.
