If the idea of a 1187cc, 115bhp V-twin machine with Scrambler clothing and mild off-road capability provokes the madness within, the Scrambler is the doorway to the nearest nut house. On the road-biased tyres (an optional fit because the standard knobblies aren’t speed rated for 100mph-plus action), the Scrambler is a scream. Wheelies and sports-like riding come with a twist of the throttle. Keep the throttle abuse to a minimum and the Scrambler makes for a lovely ride.
The ultimate in torque laden V-twins. The short rev range means quick cog swaps are required to keep the engine on the boil. There’s an abundance of torque available and low rpm running is a little jerky because of torque reaction from the crank. But keep the revs and you will revel in the way the handlebars tug at the arms and make you smile with the induction roar.
For a portly mass of engine and chassis the Scrambler is surprisingly adept at bend swinging. You’ve got to apply some muscle through the tight sections, but the bits in between are a blast of instant punch and rock solid chassis. It’s a tall, top heavy unit (with a full 21 litres of fuel onboard), which is why it needs extra rider input through turns. But even though the suspension is slightly longer for gravel road and country lane action, it never threatens to get out of shape on tarmac.
It’s an name game here, featuring some of the biggest and oldest Italian component manufacturers. Verlicchi makes the high tensile steel frame, Marzocchi supplies the front USD forks, Paioli is stamped on the fully adjustable rear monoshock and Brembo brakes work very, very effectively. Add to this the Excel wheel rims, hydroformed swingarm and beautiful exhaust pipework, then you have a class act on wheels.
