Skeptic Buys Scram 411 - the full review

Here is my honest review of the Himalayan Scram 411 after coming off a Tiger 800 ADV bike. Too little? Too slow?
I answer the "highway question" and also take it scrambling to see if it's really a scrambler.
I own this bike; not a loaner from Royal Enfield.

[@danny-li6io]

So many reviewers talk about the top end speed being “inadequate for commuting on US highways”??? I commute on my every day it’s not raining in Atlanta and I have absolutely zero complaints, even when I get out in the suburbs (70+ mph) I think people with “fancy” bikes are threatened by simple, sturdy, utilitarian bikes without all the bells, whistles and 100+mph speeds, none of which you really need for a great ride!

[@ethanrhanielle2474]

As an owner here in CA I can tell you our freeways are much faster the 70+. It all depends on where you live. This bike in Texas with even bigger freeways than us would definitely not survive. Mine kinda does ok here in CA but I've been on stretches in Palm springs where the traffic speed is 85+ and I've had to pull off to a side road as I felt like a danger by not being able to keep up. However, it's a fun commuter and it's got a plus of being easy to put around in dirt and the shit I break is easily replaced. Overall, still a good bike it really just depends where you live. It definitely makes a good second bike. I use it for work and my cb750 for pleasure.

[@PAGallagher]

Hi from the UK. Enjoyed your detailed review of the Scram and thought how it also quite accurately described the Hunter 350. I've had my Hunter for just over 3 months and have put nearly 3500 miles on it. I was very tempted with the Scram, love the scrambler looks but when the Hunter appeared on the scene, the decision was made. I have 2 other much more powerful bikes but the Enfield is really so much better suited to the roads I really enjoy ......... 45 to 55mph winding A roads through lovely scenery and frequent small villages to potter through. Who needs 140 BHP when 20 is plenty 😊Enjoy your Scram, cheers, Phil

[@PAGallagher]

@tf9888 To be honest, I've only ever ridden the Classic for about an hour, on a test ride. I don't remember it feeling hugely different to the Hunter except the riding position, a bit more upright.

[@aladinfox4098]

You're right about the lack of top end speed not being such a big deal .My Interceptor 650 will comfortably do over 80/90mph but very often I find myself chugging along happily at 60 even on the highway. I'm sure the Scram would suit me fine and I just love the utilitarian looks. 👍

[@susananderson7504]

We've had one just over a year. My son quite a heavy man rides it uphill through trees and jumps it over rocks on back roads. Goes to work on it and we go two up on it often in town. He gets up to plenty shenanigans and with panniers and a top box on its great for camping. It will and does ride anywhere

[@stevied6286]

In the UK..Trucks do 56mph on the Motorway..does anyone ask truck drivers how their trucks do on the motorway? You know if it does 80mph flat out with a tail wind u gonna be able to overtake the trucks but probably not the cars.If you know this before you set off and minimise the amount of Motorway miles u gonna enjoy it more as it's gonna suffer from all the same issues that every naked bike suffers from.. Fatigue, buffeting, poor weather protection etc.Buy this bike for what it does well and accept that it's not a wolf in sheep's clothing..and enjoy the Brand..they are conversation starter's, everywhere you go!

[@detch5307]

The "Tractor Factor"...I like that. I get the impression that with proper maintenance and good clean oil, this Scram could put on a lot of miles. Speaking of oil, I think everybody might enjoy going over the FortNine channel and see his presentation on oil analysis of first oil change from twelve different manufactures. #1 was BMW. #2 was Royal Enfield. This surprised me. Maybe because of lower RPM engines but sounds like RE has excellent quality in their metals.

[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

Finally, a realistic review of the Scram 411. Thanks.

[@michaelmoore9870]

I took my Scram two up and was pretty impressed. I barely felt the difference and my passenger found the seat to be generally comfortable

[@susananderson7504]

I ride pillion on ours and neither of us is a slim Jim. He says it doesn't make a difference and still rides over kerbs etc in car parks lol

[@dabradguy]

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm trying to decide between the scram and the Int650. I live in AR, so there's lots of back roads and highways to explore that this would be perfect for, but there's also a lot of 75 mph interstate to travel that makes the 650 look more appealing. Either would be fine for my work commute highest speed limit is 65. I'm trying to ignore the attractive price tag of the Scram, but it so affordable it's hard to not keep coming back to it.

[@MichaelMoore-bx6st]

I put about 600 miles on my Scram on my last trip. I have a lot of good things to say about it. Seat is very comfortable for the first hour or two, suspension goes over everything, still love the looks, carries a pillion no problem! Acceleration is on the slower side, but for the kind of riding i enjoy it is fine. I'd say it's kind of a jack of all trades kind of bike. After riding some longer rides, I now understand why some guys like cruisers. For me, this bike is perfect for like 1-2 hour long rides, but anything longer and you'll want something meant for that.

[@regorschneid5245]

I loved your comment about the bike urging a style of riding. I have a Meteor 350 and a Versys X 300. The Meteor doesn't force on to ride slow at all. But, it's a delightful to simply cruise along at lower speeds and enjoy the scenery and the sound of the engine. The Versys loves being wound up to new heights which go even beyond what the 350 will do. It will be a challenge to find the Versys's calm cruising speed. :)

[@pengain4]

Thanks for recording this. Seems like nice medium bike for people that are after some enjoying rides and decently non-hardcore adventures

[@slowtaknow]

My understanding was it was really only supposed to be good at speeds around fifty, to hear the sweet spot is at sixth five makes me happy and wanting one. I live in North Carolina and the average where I live is sixty five.

[@evanhandelong7685]

Sweet spot is 60.

[@namanpadha2038]

Thanks for your much useful review here, I have been thinking for a while now to buy this (as my 1st) and after going through a lot of reviews online, your review had me finalize it. Love from India. Thanks.

[@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm]

Did you watch fortnine review? A quite master piece. Pretty sure if you want that bike and have second thoughts then thar review would blow your mind, lol.

[@BluuSkyz]

Just picked one up in Colombia. I pick it up next week.

[@regorschneid5245]

My Meteor 350 seems not to mind 70mph on int Interstate but prefers the 40-50 mph back roads. Your roads on this ride are lovely and also enjoyed tracking the ride on G Maps.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

12:25The Tractor Factor - which is exactly what one needs on Indian roads

[@SokaBalogh]

I just bought a new Scram 411, next week I am going to pick it up from the showroom🎉

[@GG-ub4ej]

I just picked two of these up so I can teach my son how to ride. 3 year unlimited mile warranty at this price point seems crazy. They have to be extremely reliable to make any sense.

[@dougsmith7580]

Well you did a pretty good job of selling me butI doubt a dealership will give you a commission. My nearest RE dealership is a couple of hours away but I think I’ll swing by and see what they will be bringing in as the initial offering of Scrams flew off the shelves. A deposit may be in order, just don’t tell my wife she thinks three bikes are enough - silly girl.

[@susananderson7504]

Our Scram is number 5 lol

[@CosmicSeeker69]

is three pairs of shoes enough????

[@pmay222]

573 miles that engine is not even loose yet...... 3000 miles and a decent oil.... she will fly

[@mongrelmotorsports]

At 600 miles I could tell a difference. Approaching 2500 as of today.

[@stefanmaslaczyk1259]

If you want to do long distance tours then a big bike is good for the highways. If you’re having fun in the city and days out in the countryside the Scram looks ideal.

[@RufusCapstick]

I love the look of the 411 Scram but I want the power of the upcoming 450. So I think it's going to be a 411 with a cam.

[@Mahesh_239]

I own a 450 and it is great. I took a test drive of scram 411 and it felt totally different. Both engines are awesome and provide unique riding experience. I would love to own both engines if I could.

[@richardjones3112]

Excellent review.I think I need a Scram.What panniers and rack do you use?

[@mongrelmotorsports]

Those are the RE panniers, etc. Very affordable.

[@davidprentice6798]

That was Awsome I bought a 2022 Himalayan n love it so far rat outof box o miles I can’t wait to find back road on a creek Togo fishing I live in Los Angeles n it does 👍

[@ShortyTW867]

Thank you for the good information

[@juanhernandez-mr6cc]

Thanks for the video, I learned some good things from there to keep running away with the idea of ​​buying one for myself. Suggestion with respect, maybe it would be good to have another camera to be able to see the bike in action live. As an observation of the 7 motorcycles that passed on the route, only 2 greeted, is it normal that there is not a good community of bikers? Thank you again, greetings from Colombia

[@mongrelmotorsports]

Thank you for your comment, Juan. I'm just a guy with a GoPro and a phone, so the production quality is understandably amateur. Maybe some day I'll spring for a 360 camera. A wireless mic is my next purchase though. As for the wave, most riders will wave on the road. Off-road it's a matter of needing both hands on the bars for control, so I'm not offended if someone doesn't wave. If you break down riders will stop to check on you. It is generally a good community here.

[@85waspnest]

Interesting and useful information.

[@tombombadilofficial]

Im swapping my Classic 350 for a Scram 411. Will I regret it?

[@mongrelmotorsports]

Haven't ridden a 350 yet so can't give an opinion.

[@oldguzziguy]

Yes you will!

[@CosmicSeeker69]

WRONG MOVE, Don't swap - ADD tthe Scram, and a 650 Inter..

[@jackpoell1673]

I’m wondering which gear you wear, especially your boots. Did you wear adventure or motocross boots riding off-road?

[@mongrelmotorsports]

I wear ADV style apparel.

[@stephanematis]

Bath ? Nah, more dust and muck!

[@constantin1959]

Very nice; thank you!!

[@TLH_BobCat]

Want to see a drop test. Can you pick it up. And how easy?

[@mongrelmotorsports]

Good point. I'll do that in an upcoming update. I did sort-of try it myself and it's not difficult, but I'm happy to show it.

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Am loving my Himalayan so am sure the scram is good also! I sat on the scram and preferred the Himalayan. P s First service on friday and am freeeeee! (Kinda, still will take it easy till 1000 miles)

[@john-wq8kf]

I’m afraid as a road bike it certainly would not ring my bell, reminds me of my old single cylinder Norton of yore. So for me not do able

[@ibrahimfakkad9864]

the og fender is bad , it gets loose very often

[@GG-ub4ej]

I know I'm probably an idiot for this... But what is an og fender?

[@amomentarybrake]

would you ride it in philly?

[@mongrelmotorsports]

I wouldn't ride anything in Philly. 😄 But if I had to, I don't see any reason you couldn't.

[@amomentarybrake]

@@mongrelmotorsportsbecause of the volume of cars? the bad roads? or the crime?

[@mongrelmotorsports]

Yes. 😄 I'm a country boy. I avoid Philly if at all possible.

[@davidprentice6798]

Not after I bought it’s 450 comes out mad 😡 ha😅😅😅😅