The 12 Best Retro Scrambler Motorcycles For 2023!

[@motobob]

A massive thanks to Quad Lock for their support - go here for 10% off all Quad Lock products: motobob.cc/u/lhsls3asaq

[@asterix908]

Svartpilen 401 has the scrambler looks and style and costs about the same as the Himalayan but generated about twice the power. And its a fun bike to rip around.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

I am waiting for the 650 twin- based Enfield scrambler. Thanks for all your content man. Top quality! Cheers from Beantown!

[@RichardWilliams-kf5vw]

You may be waiting a long time. The next one will be a 450 liquid cooled single Himalayan/scram. There’s no suggestion of a 650 in anything other than rumours.

[@daniellandry9366]

That would sell like HOT CAKES in the US. Hope theyre working on it...

[@hakshayak2044]

@@RichardWilliams-kf5vw no bro there is space for 650 scram and it could be named as interceptor bear 650.and they now testing it on the roads of india. We can it in this year

[@victoriazero8869]

@@hakshayak2044 Yeah, they already have Continental for "True retro" feel, and Scram 411 is better Himalayan anyway.

[@shremich4583]

@Roger_Ramjet and i am waiting for 650 single cylinder Triumphs. i never had a yamaha sr 500, the sr 400 is nothing for me, a sr 650 never came out. since the 80th i had always twins, honda, kawa and triumph. a 650 single triumph could be it but no 400 ccm.

[@mohammadchater4388]

I just love your channel. I constantly find myself checking into your channel to see your new content. Keep it up Bob, much love from New Jersey 🇺🇸

[@jaegermeister1968]

interesting how many times you mention the Moto Morini is a Chinese bike or the 500 Fantic has a Chinese engine but fail to say that both Triumph models are from either Thailand or Brazil. The expensive traditional British company produces almost the entire range in various low-wage countries. you should also check out the 700 Fantic Caballero, which has the engine from the Yamaha Tenere and is built in France.

[@jonathandavies6862]

Really like this comparison series of different types of bikes. Keep it up!!

[@BigMoeFo]

I am amazed you fond this many Scramblers. The Triumph 1200 is just a downright gorgeous bike. But the RNineT is also a beauty.

[@richardwarsinske7064]

Caballero 700 with Yamaha CP2 engine would have been my Fantic choice.

[@precludeneco]

Is it out yet?

[@MacAlex007]

​@@precludeneco Yeah, almost 10000€ in Italy.There's a few italian reviews of it on KZbin.

[@ginoasci2876]

i just bought the 2022 Triumph Scrambler 1200XC…..just awesome ! all the youtube videos give high praise, and now i understand, and completely agree. everyone was right about this bike. so i bought one, and i’m glad i did.

[@RHaidar-PJ]

Is it very different from the new X?

[@ginoasci2876]

@@RHaidar-PJ No, it’s the same bike, but with some differences. Suspension travel is 50mm less, and a different manufacturer. They went from SHOWA to Mozzacchi. They also changed the brake calipers from BREMBO to I believe BISSEN. The display is different but still great, just a little simpler. I’m pretty sure it still has five ride modes. The foot pegs are different but no big deal. The engine is the same, so the power is the same. The seat height is slightly lowered. Research the features on both, and decide if the differences matter to YOU. You can always look for a left over new 2023 or a low mileage 2022 or 2023. If you accept the minor differences then go for the 2024, it’s a little less expensive. Are you looking to buy a scrambler and can’t decide ?

[@RHaidar-PJ]

@@ginoasci2876 thanks heaps for the info. I’m going from CBR500 to a classic bike and I have liked Triumph 1200 and Kawasaki z900Rs but have not ridden any of them because I’ll get my full license in June this year. So no idea how a 900 is different from 1200 in terms of power. But I’m very comfortable on my CBR500.

[@ginoasci2876]

@@RHaidar-PJ : the 1200 parallel twin, with a 270 degree crank has less power than a 600R of any other manufacturer because its not built for racing, but it does pretty good. If you’re comfortable on your 500, I’d say you’ll be fine with the 1200 if that’s what you decide on. Definitely take it for a ride if possible. Just to get a feel for it. Good luck with whatever you get. I wish you many many years of safe riding. Have fun !

[@riotofmyown]

I picked the CCM Maverick for my scrambler. Looks better than all of the above, probably closer to the Cabellero in terms of use, but more power and better quality.

[@alexjson]

Just bought an Urban GS as it handles really well on the road and I love the boxer character. I test rode the Triumph 1200 and it's a lovely bike but I didn't like the handling on the road and lets face it, realistically you'd be too afraid to take it off road as you'd cry if you dropped £14ks worth of pretty bike. I already have a CRF300l so I have the off road bit covered anyway. Would be interested in switching my CRF for a Himalayan 450 if that turns out to be good. Always had a soft spot for the Fantic Cab Rally but the Chinese x Italian combo might give me sleepless nights 😅

[@rdrg7362]

Fantic Cab Rally much less appropriate and convenient for off-road than the CRF300L, in particular re: riding position. Opposite is true for on-road.

[@alexjson]

@@rdrg7362 yes absolutely, the CRF is a proper trail bike and the Fantic has bad ergonomics for standing in comparison. Fantic wins hands down for looks and that extra power would be nice on the road.

[@Opel314]

Fantic for me, hands down the one I'd go for. Takes me right back to being 16. In fact I've just bought one now that the price is very competitive.

[@ianmorgan7198]

I really like your new bike comparison format, its well put together and interesting to watch, one comment on the Fantic review, I was under the impression Fantic are now manufacturing their own engines plus they have tied up with Yamaha and are now using Yamaha 2 & 4 Stroke engines in their off road bikes ?

[@Arda-ng7gl]

seiemezzo scr is a really fantastic machine. good look and very powerful, i like it.

[@caleroby9483]

2023 SCR with 2500 miles. Quite happy so far. USA and not so many dealer options, Dallas for me. Really solid ergonomics, reasonably comfortable, a little harsh but fully adjustable suspension and some tweaks soon. Smooth power delivery and still fun but a 60hp engine and 460lb bike.. A tad sluggish. But not bad. Great handling on an surprisingly off road. Its advertised as a Scrambler but me... More a Cafe racer scrambler.. Think mine is a keeper.

[@technoutopia4687]

2022 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled smokes all these

[@db3100]

Great review!!! Great format, excellent delivery, and spot on stats.....thank you!

[@filippo8495]

Yeah I'm gonna agree with most other comments and jump on the CL500 train. Underrated and overhated bike.

[@Love4boost]

I’d put the CL500 in 1st if it had a 270° crank. I think it’s awesome! Custom suspension and TKC 70 tires and I think it would be a cheap ADV bike. That’s a great entry price and an easy enough platform to learn how to do diy bike builds on. I really might try to trade my Softail for one. I already have a performance bike. I think it’s the perfect 2nd bike.

[@Mycatz]

I actually really like the way the orange one looks. I’ve got a dual sport atm. Thinking about picking it up as my 2nd bike. My grandpa used to have a retro 70s Honda that I always thought looked cool.

[@victoriazero8869]

Only problem is CL not having double craddle and use engine as stress member, but that's 90% of modern scramblers and adventure bikes anyway (only Royal Enfield got it right)

[@jishh]

I've just bought one of these bikes... well, not new. but an accident damaged one I will be fixing up!

[@motobob]

👀

[@jishh]

@@motobob hehuhehuheu

[@dresmart432]

Excelent work !! Congrats !! You forget Benelli Leoncino 800 Scrambler ...

[@budbin]

The CL500 without the white add-ons is an A on looks in my book, I love the mix of old and new

[@erelat]

Google "CL500 K-Speed"

[@deniseroberts6908]

You missed out the Benelli’s. Leoncino 500 and 800 Trails 🙈

[@bishop912]

I know people don't like the Honda cl500 but I think the trim without the white parts looks amazing. I'm hoping they bring it to the U.S. really wish it came in a 750 or higher though, but still looks like an excellent daily commuter for us city dwellers

[@clickbaitpro]

I think it is one of the best takes on scramblers with modern touch. Post apocalypse - cyberpunk vibes

[@erelat]

With the K-Speed mods you can get for it, off-the-chart in looks.

[@nitrogary8998]

Hmmm I need to put together a top list for a bike that I like.

[@FarHanSolo]

Yeah, I'm going to have to disagree with all the Honda haters here. The Honda CL500 Scrambler is going to outsell (and definitely outlive) all others here. If you like leaky bikes that leave you stranded go for any of the others, please!

[@lohchenghuat6388]

Imo, people aren't hating it coz it's a Honda, people are hating it coz Honda did a lazy effort in its design style. In current modern retros market, buyers are going to prioritize "form over functions" first coz that's the main attraction about modern retros. But the CL500 is too modern looking and not enough retro looking if you get what I mean.

[@vinyldown8490]

I agree 100% on the first part of your comment

[@mattbryan8535]

Apparently the design team for this bike was headed by a young Japanese guy who is only 32 and he is the oldest member and they had a lot of free reign to do as they pleased...I've read that 20 somethings love the looks of this bike...I wonder if it was laziness??! I do understand a lot came from the Rebel...I actually like the aesthetics very much!

[@theresnosuchman7675]

After 38 years of ridin’ my first and only motorcycle, a Yamaha XT 500, I‘ve now ordered a bike that is quite similar in shape and style to the XT. Ist’s the really good lookin‘ CL 500 Srambler. Of course in green :o)

[@mattbryan8535]

@@theresnosuchman7675 Haha! That's funny, about the same time as you got the XT 500 my brother had the TT 500 with the orange logos(I loved his bike and rode it often) and I had an XL 100 with an orange tank...I'm now in Thailand (CL 500s are put together here) and am ordering one with an orange tank.I can't wait!

[@biscuitsalive]

I had the Fantic Caballero rallys’s for a while. Really is a lot of fun. And about 1/3 of my riding was off road too. Which it is a lot of fun with. But I didn’t trust it’s reliability. Runs super hot, so if you do slow uphill sections in hot weather the threat of overheating is a reality. I had a few issues on mine. Nothing major, cut outs, lights failing etc. the support I had for it from dealer wasn’t great. Also a real pain to resale. Nobody wanted it as a trade in. :(

[@alvinsmith3894]

Sorry to hear that. I wish they would just get yamaha/kawasaki engines instead of the chinese one. The caballero's pretty much a perfect low budget retro scrambler and it's a shame that the engine is chinese.

[@NBMBC40]

Great video as always Rob, I'd have the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE, oh wait that is the bike I have and my second one as well.

[@russellleggatt4269]

Love the look of the Caballero, the BMW in the Urban looks brilliant, but if i had the funds, and longer legs, the Triumphs

[@unnidekrish9445]

Ducati and Triumph 🎉

[@greenacresmfn]

So no Benelli Leoncino Trail 500 or 800?

[@ilgrilluss]

Ducati scrambler is an amazig bike

[@denisg4288]

Hi Bob I have a Triumph 900 Scrambler and looking to change it. Looks great, sound great, handles great, totally gutless. I also have a T120 and when I get on that, chalk and cheese! I think it is too heavy with a heavyish rider for the power. Get to 60/70 mph not much left.

[@TheLucas2696]

Still waiting for an RE 650 Scrambler. Can't believe they don't have one out already.

[@adityan3208]

In the next 12months mate

[@maxd3028]

Waiting for Honda 1100 scrambler hopefully...

[@AndrewRobinson-b8y]

I like the Ducati scrambler add a small screen a little soft luggage per fect

[@jamesholloway2284]

Love your channel !! ✌

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

Damn I knew you’d draw to that conclusion…. but the Trump 1200 is so damn tall! I’m 5’11” and it still feels tall & top heavy! I Reckon most folk would have more fun on the simpler 900! Good round up bud. 👍🏻

[@bikemoodon7298]

You had to add Yezdi scrambler.. which is far more better then the RE 😅

[@aserizu]

What about the frantic 700? what do you think?

[@beaumas]

Ummm the red Fantic you were showing was the new one with the CP2 Yamaha engine in it. That should be a pretty good bike when it comes out.

[@scottbrock884]

Wish Fantic and Mutt could sell in the U.S.

[@surajsharmakafle4858]

Ducati 1100 scrambler is my all time favorite 🥰

[@GusAguillar]

Nice content! If Royal Enfield had a better engine, it would be on the top of the list.

[@roadsweride_pt]

Triumph Scrambler 1200XE anyday!!

[@pedropin2]

what about the Benelli Leoncino 800 Trail?

[@Ritalie]

19:37. Stunningly beautiful Triumph. By far the best version of a retro bike in this entire video. Looks absolutely perfect, including the proper full length round mufflers (not vomit shaped) that weren't designed by a computer algorithm. (No offense robots, we love you, but please don't shorten or conceal or change our mufflers ever again). Mufflers are supposed to be round, and long, because they are motorcycle mufflers. Wedges, triangles, and blobs, are unacceptable and we will unleash the fury of 10,000 suns.

[@8lack8bird]

I think you should change the numbering/ranking into a descending order.

[@Vegesaurus7]

Good job on these comparisons. I think you are doing better than all the others IMHO. I’m interested to see that the Hondas are tending to get lots of Bs and Cs which resonates with me as a Honda owner. I love that they are so well mannered and generally good, but they seem to lack a little spice. And I wonder if I go for something more characterful for my next bike would I miss the all round goodness of my Honda?

[@Artitus2024]

Honda honda honda

[@dennisbuckley]

Oh, what a lineup …! If I hand the funds, the Urban GS would be my choice. I’m not interested in how it rides and so on, I’d be happy just to pull it out the garage and look at it! 👀 As it is, the new Ducati 800 is a strong contender for my next bike…

[@iam_sne4n]

Royal Enfield is prolly the best indian mountain bike

[@theprodigalstranger5259]

Normally I would say stick with the O.G. Triumph but if the Moto Marini were available here I would have a more difficult choice.

[@erikbusker4366]

Which of these scramblers would be best for a tall rider? (6'5")

[@martykasa7864]

CP2 def makes the best sounds...

[@marrti6]

Why theres no Benelli Leo 800 Trail?

[@molitorchristian8885]

great work - can you give an review on the Brixton 500XC Scrambler. Would be interested on your scoring for this Bike :) cheers

[@Smokej620]

Too bad there is no Guzzi v7 scrambler with the new engine.

[@derrickkimsey1921]

Ddid you see where the oil filter was on the 800 scrambler? Looks susceptible

[@David-Drums]

How is desert sled not on this list? Between the xe and sled they are the most off and on road capable and desired scramblers. It doesn’t look as “retro”, but all of the other Ducatis are on here with the same look.

[@Isha048]

The Indian is the bike I would buy, but it's too heavy. Thanks for the video.

[@RussellFitness-Trainer]

Is there no difference in colour for the Bmws for 2023? Great video as always 😎

[@MrPoperstoper180]

What brand is the WHITE HELMET?

[@mikephillips3947]

Hi mate could you do a review on a fantic caballero 700cc

[@danny-li6io]

Scram 411 is definitely the best looking, best value. If you’re looking for a fast bike you don’t want this, but amazing off road. Edit: all of the others here look quite “modern” in my opinion

[@pistolpete6321]

Great video!

[@scottmassey4330]

Biggest Honda fan out there, have multiple CL bikes. New one= butt ugly. Wanted to love it.

[@Jonte_Vulcan]

Triumph 1200 scrambler😎

[@matthatter93]

What about the CF moto scrambler 😢

[@fauveride]

Agree with you

[@michlsei]

Fantic Caballero 700 is coming soon, with the Yamaha T7 engine.

[@alvinsmith3894]

I wish their 500 would get a yamaha engine too. I really don't trust the chinese engine. Other than that engine I love everything about it.

[@Deertracks123]

Don't trust anything Chinese

[@Deertracks123]

Maybe A nice Mongolian dinner

[@gill-b2v]

Ur not really comparing apples with apples. The RE Interceptor would challenge most of these…

[@austinblake2144]

Still waiting for fantic here in the states....

[@bartpjdeceuninck8855]

really top, thks

[@Mjp1010]

No Kawasaki Z650RS! Thought that was a big miss

[@steveisgood2go]

What is aluminium? I’ve never heard of it.

[@d.Cog420]

Ducati Desert X?

[@Rus5ell]

if triumph would drop 40kg then I would consider it

[@rogergr5019]

Where the hell is the desert sled?

[@davidoram3423]

So the 180 crank doesn't help the classic/retro feel then? That's strange, since the vast majority of Honda twins since the early 1960's had 180 cranks! 🤔

[@jimmycanuck5340]

I think that the looks of the CL500 are just fine. However, the fully exposed exhaust components make it totally unsuitable for any real "scrambler" activities. Same for the Yamaha. And the Ducatis and BMW. With exhaust items positioned like that it is a matter of "when" they will get bashed in off-road, not "if". The Triumphs are the only ones ready to "scramble".

[@martykasa7864]

Its the 45⁰ tank that ruined it.

[@anandharajanandh8395]

Where is the yezdi scrambler 😢

[@dominicjohnson5352]

Ducati not mentioned - how odd - also Benelli missing - the triumph exhaust will burn you and is a major flaw…

[@trroland1248]

Oops! You've missed the best scrambler -- Husky Svartpilen 401.

[@caznilo33]

Definitely the Scrambler XE is the best but my budget can not match it's price, and if I had the money I might prefer a T7 with a retro body kit, however, it would look more like an old adventure bike instead of a capable scrambler. For now, I hope that the Royal Enfield's 450cc engine is actually good and that they put it in the Hunter, which is not an scrambler but in my opinion looks better than the Himalayan or the Scram, and it is a bike I might be able to afford. Should I get the Hunter and adapt the wheels from the Scram in it? Also, Triumph is making an small scrambler which, if equiped with good ground clearance and long suspension travel, at least better than KTM 390 Adventure, it might be a really great bike.

[@tmryxk]

Where is clx 700 ? not good enough?

[@vinyldown8490]

I believe you were really unfair with th cl500. Worse than Scram, and the yamaha and same as morini? I respect yr opimion but disagree a lot :P You gave a B for a scrabler jack of all trades for 7k and C for the looks while it looks like a lot like the rest you rated for a B? (yes I am a CL fanboy)

[@kidneythief69]

No Svartpilen? 😂

[@paiphangwanmiz839]

India people seeing this guy say that Royal Enfield is cheap be like really,i can't even afford second hand 🤣

[@garethtemple6242]

To suggest that a bike that costs nearly £5k is "so cheap that you don't have to worry too much about dropping it" tends to suggest that you're a little detached from the financial reality of many of your viewers.

[@bfarm44]

How much does the chunk of Russian submarine bathroom plumbing excuse for an exhaust weight on the Honda what a turd. And the white could just do with a stripe offset up that fly screen with a thin one next to it and some on the hand guards

[@Retirement_Life]

Either Triumph for me…

[@agustincuevae]

💯💯💯👌 excelente

[@raibinpaul]

❤

[@bfarm44]

That Fantic available in the US? THAT is what Honda should have done instead of dipping us off on this sad interpretation of the mock ups. They blew it

[@sicks6six]

none of these are real off-road scramblers, they are all mid-weight street bikes that have been cosmetically changed to have the scrambler look, try testing something like the Mash X Ride 125cc or its big brother the XL engined inspired 650cc with DT looks, it is the small indie firm's that makes real scramble machines, Mash, Herald, the Kymco KTR 150 is an amazing little bike, scramblers should be stripped back lightweight easy to ride off-road in the mud and dirt, anyone taking these off-road will need someone to push them out of the mud,

[@suppersready4you]

The conversation must follow on which of these bikes' engines is hotter and more uncomfortable on the rider's legs and arse #1 Triumph Scrambler 1200. Unbearable heat coming from that engine!! Something for potential buyers to consider.... A no no for me.

[@hulamrasol8987]

Honda proven

[@axamitidynamit8355]

Seriously? You’re including the unpronounceable Moto Morini, but still no place for Benelli Leoncino Trail? That’s poor. I’m not saying it’s the best scrambler out there, but definitely wouldn’t score last.

[@dushyantbhatt9345]

B for 1200 scrambler for retro 😂 you got to be kidding

[@judassson]

Bmw retro A Triumph retro B Ffs! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@00hartmann]

The BMW doesnt look retro at all…