5 coolest scrambler motorcycles ever built

A motorcycle from the eyes of any bike enthusiast should be raw, able to tackle different terrains and but obviously be faster and lighter. A scrambler is the middleground between a dual sport motorcycle and a cafe racer. Built originally for short course and off-road races, these motorcycles have seen a recent resurgence on conventional roads for their classic style. Here's our top five favourites - keep the rubber side down.

BMW R100RS

Back in 1977, BMW signed up professional stylist Hans Muth to create the ultimate sports tourer. The result was the R100RS. The fact that the R100RS remains one of the most practical long-distance mounts to this day is testament to the brilliance of Muth’s vision. Equipped with four-stroke, OHV, air-cooled twin powered engine capable of delivering 70PS of power at 7,250rpm, the BMW R100RS is considered as one of the coolest scrambler motorcycles ever built.

Moto Guzzi V7 Special

Moto Guzzi's storied history includes a multitude of world titles in MotoGP racing as well as several innovations in motorcycle technology that are still in use today. Those looking for the classic retro style with the guts and go-for-it attitude to do some touring, can opt for Moto Guzzi V7 Special as their mount. Featuring swept back controls, long and low fuel tank and seat, and pair of air-cooled cylinder heads from either side, the 750cc V-Twin-powered V7 is capable of churning out 40PS of power at 6,400rpm. This motorcycle is priced at Rs 5.9 lakh (before import duties and taxes).

Ducati Scrambler:

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Originally manufactured from 1962 to 1974, the Scrambler made a comeback in 2014 at the INTERMOT show in Germany. Ducati put all fears of the traditionalists to rest by introducing a smartly styled bike that correctly reinterprets the spirit of the 1960s’ original. The bike maker aimed the new Scrambler at people looking for a bike that’s not just easy to handle, but is comfortable and also as fashionable as the original. The Scrambler engine is a new version of Ducati’s SOHC V-twin, an air- and oil-cooled two-valver displacing 803cc. In reality, it’s a 796cc engine detuned to deliver a claimed 75PS of power at 8,250rpm and 68Nm of torque at 5,750rpm. The new Ducati Scrambler is expected to be launched in India this year with a price tag between Rs 10-12 lakh.

Triumph Bonneville Scrambler

Yet another motorcycle to make its name to our list is from the Triumph’s stable. The Scrambler was designed as a Bonneville to show off its off road styling. The motorcycle sports high and wide handlebars to match its higher seating position. It also has high level stacked twin exhausts and crossover exhaust headers - design qualities attributed to the original Triumph TR6C Trophy Special from the late 1960s. The bike’s retro style offers a nice touch of Triumph’s heritage while also imbibing all the modern qualities one would want in a bike. The Triumph Bonneville Scrambler comes equipped with an air-cooled 4-cylinder DOHC parallel twin engine churning out 59PS of power at 6,800rpm and 50Nm of torque at 4,750rpm.  The bike is priced at Rs 5.7 lakh (before import duties and taxes).

MV Agusta 350 Scrambler

Manufactured from 1970 to 1974, Meccanica Verghera Agusta, or MV Agusta, saw wild success and popularity in Europe which spanned 16 years. Equipped with a four-stroke OHV, air-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine capable of churning out 34PS of power at 8,500rpm, the motorcycle today, is a collector's item.