The Entry-level Scrambler Brawl

Lightweight, rugged and oodles of performance is what defines a scrambler. The entry-level scrambler segment has been a nascent one with the only option being the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250, until last year, when Honda introduced the ‘Road Sailing’ CB350RS, but both aren’t out-and-out scramblers. Now, with the launch of the Yezdi Scrambler, the segment is seeing some action. So, if you are on the lookout for a scrambler around Rs 2 lakh, which one should you put your money on? Let’s find out:

Engine

The Honda packs the biggest engine of the lot, but has the least power. That said, it not just has the most torque here, but the performance peaks much lower in the rev range given its simpler air-cooled engine. While that helps the Japanese bike, it will run out of breath sooner on the highway. The 5-speed gearbox further limits its highway capabilities. Meanwhile the Husqvarna has the most power, but it peaks much higher in the rev range, so you’ll have to gun the throttle to get the most from the engine, something that may not be possible every time, especially when off-roading.

Underpinnings

The Yezdi Scrambler takes a swooping win here. Like a true-blue scrambler, it runs on 19/17-inch wire-spoke rim setup, and packs 150mm and 130mm of wheel travel at the front and rear respectively. The Husky comes close with its 120mm suspension travel at both ends, however, the 17-inch alloy wheels aren’t the best for tackling rough terrain. While Honda hasn’t specified the suspension travel, it is unlikely to match the Yezdi’s. And though the Honda a 19/17-inch setup, the taller and chunkier tyre will theoretically result in heavier steering.

Braking equipment on the three bikes is similar, and while every bike is equipped with dual-channel ABS, the Yezdi has a neat trick up its sleeve, but more on that later.

Dimensions

The Husqvarna is the lightest and has the shortest wheelbase of the three, which makes the bike easy to handle and nimble. However, its 145mm ground clearance isn’t the best when venturing beyond the tarmac. Adding to its wooes is the puny 9.5-litre fuel tank. While the Honda’s 15-litre fuel tank is certainly beneficial, the lack of power and long wheelbase coupled with the 180kg heft is a bit disheartening. On the other hand, the Yezdi strikes the middleground. It has the accessible seat height of the Honda, yet has the highest ground clearance here. The 12.5-litre tank should offer decent range as well.

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Features

The Yezdi Scrambler flaunts a unique three mode ABS with Road (std dual-channel ABS), Rain (for wet surface braking) and Off-road (disengages ABS at the rear) setting while the competition does not offer switchable ABS. However, the CB350RS has traction control to brag about, even though its performance doesn’t require one. The Husky comes off as the most basic of the lot.

Price And Verdict

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 is the priciest of the lot, and doesn’t have much to impress with, other than the KTM-sourced engine, that too if your intention is to stick to the urban jungle. On the other end of the spectrum is the CB350RS but neither its engine nor its underpinnings encourage you to take it off the tarmac, and that’s where the Yezdi Scrambler comes in. It has all the ingredients that make it a perfect scrambler and the price to match that. So, in our books, if you intend to venture beyond the tarmac when not exploring the urban jungle, the Yezdi Scrambler checks all the boxes…at least on paper. Now, with Royal Enfield Scram 411 due soon, it would be interesting to see how that stacks against the Yezdi.