The bikes to build a scrambler motorcycle

During the realization of a motorcycle scrambler project, we go through the phase of research of the base (or donor) that will serve the project.

We have classified the bases in several categories:

• The classic scrambler bases
• The trail / enduro scrambler bases
• The scrambler roadsters bases

We will see in detail the most used motorcycles to make a scrambler motorcycle as well as examples of achievements on these models.

 

The classic bases : 

Triumph 

Source:Official website Triumph

 

Triumph offers a scrambler model but it is possible to build a scrambler on a Bonneville or Street Twin motorcycle.

Here is an example of preparation by Zeus Custom:

Present on the market for many years, the used offer is large. This motorcycle is not subject to much discounting.

Royal Enfield Interceptor

Source: Bestbikes.in

 

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a recent model that is quite successful thanks to its design and its evocative twin-cylinder.

An ideal model for a scrambler as demonstrated by the K-Speed tuner:

Source: maxabout.com

In second hand, this model is recent, there is still little offer on the market. 

 

BMW R SERIE

The BMW R series is one of the most popular models in the world of customization. Its mythical boxer engine, its big tank and the plethora of parts available on the market make its success. 

Source: suprememotos.com

 

This model has seen its price rise for several years, it is becoming more expensive on the second hand market.

In view of this inflation, many tuners are turning to the BMW K series.

The R series is really made for preparation.

Here is an example of a scrambler from the German specialist of the preparation on BMW R series Walwerk Motorcycles.

 

Moto Guzzi 

Rarer and less present on social networks, the Moto Guzzi remain a superb classic base. 

 

With its V-engine and the characteristic shape of its tank, Guzzi bikes have a timeless charm.

An example of a successful preparation of a Guzzi California 1100: 

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Une publication partagée par Recast Moto (@recastmoto)

 

This type of motorcycle bases is less expensive than the models presented above. 

 

Yamaha SR

Source: returnofthecaferacers.com

 

The SR400 and SR500 have a less noble engine than their predecessors but they are still very popular and full of quality.

This is demonstrated by this superb street scrambler preparation from Daniel Peter's seen on BIKEEXIF :

 

KAWASAKI W650

 

 Source: Wikimédia. 

 

The Kawasaki W650 is very popular in Japan and gives beautiful scramblers.

But the French are not left behind, as Felix Motocyclettes proves it with this superb realization:

We like this exhaust system which is part of the perfect scrambler's panoply. 

 

The trail / enduro bikes

De plus, le budget pour acquérir cette base est moindre comparé aux bases classiques. 

Starting from this type of motorcycle to realize your scrambler motorcycle project allows you to have a really all-terrain motorcycle. Here the goal is to make the bike more civilized, to make it pleasant on the road as well as on the trails.

This type of trail bike has the advantage of having a simple and efficient mechanics. The engines are often big and torquey single-cylinder engines.

Moreover, the budget to acquire this bike is lower compared to the classic motorcycles.

 

Suzuki DR 650, 800

Bike: DR650 2009. Source: autoevolution.com

 

 

The Suzuki DR is the Suzuki trail model. It is a robust bike like its Japanese cousins.

Here is a nice realization of 85 Motorcycle Art seen on the Bikebound website:

Honda NX Dominator :

 

The Dominator is one of the mythical trails of the 90's, puncture-proof and ready for a new life as a scrambler. 

 

Here is a new and beautiful proposal made by the French Felix Motocyclette (click on the picture to know more about this preparation). 

A nice model costs in the $2000-$2500 range currently on the classified ads. This can be suitable for the small budget. 

 

YAMAHA XT 

The Yamaha XT is one of the flagship models of Yamaha since the 80's and is available from 125cc to 1200cc for the latest versions.

We are interested in the 600 XT version for a scrambler project.

Bike: Yamaha XT 600Z Ténéré (1985) Source: motorcyclespecs.com

 

This model is more affordable than the 500 XT model which is appreciated by collectors.

This model is rarer than its competitors.

The XT600 prepared by Nick Van Woert is a very successful preparation.

This artist has completely redesigned the bike to give us this rather bleffy result.

The details and photos of this preparation are to be discovered on Pipeburn website. 

The enduro bases create higher scramblers, which is ideal for those who want to do more off-roading. 

 

Roadster motorcycles : 

This type of motorcycle is becoming increasingly popular when it comes to creating a scrambler. It's easy to see why. Their engines are more powerful, the design is more recent and the prices are very affordable.

This type of motorcycle may require more work to be transformed into a "real" scrambler compared to a trail bike or a classic.

 

HONDA 600 HORNET

 

The CB600F Hornet is one of the most famous roadsters. Its reputation speaks for itself.

With the development of customization, amateur or professional tuners are turning more and more to more original models to transform them.

 

This is the case for this roadster which is also entitled to these preps. Andrea Silverio is a big fan of this type of roadster and has made famous preparations on this base. Here is a very striking before and after. 

 

YAMAHA Fazer FZS600

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Une publication partagée par Andrea Silverio (@aesse_)

The Fazer is a streamlined roadster that has been on the market since the 90s. This roadster has a good reputation and looks good for a scrambler transformation.

For this model, we took an example of Andrea Silverio's realization because one of the most successful preps on this model. 

 

Suzuki Inazuma

Long time competitor with the Hornet, Fazer and other models, the Inazuma is very common on our roads.

The development of customization allows to refresh these models that are starting to show their age.

The french team of Evolution Motorcycle is been making beautiful street scrambler transformations on this model for several years. 

Here are some examples: 

 

There are plenty of other roadsters that would be perfect for your scrambler motorcycle.



In short, the base is chosen according to budget, use and taste.

Now that you've chosen the bike, it's time for the modifications.