6 Best Scrambler Motorcycles for Beginners: Easy, Fun, and Stylish Rides

I’ve always had a soft spot for scramblers. They look great, they’re comfortable, and they invite you to take the road less traveled, even if that road is just a gravel shortcut on the way home.

When friends ask me which one to buy first, the answer is rarely “the most powerful.” A good beginner scrambler should be light, predictable, affordable, and forgiving when you make the occasional rookie mistake.

I’ve ridden, borrowed, or spent serious time around every bike on this list. Below are my picks, along with what I like, what bugs me, and who each bike suits best.

1. Triumph Scrambler 400 X: Best Overall for Beginners

The Triumph Scrambler 400 X is the bike I recommend most often, and it’s easy to see why. It packs a 398cc single-cylinder engine making roughly 39.5 hp, wrapped in a package that feels like a much more expensive motorcycle.

Pricing in the US has sat around the $5,500 to $6,000 range, which is remarkable for a Triumph with ride-by-wire throttle, ABS, and switchable traction control.

Why I Like It

The power delivery on the Scrambler 400 X is smooth and linear. I never felt the throttle was snatchy, even on loose gravel. The torque comes in low, so you don’t need to rev it hard to keep up with traffic.

It rolls on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup, with longer-travel suspension than its roadster sibling. That makes broken pavement and dirt roads feel much less harsh.

What to Watch Out For

The seat height is about 32.9 inches, which is taller than some other bikes here. If you’re under 5’6″, sit on one before buying. The seat is narrow at the front, though, which helps flat-footing more than the number suggests.

If you’re still deciding on engine size, my guide to the best 400cc motorcycle for beginners shows why this displacement is such a sweet spot.

2. Royal Enfield Scram 411: Best Budget Pick

If your budget is tight, the Royal Enfield Scram 411 is hard to beat. It typically costs around $5,000 in the US, and it brings classic styling plus a genuinely relaxed riding experience.

The 411cc air-cooled single makes about 24 hp. That’s not much on paper, but it’s perfect for learning clutch control and throttle manners without getting into trouble.

Real-World Riding Impressions

The Scram 411 has a seat height of around 31.3 inches, and the bike feels narrow between your knees. I found it easy to maneuver in parking lots and slow traffic.

It’s based on the Himalayan platform, so the frame is sturdy and the 19-inch front, 17-inch rear wheel combo handles dirt roads well. Braking is adequate, with ABS standard, though I wouldn’t call it sharp.

Drawbacks

Highway riding is the weak spot. The Scram 411 will cruise at 65 mph, but it vibrates and has little passing power left. For commuting and backroads, though, it’s a charmer.

My advice: buy this if you want to learn on something cheap, simple, and forgiving, and you don’t mind a slower pace.

3. Honda CL500: Best for Reliability and Everyday Use

The Honda CL500 is the scrambler I’d hand to a friend who says, “I just want something that works.” It uses the same 471cc parallel twin as the Rebel 500 and CB500 family, producing about 46 hp.

Pricing generally falls around $6,800, and the build quality is exactly what you’d expect from Honda.

Why It Works for New Riders

The twin-cylinder engine is smooth and flexible. I could short-shift in town and still pull cleanly away from stoplights. It also has enough power to be comfortable at highway speeds, which many smaller bikes can’t claim.

The seat height is about 31.9 inches, and the curb weight is roughly 440 lb. The weight is carried low, so the CL500 feels lighter than the number implies.

Off-Road Capability

It has a 19-inch front wheel, 17-inch rear, and slightly more suspension travel than a standard roadster. That’s good for gravel and dirt roads. It isn’t a trail bike, though, and I wouldn’t push it far off the pavement.

If you’re comparing displacement classes, the best 250cc motorcycle for beginners and best 300cc motorcycle for beginners guides are useful reads if the CL500 sounds like more bike than you need.

4. Ducati Scrambler Icon: Best for Style and Growth

The Ducati Scrambler Icon is the bike that revived the modern scrambler craze, and it’s still one of the most charming options out there. It has an 803cc air-cooled L-twin making about 73 hp, with a price tag around $10,500 to $11,500.

Yes, that’s a lot more power than I normally recommend for a first bike. But the Icon is surprisingly tame.

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly Despite the Power

The Icon’s seat height is about 31.1 inches, one of the lowest here, and the seat is slim. Even shorter riders, including a few friends of mine at 5’5″, can get their feet down comfortably.

Ducati includes cornering ABS and a light slipper-style clutch. Power delivery is smooth and not aggressive, so the bike feels playful rather than frightening.

Things to Consider

It’s heavier than the smaller bikes, at around 410 to 420 lb wet. It’s also the most expensive on this list, and routine maintenance costs more than on the Honda or Royal Enfield.

My take: if you have discipline with the throttle and want a bike you won’t outgrow in a year, the Icon is a lovely choice.

5. Yamaha XSR700: Best Step-Up Scrambler-Style Bike

The Yamaha XSR700 isn’t a pure scrambler, but with its upright ergonomics, wide bars, and retro styling, it fills the same role for many riders. It’s powered by the 689cc CP2 twin, the same engine family used in the MT-07.

Prices typically run around $9,000 to $9,500, and it’s among the most fun bikes I’ve ridden at that price.

Why Some Beginners Choose It

The CP2 engine is famous for its linear torque and approachable character. The XSR700 weighs about 410 lb wet and has a seat height near 32.5 inches, so it’s neither heavy nor tall by middleweight standards.

If you’re curious about this size class, I cover the broader category in my guides to the best 600cc motorcycle for beginners and the best 650cc motorcycle for beginners.

Limitations

The XSR700 is more road-focused than the others here. The suspension is firmer, and the tires are better suited to pavement. I’d recommend it for riders who want a stylish street bike with only light gravel duties.

6. Triumph Scrambler 900: Best for Riders Who Want Classic Character

The Triumph Scrambler 900 is a bigger step, but it deserves a spot for riders with some experience or a confident approach. It runs an 900cc parallel twin making around 64 hp, with a price near $11,000 to $12,000.

What Makes It Special

The Scrambler 900 has the most authentic scrambler look and feel on this list, with its high-mounted exhaust, 21-inch front wheel, and long-travel suspension. It’s genuinely capable on trails, much more than the CL500 or XSR700.

The power is mild for its size, with a lot of low-end torque. Switchable traction control and ABS are standard, and the throttle response is smooth.

Why It’s Last on My List

The seat height is around 31.9 inches, but the 21-inch front wheel and weight of about 450 lb make it feel bigger than the smaller bikes. It’s not impossible for a new rider, but it’s less forgiving in slow parking-lot work.

I’d call it a future bike for many beginners: a great second or third motorcycle.

How I Choose a Beginner Scrambler

Over the years I’ve developed a simple checklist. These are the things I look at before recommending any bike to a new rider.

Seat Height and Weight

Being able to flat-foot, or at least get the balls of both feet down, builds confidence. I aim for under 33 inches and under 450 lb. Anything heavier makes low-speed maneuvers more stressful.

Power Delivery

Smooth, predictable power matters more than peak horsepower. I look for broad torque, a light clutch, and a throttle that doesn’t surprise you in the first inch of twist.

Safety Tech

ABS is non-negotiable for me. Traction control is a bonus, especially on gravel or wet roads. Most bikes on this list include at least ABS, and the Triumph and Ducati go further.

Running Costs

Insurance, tires, and maintenance add up. Honda and Royal Enfield tend to be the cheapest to keep running, while Ducati will cost more at the shop.

Tips for Riding Your First Scrambler

Take a Safety Course

I can’t stress this enough. A beginner rider course teaches braking, swerving, and low-speed control in a safe environment. It also often waives the riding test in many states.

Gear Up Properly

Buy a good helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots before you buy accessories. Scramblers have an upright seating position and little wind protection, so abrasion-resistant gear matters.

Start on Pavement

Even though these bikes handle gravel well, build your skills on the street first. Once you’re confident, try easy dirt roads before anything harder.

Final Thoughts

If I had to pick one bike for a brand-new rider, I’d buy the Triumph Scrambler 400 X. It balances price, safety tech, and personality better than anything else I’ve tried.

On a tighter budget, go for the Royal Enfield Scram 411. For rock-solid dependability, the Honda CL500 is hard to beat.

Whichever you choose, sit on it first, take a test ride if possible, and buy the gear that lets you enjoy it. A scrambler should be fun from day one.

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