Scramblers Fight-out: Yezdi vs Triumph vs RE

On paper, the Triumph Scrambler 400X looks the most promising of the lot

• At 185kg, the Triumph Scrambler 400X is actually quite a light motorcycle
• The Scram 411’s 411cc engine makes 24.3PS and 32Nm
• Triumph, meanwhile has tuned the Scrambler’s engine to make a solid 40PS and 37.5Nm

Back in the day, scramblers were motorcycles that could do it all. Be it streets, dirt roads or completely broken tarmac, the bikes could take all of the beating. But nowadays, too many bikes are scramblers by design and not by function, case in point being the Ducati Scrambler. 

That said, there are three small capacity scramblers in the market today that promise to do exactly what the scramblers did back in the day, the Triumph Scrambler 400X, Royal Enfield Scram 411 and the Yezdi Scrambler. Here’s which one of the three actually deserves your money: 

Scrambler 400X vs Scram 411 vs Yezdi Scrambler: Designs

The bike that really stands out is the Yezdi Scrambler, in terms of design. It looks like an authentic one and the yellow colour scheme is especially captivating. That said, the Scrambler 400X is an almost equally good looking motorcycle. So you wouldn’t go wrong by selecting either of the two. 

Scrambler 400X vs Scram 411 vs Yezdi Scrambler: Engines

Here is where the Scrambler 400X stands out. With revised gearing, it’s sprightly and makes off-road trails seem very easy. And most importantly, even out on the highway, it doesn’t feel as strained at 100kmph as the Yezdi Scrambler and the Scram 411. 

Scrambler 400X vs Scram 411 vs Yezdi Scrambler: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The Scram 411 stands out here with its soft suspension and very plush ride quality. While the Scrambler 400X is a close second, the Yezdi Scrambler disappointed us with its rather stiff ride quality. 

Scrambler 400X vs Scram 411 vs Yezdi Scrambler: Dimensions

In terms of handling, especially at lower speeds, the Scrambler 400X came off as the most potent and fun motorcycle. 

Scrambler 400X vs Scram 411 vs Yezdi Scrambler: Price

Royal Enfield, as usual, priced the Scram 411 fantastically. Being the most affordable of the lot, the prices for the Scram 411 begin from just Rs 2.03 lakh, making it probably the best value-for-money bike of the lot. As for the Yezdi Scrambler, it charges a Rs 9,000 hike over the Scram 411. While that is a fair bit of money, it’s not unreasonable, given the extra tech that the Scrambler boasts of. 

And about the Triumph Scrambler 400X, well, all of the tech that it has onboard comes at a cost, obviously. And that is Rs 2.63 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. While it is the costliest of the three, the Scrambler is worth every bit of the money, given the much better hardware and tech you have on it. It beats both the Yezdi Scrambler and the Royal Enfield Scram 411 by miles in almost everything and if you do have the money, the Scrambler 400X is the most versatile bike of the lot. 

Verdict

That brings us to the end of this comparison. While all three bikes have impressed us in some way or the other, the bike that really stands out is hands down the Triumph Scrambler 400X. It’s hands down the most sophisticated and versatile bike of the three, ready to take on pretty much anything and everything you throw at it. So if you don’t have major budget constraints, the Scrambler 400X is definitely the bike to go for. 

That said, if you have budget constraints, the Scram 411 will be the next best bike we’d recommend you to go for. While it’s not very fast, it’s rugged and actually a lot of fun. And given Royal Enfield’s reliability, it shouldn’t be a big issue that way. 

And yes, while we mentioned the Yezdi Scrambler being a fun motorcycle, Yezdi’s recent fit and finish and overall reliability issues just hold us back from really recommending the bike to anyone. So even if you have the money for it, we’d recommend you to get the Scram 411 and invest the extra money in some good riding gear.