The Royal Enfield Himalayan has carved a niche for itself as a capable and affordable adventure motorcycle. Now, Royal Enfield introduces the Scram 411, a motorcycle that shares its DNA with the Himalayan but with a scrambler aesthetic. But is the Scram 411 just a re-skinned Himalayan, or does it offer something unique for riders seeking off-road thrills? This review dives deep into the Scram 411’s specifications, performance, design, and overall value proposition to help you decide if it’s the right motorcycle for you.
Engine and Performance
The Scram 411 borrows its engine from the Himalayan – a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled unit displacing 411cc. It produces 24.3 bhp (17.88 kW) of power at 6500 rpm and 32 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. While the power figures might not seem impressive on paper, the engine’s strong low-end torque makes it well-suited for off-road riding and navigating challenging terrain. The engine is paired with a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox that offers smooth gear shifts.
The air-cooled engine keeps things simple and requires minimal maintenance. However, this design choice might lead to overheating concerns in extremely hot climates. Riders planning to tackle extended off-road journeys in scorching temperatures might want to consider additional cooling solutions.
Chassis and Suspension
The Scram 411 utilizes a half-duplex split cradle frame, similar to the Himalayan. This frame offers a good balance of rigidity and flexibility, making it suitable for tackling both paved and unpaved roads.
The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks with 190mm travel at the front and a monoshock with linkage offering 180mm travel at the rear. This long-travel suspension allows the Scram 411 to handle rough terrain with ease and provides a comfortable ride on uneven surfaces.
Dimensions and Ergonomics
The Scram 411 has a wheelbase of 1455 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Himalayan. This translates to a more nimble handling experience, especially when navigating tight trails. The ground clearance of 200mm provides ample confidence when tackling obstacles off-road.
The Scram 411 boasts a comfortable seat height of 795mm, making it accessible to riders of varying heights. The upright riding position ensures good visibility and control while riding. However, taller riders might find the handlebars a bit low, potentially leading to fatigue on longer rides.
Brakes and Tyres
The Scram 411 comes equipped with a 300mm disc brake with a 2-piston floating caliper at the front and a 240mm disc brake with a single-piston floating caliper at the rear. Both brakes are equipped with dual-channel ABS, providing confident stopping power in various conditions.
The Scram 411 rides on spoked wheels with a 100/90-19 tire at the front and a 120/90-17 tire at the rear. These knobby tires offer good grip on loose surfaces and light off-road trails. However, for serious off-road adventures, riders might consider upgrading to more aggressive tires.
Design and Features
The Scram 411 departs from the Himalayan’s adventure-oriented design with a more scrambler-inspired aesthetic. It features a round headlamp, upswept exhaust, and a single-seat setup (with an optional pillion seat available). The overall design is clean and minimalistic, reflecting the scrambler spirit.
The instrument cluster is a simple analog unit with a speedometer, odometer, trip meter, and fuel gauge. While it lacks the fancy features of some modern motorcycles, it provides all the essential information a rider needs.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
Royal Enfield claims the Scram 411 delivers a fuel efficiency of around 35 kmpl. With a 15-liter fuel tank, this translates to a potential riding range of around 525 kilometers, making it suitable for exploring off the beaten path.
Price and Value for Money
The Scram 411 starts at ₹2,06,394 (ex-showroom) and comes in three variants with slightly different pricing based on color options. Compared to the Himalayan, the Scram 411 offers a slight price advantage.
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- Capable engine with good low-end torque
- Comfortable ergonomics for off-road riding
- Long-travel suspension for tackling rough terrain
- Dual-channel ABS for improved safety
- Scrambler-inspired design with a unique aesthetic
- Decent fuel efficiency and range
Cons
- Air-cooled engine might struggle in extremely hot climates
- Taller riders might find the handlebars low
- Stock tires might not be ideal for serious off-roading
- Basic instrument cluster lacks some modern features
Verdict
The Royal Enfield Scram 411 is a compelling option for riders seeking an affordable and capable motorcycle for exploring both paved and unpaved roads. It inherits the Himalayan’s strengths in terms of engine performance, suspension, and off-road prowess, but with a more stylish scrambler design and a slightly lower price tag.
However, the air-cooled engine might be a concern for riders in very hot climates. Additionally, taller riders and those planning to venture on extreme off-road journeys might want to consider ergonomic adjustments and tire upgrades.
Overall, the Scram 411 offers a good balance between price, performance, and capability. It’s a motorcycle that’s as happy cruising down a scenic highway as it is tackling light to moderate off-road trails. For adventure enthusiasts seeking a motorcycle that injects a dose of scrambler flair into their exploration, the Scram 411 is a worthy contender.
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available information and specifications. We haven’t driven the motorcycle ourselves, so your actual experience may vary.
