The Yamaha DT250 started life in 1968 as the DT-1 and it very quickly sold through the initial 12,000 unit production run. The US market was slowing down and yet there was a gap in the market for off-road motorcycles which only manufacturers such as Bultaco and Husqvarna were currently supplying specific off-road machines. To … Read more
During the early 1970s, the off-road motorcycle market was in full stride. With models from Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha entering and leaving the showrooms like a revolving door, this had Honda completely on the back foot with their only response to these being the outdated SL125 or CL350. With the newer dual purpose sport bikes … Read more
The Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 was released in 2016 and it’s name harks back to 1962 when Ducati first started producing the Scrambler. The 1962 original Ducati Scrambler would go on to become legendary among fans of Ducati and Scramblers; it was just the first in a long line of Scramblers to follow. It is no … Read more
Take a moment to think of your favorite big dual-sport or adventure bike of all time. Got it in your mind’s eye? Ok. Now, repeat after me: “Thank you, Yamaha XT500, for making my (insert bike here) possible.” If you don’t like the sound of that sentence, we can argue about it in the comments … Read more
The Ossa Yankee 500Z is possibly one of the most obscure motorcycles that ever existed. It has a fantastical story and while short lived it is still worth delving into this American motorcycle. Ossa Yankee 500Z History The story starts with motorcycle importer John Taylor and the Ossa Yankee 500Z would become what he is … Read more
The modern Triumph Bonneville Scrambler appeared back in 2006. An off-road styled version of the Triumph Bonneville, it also took many visual cues from the iconic TR6 Trophy, a bike that was made famous by Steve McQueen. Powered using the same 865cc air-cooled, parallel twin engine as that of the Bonneville of the day, Triumph … Read more
Classic Scramblers are increasing in popularity. They’re easy to restore and fix up and most importantly, they are still cheap. As an entry into vintage motorcycle ownership you would be hard pushed to beat any of the classic Scramblers listed here for you. No-one can pinpoint exactly when the original scrambler came to be, or … Read more
I’m researching a second bike. Something cheap and cheerful to run around on during the winter months and I’m leaning towards a budget Scrambler as there seems to be plenty to choose from. I want something that I’m not worrying about having to clean every time I’ve been out on the wet winter roads. It … Read more
The original Ducati Scrambler was introduced in 1962 for the American market. They are considered one of the most iconic motorcycles of the 1960’s. First editions were available as a 250cc or a 350cc. The Mark II models which were introduced in 1970 had a brand new engine and frame design and were available as … Read more
Are you loving the Scrambler motorcycle looks but unsure exactly what they are or are capable of? Here I look at the history of the Scrambler. From its origins in the countryside of England and the desert of California, to the duel purpose Classics of the 70’s and 80’s and finally a review of the … Read more
RETRO SCRAMBLERS – AN INTRODUCTION In the 60’s Scrambler was the term for a stripped down motorcycle such as the popular Triumph Trophy. Standard road bikes modified to ‘scramble’ across open lands as fast as possible. These original Scramblers died off when they were replaced by the far superior purpose built motocross machines. Today the term … Read more
While the Ducati marketing machine were aiming the Scrambler directly at the Hipster, according my Ducati dealer most of the sales have gone to born again bikers. It seems the retro naked look has persuaded more than a few thirty and forty somethings back into the saddle and surely that’s a good thing. Whatever your reasons for being … Read more