Performance and Handling
The Scram 411 shares its chassis with the Himalayan, but with a few important changes.
There's a 19-inch front wheel in place of its sibling's 21-inch, and the designers took inspiration from flat track racing and reduced the fork rake. The suspension is 0.8-inch shorter, and there was mention of a bit stiffer rear spring rate. Its mill feels smoother than my first-generation Himalayan, too. This combo soaks up potholes, washboards, and lumpy pavement without losing composure, and tracks well. With its rigid frame, compliant suspension, and dual-sport tires, the Scram 411 is a joy to ride on a wide range of surfaces. Ultimately, the Scram 411 is noticeably more fun and stable at speed and is noticeably easier to handle at parking lot speeds. Except for those looking to push their bikes hard off-road, it should work quite well for most. No big surprises here, just good riding!
Scram 411 Riding Comfort and Geometry
One of the biggest sore spots (pun intended) of the Himalayan was its stock two-piece seat. Despite recent revisions, many felt the padding was not thick enough for extended use and was rather cramped for larger riders. Royal Enfield took note and gave the Scram 411 a one-piece with revised foam and a larger seating area. But heavier riders who spend long days in the saddle may find an aftermarket option is better suited for their tushes.
The lack of a windscreen means the rider gets the full force of the air stream. With comfortable cruising speeds between 55 and 65 mph, this isn't much of an issue as many riders would rather have the air moving cleanly around their helmets instead of dealing with buffeting from a windscreen. A small bikini fairing option would be nice for not only protecting the gauges, but any other electronics you may use.
This story is from the March - April 2023 edition of Adventure Motorcycle (ADVMoto).
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This story is from the March - April 2023 edition of Adventure Motorcycle (ADVMoto).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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