Final thoughts
Our testers each had their machines for two weeks. Before the bikes had to be returned, we spent the day riding the Lincolnshire Wolds, swapping saddles and winding the day up with a Greggs and a chat…
Bruce: I was initially impressed by the torque of the Scrambler, but within a matter of metres the energy just seemed to die off and the power became pathetic – maybe it feels a bit too heavy for its engine. Neil: Yeah, it maybe is a little on the heavy side and that comes through on the power-to-weight ratio, which in this class means a lot. But I think the Scrambler represents a good alternative. I really quite like it.
Steve: I’d sooner stick with my own 800 Scrambler. This bike only weighs about 6kg less, and there’s a lot less power. The finish looks cheaper than the 800, too. If it was £5000 I’d consider it, but it’s just a bit rich for me. Mikko: It’s meant to be aimed at new riders, but I don’t think the bike’s that well suited to beginners. The brakes were snatchy and the suspension too soft. Neil: I actually found it easier to ride than the KTM, which felt a lot more focused. Unlike the Scrambler, you have to sit on top of the KTM, not in it.
John: I loved the 390. The motor was plenty punchy enough and I got on just fine with the single. I like all the fine detailing in the build and am a fan of the clocks, which have loads of info. Neil: It was too small for me and I couldn’t see myself riding around on that because of its styling. It’s really aimed at the younger riders who are out to make a statement.
Steve: I thought it was too small too, and I’m only 5ft 6in. Bruce: The motor was pretty decent above 3000rpm, but it was quite stuttery at anything lower than that. I found I had to be really careful with my gear selection to make sure the motor’s revs didn’t drop.
John: It’s not perfect, but it is exciting, and I think it has the most character. It’s a perfect town bike, looks cool and is nicely put together. It really appeals to me. I can’t say the same about the MT03, which looks surprisingly budget. Bruce: Yeah, I wasn’t impressed by the Yamaha. It looks cheap and the ride doesn’t blow you away. If you didn’t know any better then it’d be fine, but I found it gutless, wallowy and ugly. Mikko: I like the Yamaha’s riding position. It’s not that bad a bike, in my opinion. I actually found it easier to gel with than the Kawasaki or KTM. Its motor’s punchier than the Kawasaki’s, too. Neil: I quite like the Kawasaki. It’s comfortable, but you have to learn to rev that motor hard. It’s got nothing to offer low down, but then it all comes alive with revs. Bruce: The Kawasaki ticks the boxes without being exciting. If you wanted a bike that was easy to manage in town, offered good economy and handled reasonably then it’d be a good choice, but it doesn’t shine for any particular reasons.
Mikko: Yeah, but all of these bikes can offer those kind of qualities. It’s only when you get them out of an urban environment that their strengths and weaknesses really start to shine through.
Bruce: I think the only odd one out to that opinion is the Honda, which really doesn’t disappoint out on the road. It’s the only bike here that I’d seriously consider buying because it’s comfortable, quick enough and it only costs around £500 more than most of the options here. Neil: You can see Honda’s put it together well, and that shows through in the riding experience. It’s hard to knock it for anything in particular. I think £5k’s a fair price for it. If I was downsizing then I’d be drawn to this bike first.
Steve: The Honda weighs a little bit more than most, but that’s not a bad thing. It felt the most stable of all the bikes here. I want that kind of confidence from a bike.
John: My only real hang-up with it is that I missed a few gears between first and second. It hasn’t got a gear indicator, either. That being said, looking at things from the perspective of an experienced rider, the Honda’s definitely the best bike of this crop. It’s the logical choice to downsize to. Steve: Yeah, I’d be quite proud to own the Honda. It looks a treat, goes well. It’s hard to knock. It’s not the most inspiring to ride, but it’s the only bike here that doesn’t make you feel like you’re sat on a toy.