Scrambler 1200
■ From £12,000 ■ Used from about £8750
This bike is a real paradox. It looks the nuts, it really does – even James Bond rode one. And there’s two versions: the XC and the taller, better suspended XE. The XE is for those who grew up in a grow bag, or those who must have the most expensive – it’s so tall I’ve seen too many fall over at bike meets, and even outside the shop. The XC is fine. It has proper offroad skills – long travel suspension, 21in front wheel, tailored electronics and even a sump guard – but unless you fit proper knobblies you’re stuffed in the mud, as it still weighs 230kg and that’s too much to risk. It’s still lighter and looks a lot better than a BMW R1250GS, mind.
The engine is great, 90bhp and will do anything. But long journeys are a pain as the body position is too upright, so you end up hanging on. Yet it is a weapon in the city and on B roads, with superb visibility and wide ‘bars to flip left to right. Brakes and suspension are top-notch, while the electronics blow your mind, including cruise control.
Butch didn’t like the height, even at 5ft 11in. Maria didn’t even try, and I’d had one for a year so was used to it. A great bike, looks fabulous; just make sure it’s what you want.
Who would it suit? Those confident with tall bikes, who like seeing what’s down that byway…
We tried these both together as they feel very similar to ride, cost the same, and only differ in style. The Adventurer is best described as a cruiser: you’ve got your feet out front, with your hands back on wide, swept-back ‘bars, your bum is low and you’re laying back. It suits the engine well and once you’ve stopped trying to find the footrests (they’re in front of you), it’s a nice place to be.
Didn’t get to try the ground clearance as the roads were too damp, but it felt fine. For a cruiser that isn’t a Harley, it’s a nice option worth trying.
The Bobber is a brave model. Both Adventurer and Bobber imitate a rigid frame, though the clever swingarm hides the rear shock well, without it hanging underneath the bike in all the dirt. The fat wheels and tyres don’t give too slow a turn-in, and the main difference is the Bobber has wide but standard style handlebars and the footrests are where you’d expect them! I like the Bobber more than the Speedmaster personally, as did Butch and Maria, but it must be said that none of us are cruiser folk.
Who would it suit? Those who like to ride, with style; the Bobber on your own and the Speedmaster with a friend.