2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 arrives in the U.S. at $5,099

Royal Enfield describes the Scram 411 as “adventure tourer meets street scrambler” or “an ADV crossover… with an urban twist.” Fans of the Himalayan will notice that this is basically the same bike with different bodywork and a smaller front wheel. Creating new models by making a few changes to existing models is one way Royal Enfield is keeping its promise to introduce multiple new motorcycles over the next year as part of its ambition to become the world leader in the 350cc to 750 cc range.

The Scram 411 gets Royal Enfield’s foot in the door of the popular scrambler segment, and it is aimed at riders seeking a simple, affordable all-rounder with enough versatility to tackle the occasional fire road or weekend trip.

“Most scrambler motorcycles focus only on aesthetics and looks,” says Mark Wells, Chief of Design at Royal Enfield. “When we began work on the Scram 411, we were determined to create a motorcycle that would be distinct in design and purpose, and bring the best of rough-road capability to urban riding… the Scram 411 is an ultimate ADV crossover for the urban environment.”

At the Scram’s core is Royal Enfield North America’s largest modern single: the 411 cc, long-stroke LS410. (It is still possible to buy the larger Bullet 500 in some markets, which makes 27 horsepower versus the Scram’s 24 horses.) It’s a five-speed, two-valve thumper with a single overhead cam, rugged air/oil cooling, and a counterbalancer. This engine was built to take some abuse in the hands of adventure riders, as proven by my colleagues Spurgeon and Zack, and its low-down grunt should translate well to city streets.

The chassis is also shared with the Himalayan. Geometry is slightly altered by the 19-inch front wheel, resulting in a wheelbase of 57.3 inches against the Himalayan’s 57.7. Ditching the Himalayan’s rack, larger front wheel, engine guards, bodywork, and supporting structures trims the Scram 411 down to 408 pounds. That’s a 31-pound weight off the LS410’s shoulders. The centerstand has also been removed, but at least the fuel capacity remains the same at four gallons.

Royal Enfield traditionally offers plenty of paint choices for its models, and the Scram fits right in with seven options: Blazing Black, Skyline Blue, Graphite Blue, Graphite Red, Graphite Yellow, White Flame, and Silver Spirit. If the Scram 411 is speaking to you, a timely visit to your Royal Enfield dealer might be worth the trip, because the first 1,000 Scrams sold in the United States will include a free Tripper navigation pod. Tripper will only be available as an accessory after that. (You can read about the Royal Enfield Tripper pod in my review of the Meteor.) 

The Scram 411 is equal parts familiar and unusual. What other retro 400-class scramblers are sold in the United States? The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401s fit the profile, but its appearance and running gear are far more modern. Until Triumph unveils its new line of small motorcycles built in partnership with Bajaj, Royal Enfield will have this niche to itself. 

2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411
Price (MSRP)	$5,099
Engine	411 cc, air-/oil-cooled, two-valve, single cylinder
Transmission, final drive	Five-speed, chain
Claimed horsepower	24.3 @ 6,500 rpm
Claimed torque	23.6 foot-pounds @ 4,250 rpm
Frame	Steel split-cradle
Front suspension	41 mm fork; 7.8 inches of travel
Rear suspension	Single shock, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 7.0 inches of travel
Front brake	Two-piston caliper, 300 mm disc with ABS
Rear brake	Single-piston caliper, 240 mm disc with ABS
Rake, trail	26.0 degrees, 4.4 inches
Wheelbase	57.3 inches
Seat height	31.2 inches
Fuel capacity	4.0 gallons
Tires	100/90-19 front, 120/90-17 rear
Claimed weight	408 pounds (wet)
Available	September 2022
Warranty	36 months
More info	royalenfield.com