What’s the difference between the popular Scrambler and off-road bikes? CL250/E-Clutch and other models available

Its roots lie in on-road vehicles from the 1950s and 1960s

Scrambler is “scrambler” in English. Literally translated, it means something like “someone who scrambles.”

The word “scramble” can also mean “emergency takeoff” in response to an airspace violation, so it sounds somewhat like a military term used for fighter jets. However, in the motorcycle world, “scramble” means “to climb” or “to clamber up.” In other words, a scrambler bike is a bike that can “run up hills, such as on off-road terrain.”

The original scrambler bike is said to be a commercially available vehicle made in the 1950s and 1960s that was based on an on-road bike but adapted for off-road riding.

For example, Honda’s “Dream CL72 Scrambler” was released in 1962. It was a 250cc model that was the ancestor of the current “CL250” and “CL500”.

This model can be considered a scrambler version of the on-road model “CB72” that Honda was selling at the time. At the time, there were still many unpaved roads not only in Japan but also in Europe and North America. However, since full-fledged off-road vehicles did not yet exist, this model was made using an on-road bike and was modified for rough road riding by, for example, upgrading the muffler and increasing the suspension stroke.

This model, the first domestically produced Scrambler, was a huge hit in Japan, North America, etc. It was later made into a series, and models with various engine displacements, such as 50cc, 125cc, 250cc, and 450cc, became popular.

The current CL250 and CL500 can be said to have inherited the name and atmosphere of these classic models. They are characterized by their scrambler-like style and equipment, such as an upright muffler, a highly flexible riding position that allows the upper body to sit upright, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, and semi-block pattern tires.

Incidentally, the CL250 and CL500 have undergone some changes in their specifications for the 2026 model year. The main step has been redesigned to allow for easier foot placement, and the material inside the seat has been changed to improve riding comfort. The meter’s structure has also been revised to reduce sunlight reflection and improve visibility during the day.

Furthermore, the CL250 also includes a model equipped with the Honda E-Clutch electronic shift mechanism. Honda E-Clutch is the latest technology that automatically controls optimal clutch control, eliminating the need for the rider to operate the clutch lever when driving force changes, such as when starting, shifting gears, or stopping. By allowing the rider to operate the clutch lever, manual clutch control is also possible, accommodating a wide range of skills and preferences.

The Scrambler bike that was featured in the movie

Among the classic Scrambler bikes, there are other models that have become legendary thanks to their appearances in movies. One such model is the Triumph 650cc twin (two-cylinder) TR-6 Trophy, which was released in 1959. At the time, this model was very popular in North American off-road races, and is also known for being used in the 1963 Hollywood movie, The Great Escape.

As many movie fans know, The Great Escape is an action blockbuster set in World War II. It’s a war drama with an all-star cast, featuring many popular action stars of the time, including Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn.

The motorcycle featured in the film is a military-spec TR-6 Trophy. The American soldier, played by the famous actor Steve McQueen, rides this bike to escape from a German prison camp, and his impressive jump over a large barbed wire fence caused quite a stir.

The evolution of the Scrambler is an off-road bike

In this way, a scrambler can be said to be a bike that a manufacturer has taken an on-road bike and equipped it with equipment suitable for off-road riding. Many long-time motorcycle fans will know it as a style of custom bike, but its origins lie in the production of a motorcycle.

Incidentally, after that, so-called off-road bikes appeared, with larger front wheels than rear wheels and special front and rear suspensions. While the Scrambler retained the form of an on-road bike, it can be said that off-road bikes evolved further, with styles and equipment specialized for off-road performance.

In that sense, the Scrambler can be said to be the origin of today’s off-road bikes.

Modern off-road bikes can be considered an evolution of the Scrambler (pictured is the Honda CRF250L<s>).

A wide lineup ranging from Class 2 mopeds to large displacement vehicles

As mentioned above, in recent years, domestic and international manufacturers have been releasing a variety of commercially available scrambler bike models.

For example, among Japanese motorcycles, there are the aforementioned Honda CL250 and CL500. Also, Yamaha’s second-class moped model, the XSR125, is equipped with block-pattern tires, upright handlebars, and a single round headlight. These features give it a scrambler-like style.

In addition, Honda’s 125cc model “CT125 Hunter Cub” and 110cc model “Cross Cub 110” are also equipped with up-type mufflers and are suitable for a wide range of scenes, from city riding to outdoor activities. With such equipment, it is no exaggeration to say that they are also in the same category as scrambler bikes.

Imported motorcycles also have a large lineup of large-displacement models, such as the Ducati Scrambler series, which offers a wide range of engine sizes from 803cc to 1079cc.

Triumph will also be offering the 1200cc parallel twin Scrambler 1200X/1200XE and the 900cc parallel twin Scrambler 900.

Furthermore, in recent years, Triumph has also launched the Scrambler in Japan, which can be driven with a regular motorcycle license. In 2024, they will release the Scrambler 400X, equipped with a 398.15cc water-cooled single-cylinder engine. In September 2025, they will also add the Scrambler 400XC, which will have improved off-road functionality with a fly screen and lightweight aluminum wheels, to meet a wider range of needs.

Enjoy a wide range of activities from urban areas to outdoor activities

What these models all have in common is that they combine a retro vibe with a wild taste, and are also recognized by a wide range of people as stylish bikes that suit urban environments.

What’s more, it’s also suitable for a certain degree of off-road riding, such as on flat dirt. Its appeal lies in the fact that it can be enjoyed not only in town but also in outdoor activities, such as motorcycle camping, which has become popular recently. In particular, the model that is compatible with a standard motorcycle license is ideal for entry-level riders, as a companion that can be easily ridden in a variety of situations, from everyday use such as commuting to work or school to touring.

The appeal of the Scrambler is that it can be ridden on both on- and off-road roads without any stress, and is suitable for riders of all skill levels and ages. Due to its depth, it is expected to continue to enjoy enduring popularity.