While the Scrambler was introduced in the 1960s and around for a few years back then, there aren’t any models in between the original Scrambler and today’s recreation. With that in mind, we’d recommend steering clear of the old Scrambler unless you’ve got a bit of mechanical knowledge and the patience to work on an old bike. If you’re looking for a classic bike and you’ve got the tools/knowhow to repair one when it breaks, then go right ahead. Otherwise, we’d recommend checking out a newer Scrambler instead.

It’s also worth noting that older models are also significantly less powerful than the newest Scrambler. The 450cc Scrambler made just 27 horsepower in 1968, which was respectable for the time, but that’s not much compared to the 73 horsepower of the current 803cc model, or the 86 horsepower from the 1,079cc (1100) versions. Nostalgia is nice, but being able to maintain highway speeds on your way to work will be much more likely on the newer, larger Scramblers. 

While we’re on the subject of the larger Scramblers, it’s worth mentioning the price point. The standard Scrambler Icon checks in at $10,995. The Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro however, starts at $17,195 — a hefty price for any new bike. So while we wouldn’t steer people away from the Scrambler 1100, we wouldn’t suggest them for riders on a budget.