Yezdi Scrambler

Why buy it?

- Authentic scrambler styling

- Engine tractability and performance

- Good handling balance

Why avoid it?

- Stiffer rear springs at the back

- Overall quality could be better

Scrambler /ˈskramblə/ - A motorcycle for racing over hilly ground and rough terrains. That’s the bookish definition of a scrambler, which hints at a purpose-built, lightweight motorcycle designed to take on rough, unpaved landscapes. Now, the entry-level scrambler segment includes only a handful of names. One such example is the Yezdi Scrambler, which has been updated for MY2023. So, what has changed, and should you consider buying one? Let’s find out.

The design is one aspect that can make or break any product, and we are happy to report that the Yezdi Scrambler has a very enticing design. It features the authentic scrambler styling with a round headlamp, a teardrop fuel tank, and a raked but stubby tail. Then, the raised front fender, fork gaiters, ribbed-pattern seat, hand guards, and block-pattern tyres add a dash of ruggedness to the motorcycle.

However, the styling is somewhat let down by the overall quality of the motorcycle. Despite the upgrades to the 2023 model, the motorcycle still needs improvements to its fit and finish levels. Things like the exposed chassis welds, uneven panel gaps, and plastic quality leave a lot to be desired in an otherwise brilliantly designed package.

On our test bike, we had to firmly push the key in the ignition switch and the fuel filler cap, to switch on the bike or open the fuel filler cap.    

Courtesy of its taller and wider handlebar, neutrally-set footpegs, and an easily accessible seat height of 800mm, the Scrambler offers a comfortable riding triangle. You sit in a commanding riding posture and get the sense of sitting on the bike, rather than in the bike. That said, I would’ve preferred the footpegs to be slightly more rear-set to aid stand-up riding. Even the seat feels comfortable to spend long hours in the city or on the highway, and there’s enough room to move around.

Meanwhile, the ride quality is a mixed bag. The front suspension is well-damped and soaks in undulations very well. It feels borderline plush. The rear springs, however, are quite stiff. They work well on well-surfaced roads, but even the slightest of surface changes are easily noticeable. And, if you go over rumblers or square-edged potholes, the rear tends to kick you back aggressively. A slower rebound for the rear springs could make the suspension more liveable.

The Yezdi Scrambler uses an updated OBD2-compliant 334cc, liquid-cooled motor that churns out 29.36bhp and 28.21Nm of peak torque. This single-cylinder engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Now, Yezdi claims that they have worked on the NVH levels of the engine, and right off the bat, we can confirm that the engine feels refined, and the harshness and vibes have been reduced significantly.

The motorcycle builds on its strong points of linear power delivery and excellent tractability. In fact, you can chug it along in sixth gear at around 40-45kmph without the engine knocking whatsoever. Getting along from thereon is just a twist of the wrist away. Meanwhile, the throttle response is precise and the engine gets up to speed in no time. Even out on the highway, you can reach triple-digit speeds in no time and maintain them for sustained durations without many issues. Although the refinement levels are good, you can feel some buzz from the motor at around 90-95kmph at the footpegs, handlebar, and tank. But, these aren’t bothersome. However, at speeds of around 110kmph and beyond, the vibrations are pronounced and warrant you to slow down a bit.

Handling-wise, the Yezdi Scrambler is surprisingly easy to flick around and change directions with, despite it being front-heavy owing to the 19-inch front wheel. Obviously, it isn’t as sharp as a bike that has a 17-inch front wheel, but the effort required to filter through traffic is minimal. The wide handlebar offers excellent leverage, and the clutch is extremely light to operate in stop-go city traffic. That said, I wish the turning radius was tighter.

Meanwhile, the motorcycle carves its intended line around long sweeping corners. However, changing directions quickly around tighter corners does require some effort, courtesy of the front weight bias of the motorcycle, and its 19-inch front wheel. The brakes offer good stopping power and progression but could do with a better initial bite.

When it comes to features, the equipment list on offer doesn’t set any benchmarks but is on par with the segment standards. You get LED lighting all around and a negative LCD instrument cluster. However, the display legibility is quite poor in direct sunlight, but things improve at night. 

Then, you also get multiple ride modes and switchable ABS. The Off-road mode allows you to switch off the ABS at the rear wheel. What’s more, the Scrambler also gets two USB charging ports – type-A and type-C, which is a thoughtful touch.

In Bikewale’s mileage test, the 2023 Yezdi Scrambler returned a fuel efficiency of 24.71kmpl in the city, which is almost 2kmpl more than the previous version. However, this is slightly on the lower side compared to motorcycles in this category. Meanwhile, we expect the highway fuel efficiency to be around 27-28kmpl. With a fuel tank capacity of 12.5 litres, we expect the Scrambler to offer a range of anywhere around 300km in the city and close to 350km on the highway.

The Yezdi Scrambler is a fantastic-looking motorcycle, and its styling alone can be one of the reasons to consider this bike for some. Then, there’s the excellent engine tractability, which makes it a very versatile motorcycle in the city as well as on rough roads. Moreover, with the update, the engine feels refined and the harshness has been reduced to a minimum. This makes the Scrambler an enticing package.

That said, it still isn’t perfect. For instance, the bouncy ride quality, courtesy of the stiffer rear shocks, could be bothersome for those with a weaker back. Moreover, the overall fit and finish, and quality levels need improvements. Now, these aren’t exactly deal breakers, but Yezdi should work on it.

So, who should buy the Scrambler? Well, if you want a motorcycle that looks stylish, stands out from the crowd, offers good tractability and performance, can tackle broken or rough roads without falling apart, and also if you can live with the stiffer rear suspension, the Scrambler is the motorcycle for you. At Rs. 2.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Yezdi Scrambler is only Rs. 4,000 more expensive than the Royal Enfield Scram 411 and offers a peppier performance.

Photography by Kapil Angane