Scrambler Builds?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Way too heavy. A modern dual sport is 290lbs wet and is too heavy for tight east coast single trail. Another question is when you drop it facing down hill how will you pick it up? Sportsters look cool as a scrambler but I'm reality scrambler type motorcycles are kinda useless.
We had a thread some while ago on a similar subject, which came up with some great photos. Well worth looking back to find it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
Don't get me wrong I love the scrambler style... Its just form way over function. To ride one on something more treacherous than a gravel road is pushing it. The scrambler yamaha makes has some pretty horrific lean angles when moving down the road.
Also I've learned to never ride in the dirt on something you can't pick up yourself.
Also I've learned to never ride in the dirt on something you can't pick up yourself.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 304
Likes: 24
From: Black Hills SD
Here is one I am building using an 88 883 donor bike. Hand fabbed fenders, sub-frame, oil tank, frame covers, etc. Of course the only off-road use it will ever see is at the Jackpine gypsies shorttrack "bagger" race.
Uses 77-only XLCR Morris Mags, Metzeler Karoo tires from adventure touring world, Girling dirt track brakes. Haven't decided if I will use the OE engine or an 88" Axtell Mountain Motor that I have, either way it will run low 11s to high 10s, although that's not it's purpose in life, either.
Uses 77-only XLCR Morris Mags, Metzeler Karoo tires from adventure touring world, Girling dirt track brakes. Haven't decided if I will use the OE engine or an 88" Axtell Mountain Motor that I have, either way it will run low 11s to high 10s, although that's not it's purpose in life, either.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 73
From: california
it looks like a stock cover that have been milled out.
Here is one I am building using an 88 883 donor bike. Hand fabbed fenders, sub-frame, oil tank, frame covers, etc. Of course the only off-road use it will ever see is at the Jackpine gypsies shorttrack "bagger" race.
Uses 77-only XLCR Morris Mags, Metzeler Karoo tires from adventure touring world, Girling dirt track brakes. Haven't decided if I will use the OE engine or an 88" Axtell Mountain Motor that I have, either way it will run low 11s to high 10s, although that's not it's purpose in life, either.
Uses 77-only XLCR Morris Mags, Metzeler Karoo tires from adventure touring world, Girling dirt track brakes. Haven't decided if I will use the OE engine or an 88" Axtell Mountain Motor that I have, either way it will run low 11s to high 10s, although that's not it's purpose in life, either.
That looks like some fun!
__________________
DKCustomProducts.com
DKCustomProducts.com
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 304
Likes: 24
From: Black Hills SD
All mount points for oil tank, battery box, rear fender are lathe-turned, no extra washers or nuts to drop, it all comes apart in about 20 minutes. Still uses a full size battery and plenty of room to stash the electricals. All sheet metal has beaded edges, no sharp edges. Gas tank is from an Aermacchi TX125. Aux. gas tank is from a Honda Trail 90 and incorporates the factory Honda helmet lock.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Scrambler Builds?
Hey NuckaMan! I know this is an old thread, but I'm starting a scrambler build out of a 2001 1200 Sportster. I got a low ball offer for it, so I will take my chances with the build and see how it goes.
Let me know if you are doing something similar, or looking for updates/photos to stay intouch
Thanks
Let me know if you are doing something similar, or looking for updates/photos to stay intouch
Thanks
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Supporter
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 3,712
From: Mid Con USA
Way too heavy. A modern dual sport is 290lbs wet and is too heavy for tight east coast single trail. Another question is when you drop it facing down hill how will you pick it up? Sportsters look cool as a scrambler but I'm reality scrambler type motorcycles are kinda useless.
Last edited by Jed Clampett; Apr 18, 2018 at 09:39 AM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Hi @Jed Clampett
Thanks, I saw it when going through the thread. It's a very valid point, I used to ride a Super Tenere from time to time, and being 6' , 250lb pounds and lifting weight regularly I found it almost impossible to pick that thing up and had to move to a 400cc bike.
I'm trying to build something to get the scrambler aesthetic but not too excited about the performance
Thanks!
Thanks, I saw it when going through the thread. It's a very valid point, I used to ride a Super Tenere from time to time, and being 6' , 250lb pounds and lifting weight regularly I found it almost impossible to pick that thing up and had to move to a 400cc bike.
I'm trying to build something to get the scrambler aesthetic but not too excited about the performance
Thanks!