Moto Morini Scrambler review, test ride

The Moto Morini Scrambler is a purpose-built motorcycle, built tough and ready to take on off-road terrain and riding trails whenever required. Mumbai-based Vardenchi Motorcycle imports the unique looking Scrambler into India, where we are no strangers to poor road surfaces.

The Moto Morini Scrambler sports a rugged off-road theme throughout its stance. The single, chrome-wrapped headlight is covered with a protection grille, over which sits a flat cowl, in typical Morini design. The Scrambler’s digital instruments include an analogue tachometer, a speedometer, odometer, trip-meter, fuel-gauge and clock.

Distinctive palm grips show off the Moto Morini bike's rugged theme, and a stability bar sits in vicinity of the handlebar. Switchgear on the Scrambler is of fine quality and works well. The broad single saddle on the Scrambler fits the theme well with rubber textured elastic stitching. The saddle is comfortable enough to travel long distances. The overall quality and fit-finish provided on the Scrambler is impressive with good materials feeling well-detailed in true Italian bike style.

The Moto Morini Scrambler draws power from an exciting, four-stroke, V-twin cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that displaces 1187cc. Torque output is robust, 10.7kgm delivered at 7,000rpm, and strong low-end grunt making it easy to send the Scrambler's rear wheel spinning. The Scrambler engine revs smoothly, with no vibes apparent even when accelerating hard, availing the strong gush of power that builds instantaneously through a strong mid-range and even decent top-end. 115.3bhp made at 8,500rpm makes for more than enough power to enjoy on Indian roads, and more than required on muddy, rough riding surfaces, where losing traction is effortless, and fun when kept under control.

The gearbox shifts with precise feel as you step through the one-down, five-up pattern six-speed transmission.

The Moto Morini Scrambler comes loaded with premium equipment. Marzocchi-made upside-down and adjustable front suspension, with a gas-filled adjustable Ohlins monoshock mounted on the bike’s rear right, both working to provide firm, decent enough ride quality on the motorcycle. The Scrambler exhibits decent road manners, cruising with a confident, planted feel on the road with its tyres always feeling grippy.

The stable Scrambler corners with confidence, never fussing at all. Large diametre Brembo disc brakes work efficiently, and provide sharp bite as required. It’s, however, more than disappointing to see the absence of any electronic riding aids on this powerful bike, not even the security of ABS brakes.

The Moto Morini Scrambler is a top-quality, on-off road motorcycle that’s positively oozing with handsome, rugged flair and rich Italian character. Premium parts all round do add much to the overall package, but it’s a letdown to learn the Scrambler retails for an eye popping Rs 25,29,540 (ex-showroom, Mumbai). As premium a motorcycle as this is, there’s still no way the Scrambler is able to justify such a high asking price.

Rayomand Darius

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