When Royal Enfield instilled some upgrades into its popular Himalayan 411 ADV machine in 2022, the fact that the company was also developing a sister bike with a more urban scrambler style was a pretty ill-kept secret. Intended as a more streetable, less intimidating version of the Himalayan, the Scram 411 debuted later that year and showed what a slightly minimalist approach can do for an ADV bike’s appearance. Ditching the ADV beak for a regular front fender, the Scram 411 also deletes the Himalayan’s windscreen and racks. The headlamp sits lower with a little mini-cowl, and the handlebars are pushed down and back (20mm/0.8 inch and 60mm/2.4 inches, respectively) creating a riding position that’s still upright but more forward leaning than the Himalayan’s. But the main change is the Scram’s more street-biased geometry, in the form of a 19-inch wheel (versus the Himalayan’s 21-incher) which brings a slightly steeper rake and wheelbase as well as fractionally shorter travel for the front suspension. Coupled with the shorter single-piece seat, a small grab rail, and new turn signals, the effect is that of a more compact stance.
The frame is the same Harris Performance–designed chassis that’s used on the Himalayan, and the 411cc SOHC air/oil-cooled single is a direct carryover as well. Its claimed peak power output of 24.3 hp at 6,500 rpm and 23.6 lb.-ft. between 4,000 rpm and 4,500 rpm certainly won’t get the blood racing, but they’re enough to keep up with the flow of traffic or provide a wide spread of torque that works well on gravel-strewn fire roads. Overall handling is better than expected, with quick steering and good response, much of which can be attributed to the smaller 19-inch front wheel and tighter steering geometry. The only real weak spot is the front brake; the ByBre 300mm front disc requires hard squeezes on the lever to generate any real stopping power from the two-piston caliper. Regardless, the Scram 411 is a welcome riff on a proven platform that should appeal to newer riders looking for a well-built, versatile, nonintimidating middleweight at an unbeatable price.
The 2024 Royal Enfield Scram 411 is available in seven paint styles. The White Flame, Silver Spirit, Blazing Black, Skyline Blue, Graphite Blue, Graphite Red, and Graphite Yellow all retail for $5,099.
