Skeptical Owner Reveals Scram 411 Hates and Likes

A good, honest and detailed video. I liked the Scram from day one, surprising as I absolutely hated the looks of the Himalayan. I ride a 2020 Honda CB1100RS (I'm in the UK, I understand the RS wasn't exported to the US) which hibernates during the Winter months, I've toyed with the idea of a second bike to use on our rough country back roads while the Honda sleeps for some time. The opportunity arose recently when I saw some UK dealers were unloading Scrams with £1000 discount to make space for the new Himalayan 450s, with a Scram version soon to follow. Temptation got the better of me and ordered a 411 yesterday for delivery next week. I've wasted no time ordering a centre stand, rear luggage rack, crash bars and a first service oil, filter and gasket kit to carry out the first 300 mile service at home. That's what I love about these much misunderstood bikes. They're a simple, easily maintained, rugged, any weather Mule. Can't wait to receive mine.

I bought a new 2023 Scram 5 days ago. I had the same issue of hunting for neutral. My clutch lever had about 1-1/2 inches of free play and the owners manual calls for 3mm which is about 1/4 inch. I adjusted the free play as described in the manual and now the bike is easy to find neutral. My bike was also stalling at slow or idle speeds. Some viewers said this is caused by the relays and recommended replacing the relays, but one viewer said to clean them instead. The factory uses too much waterproofing grease on the relays and it looks like white lithium grease. I think this is causing continuity issues. I removed the grease with a toothbrush and rubbing alcohol. I found 6 relays, 5 under the seat and one under the battery side panel. This fixed the stalling issue.

A great realistic review. I’ve had my Scram 411 for a few weeks and had similar thoughts. It suits the terrible British roads and it’s perfect for the UK’s rural green lanes. 😁 I’m loving it!

I have an identical neutral experience on the 350 Classic ("Reborn" as we're supposed to call the J-series). However, it has definitely got better with mileage, which is common consensus with this and pretty much every other RE issue. Shame they're abandoning the Scram, my motorcycle preferences are kind of niche and the 411 definitely fits the bill. Very tempted to get one before they become history.

Just got my 2024 Scram- 1st 100kms of open road and gravel farm roads- zero problems with finding neutral. Smooth shifting, excellent brakes, comfy seat. The Scram 411 is AWESOME!!

That is the best review on the RE Scram 411 I’ve watched, as far as giving very useful information to a potential buyer. Yes you didn’t ride or even start the bike, but there are plenty of other videos for that. This was as if you and I went for a ride and while having lunch you told me all about your bike. Very impressed!

been heavily considering this bike as my 1st modern bike to pare with my 63 BSA beagle/starlite. Your video is the kind of review I've been looking for! thank you for your honest take on the bike

I enjoyed your video. I'm looking at one of these or the Hunter 350 in the spring, and appreciated your honest take on the bike. I think I'd enjoy the versatility of the Scram for dirt road riding.

Hi Mongrel, I’ve heard a couple of u tubers changing the manufacture of oil and the grade of oil it might help with false neutrals. Also I noticed your throttle cable outer sleeve moving when you tried to get your throttle to move, there is an adjustment on your handgrip to eliminate that slack. Best of luck with your bike…

@Mongrel Motorsports just ran into your channel I like it very straight forward and honest Thnx. I also own this motorcycle same color scheme miles on my Scram 411 Thumper is 15,000 miles (street) 95 percent of the time yes I know why so many miles reason I bought my Scram in August 2022 when it launched in Mexico FYI the U.S. was the last Country to recieve and sell this Royal Enfield Model from India hence the miles on my Rig. This goes out to all owners of this motorcycle keep in mind I mostly use it on road and not dirt. For the price that is paid for this Rig I have no complaints. No center stand on my Rig becuase I own other Rigs (motorcycles) and do maintenance. I use a rear wheel stand for oil changes this to keep weight off the Rig (Scram) this motorcycle is cost effective meaning you are not paying a arm or a leg for maintenance and easy to work on if your familiar with tools. Oh one last thing @Mongrel Motorsports the whole finding neutral no problem on my Rig maybe just a one off thing just saying. And I truely take your word for the whole off road prowess THNX ENJOY.

The metallic noise you're hearing is the "tappets", as Indians & Britons call them. In America, we refer to them as "valves". Royal Enfields are known for this sound. Some people like it; other people hate it. But the sound itself is totally normal for these bikes. And it's part of their unique character. Also, if you like flat bench seats, might you consider a Royal Enfield Interceptor?

Good balanced review. I agree with most of your assessment, especially the seat which does pitch you forward. I also had trouble finding neutral for the first 200 miles or so, but since then it's been fine, so I guess the gearbox needed to bed in. Stock tyres are pretty good on and off road but they don't last long - my rear tyre has nearly worn out at 3500 miles. A nice after market silencer will give a better exhaust note (I went for Delkevic) and looks better than OEM. Like you, I have several bikes but I find the Scram is my 'go to' choice for a bit of back roads fun. It's a very satisfying, characterful ride.

Feels like you've perfectly summed up my experience with the Scram 411

Hi MM, just watched your vid and I have several observations on your comments, based on my 2022 8000 kms Himi: 1. The gearbox on my bike was a little difficult to go into neutral at first but now after roughly 5000 mls I have no further issues. In fact going up the box using clutchless changes she is as sweet as a nut; 2. Engine - I thought that after maybe 1500 mls she was going to be fully run-in, but no. At 5000 mls she runs really sweet, eager to run at higher revs whilst still maintaining good torque between 3000 and 4500 rvs.Looking forward to seeing how she runs at 10, 12 20,000 kms !! 3. Fuel consumption. Firstly let me say that I have NEVER had a bike so good on fuel ! She is very consistent at 2.8 ltrs per 100 kms, or if it helps about 105 mpg (UK gallon). Doesn't seem to matter how I ride her, it always comes out the same. 4. General running costs - I buy my oil filters 5 at a time from India so they work out at roughly £3 apiece, engine oil replacement (buy 2 ltrs, use about 1.7 ltrs) costs 17€. 5. Taking the tank off - buy yourself some long-handled long nose pliers for moving the fuel hose clamp. 6. Engine noise - I'm assuming you refer to the "big end rattle noise" that she does under load ? I don't like it so I change the engine oil every 3-4000 kms (2-3000 mls) 'just in case'. Question? Has your bike gone back to the dealer for it's first service at 500 mls ? At this service the engine oil and filter should be changed and the tappets checked/adjusted. I absolutely love my Himi and she's going to get some presents very soon: TEC camshaft (apparently more power plus smoother running) 16 tooth front sprocket - lowers revs to help with cruising speeds Different end can - I experimented with running my bike WITHOUT an end can and she sounded gorgeous but only held in place by head bolts is not a viable solution so I'll be getting an after market free-flowing can New back tyre - maybe I'm ragging her too much ...

If you haven't already I hear the TEC cam for that engine is a banger. I just cammed my 350 Classic picking up 5.5 hp at the wheel and that doesn't even come close to describing the difference it made. These Euro 5-6 spec bikes are so incredibly asthmatic and lean you get them to start breathing and they really come alive. Cheers from Cali 🏖

Puppy dog engine - love that, what a perfect description. Totally agree - great engine from the start in my opinion, but yes, every hundred miles it improves noticeably. I'm at 2500 miles now. It's a gem. That rattle worried me for a while, but now I don't notice it. Eager to fly as best it can, soft when you want to pootle along. Sure, a few more bhp would not be unwelcome and probably make it perfect...or, then again, maybe ruin its charm! Agree with ALL your other observations with just one comment - ridden a fair way on three 411s now and there's been no issue finding neutral on any, so your findings are based on your bike - maybe a faulty or dirty switch, cabling, or just 'that box'. I also have an INT650 and a DL650. The INT is butter smooth too (and, like the Scram, that engine/gearbox just gets better. Must be an RE 'thing'). Suzuki boxes are generally great, but the REs both find neutral better. In contrast I've had worse problems with my last bigger Honda and Kawasaki bikes. I'd happily travel a long distance on planned roads over (UK rider) non-dual carriageway roads, but then they're never fun anyway. Just need to be taking your time to enjoy the ride on the lesser single roads, and not pressed to arrive quickly! I LOVE my Scram. Also currently have an INT650 and DL650 - love them all, and no longer want anything bigger.

Finally a good video on scram 411. Thank you.

Thank you for the pros and cons. Still debating how much off road I would really do, but I would like to start. Never been off road. And I cant afford two bikes and the scram seemed just the fight fit for as you said mostly roads, a few fire roads and you wouldn’t hate a quick jaunt on the highway. The new Triumph 400 Scrambler has just been announced but even if the price is right I feel the weight and seat height will be too much for my wee 5’7” 130lb frame.

Good day sir...great video! Do you think, that there is enough room at the shifter to ride this bike with rubber work boots and still being able to shift it?

I don't think you are nitpicking at all just a honest review. I have a Himalayan. Everything you said in pretty bang on as what I felt. It is definitely not a bike for everyone.