After the 2020 EICMA unveil, Royal Enfield’s Shotgun 650 seems to be the most awaited motorcycle on the internet and the spy shots of the affordable Hunter 350 just don’t seem to stop popping up. But right now, all the spotlight is on the Scram 411- a motorcycle we gave you exclusive details about, last year.
Yes, it is based on the Himalayan, but it gets some significant changes.
So if you clicked on this article because you are confused between the newly launched Scram 411 and the Himalayan, you have come to the right place. Here we will tell you all the differences and similarities between the Scram 411 and Himalayan and most importantly- Which one should you buy?
Design
Let’s begin with the Himalayan, since it is the more familiar of the two. As we all know, the Himalayan is a proper adventure motorcycle. Riding on a 21/19-inch spoke wheel combo, the motorcycle sports a secondary fender, long-travel suspension, tall windscreen and racks to hold jerry cans at the front.
On the other hand, the Scram 411 is more of a stripped down version of the same. Even though it sports the same frame, tank and side panels, it skips out on the windscreen and off-road fender, for more of an urban-tourer character.
Moreover it gets a smaller, 19-inch wheel at the front with a softer compound for the tyre, a conventional-looking headlamp unit with a cowl and no tail rack. Even the wrap around frame has made for a plate on the side with the ‘411’ branding while the split seats on the Himalayan are replaced by a single-piece unit.
That said, Royal Enfield is also offering the Scram 411 in some interesting colour options that have a hint of retro flavour to them. Meanwhile, the Himalayan is offered in more adventure-esque colour schemes.
Features
If you are expecting the same list of features on the Scram and Himalayan, since they share the same platform; that is not the case. Royal Enfield has listed out the features to aptly suit each motorcycle.
Well, the lighting is the same with conventional bulbs, but the instrument clusters are different. The Himalayan comes with an array of clocks. There is an analogue speedo, tacho and fuel guage with a digital display to show stuff like the gear position, odo, trip etcetra. You also get the Tripper Navigation system, a compass and quite a number of tell-tale lights.
While the Tripper Navigation is present on the Scram too, the motorcycle gets a single-pod cluster that shows speed, gear position, trips and fuel gauge all-in-one. In comparison, the Scram’s instrument cluster might look simple, but is neat and precise in its layout. And while there is ABS, it is not switchable like the one on the Himalayan.
Performance
Now, Royal Enfield has plonked the same 411cc, air-cooled engine into both motorcycles. The unit, which comes mated to a five-speed gearbox offers 24.3bhp and 32Nm on both, the Scram as well as the Himalayan. That said, Royal Enfield has also tweaked the throttle response and torque output on the Scram to suit its character.
Different dimensions
To begin with, the Scram 411 has a smaller wheelbase and a 795mm seat height which is 5mm lesser than the Himalayan. And with a smaller, 19-inch wheel up front and no centre stand, Royal Enfield has also managed to make the Scram 5kgs lighter compared to the Himalayan that tips the scales at 199kg.
Pricing
Royal Enfield has priced the Scram 411 from Rs 2.03 lakh for the Graphite colour options. The price goes up to Rs 2.08 lakh. Nonetheless, it is still more affordable than the Himalayan that begins at Rs 2.14 lakh and goes up to Rs 2.22 lakh, ex-showroom.
Which one should you buy?
So, with everything said, which one should you pick- The Scram 411 or the Himalayan? Well, the Scram 411 is obviously more affordable, but apart from cutting down on the price and a few features like the switchable ABS, it manages to do almost everything that the Himalayan does. While the standing-up ergos are not that great for taller riders, the lower seat height and lesser weight makes it much more accessible to a wider audience.
So it all comes down to your needs. If you want a motorcycle that is fairly capable off the road, but more suited for urban riding, the Scram 411 is the way to go. But if you want a proper off-roader with better highway-touring abilities, look no further than the Himalayan.
