Intermot: All-new 2017 Yamaha SCR950 street scrambler

America was introduced to the SCR950 earlier this year, and Europe quickly threw its dummy out of the pram. We wanted the new scrambler, too – and now we’re getting it.

Based heavily on the XV950, the new SCR features wide, braced handlebars, aluminium rims and spoked wheels wearing chunky dual-purpose rubber, fork gaiters, and paintjobs that owe more than a passing nod to the XT550s of the early 80s.

As does the engine, resplendent in its all-black finish, but boasting an extra cylinder over the 80s enduro icon. The compact 60-degree air-cooled V-twin is straight out of the XV, and should deliver an engaging mix of circa 51bhp blended with 58.6ftlb of torquey punch (at 3000rpm) and smoothness that will suit this style of bike well. The high, flat seat profile gives an elevated riding position (830mm) with plenty of room to move around. There’s also a storage compartment lurking beneath.

The only obvious oddity for a bike in this class is the belt drive – inherited from the cruiser-shaped XV. It’s well shielded, but could be problematic if you spend too much time in the dirt.

 

• See this bike at Motorcycle Live this November 19-27.