The 2026 Yezdi Scrambler represents the most significant update to the platform since its re-introduction by Classic Legends. Moving past incremental year-on-year tweaks, the 2026 model tackles key customer complaints around weight, heat, and refinement head-on. Let’s first take a quick look at what’s new before I tell you my ride review.
What’s New on the 2026 Model
Classic Legends have given the 2026 Scrambler a substantial mechanical and structural overhaul:
- The ‘Katar’ 334cc Engine: Features reworked, lighter internals that deliver higher output while shedding overall mass.
- Single Centrally-Routed Exhaust: Replaces the old cross-port dual exhaust setup with a single, neatly tucked unit, shedding ~8 to 10 kg in kerb weight (down to 174 kg dry / ~184 kg kerb).
- Improved Thermal Management: A new, horizontally positioned radiator routes hot air away from the rider’s legs far more effectively.
- Electronics & Ride Modes: Equipped with Traction Control and 3 ABS modes (Road, Rain, Off-Road with switchable rear ABS).
- Refined Aesthetics: Redesigned fuel tank, oval vintage-style number board side panels bearing the number ’69’ (a nod to Yezdi’s 1969 origin in India), and bronze highlights on the engine casing.
- Engine Capacity 334 cc Single-Cylinder Liquid-Cooled (DOHC)
- Power / Torque 30 PS @ 8,100 rpm / 30 Nm @ 6,750 rpm
- Transmission 6-Speed with Assist & Slipper Clutch
- Front/Rear Travel 150 mm (Front Forks) / 130 mm (Rear Twin Shocks)
- Ground Clearance 200 mm
- Seat Height 813 mm
Riding Position & Ergonomics
The Scrambler retains a commanding, upright riding triangle. The seat height might be a worry for some riders, but the overall narrow contour of the seat means it should be fine for most guys.
- Handlebars & Levers: Wide, cross-braced handlebars provide excellent leverage, making low-speed manoeuvring in traffic or trail steering effortless.
- Seating: The flat single-piece bench seat (813 mm height) is accessible for riders around 5’6″ and above. Padding is on the supportive side, though long hours on the saddle will still warrant periodic leg-stretching breaks. Pillion on the other hand might not enjoy anything above city stints.
- Stand-up Off-Road Ergonomics: Mid-set foot pegs and a tapered tank section allow you to grip the bike naturally with your knees when standing up on the pegs for trail riding. The high handle bars also really get you in the right position to tackle some trails comfortably standing up.
Handling, Braking, and Tyre Performance
On-Road Agility
Despite its rugged looks, the 2026 Yezdi Scrambler behaves surprisingly like a street naked on tarmac. The chassis geometry, combined with the weight drop, makes tipping into turns intuitive and predictable. Although unlike a street naked riding style, the geometry of the motorcycle, needs you to counter balance a lot more consciously to get the Yezdi Scrambler going where you want it to.
Suspension Setup
The setup uses 150 mm travel front telescopic forks and 130 mm travel twin rear shocks. The tuning is noticeably firm. On smooth highways or winding twisties, this firmness keeps the bike planted with minimal wallow. However, on harsh expansion joints or sharp bumps, the rear shocks transmit noticeable feedback directly to the rider’s lower back. On the flip side, it feels incredibly planted and helps you keep faster speeds on trails.
Braking
Anchored by disc brakes at both ends with Dual-Channel ABS, stopping power is confident with a sharp initial bite. The inclusion of three ABS modes alters the intervention threshold. I rode it mostly in Road mode and found it to be confident for all the situations I found my self in.
- Road Mode: Standard full dual-channel ABS protection.
- Rain Mode: Heightened sensitivity for slippery asphalt.
- Off-Road Mode: Disables rear ABS so you can slide the rear wheel into gravel turns intentionally.
Tyre Performance
Standard variants come shod with MRF Mogrip Meteor – FM2 semi-knobby tyres. On dry asphalt, the block-pattern tyres track straight without loud road hum. On loose gravel or dirt paths, they dig in well, though slick mud or wet rocks will push the front tyre to its grip limits. The tyres perform best on road and dry off road terrain.
Engine Performance & Vibrations
The short-stroke 334cc “Katar” DOHC liquid-cooled single produces 30 PS and 30 Nm of torque.
Does it vibrate?
Vibration control is significantly improved compared to the first-gen motor. Clearly a lot of work has gone into it.
- Low-to-Mid Revs (Idle to 4,000 RPM): Smooth and tractable.
- Mid-Range (4,000 – 6,500 RPM): A mild buzz introduces itself at the footpegs, but remains completely manageable.
- High Revs (6,500 RPM to Redline): Being a short-stroke motor that loves to rev, vibes gradually creep up through the tank and handlebars. It isn’t unrefined to the point of numbing your hands, but it reminds you that you’re pushing a high-revving single hard.
It lovely to sit around that 5500 to 6000 rpm spot all day and that would translate to about 100 kmph on the speedo as comfortable highway cruising speed.
Real-World Riding Dynamics
- In the City: The revised engine mapping gives strong low-end surge. Combined with the lighter assist-and-slipper clutch, navigating bumper-to-bumper traffic is far less tiring. Thermal management is a night-and-day difference—the horizontal radiator directs fan blast away from your shins. And that makes city riding a whole lot more fun.
- On the Highway: Cruising between 90–110 km/h is the bike’s sweet spot. The 6-speed gearbox allows you to sit at comfortable RPMs, with plenty of headroom to execute quick overtakes up to 125+ km/h.
- Off the Road: The generous 200 mm ground clearance easily clears rocky ledges and deep ruts. The punchy mid-range torque allows you to power out of berms effortlessly, provided you adjust to the slightly firm suspension over harsh hits.
Fit, Finish, Build Quality & After-Sales
Build Quality & Aesthetics
Classic Legends has elevated their manufacturing quality with this refresh. Weld seams on the double-cradle frame are visibly tidier, wire harness routing is cleaner, and paint finish on the tank and number boards feels premium. The bronze highlights on the engine casing add a custom, retro-modern aesthetic. The attention to detail has definitely gone up a notch.
A Minor Caveat: The new electronics package (ride modes and traction control) can occasionally feel a little slow to respond, sometimes taking a long-press or a standstill moment to swap modes cleanly.
Service & After-Sales Experience
Historically, after-sales service and spare parts availability were areas where Yezdi faced constructive criticism from owners. However, Classic Legends has been actively restructuring its dealer/service network, standardizing technician training, and expanding 24/7 roadside assistance coverage. With the platform maturing and fewer mechanical teething issues on this updated iteration, ownership promises to be significantly smoother. It is quite good to see the company acknowledge the issue and take proper systematic changes rather than band aid fixes to solve the issues. They even recently announced that they will allowing the sales of spares over the counter for people who want to DIY or want to get the bikes serviced outside their network.
