The times are changing rapidly and we are always weary about the latest trends, whether it be in fashion, food or automobiles.  But there is one company that is defying all odds and launching a new bike that harkens to the past—the Italjet Buccaneer 250i. While most automakers are moving towards sharp futuristic designs, the Italjet Buccaneer 250i, a scrambler, boasts a bold and simple design that is unmatched by any.

History of scramblers

The scramblers’ history dates back to the 1920s. During that time there were races organised in England where the tracks that had a mix of different terrains, this required the need to convert road bikes to scramblers to drive through the track. Scramblers are basically everyday bikes that have chunky off road tires, small seats, small tanks, tucked in headlights, and a small instrument panel. The bikes were designed thus to shave as much weight as possible. Scramblers prefer torque over top end power 

as to cover terrain ranging from rocky roads to climbing muddy hills with ease. Scramblers are basically do-it-all bikes and are the roots 

from which the present-day dirt bikes sprang out of.

Design 

At first glance the Buccaneer looks like a sturdy built motorcycle, especially with the metal rods protecting the headlights. The big chunky tires and the sheer size of the bike gives it an intimidating look. The bike doesn’t have any sharp lines or futuristic designs; it carries its traditional scrambler look but with an additional LED tail light. The seat is thinly padded but provides enough comfort. The bold styled fuel tank can fit up to 14 litres of fuel.

Handling

The sole purpose of a scrambler was to conquer any trails thrown at its way so the handling had to be able to overcome those obstacles. The scrambler features wide upright handle bars to make the ride comfortable. As the bike weighs only 128.5 kgs, it makes the bike really nimble and easy to maneuver. The rear tire is a 130/90-15 which looks rather big than its measurement. The stopping power comes from discs front and back. 

Performance

The Buccaneer is powered by a 60 degree V-twin 249cc SOHC (Single Over Head Cam). The engine pushes out 17.5 Bhp of power @ 8,000 RPM and 19 Nm of torque @ 6,000 RPM. The power delivery is linear and being a scrambler the torque is higher than the power output of the bike. Being a V-twin engine the torque kicks in rather quickly and that makesriding around the city really easy as our city traffic is prone to stop and go traffic. The transmission duty is handled by a 5 speed transmission.  The 249cc V-twin engine may look small on paper but it is capable of producing loud sounds. 

The verdict

The Buccaneer is one bike capable to do it all—from everyday commuting, highway riding and hill climbing. The retro look reminds us of its pastand people look for classic bikes have got other options than just the Royal Enfield line up of bikes. Being priced at Rs 508,000 the Italjet Buccaneer has the potential to rock the biking market.