Is the Scram 440's switchable ABS actually going to make it more off road capable or is it just a marketing gimmick?
What's interesting here, is that the Scram 440 includes switchable ABS on the rear wheel, a common feature touted for off road benefits. In theory, having the ability to turn off ABS on the rear wheel gives more control on loose surfaces like gravel or mud. But some riders say that this feature is more about marketing than off road performance on a bike that is not really designed for hardcore trail riding. Of course there's also the question of how many Scram 440 owners will actually use this feature, as the bike appears to be aimed at being a more urban scrambler than a hardcore offroader. I’m going to explore if this feature provides real value for the average Scram 440 rider or if it’s just a checkbox item to compete with other scramblers in the market.
I've ridden on and off road, and I can tell you that switchable ABS is a genuinely useful thing. In some off road situations, it can also help you lock the rear wheel up, especially on steep descents.
A nice feature to have, but let's face it, most Scram 440 owners aren't going to be flying off the tarmac anytime soon. The target audience doesn't really need it, it's just a nice to have.
I think it's a bit of both. It's definitely useful for those who want to explore light trails, but at the same time it's a marketing point to make the bike seem more capable than it is.
I have ridden bikes with and without this feature and I can say it does make a difference. It's nice to have the option even if you're not hardcore off roading on unpaved roads or in slippery conditions.
Off roading is not all that it's about. On regular roads too it can be fun to be able to slide the rear a bit. It makes riding more fun.
I would say it’s not so much about off road capability as safety. In some loose surface emergency situations, being able to lock the rear wheel might help to avoid accidents.
I'm not going to use it as a newbie rider, but it's comforting to know it's there when I start to become more experienced. It is like having a feature that you can grow into.
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Discussions and Questions Is The Scram 440S Switchable Abs Actually Going To Make It More Off Road Capable Or Is It Just A Marketing Gimmick
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