We chose the Royal Enfield Scram 411 for its excellent handling on both asphalt and gravel roads, combined with its under stressed, torquey engine, which we find particularly well suited for touring Norway’s scenic roads.

Also we fell in love with the rich and enduring history of the Royal Enfield motorcycle brand.

The company was born as a bicycle and small arms factory in UK in the late 18th century. Their first motorcycle was produced in 1901, making Royal Enfield it the oldest motorcycle producer still in business.

Altough being a part of the British golden era of motorcycling in the 1950s and 60s, in 1971 the company went out of business due to financial problems and poor management. Meanwhile, however, a trade agreement with India from 1955 would prove to save the brand.  

Following the independence from British colonialism, the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 was adapted by the Indian Army and Police forces for patrol duties. The rugged Enfields proved perfect for controlling the dirt tracks and rutted paths along the country’s vast borders. Later it also became a popular civilian bike, known for its great ability to cope with the country’s generally poor road conditions.

While the mother company in UK was long gone, the Indians however quietly continued producing the “Bullet”, which remained largely unchanged for decades. In recent years Royal Enfield has returned to the global scene as one of the fastest-growing and best-selling motorcycle brands in the world. The product line has diversified from Bullet only into a broad range of different bikes.

One of the bikes deriving from this history is the Scram 411. It is derived from its off-road sibling, the Himalayan 411, which has developed a cult following in many countries for its great character and adventuring capabilities. The Scram retains much of the Himalayan’s adventure-touring capability while being more road-oriented and agile on asphalt.

At the heart of the Himalayan/Scram series, are still the rugged, all-round capabilities and their very distinctive engine character: a long-stroke, single-cylinder, pushrod engine producing a deep, rhythmic “thump.” A signature feature deriving to the very roots of the 1955 Bullets. Enthusiasts often describe this exhaust note as the motorcycle’s heartbeat or the “Helicopter sound”.

The Himalayan/Scram motorcycles are engineered around strong low-end torque and allroad capabilities. Their pulling power and rugged design allows them to carry heavy loads and cruise at a relaxed, steady pace without requiring constant gear changes. They are machines designed for leisurely touring rather than aggressive street riding, rewarding a more deliberate and unhurried riding style.

With high mountain crossings, beautiful countryside and spectacular fjords, Norway offers the perfect environment for a motorcycle that encourages a relaxed and unhurried pace.