"Oh, this looks just like a Ducati Scrambler, doesn’t it?"
That might just be one of the most common remarks we’ve heard about NUEN MOTO’s very first model—the N1-S. At first, as the creators behind the product, even we at NUEN weren’t sure how to feel about that comment.
Looking on the bright side, it could actually be a compliment. It means we've managed to create a design with a strong identity—one where people immediately recognize the Urban Scrambler vibe our team intended. And naturally, they connect it with the most familiar reference point they know.
But on the flip side, it could also come off as a sign that we’re simply riding the coattails of an already well-known motorcycle line. Like we’re playing it safe in a space that demands bold, original thinking.So why did we choose to make the N1-S an Urban Scrambler?A BRIEF HISTORY
Photo Source: Internet
Back in the 1950s, a motorcycle was just... a motorcycle. Style categories and genre definitions barely existed, and most production bikes were built simply for riding on paved roads.
Around that time, a group of moto enthusiasts in the UK and the US started customizing their bikes—not just for the thrill of tinkering, but to make them more versatile for riding across different terrains, both on- and off-road. They’d swap out bulky parts, raise the exhaust, throw on chunky off-road tires, upgrade the suspension—anything to build a bike that was stripped-down, practical, and could go from city streets to dirt trails without missing a beat. That was the birth of what we now call the "Scrambler."
Photo Source: Internet
The genre really took off in the 1960s thanks to American racer Bud Ekins, who dominated the off-road racing scene on a series of 2-cylinder Triumph bikes like the T-120TT, T120C, and TR6 Trophy. Triumph, of course, being the iconic British motorcycle brand.
And then there was Steve McQueen—Hollywood legend, adrenaline junkie, and Bud’s close friend. A true motorcycle nut himself, McQueen brought the rugged, minimalist spirit of the scrambler to the big screen, helping embed its image into pop culture and the public imagination.
That’s when the big manufacturers finally caught on: scramblers weren’t just a passing fad. They were here to stay. And so, scramblers started rolling off factory lines—not just out of backyards and garages.
WHAT MAKES AN SCRAMBLER AN SCRAMBLER?
When it comes to looks, there are a few telltale features that instantly give a Scrambler away:
-
High-mounted exhaust — Keeps things running clean in muddy or wet conditions.
-
Chunky, semi-knobby tires — Built to handle both on-road and off-road terrains.
-
Minimalist design — Every part should serve a purpose. No fluff, no extras.
-
Wide, high handlebars — For better control and a relaxed, upright riding posture on long rides.
-
Long-travel suspension — Smooths out the bumps when the road gets rough.
You can think of a Scrambler like a Swiss Army knife—versatile, efficient, and with a vibe that’s unmistakably its own.
These days, pretty much every major motorcycle brand has a Scrambler in its lineup. Some standout examples:
-
Triumph TR6 Trophy: Famously featured in The Great Escape, with Steve McQueen jumping a barbed-wire fence—arguably the moment the Scrambler went mainstream.
-
Honda CL Series: Japan’s first foray into scrambler styling, known for its high exhaust and customization-friendly frame.
-
Ducati Scrambler: Originally launched in 1962, reborn in 2015—helping define the modern retro revival.
-
Triumph Scrambler 1200: A refined British classic with vintage looks and modern tech under the hood.
SO WHY IS THE N1-S AN URBAN SCRAMBLER?
When we first asked ourselves, “What style should our first electric motorcycle take on?”—we knew the answer had to tick a few key boxes:
-
It should solve real, everyday problems
-
Be easy and enjoyable to live with
-
And have a timeless aesthetic, not one that just follows trends
Our Vietnamese riders—the very first NUEN MOTO community—need a bike that can effortlessly weave through city traffic on a daily commute, but also handle a weekend escape to the countryside or the mountains. One bike, many moods—no limits, no boxes.
It also has to be convenient and intuitive. The riding posture should feel natural, the controls should be easy to operate, and things like waiting at red lights or switching gears shouldn’t feel like a chore.
And let’s be real: in today’s world, noise is just another form of pollution. The old-school thrill of a roaring engine might be on its way out, replaced by something quieter—but just as powerful and exciting: the clean, instant torque of an electric motor and its signature futuristic hum.
More than anything, people today want something that stands out. Something with personality. There’s a reason why things that break the mold feel exciting. The Scrambler, with its rich legacy and unmistakable design language, has always been that kind of bike—distinctive, timeless, and undeniably cool.
FINAL THOUGHT
Choosing the Urban Scrambler style for our very first creation wasn’t a random decision—it was a carefully thought-out choice by the NUEN MOTO product team.
When it comes to creativity, everyone has their own take. But perhaps the saying “Don’t try to reinvent the wheel” sums it up best. When something has already proven its worth and stood the test of time, we don’t always need to come up with something entirely new. Sometimes, the smarter move is to pick the best elements, build on them, and make something even better.
"We make the wheel run better, and look way cooler, too!" 😉
This is one of the few machines I can just admire. From the strong exoskeleton, to the bold splashes of color and quality build. Form follows function and this motorcycle... Show more