Triumphrat

JihadTodd · 05-26-2007

I've been riding a Thruxton and recently took it out of town. 250 miles on that were fun (101 in SW Wa.) but not really comfortable. I like the old style and function of the carbed twin and the new Bonnies in general but want to go farther than I can on the Thruxton. This leads me to the Scrambler.

My questions are these:
- does anyone own one and what is your opinion?
- are there simple tank replacements to get a couple gallons more capacity? if so where or who makes these? (I'm in Seattle if there is a local fab)
- Is there any reason why I wouldn't want to ride one to Alaska and then Central America?
- what are good things to take on long trips (I'm new) that a scrambler may not be fit for?

All this is new to me as now I'm an "empty nester" and can look at doing things besides a quick day trip and running around so I'm open to suggestions. I also was recently told of a guy who did a bunch of touring on an old Bonnie in the '70s and wrote some books I didn't get his name though. It just made me think that maybe a Scrambler would be a good choice and that I don't need a dual-sport. I'm open to opinions, experience and advise.

Thanks,
JihadTodd

plowboyzzt · 05-26-2007

JT,
I don't have the experience w/ the specific bikes you're looking at, but have done a reasonable amount of touring on various bikes.....but want you to feel free to pm or e-mail me for support and ideas.
My general opinion is you might want to be a bit of mechanic to do Mexico and Central America...tho we've found there are mechanics in less developed countries that will tackle anything , you might be more comfortable doing the basics yourself.
For packing....less is better, unless it's tools....or $$.
The wife and I are heading X-country this summer from Portland to Quebec and are minimalist packers.
Chris

05-26-2007

Hi JihadTodd
Just did a 5000 km tour on my Scrambler around Europe last year and I loved it. I am getting ready to go on a another tour June 25th Swiss-Austria-Cezh-Poland-lithuania-Sweden and i am looking forward to it. i love to ride the Scrambler, just added new 19 tooth sprocket in the front to keep the RPM down.
I dont know what to say ohter than cool runnings on y Scramber man.

ivar · 05-26-2007

Quote:

On 2007-05-26 11:36, JihadTodd wrote:
I've been riding a Thruxton and recently took it out of town. 250 miles on that were fun (101 in SW Wa.) but not really comfortable.

Can you specify exactly what makes it uncomfortable?

You could convert the Thrux to handlebars (LSL conversion) , a different seat, better suspension, flyscreen, and you should be more comfortable than on a stock scrambler IMO.

JihadTodd · 05-28-2007

On the Thruxton it's my back. I love the bike and I love the way it rides, looks etc so I feel pretty unwilling to mess with that, but thanks for the ideas.

JihadTodd · 05-28-2007

I'm just getting the hang of this forum stuff. I also wanted to say thanks for the words on Central America, mechanicing and light packing from Plowboyzzt. I will pm you as I start getting this into reality. Enjoy your summer trip!

Thanks also to Bergmaster, it's always encouraging to hear words like that. The 19 tooth sprocket is a good plan. How do you feel about the fuel capacity?

ivar · 05-29-2007

Todd,
if you check out the picture threads in the Club cafe and bonnie owners forums, you'll see some pics of modded Thruxtons.
I think you should be able to make the Thrux more comfortable for you without destroying its good looks. Just 1-2" higher handlebars might be enough for your back...

nick_t · 07-11-2007

be sure to check out Orpheus's thread over on the advrider forum.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240251

he's trying to outfit his t100 for adventure (re: dual-sport) riding. sounds like he's going all out, but it might be worth contacting him to see what his experience is with travelling on a triumph.

cheers!
nick

Davorallyfan · 07-19-2007

Scram touring here
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194751

Sprintstar · 07-19-2007

Hi Davo................

Thought I may bump into you on here