Triumphrat

pigpen955 · 02-24-2006, 12:16 PM

I know what the folks over the twin talk forum think but I am looking for some opinions from folks that have experience in the adventure touring world. My dealer has one in his showroom and I love the way it looks (which is not like me, usually I don;t care about asthetics very much) and riding position. Anyway, I am thinking of trading my vStrom (I would never give up the Tiger...unless there is a 675 version in the future) and using the Scrambler for the local stuff and commuting, etc.

Unfortunately, the dealer is waiting for winter (such as it is) to put a battery and gas in the Scrambler for test rides. I am going to try and talk him out of that tomorrow when I bring the Tiger in for some much needed maintenance.

By the way, I do think the vStrom is an excellent bike...just has no soul.

Any thoughts?

Fred

whoa · 02-24-2006, 10:17 PM

Can't help you much, but your dealer needs to get the Triumph attitude. That bike needs to be on the road. Or, buy it and ride it away.

Just sat on the Scrambler and my first impression was being in a position similar to the Tiger. Very relaxed, balanced but able to get my feet on the ground. The bike looks fantastic. And its the same engine as my Thruxton, which I give thumbs up over. The Scrambler looks like a winner for Triumph.

I'd have taken this one on the road, but its been sold. So taking it out would just be wrong....?

tyrebyter · 02-24-2006, 10:55 PM

Haven't ridden one yet but sat on one today at PJ's Triumph. Maybe I'm living in the past, but the old Trophy high pipe scooter was a tiny thing compared to the new scrambler. Looks nice, though. It could lose about five heat shields and not bother me a bit. Why did they put the pipes on the wrong side?

johnyC · 02-25-2006, 03:42 AM

The test in this month's Motorcycle Sport and Leisure includes snippets of an interview with designer John Mocket who's baby this was. He said they couldn't get the pipes up the left side without them sticking out too much because of the battery box. I've read a few tests of the Scrambler and the MSL one is the best considered, mainly due to John Mocket's insider views.

djr · 02-25-2006, 03:47 AM

I have not ridden one but according to the mechanic at my local dealers it squirms around lots on the brakes and "feels like its never going to stop"

pigpen955 · 02-25-2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

On 2006-02-25 01:47, djr wrote:
I have not ridden one but according to the mechanic at my local dealers it squirms around lots on the brakes and "feels like its never going to stop"

That would be bad, I was about to take whao's advice:

Quote:

Can't help you much, but your dealer needs to get the Triumph attitude. That bike needs to be on the road. Or, buy it and ride it away.

I will try hard today to convince them to let me take it for a spin. It is a little cool 28F but the roads are dry...

Fred

P.S. By the way, I think the motor is a little differently tuned than the Thruxton...less hp but a broader torque curve.

[ This message was edited by: pigpen955 on 2006-02-25 09:42 ]

tyrebyter · 02-25-2006, 12:35 PM

Bad brakes, never going to stop... maybe it is an authentic reproduction. My old T120 stopped best when a connecting rod went through the crankcase.

blacktiger · 02-25-2006, 12:51 PM

Both "first rides" tests I've seen in the UK press say that the forks are sh1t and the front brake is weak. If that is the case rather than the press expecting more then Triumph have cocked it up.
I think it looks great and the engine performance is roughly the same as the R100GS I had a while back. I was hoping that the Scrambler would have the same off-road ability as the BMW. But, if the forks are bad then that's not going to be the case. So I'm not going to consider one just yet. I'll get a test first and judge for myself>

[ This message was edited by: blacktiger on 2006-02-25 10:52 ]

johnyC · 02-25-2006, 04:06 PM

Bill offered me a spin on the Scrambler today when I was up at MCS in Renfrew. I was picking up my new chain & sprocket kit for the Tiger, but didn't have time today. I'll maybe have a shot when they have the RAT run on March 26th.

Since we're on the subject of 'street scramblers' , this month's copy of Classic Bike Guide has a multi test of BSA Firebird, Norton Commando S type and Triumph T100 (Meriden version) all US export versions. If I had the spare cash I'd have the Norton, it was beatiful in yellow with both pipes up the left side. If I was buying a Triumph 'street scrambler' I think I might get one of these:

a proper Triumph trail bike :-D

pigpen955 · 02-25-2006, 04:56 PM

Well, I did get the test ride and couldn't resist marginal brakes, front forks, and all. I liked the ride feel and it had just the right amount of torque for what I want it to do. Should hold me over until a 675 comes out in a trim package I like. I will be sure to put it through its paces and Keep you all up to date.

I won't be picking it up for a while as I got a bunch of accessories to wait for:
Engine guards
skid plate
tachometer
screen
single seat w/rack

Fred