Triumphrat

Saponetto · 07-09-2008

This is really the final solution...

hoser · 07-09-2008

I sure want one...ok, I really want TWO!

SMGray · 07-09-2008

Over the last 12 years I have owned the following:
1996 Triumph Adventurer
1998 Moto Guzzi V11EV
2000 Harley Davidson FXD Super Glide
2000 Triumph Thunderbird Sport
2002 Moto Guzzi California
2003 BMW R1200CL
2005 BMW K1200LT
2007 Yamaha Road Star Sivlerado
2007 Triumph Scrambler

I have to say that all of the bikes have been "good" bikes. Some better than others and obviously some better at certain types of riding than others. But I have to say that the Scrambler has been and continues to be the most pure "fun" to ride than all of my previous rides.

As you can see, I'm a consumer and tend to only own bikes for a year or two. But this Scrambler will stay. I really enjoy the simplicity, looks, easy ride, ect.

hoser · 07-09-2008

can't wait for my local dealer to get one in so I can sit on it to make sure it's not too tall.

Kirkus51 · 07-10-2008

I gotta say that the Scram's different crank configuration is probably more suited to my riding style, but I opted for the Basic Black and a string of pearls and haven't regretted it one iota.

All the guys I know that have Scrams love the bike.

conchscooter · 07-10-2008

The Scrambler's disadvantages versus the Bonneville include raised pipes -perfect to burn your legs plus make adding saddlebags impossible. You get taller seat height which makes the motorcycle impossible for the shorter legged. You get ten less horsepower than the Bonneville which in an HP obsessed culture does you no good at all. And you get noisy knobby tires that don't work as well on paved roads as Bonnevilles.
In exchange you get cool Steve McQueen styling, and off road capability that most riders will never try to use because the word is the bike is too heavy unlike BMW's GS 1200 for real offroad use.
Yet, to prove the irrationality of the motorcycle market buyers of these underrated motorcycles love them. Not me, I ride pavement.

rmak · 07-10-2008

Conchscooter,
I started this thread many months ago. Can't believe it's still got legs! Anyhow, I finally bought a Scram and It's really a great bike. Since I own a Scrambler and a Bonneville I would respectfully disagree with your assessment. I've never burned my leg, or even felt more than the slightest heat from pipes. There are a number of luggage options to carry whatever you need w/o saddlebags. I have the single seat with rack and use a Tourmaster bag, very convenient. With a few performance mods I really don't experience any appreciable difference in power between the Scram and Bonnie. Maybe the Bonnie has more top end speed, but the Scram has more low end grunt and performs well in the portion of the powerband where most riding takes place. I agree that Trailwing tires are not the best rubber, but they're not as bad as all the anonomous internet experts would lead you to believe.

I had to laugh at your comparing the Scram with a 1200GS. I owned a GS for a while. I found it extremely top heavy and difficult to maneuver around. If someone has concerns about seat height with the Scram, they would need stilts with the GS. As far as serious off-road work, a lot depends on the rider's abilities and their desire to set the machine up correctly for that use. By my figuring, the GS is only 20-25 lbs. lighter than the Scram. Personally, I wouldn't take either one anywhere where there's a possibility I may drop them and have to pick them up.

Don't believe everything you read. In many, many ways the Scrambler is the best, most fun bike I've ever owned.
Rich
And, by the way, I think you meant to say it was overrated...

Iceseven · 07-10-2008

Conch, the only way to burn a leg is to hold it against the header pipe! I also have never burned a leg and at 5'-8" really not tall at all. There is a HP difference but you really don't notice it since the torque peaks at 4500 rpm compared to 6400rpm for the Bonnie where I spend more time riding.

It's funny that the Scrambler owners love their bikes and the Bonnie owners are always slamming the Scrambler without ever riding one, they seem to read articles and specs and think they have some idea about the bike, I have owned both.

Sal Paradise · 07-10-2008

I love the Scrambler and was a heartbeat away from having one uncrated for me when a Black and White T100 jumped in my lap. I don't bash them, but I do not think they are as fast as my T100, stock. I admit thats just based on numbers. I also think my T100 can change direction faster at speed, just a hunch. But bash, no. I want one but can't afford yet another motorcycle.

hoser · 07-10-2008

I know it has a totally different riding position, but is the Thruxton the same height as the Scrambler? If I sat on one, would it give me the same leg "feel" as the Scrambler (to determine if it's too tall) or does the Scrambler pipes give it a different feel?

There is no Scrambler for me to sit on locally, but there is a Bonnie and a Thruxton (I'm still debating the Scrambler vs Bonnie decision).