Triumphrat

rmak

I've been thinking about picking up a Scrambler somehow, so I've been visiting local Triumph dealers to look and get ideas about prices, colors and options available.

I decided to call a dealer a little more distant from my home in NE Ohio. They had some good write-ups in the Dealers section.

When I asked the salesman about Scramblers, his reply was that nobody want them. He had one 06 and that's all he will have this year. If I come down, he will make me a great deal. They don't sell.

Since this isn't what I've read and heard about the Scrambler model, I was a little stunned. Too stunned to ask the obvious question-Why don't people want them?

Is this some kind of clever psychological selling technique? Or is this guy telling the truth. If he is, it is making me question that purchase. I'm thinking about parts availability if they are discontinued and also resale viability.

I sure wish I could ride one first to be able to make a more informed decision. What ever happened to taking a bike out for a test ride before you buy? No one seems to do that.

cobra935o

They dont seem to sell all that well out here in Albuquerque either, so I think he is pretty accurate. Nice looking bike, but I guess they just arent for everyone now.

Nathan

Geoff

If you like it and the price is good, buy it. Thers no secret brain police turning us all into scrambler buyers.
The parts cant very well go away, the triumph twin line shares many mechanical parts
G

__________________
I never wanted to lead, and I never wanted to follow.
I just wanted to ride

bgaz

It may be sales hype.
Just make sure you get an idea what they are selling for.

Collins cycle has them, $8000.00 list with no prep charges.

Cant say I would buy one, its just a style thing at the expense of the street performance.

In my book, its just way to big, heavy and expensive to go in the dirt.

People seem to love them and they got a lot pf press attention...

Brett




[ This message was edited by: bgaz on 2007-04-06 11:02 ]

Orpheus

BMW, KTM, and Suzuki all make bikes that are just as heavy and more expensive. They're also better suited to dirt (especially the KTM), but that doesn't make them any lighter or less expensive. A few Kiwis/Aussies have already shown that the Scrambler is competent on fire roads and similar surfaces. This month's Torque had a letter and picture from a Colorado rider who took his Scrambler on a long-term off-roading adventure and seemed to do just fine.

So yeah, I don't get it either. But oh well! It will make it that much easier for me to get one of the left-over 2006 Scramblers in the next few months.

__________________
2006 Triumph Bonneville T100, 1968 Honda CL350K0, 1973 BMW R60/5 LWB Toaster

panthercity

He's right. All of us who bought Scramblers are miserable. I'm beside myself with remorse about the one I bought last October. I've had to force myself to ride the 4500 miles since then. My wife has to put a gun to my head to get me to wash it every weekend. My dog won't let me in the house until I've spent at least ten minutes just staring at it every night before I go to bed. I think my local dealer was sending most of his over the border so no one would ever see `em. They were never in the showroom more than a couple of days. They're hideous. Really. No, I mean it. Don't buy one.

(Particularly if other peoples' reactions to your bike and resale are more important than your own taste and enjoyment...)

__________________
Bob AMA #162726 LPR #54
`02 BMW R1150RSA
`06 Triumph "Scrambled"

road_dog

rmak,

If a salesman volunteers information... there's something else he's not disclosing.

Maybe they just didn't receive as many Scramblers as they wanted. :hihi:

__________________
Phil (road dog)

foggydewhearst

I don't think sales went the way most dealers had hoped. When it (the Scrambler) was first announced, my dealer started a sign up list for his initial allotment of 7 bikes. The red seemed to get snapped up first, blue being second favorite. After that initial rush, sales have gone flat. He still has an '06 on the floor, and a couple of '07's that have been there for awhile.

I think it's a pretty unique bike that has a somewhat limited appeal. It appeals to me, I would like to have one to keep my Thruxton company. I'm not so sure it would be the best choice for a 'one only' bike...the Bonneville is certainly more highway oriented, while still retaining good secondary road performance.

Off-road it seems to do fine in the right hands, you probably should be off-road experienced and of a sufficient height/strength to handle the size and weight of the bike. "Danger Dave" seems to do wonders with it off road, but I think he is 6'6" or something.

I still want one....maybe later this year.

rmak

Interesting responses.

Panther's comment:
doesn't sound like me

I've owned my share of uncommon/niche bikes (Ossa, Penton, W650, Ural, etc.) Enjoyed each and every one.

But, now that I'm semi-retired I have a lot less disposable income and I know there will be fewer bikes in my future. I am a little more cautious.

I consider the question I brought up as part of my research into the bike. I've studied everything I could find on it and most of it is positive. Nearly everyone on this site and other forums love 'em. It was weird hearing that they might be selling poorly. Wonder why.

Since, like I said, no test rides (can somebody lend me yours for a week or two?) I have to go with what I read and hear.

road_dog

Agreed... I actually went to the dealer initially to look at the new Scramblers, but ended up buying a T100 instead.

They too were selling Bonnies and T100s like hotcakes.... all the while six Scramblers sat on their showroom floor for quite some time.

__________________
Phil (road dog)