Triumphrat

meloman

For anyone out there riding other brands and considering a Scramber I thought I would add my input from a recent test ride.
Through the generosity of ICESEVEN who I discovered lived not too far from me in our lovely Rocky Mountains, I was able to ride his 06 Scrambler with TOR's, snorklectomy and rejetting. Now coming off of an 08 Buell Ulysses I expected to be disappointed with just about everything given I have 30% more displacement and about twice the HP and Torque not to mention better brakes and much superior suspension.
But SURPRISE !! Not the case. After a short ride up the canyon ( and keep in mind the high altitude and associated power loss) I came back with the big smile that every Scrambler rider on the forum talks about.
I got off the bike and Iceseven (probably expecting me to bash the bike) asked my opinion and my immediate and enthusiastic response was " I Love It". Sure the aforementioned differences were there but for some reason the some of the parts added up to such an enjoyable riding experienct that none of them mattered nor stood out ( with the exception of the suspension). The power was adequate, the brakes were fine, the ergonomics were great, the motor was vibration free and the transmission shifted like butter (much better than the Buell). The pipes sounded great at idle and initial take off but once under way at cruising speed they were hardly noticeable and they didn't give off any heat (unlike the Buell).
When, and not if, I buy a Scrambler I would definitely upgrade the suspension as this was the biggest negative about the bike. I would also do the muffler and air box mods and would probably at some point put a 904 kit in it for more power in the mountains and for two up riding. If I were at sea level the 904 kit probably wouldn't be necessary ( but I am a power junkie).
So I hope this is helpful for anyone sitting on the fence trying to make a decision. I say go ride one and be objective. Don't go in with any expectations and I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Thanks again to ICESEVEN for opportunity and the fun.

Echoance

"The grin" comes as standard with all the Triumph twins. It's not all about the numbers; certain bikes have an intangible 'something' that you just can't quantify but you feel as soon as you ride. As you say, more than a sum of their parts.

Welcome.

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Photos

Iceseven

Mel, thanks for the kind words about the Scrambler, it is really a blast to ride.

Glad we had a chance to get together and it was good to get your input especially with your background and experience in riding.

Looking forward to riding with you when it warms up and my freshly snow covered road clears.

Ice

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2006 Scrambler, Previously had 2004 Bonnie Black, 1995 T-Bird, 1974 Trident, various street and dirt bikes.

wannabes3

Dang all of you! Just when I talk myself out of considering a scrammy someone has to make a post like this one. I have pretty much narrowed my list to the Uly, the 650 v-strom, and the bonnie/scrambler. The worst part is my triumph dealer has an 07 bonnie and scrambler on the floor!

Thanks for the review, that is good to hear from a Uly rider.

imafunkyman

I chose the Bonnie over the Scrambler, but that doesn't mean I don't love it. Next year I'd like to add a used Scrambler to my garage. It's a Steve McQueen thing, I'm sure you all get it!

mecscc

WannaB: the economy is in a shambles. Buy both, and help your fellow man.

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Monte

"The Old Ohio Preacher Man"

UraniumC

so, Iceseven, did you get to ride his Uly?

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JC
2006 Goodwood
Progressive Front Springs, TORS, Tach, Dart Fly Screen, Extended Seat Bolts and, of course, Union Jack License Plate Bolts.
Formerly: VTX 1800C
"God must love stupid people; He made a lot of them."

Iceseven

Well JC the offer was made but I wasn't fully comfortable with the saddle height and my shortness of legs so I passed (actually gave me a chance to pilfer the ULY of the cool GPS while Mel was riding)!

Ice

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2006 Scrambler, Previously had 2004 Bonnie Black, 1995 T-Bird, 1974 Trident, various street and dirt bikes.

meloman

Hey Ice,
So that's what those big finger prints all over the GPS bracket were from and why you had the "cat ate the bird" look on your face when I got back.

Iceseven

Yeah actually after I spilled tea on it I couldn't get those buttons to work so that explains the fingerprints! Looking forward to riding soon.

Ice

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2006 Scrambler, Previously had 2004 Bonnie Black, 1995 T-Bird, 1974 Trident, various street and dirt bikes.