Triumphrat

M700R

How many Scrambler owners considered one of the other "adventure bikes" on the market? Another big twin such as the BMW GS, Buell Ulysses, the Suzuki V-Strom, or the KTM 950/990? Buell's Uly really grabbed my attention, something about a 1200 cc V-Twin in a bike that's only a bit over 400 pounds... Also some really neat engineering. The Strom was also a likely candidate given Suzuki's reputation for incredible reliability and toughness. Around here the KTM 950 & 990 are local favorites - many, many miles of dirt roads here and the big KTM just eats 'em up.

I looked hard at all of those bikes, but fell for the Scrambler even though it's not marketed as an "adventure bike." The traditional styling, friendly attitude of the bike, and lower seat height all contributed to my decision to go with the little Triumph. It looks little next to any of the other big "adventure" bikes.

Biggest thing I feel is missing from the Scram that the others have in full is POWER. The Scram does fine, but all of the others are rippin' rockets with gobs of power in the 90 - 100 hp area... Huge difference. Otherwise there a few things that those other bikes have that are lacking on the Scram: better wheels in some cases, which don't require a tubed tire, integral skidplates, more suspension travel and perhaps better passenger & luggage accommodations.

So... Did you look at any of the other adventure bikes or did you just want a Triumph so bad you couldn't see straight???

Ringadingdoo

I would still love a BMW F800 GS to complement my Scrambler. I find the Scram a little uncomfortable on long rides so I would like the BMW for those EU adventures I dream of.

Every time I take the scram out I feel i'm on an adventure... which might not be a great experience after 4-5 hours riding. The BMW on the other hand I found a little boring, but in a good way, perfect for clocking up a few thousand miles.

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o5 Scram - D&D's•NaRK'ed[55bhp]•Lucas Tail Light•Mini Indicators•Mini Speedo•Polycarb Sproket Cover•Chrome Chainguard•No Side Covers [hates the wet]•7" Headlight•Metzier Tourance Tyres• Next:Colour change,Seat recovered,Aluminum Mudguards.

haggis95

I'm saving up for a KTM690 enduro.

305 lbs and 63hp! (Not light for an off roader, but a lot lighter than my bonnie)

For some reason I could never buy a BMW. Call it prejudice.

There's so much more off highway riding round here (Alberta). And I want to get deep into the woods, or up logging trails to mountain tops.

The photo below is me getting lost and falling down a mountain!

Attached Images

3132008144249.jpg (41.0 KB, 22 views)

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Now that's a pie!

Iceseven

That GS800 intrigued me but at $10k for the bike and the word is that they will all come with the "optional" computer package, heated grips, etc. for an additional grand so $11k is just too much.

The bike that I miss the most though is my KLR650 that I traded in and I very often think about getting another one.

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

araya213

Thought about a V-strom 650 or 1000, took a Scrambler for a spin and bought that instead, much easier to get on with, sounds a million miles better, and looks so much cooler!

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thekiwi

Everything else was either too expensive or too fugly
The GS 850 is nice but dear. Pity the japs don't buld a cost effective light weight parallel twin . the Versys is almost right just needs to be a little more dirt orientated.
I'm very happy with the scram & wont be selling it any time soon

M700R

A "naked" v-strom would have gotten a lot more attention from me. That fairing is just wrong... At least for me! Good bike though...

That KTM 690 is going to be an absolute blast!!!

latigid

the tiger is a nice adventure bike from what I understand especially if you want to stay in the triumph family.

Reef Rider

Recently did an 1800 km trip on a 1200 GS. Did it with 2 KTM 990's and boy those bikes eat of the Road. We were averaging 160-180 km/h and those bikes don't feel it.

I rode the last 200 kms on the 990 KTM and it would be a tough choice if you put both in front of me and asked me to choose. I think the KTM would win if I was going to be doing 50/50 road - offroad riding and the GS if 80/20 road vs off-road.

Tpo answer the question though, it would depend on your intentions, but for shorter day trips I would love a scrammy.

BigChiefWoody

"Other" Adventure Bikes? I think there's a huge difference between the Scrambler and adventure bikes even though the Scrambler is cool as all get out! I love Triumphs and I think the Tiger with that triple would be a great adventure bike...the one I'm waiting for is (if rumors are true) The Tiger Cub with the 675 Triple! Now that would be a cool adventure bike.

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