Triumphrat

Rhymnoceros

Hi,

New to the forum. I am a recent owner of a Thruxton and love it!

I love it so much, I am thinking of selling my 2003 BMW F650GS Dakar and getting a Scrambler. I don't really ride off-road like I used to and just need a bike to take trips on and haul my camping gear, clothing, etc. The Thruxton's obviously not the bike for that, but I love the engine and wouldn't mind the same thing in a more standard configuration.

I've looked at all the specs on both bikes (Scrambler and New Bonnie) up, down, and sideways, but there a few things that are still confusing me. I've done the requisite search, so please forgive me if this has been A&A, but...

The sites I've seen (e.g., Hermy's) that show detailed specs of both bikes seem to indicate that the bikes are virtually identical in terms of chassis with the exception of minor differences in rake/trail. The frames are the same, right? The wheels are the same size, right? The specs show that they have the same suspension travel. So, I can't figure out where the nearly two-inch difference in seat-height comes from. Is it just the thickness of the seat? It doesn't look like a two-inch difference. Triumph's official site doesn't list travel or ground clearance among the specs (grrr!), so are these other sites inaccurate? Does the Scrambler have longer suspension travel?

Other than that, the only differences (other than cosmetics) I can make out are:
Scrambler didn't get the engine upgrade that the Bonnies and Thruxtons got.
High pipes.
Smaller headlight.
Different bars.

Are there other significant differences I'm missing?

If there really is a difference between the Bonnie and Scrambler suspension, can someone please give me the details?

Thanks!

__________________
Work: n. "wurk" Something you don't like to do, with people you don't want to be with, in a place you don't want to be, at a time that's really inconvenient.

Pokeyjoe

Ha. No. The Scrambler has the 270° engine and the rest of the Bonnies have 360° engines. Same basic engine with a different crank that moves the torque curve down low at the sacrifice of high RPM horsepower.

The difference in the fork rake and a thicker seat make up the 2" difference.

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John
3-7-77
Some people are like Slinkies. They're really good for nothing. But they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

Rhymnoceros

Ah, thanks. Missed that bit. Thanks for the correction.

Anyone know of a dyno chart comparing the Scrambler engine to the Bonnie/Thruxton? All I could find online were ones showing the benefits of mods to the Scrambler, but not overlaying a comparison of the two stock bikes.

Really? I'm not doubting you, but it seems surprising that a 0.2 degree difference in rake can make that big of a difference. Maybe most of it is in the seat?

I have found many articles online that make reference to a longer suspension, but I can't find any specs to back it up. All the places that list specs either have the same travel listed for each bike (a la the aforementioned Hermys) or say "N/A" next to it. I can't find any place that lists ground clearance.

The reason I am asking is that I would like to get a Bonneville for my travel bike, but it's just too cramped and low. If I knew the Scrambler had longer shocks, I would consider replacing the Bonnie ones with the Scrambler's if it gives an extra inch. I would prefer not have the high pipes, as I would like to mount panniers on it (already own the panniers, just need racks to fit the Bonnie and have a lead on that).

A higher seat would help with the cramped part. I would probably get a custom seat that would add at least two inches. But, I would also like to drop the pegs an inch or so. Does anyone know of a footpeg-relocation kit for the new Bonnie?

__________________
Work: n. "wurk" Something you don't like to do, with people you don't want to be with, in a place you don't want to be, at a time that's really inconvenient.

dave1068

I had a Bonne and sold it for the Scrambler as its higher seat height and more ruggedness was a plus. If you measure from the seat to the peg, its about 21.5 on the scrambler and on my old 2001 Bonne (the newer ones could be taller) it was 18, so i gaied about 3.5 in that way plus the bars are higher so you gain some additonal height there.

Modre, a member on this site has a peg lowering kit for the bonne which lowers it by 2'' but depending on one's riding style you could be a peg scraper on turns.

I have a gel seat pad (for sale here BTW) which adds about 1/2" more height. I think the K&Q seat adds a few more inches but its not the best looking seat but practical according to many who have it.

I never noticed any difference in the suspension between the scrambler and the bonne but if you play around with the settings and use a seat pad or new seat, the ride can be improved while not spending too much money

Dave-

bovefrankj

The Scrambler shocks are a couple of inches longer than the Bonneville range. This is what gives the different rake. Hope this helps you in your choices.

SixtySpeedTwin

Hi
I cant find my owners manual right now for specs of the longer suspension, but the scrambler has an extended length centre stand over the bonnie one.

Clive

OCTMike

actually the rears are thruxton units the bonneville units are a bit shorter. and the front is basically the same spring and dampning rod with different spacers, fork inner tubes and fork lowers. i actually have access to a parts fische. and plus i just went through this with the front when i upgraded the front springs and am going through this now as i am upgrading the rear units.