Triumphrat

justbrian

Since my other thread here - I've finally gotten a chance to post some sound clips of the D&D Scrambler system. I rode it down to the studio today and after getting some "real work" done we popped outside with a microphone (DPA/B&K reference mic) and recorded a sound bite. Click below for 192k MP3 or CD quality WAV (I know - I'm a geek):

MP3

WAV

Sound clips were taken with bike stationary, from about five to six feet back (at head level) to the right and slightly behind the bike - just revving her up a bit, but not past about 1/2 to 3/4 throttle (to be honest, I haven't found where the throttle stops yet).

After sorting my ignition issues (pickup coil died on my first ride out this spring) I've put a couple hundred miles on her and I'm still smiling. She IS loud - but not INSANELY loud. Still quiet compared to 99% of the open pipe Harleys that run around town, but a good deal louder than stock. I'm frankly very happy with the sound - I expected "raspy" after some reports on the Bonnie D&Ds but she's mostly low rumble and a beautiful "growl" and "bark" when opened up.

My jetting is still not right - it runs VERY well with the 45 pilot supplied by D&D, but I expect I'm probably pretty rich down low with that. MPG dropped a bit (about 37mpg on my last tank) - but I have either been hammering it or riding two-up since I filled the tank, too. I still have the stock main jet in, so she's probably also running lean up top. She pops only a little on the overrun when I crank it hard, or when decelerating under load (i.e. engine breaking). I'll sort out the jetting along with the NARK I'll be installing in the next couple of weeks.

Performance is definitely better (along with de-snorkle and installation of a K&N filter). She's got a ton more "legs" on the highway - 80-90 feels like 50-60 used to. My first highway ride (bringing it home from the dealership after the ignition service) I scared myself when I glanced down and realized I was creeping up on 95 mph (indicated).

I'm still smiling.

sweatmachine

I hope you're engine braking and not "engine breaking!!!"



The bike sounds fantastic. That 270 deg mill with loud pipes sure sings a sweet song!

__________________
Macgruber!


Click for a picture of my slightly modified Bonnie

Advtrip

Justbrian,

I'm also running the D&D's on my Scrambler. I did not use the 45 pilots but put in 120 mains. I'm with you on the performance gain, as I am very pleased with how the bike pulls now. I'm also using a K&N with no snorkel. Although my bike runs well, I suspect that it is a little lean in the middle and would benefit from a shim or two. As soon as I get some free time I'll be testing with the shims..

justbrian

Thanks Sweat! (And yes - I meant "braking") Having heard some sound clips of your sweet little beastie I'll take that as highest compliments!

And thanks for the "tip" Advtrip - I've got a few sets of mains and shims on the way with my NARK kit to tune things in - I asked NB to send me one size up and one size down from their recommended jetting. I'll probably start back at the stock 40 pilots with their recommended main and a shim under each needle.

Word from Sherri @ nb was my parts were to ship out Wed afternoon, so I should be able to get the NARK installed and a first run at jetting this week. Then it's probably off to the local dyno for a "sniffer" run by the end of the week or early next.

PS - after seeing the image below I promptly went down to the garage and removed my chain guard - I guess I just can't leave her alone! (My wife is getting jealous enough I had to go buy her a scooter this weekend - but she loves to ride with me so she does appreciate the bike. She describes everything I've done thus far as "making it more sexy", though she fell in love with a yellow Ducati Sport Classic Biposto when I sat on it last weekend, so maybe a second bike is in the cards by the end of the year.)

sweatmachine

don't worry about using the 40 pilot, I'd go with 42s or 45s. 1 shim on each needle should be good, and maybe 140-155 mains.

__________________
Macgruber!


Click for a picture of my slightly modified Bonnie

Ringadingdoo

justbrian - please! please! post a pic of your bike with D&D and Nark fitted, and just for me one with the side covers off. Going to Order my D&D today!

My chain gurad came off many weeks ago, love the basic look

Many thanks in advance!

__________________

Red/White o5 Scram - D&D's•NaRK'ed[55bhp]•Lucas Tail Light•Mini Indicators•Mini Speedo
Polycarb Sproket Cover•Chrome Chainguard•No Side Covers•7" Headlight•Metzier Tourance Tyres..

justbrian

No problem ringading - I'll be sure to post plenty of pictures as the project progresses.

In addition to the NARK, here's what I've got in progress:

- Lowering and "snugging up" the front of my seat to better match the contour of the tank (got my hardware - tonight?)
- Red cam covers (finally picked up a rubber mallet to crack the originals loose).
- Larger/shallower headlight w/ "Tommaselli" style brackets
- Riser mount mini speedo
- Relocating the regulator to the frame front downtubes (above the oil cooler, where the horn currently resides) or somewhere else less conspicuous.
- After the NARK kit is installed, if I choose to run the sidecovers I'll either be painting them white to match the upper part of the tank/fenders (and re-lettering in red w/ gold outline) or painting them and the fenders red to match the lower part of the tank - but that'll probably wait for Winter. If I choose not to run the sidecovers I'll probably paint the battery box and clean up/relocate the electrical "stuff" to under the seat. I'll have to wait till I see it in to decide.

Later:
- Upgraded suspension/brakes
- Mikunis/Wiseco/Headwork & (maybe) TB cams
- More safety gear and a cot in the garage for when my wife finally gets fed up.

I'm also gonna put at least 2k miles on in June camping my way around Lake Superior, so new tires will probably be needed soon too!

sweatmachine

I like your list of future-mods, particularly the headlight idea. I changed my headlight for a smaller/less girthy one and I really like how it came out. I don't get why Triumph put the little goofy different headlight on the scramblers. I think a 7" will look better.

you'll like the Wiseco 904 + Mikuni HSR combo a lot!

__________________
Macgruber!


Click for a picture of my slightly modified Bonnie

Ringadingdoo

It's as if you read my mind, but it seems you have the practical knowledge i lack

Love the front light idea, saw something like that on the bike Deus au built, something I have wanted to do to my own machine. Same with the mini speedo.

I plan to paint my scrambler tank Orange with black detailing and then...

- MAS front and rear ali fenders [maybe painted black]
- Black Powder coated rear Lucas tail light
- Mini Speedo
- NARK with side covers off.
- D&D exhaust with all the guards removed and then the pipe wrapped in heat wrap


all a bit of a pipe dream, but younever know i might get around to it!

__________________

Red/White o5 Scram - D&D's•NaRK'ed[55bhp]•Lucas Tail Light•Mini Indicators•Mini Speedo
Polycarb Sproket Cover•Chrome Chainguard•No Side Covers•7" Headlight•Metzier Tourance Tyres..

Ringadingdoo

The Scrambler is meant to be a copy of McQueens 1964 ISDT bike which had a smaller front light due to it being a factory spec competition bike.

__________________

Red/White o5 Scram - D&D's•NaRK'ed[55bhp]•Lucas Tail Light•Mini Indicators•Mini Speedo
Polycarb Sproket Cover•Chrome Chainguard•No Side Covers•7" Headlight•Metzier Tourance Tyres..