Tell Me About The Scrambler

[Bear Rider]

I saw a Scrambler the other day at Street Vibrations in Reno, and have been trying to learn something about them.

I am looking for a bike to do three things in support of my business (northern nevada RURAL real estate -- bring a canteen and a compass). First, it has to be pretty good at running down unmaintained roads that are relatively flat, but have a surface of loose rock and gravel. Second, it has to be fast enough to blend with traffic on highways that run 70-75 mph. Finally, it would be nice if the bike could be used for trips (ok, so this isn't ENTIRELY business ).

What are the Scrambler's strengths and weaknesses in those three areas? I've considered bikes like the KLR-650, but have rejected them because they are WAY too tall for my 27" inseam.

 

[Dilligaf]

Having owned one I will start.

You can ride semi-improved dirt roads at moderate speed. Don't expect to get any air or slide the rear end around too much unless you make significant suspension improvements.

The bike does okay at freeway speed, no power problem but tread design makes things a bit unsettled above 70.

I'd say the bike is plenty comfortable for an overnight trip.

They sure look damn good :y115:

 

[CarlS]

Bear Rider, if a lot of your riding will be freeway or highway, you might consider different tires than the stock tires. One rider I know put tires with a more conventional tread on his Scrambler and he has no problem with freeway speeds. The bike will do fine on the freeway with the right tires. But that compromises the unpaved road performance. I used to live in a rural area where I had 4 miles of unpaved sand and shell road before I got to the nearest pavement. I just had to take it easy with the Bonnie and not use the front brake in dry sand. On the other hand, my '68 TR6 was a treat to ride on those roads. It has all purpose tread and weighs about 75 pounds less than my '03. Unfortunately, a tire that is really good for off the pavement will not be so good at freeway speeds and vice versa. The Scrambler is fine for trips.

It they weren't so tall, I'd suggest you try a Tiger. I agree with Dilligaf; the Scrambler is one sweet looking bike.

One other thing. The stock suspension on the Bonneville family is mediocre. There is nothing wrong with it; it is just mediocre. Most serious riders of the Bonneville family have upgraded the suspension - and it makes a world of difference.

 

[DirtBoy]

Go to advriders.com, scroll down to "beasties" look for the "Triumph scrambler" link and search through the discussion, it is very interesting and the guys do a lot with the scrambler

 

[pjamesb80]

Bear Rider,

I think the Scrambler is perfect for the type of riding you described. Try the Metzler Tourance tires. They perform very well on the highway and they do an adequate job on flat roads with some loose stuff. The stock Bridgestones are a bit twitchy and noisy at speed.

I haven't upgraded the suspension yet but I am considering this upgrade as well as a screen.

The Scrambler sits 32 1/2", so it's a little on the tall side. But I really like the seat height and riding position. I have a 32" inseam.

Try and ride one before buying it. Of course that will probably seal the deal. So don't test ride one until you're ready to buy. :smile:

 

[Bear Rider]

Thanks for the responses. I was finally able to drive to Reno and sit on a Scrambler. It was obvious after a couple of minutes that the bike just wasn't going to fit. I'm a bit of a freak -- 5'8" with a 27" inseam and a 6' armspan, coupled with old joints and herniated disk. It didn't take long for various parts of my body to let me know this just wasn't meant to be.

 

[CarlS]

I'm sorry to hear that it didn't fit you; they are cool bikes. You might consider the new Bonnie SE. It has lower seat height and lower shocks. If I remember correctly, it is 1 1/2 to 2 inches lower than the standard Bonnie and T100.

 

[Bear Rider]

I might consider one of the other models when it comes time to replace my road bike, but this bike is intended primarily for a specific job-related function where both on and off pavement use is required.

 

[timspong]

what did you end up with?

 

[DaveM]

and I don't think he has online since, so we will never know