Triumph Scrambler

[Hudson]

I've been eyeing something for a third bike, something that would be fun to just hop on and putt around, and with some soul and style, but has to be reliable. I headed out to the Triumph dealer to eye the current Scrambler and Thruxton bikes; they have it covered in the cool looks dept. I ended up taking out the Scrambler.

Within the limits and reasonable expectations of this bike, it is a honey. Smooth twin feel, great sound (though it needs the Arrow pipe upgrade to sound more menacing), and absolutely cool looks. The engine was pretty torquey, and while it won't win races, had more power than its 65 hp would suggest.

But (and there always is with a bike like this):

Tires suck. Handling is fine for gentlemanly motoring, but not for anything exciting. And the brakes? Let's just say that with all the great improvements on this bike, the brakes are decidedly old school. Wooden feel, not much grab.

Sigh...on to something else.

 

[Niehart]

You should buy one, change the tires and let your friends ride it. Barry might pass because it does not have training wheels but the rest of us would love to ride it.

 

[escapefjrtist]

You should buy one and let your friends ride it...

Gotta agree with Niehart. But I'll do one better...I won't even ask you to change the tires.

--G

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I've been eyeing something for a third bike, something that would be fun to just hop on and put around, and with some soul and style, but has to be reliable. I headed out to the Triumph dealer to eye the current Scrambler and Thruxton bikes;Sigh...on to something else.

I know the feeling...

Years ago I acquired a late '70s Yamaha XS650 in run-down condition and I thought I'd fix-it-up to sell. Well, after getting it ready and riding it around, I didn't work too hard at selling it -- it was just too handy for running errands. It had good feel, made good noises, was just plain fun. I never rode it very far in any one direction -- maybe 15~20 mi.? (but, I don't think I would've wanted to take a trip on it?).

Eventually, someone wanted the XS650 more than me and my dual-sport became the "hop on and putt around" bike.

 

[Hudson]

You should buy one and let your friends ride it...

Gotta agree with Niehart. But I'll do one better...I won't even ask you to change the tires.

--G

Or...or....I could buy the scrambler, you could buy the GS, and Neihart can chip in his Monster. Keys go in hat, you reach in and draw out a set, and ride what you drew!

Mmmm...monster.

 

[Barabus]

How about something vintage like a Norton or a Vincent?

 

[Bounce]

Road one when my Mom's neighbor got one when they first came out. I pinned it WFO coming around the block and was underwhelmed with its response. The only way to get in over your head with this bike would be if you took it out into traffic. I so wanted to love it. It has the look and feel (and sound) but also the performance of a vintage bike.

If you live in a small town it would make a great commuter. If you live in a metroplex and need to access any interstates, you might find it hard to merge safely.