Like a Swiss watch, the Triumph Scrambler both visually and mechanically offers a very unique personality of its own. Maybe it’s the high mounted pipes that immediately grab your attention or the superb mechanical intricacies produced by the drivetrain, this bike blends retro heritage with modern day usability.
Unlike the standard Bonneville, the Scrambler has a 19/17” wheel combination and increased seat height to take advantage of the larger wheels. The handlebar is wider and more conservative in shape for increased leverage to the 19” front wheel. As you would imagine, the knobby Trailwings handle rougher roads and surfaces with ease, pot holes and curbs are an afterthought. Some may complain about the slight hum produced by the tires but I found that it simply added character to the experience this bike presents. The brakes have adequate initial bite but are not quite as responsive as you will find on the standard Bonnie’s 17’s.
The engine and transmission both truly offer a sense of mechanical harmony. I couldn’t help but appreciate the superb feeling of the very intricate clicks of the gear changes, one who appreciates mechanical unison will enjoy this bike as it offers plenty of it in that department. The engine hums along with little to no vibrations at all rpm’s and is most happy to make its power between 3-5K rpm. I did not find any reason to go beyond that and low end torque is there when you venture onto the trails.
The sound of the twin pipes are surprisingly quieter than I had imagined, but offer a different tone than you will find on the standard Bonneville due to a revised crank and firing method to produce it. Many folks often wonder, and for good reason too, if the pipes on the Scrambler get hot on your pant leg. I did not find this to be the case as the heat shields did their job and my pant leg came away unscathed with zero heat markings.
Like the Bonnie, the Scrambler is easy to ride but offers a unique experience of its own that separates it into its own unique class. The tank pads are a nice addition that not only protect the paint but also offer some grip for when you’re navigating the bike in tight locations, such on a trail. The clutch is smooth to operate and the seat offers plenty of extra room to carry a passenger.
If you enjoy a sense of retro nostalgia and want to combine trail usability into the mix, the Scrambler is worth the test ride.
No comments:
Post a Comment