Triumph Scrambler

[LaughingBob]

A mate of mine, who's in the trade, took this in part exchange last week and let me out for a blat on it. It's one of the Triumph dealer Jack Lilly's specials, not the official Scrambler which won't be out 'till next year.
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[LaughingBob]

'nother shot.
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[lootch67]

What was it like to ride? I'm not really convinced about this retro thing... Too much style over substance?

[LaughingBob]

Engine has reasonable power and was very smooth for a twin, the carburation was perfect. The gearbox was excellent, very smooth and precise. Handling was also very good, although the suspension felt a bit lacking in refinement (it felt cheap!) The riding position was reasonably good but, the bars were a little low and the pegs too high. My leg brushed against the exhaust all the time and got a little warm but it was OK, my trousers didn't melt anyway! The baffles had been removed and the bike sounded fantasic. The finish seemed good although, I thought the black engine looked a bit odd. I'm not a retro fan either but, the bike really was very nice to ride. Not my sort of thing really but, if your into it, a good bike. LB.

[Recycler]

The fotos I've seen in BIKE look the bollox.

I want one but am concerned about the flacid power and exhaust
leg-burning potential. For an Icon like that I do not want a cardboard cutout.

It's rated at about 48bhp which is exceedingly week given the weight.
I need more than an image of Steve McQueen out-riding the Germans.

If it's got style AND SUBSTANCE I'll buy one.

[LaughingBob]

I believe this was a 55bhp model and the official bike will be 48bhp. To be honest I felt there was just enough power on this bike but, I wouldn't like any less. As it was it felt more like a cruiser. I've ridden a few classic Triumphs and this was a much better bike in every way. The power, handling and especially the brakes were light years ahead. As for the exhaust, I think you either like it or don't, I didn't. The whole bike is designed in form over function but, the exhaust is daft. On this bike it would be uncomforatably hot on your leg if you were wearing jeans or possibly even melt some fabric bike trousers. It maybe slightly different on the official production bike but, I can't really how as there isn't enough room to re-route the exhaust. I actually prefered the styling of the Royal Enfield Trials bike with it's single high exhaust and single seat. All that said I really enjoyed riding the bike. For a sunny Sunday's it would be great. If I were looking at buying one, which I'm not, I'd probably go for the classic looking bike and maybe fit the Scrambler's bars to it. The bike Steve McQueen rode in the Great Escape actually had flat bars and a low exhaust. LB.

[Simon]

The fotos I've seen in BIKE look the bollox.

I want one but am concerned about the flacid power and exhaust
leg-burning potential. For an Icon like that I do not want a cardboard cutout.

It's rated at about 48bhp which is exceedingly week given the weight.
I need more than an image of Steve McQueen out-riding the Germans.

If it's got style AND SUBSTANCE I'll buy one.

Yes i saw that in the latest BIKE mag and want one! They look totally brill.

[Simon]

The bike Steve McQueen rode in the Great Escape actually had flat bars and a low exhaust. LB.

Yes, i have a big poster of him sitting on it during filming up in my office space.

[fewtrees]

Check out the thruxton 900, looks very similar and the exhaust is in the right place!

[wheeliebin]

Sadly the Scrambler's lost it a little since the Italian importers created the idea (the modern idea)