So, I've just bought a Triumph Scrambler

[tri boy]

Not as good as a true adv bike like a DR650 etc, but in saying that I got through all but 3 challenge loops on the Capital Coast ride, and marks mate Tim astounded many by doing all of them with his daughter on the back.
Many trail bikes never took on all the loops, so, yeah, they hold their own. But the 19'' front, and the lack of suspension travel can make it hard work.

Think big powerful Royal Enfield Bullet, and your about right. I rode one of those up n over the hightest, (at the time) roads/tracks on the planet. Not an easy ride at over 18000 feet.

[warewolf]

Does the Scrambler actually go any better in the gravel than, say, a Hornet?

Probably due to better rubber sizes, ride position, and torquier engine. Way cooler though.

I have a vague impression of it as a mildly retro-looking road bike that's sold with odd tyres.

That describes the BMW GS series...

or was that 'mildy odd-looking road bike that's sold with retro tyres' ??

[Badjelly]

So, a Triumph Scrambler is like a modernised Honda CL175??

[tri boy]

As good as the mighty little CL is, I think I would prefer to stay with the scrambler
Except when my foot slips on greasy clay, and I have to call a crane in to pick the fat twin up. Ever tried to get any foot purchase in clay, so you can dead lift 200kg of bike
Crisis management loves to see me struggle like that

[TerminalAddict]

I'm excited about the new hornet parts I'm getting
Thanks BTW

[tri boy]

Couple of mods to consider.

Pic1. Grinding face shield plastic makes an excellent guard extension. The plastic is high impact resistant (to protect eyes), is easily cut n shaped, and strong enough to take rocks. The plastic film peels off to show clear plastic.
Cost. $20.

Pic2. Stainless steel security door mesh makes for an excellent cooler guard. Mounts easilyoff the cooler mount bolts, and off cuts are cheap from a door manfacturer.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I picked it up on Saturday. Rode from Picton to Christchurch Saturday afternoon.

I liked the Bluebridge.

Its hilarious. Real fun to ride.

Some things need changes/alterations though:

I have really short legs (28 inch inseam.... no shit), so my leg is up against the pipe on the right hand side ALL THE TIME. Much as I like the look of it, it is a bit annoying. It widens an other wise narrow bike in a way that is not that convenient for me. Worse after an hour or so. There are options (all expensive) and I havent decided what to do yet. I've seen a 2 into 1 Arrow pipe that is gorgeous but crikey! expensive. The absolute least it needs is new mufflers. Thats an aesthetic choice mainly.

The shocks and forks are very average. I have Ohlins shocks on order, and will get the forks rebuilt in winter.

The handlebars are too high, and not enough sweep. Easy fix (Renthal "street low" is a bend I like. Maybe street high?

It needs a passenger backrest/luggage rack: investigating options there. Triumph want $749 for their sissy bar. WTF? is it made of platinum?

And I will get the AI removal kit and fit it. And adopt the Triboy special mudflaps and oil filter guard.

Tyres are OK: original trailwing up front, new Metzeler something in back.


Even if I hated riding it, I would just about keep it cos it's so pretty.....

obligatory photo. Like the Rob Zombie song says :

"This is Black Sunshine"

[tri boy]

Purdy.
The standard headlight reflector and lens is very average for night riding.
I've fitted a Xeon bulb to improve things, but a better lamp assy will be the best way.
A good coating of waterproof grease or similar, on the elec's helps to keep things cruising. (Lucas, prince of darkness has a ghost or two about, although the Jap elec's have most of it sorted).
I angle cut the tank breather hose, (under the engine), to help stop water droplets blocking it, and causing a vapour lock in the tank.
If the bike conks out on a ride, crack open the tank cap, to illiminate a vapour lock, and also check the s/stand switch.
They are easy to maintain, and with a bit of tlc, are trouble free.
30+k now, and purrs like a kitten. (actually, more throb throb throb, gotta love that 270 crank).
Enjoy.

[Big Dave]

Does the Scrambler actually go any better in the gravel than, say, a Hornet?

Significantly.

Low COG, tractable engine, slow geometry and the ergonomics work better for me than some specialist ADV bikes.

[Padmei]

By thunder thats not a bike - IT'S A HEAVY METAL ANTHEM

[AllanB]

Interesting move, but understandable if you are interested in those roads. I've often passed a few unsealed Canterbury roads on my Hornet and wondered where they go. I'm way to annal about getting stone chips all over my engine to head down them. A cheap dirter would be my answer - better yet a pair in a few years time for me and my son to throw on the trailer.

Here's a link to some goodies available in Nelson. Go wild.

http://www.thunderbike.co.nz/shopn/spi/tbike_SCR

Yummy

[trustme]

I thought the same about my leg hitting the exhaust, now I don't even notice it.
Bloke on a flash motard walks up to me the other day & points at the Scram, he says " they represent the essence of motorcycling " , kinda cool I thought.
Enjoy

[Oscar]

Does the Scrambler actually go any better in the gravel than, say, a Hornet?

I have a vague impression of it as a mildly retro-looking road bike that's sold with odd tyres.

Waaay better.
Surprisingly good off-piste, too...

[Big Dave]

The Ventura System works well HDC.
And is easily removable for a show ride.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Ive started to get the shovelfuls of money and set fire to it:

My Ohlins shox will be here next week
I have differnet bars now (Renthal Street Low, made in the UK, same bend as I had/have on the hornet): I havent decided on handguards or bar end weights .. I think bar end weights at this point.

I have removed the air injection kit. (Fine but here is a tip: the best tool for getting the sodding injection tubes off is an offset ring spanner. After buggering around for an hour last night with spanners, sockets, bits of wet string, vise grips and a chip packet, I went and bought the right tool this morning and eight seconds later, the offending tube was out. Yay for proper tools. )

I am investigating a passenger backrest. I will not pay $750 for a Triumph one that is just ridiculous.


did a little loop around the town on it this afternoon, about 100k. My partner likes it ("best seat on any motorbke since your CB750F1": high praise indeed) but the exhaust is "a bit wide" I have the same issue in front, better now the bars with less rise have bought me forward. Exhaust modification will assist that.

Its a nice place to sit and cruise, and watch the scenery go by. I am really pleased with it, even in these early "shaekdown run" days.

Saving pennies for a fork rebuild though. And one of those Big-Ass EBC floating disc/radial MC/4 pot caliper conversions. I would rather have big brakes than a big engine, now I'm old.