For 2006 the parallel twin-cylinder Scrambler adds a new twist to the Modern Classics range and is a fresh take on some iconic bikes from Triumph’s past. It’s a redefinition of the bikes made famous by 50’s thrill-seekers such as Steve McQueen, into a contemporary urban context.
A ‘do anything, go anywhere’ kind of bike, inspired in part by the relaxed culture of sunny California and in part by the stylishness of southern European scooter aficionados, the Scrambler has been
specifically developed for a particular group of riders currently underserved in the market.
While diverse in their demographics and riding experience these riders share the view that motorcycling is great fun, socially acceptable and a liberating experience. Crucially though, they aren’t interested in riding fast and are not motivated by performance or other benchmark figures. As a result these riders desire a bike that’s easy and unintimidating to ride, with or without pillion, in the rough and smooth parts of town or out and about on a longer jaunt. Added to this is a wish for the bike’s design to make a distinctive, personal statement that appeals to and is understood by both their biking and non-biking peers. Enter the Scrambler.
Very few motorcycles can claim to be unique but the Scrambler, thanks to its authentic styling is certainly one of them. The flat seat, small headlight and single speedometer help mark its difference as do the pair of upswept exhaust pipes. Only Triumph, with the brand’s strength and sense of its own history could credibly produce such a machine, creating a whole new niche of motorcycle in the process.
The Scrambler’s 865cc, DOHC, eight-valve, air-cooled engine uses a 270° crank firing interval for a smooth and torquey power delivery. With a bore and stroke of 90x68mm and compression ratio of 9.2:1 the engine also features twin carburetors with throttle position sensors. Peak power of 55PS arrives at 7,000rpm (with maximum torque of 69Nm available at 5,000rpm) and is fed to the rear wheel via a five-speed gearbox and chain final drive.
Using a sturdy tubular steel cradle frame and long-travel suspension front and rear – 41mm telescopic forks and twin chromed spring preload-adjustable rear shocks – the Scrambler is built tough, to iron out the bumps. Its high, wide handlebars and high-set footpegs further aid control and low-speed maneuverability. The wheels are spoked and sized 19 x 2.5in (front) and 17 x 3.5in (rear). Both wear lightly-knobbled tyres in sizes 100/90-19 and 130/80-17. Twin piston calipers are used for both brakes, the front working a single 310mm disc, the rear a 255mm disc. Steering geometry is set at 27.6° of rake with 103mm of trail with a wheelbase of 1480mm. The Scrambler has a dry weight of 205kg.
Fittingly, for such an individual machine a whole range of Triumph Factory accessories will be available for the Scrambler, all of which enhance its looks as well as adding functionality. They include a skid plate to protect the underneath of the engine, headlamp grille, number boards for the sides, tachometer, handlebar brace and a single seat and rack. Two paint schemes – Caspian Blue/White and Tornado Red/White underscore its retro appeal.
The Scrambler, like its forbears, has a distinct look, feel and personality all its own. It offers iconic style, genuine usability and above all a great escape (pun intended…) from the hum drum of every day.
