Triumph Scrambler

[tri boy]

Tackled the hardest track on tour today. Porika track between the Mangles Valley and St Anaud.
Wet Steep Slippery clay base, with heaps of exposed rocks, and wash outs.
It was an challenge for both bike and rider, but both survived unscathed.
Wee Stroms, big Beemers etc have come to greif on this track often.(even DR650s can struggle. But the Scrambler pushed through. Being able to get both feet down quickly, and the lovely torquey engine made the differance. (plus the Ohlins kit).
Any bike jouno who slagged this bike out as a pretender, can take a flying jump into another career, as they obviously havn't the skills or knowledge to commentate accurately.
Danger Dave preaches the truth. Preach brother. Preach.

[Mudhen]

Originally Posted by Scary Mc

There is gonna be hell to pay with The Boss for the sins I just commited on eBay!

CONGRATS!

[Mista Vern]

Originally Posted by Scary Mc

There is gonna be hell to pay with The Boss for the sins I just commited on eBay!

See ya on the road, brutha! Congrats!

[MeridianKnight]

Spent some more time at metcalf yesterday

[M700]

So... Where is "metcalf" ???

Looks like fun! How'd the Triumph do?

[MeridianKnight]

Originally Posted by M700

So... Where is "metcalf" ???

Looks like fun! How'd the Triumph do?

It's a motorcycle park in the hills just south of San Jose, CA. It's rained a lot recently so some of the trails weren't in the best of conditions, but the Scrambler handled itself admirably.

I wouldn't take it on some of the steeper and narrower advanced trails, though that's mostly due to my skill level.

[davorallyfan]

Some Bling for my thing

Before - heavy fako gearbox/sprocket cover.

A bit agricultural but almost 5 kilos lighter

New bright Xenon bulbs.

[milkman]

nice Davo
Both from newbonneville?

I like teh original cover, but 5 kilos lighter? Can't argue with that

[rallybug]

Indeed not - really 5 kilos? A few more bits like that and it'd be down to a nice weight

I'm contemplating replacing the Africa Twin with either a Bonnie or a Scrambler (amongst other bikes) in 2009, so am reading this thread especially with interest

[[Red]]

Like to see those bulbs in action Davo.

Another trip out through wombeyan caves. I want to have a go in this dudes heli.

[M700]

Not all that hard to do I suppose - but the Scrambler and I met our match today. A steep, rutted, muddy road up a nearby mountain. It was a south facing slope, so the snow was gone, but the mud remained. Some stock 4x4's have trouble on the road... I shoulda known better...

At least I was smart enough to turn around at a wide spot and get both the bike and me off the hill before I managed to dent up one or both of us!

What would have helped?

1. Dirt riding skills. Sadly lacking here.
2. Better conditions - road was too wet/muddy.
3. Lighter bike, better ground clearance, longer suspension travel, gnarly knobbies and perhaps lower gearing too - something like your basic dirt bike would have eaten this hill alive, with a competent rider.

I'll have another go at it when things dry out a bit!

[davorallyfan]

Originally Posted by milkman

nice Davo
Both from newbonneville?

I like teh original cover, but 5 kilos lighter? Can't argue with that

Yep and took 5 working days to get here - gotta be happy with that.

Yes the lights are so much brighter. They kick out some heat too.

I didnt weigh the fake gearbox/sprocket cover but its quite a substanial item - it might be under 5 kilo

Now I gotta get a nice gold chain when the current one wears out now that its more exposed.

imaposer eh!

[tri boy]

So the southern ride is now over. I'm not a great fan of writing up long ride reports, and since I only post pictures the cheap n nasty way, I'll keep it breif.
Firstly the Scrambler did a stirling job on a wide range of surfaces from seal, through to mud, and steep rutted tracks.
Two weeks in the saddle, and my buttocks never ached once. (although, once again i put this partly down to the Ohlins kit).
The engine is a honey, for having a lazy overun that can be easily controlled on steep down hills, and it slugs above it's weight when pushing through mud.
It's weight is an issue only when the suspension is at it's absolute limit in handling the rough stuff. thats when it's time to muscle up, or lay it down gracefully.
Being able to get both feet on the deck in muddy situations to "paddle through" is a god send. Many heavy dual purpose bikes need to take a leaf from the Scramblers book there.

[tri boy]

My tyre choice of TKC's for gravel, and loose surfaces will continue be first choice.
I received some good advise re pressures. 36psi rear, 28psi fr, and only lower it when absolutely necessary. This gives extended wear life if road going is also included.

[M700]

Sounds like one heck of a ride - two weeks on the road boiled down to a few sentences and a couple of photos. A few more photos would be great!

Glad the Scrambler worked out so well for you on the trip.

Regards, Guy