It was cold, I was bored, so I went down to my local Triumph dealer for a free coffee and a look at Scramblers.
I like them all for different reasons and uses, I don’t need one but I do think I want a Scrambler in my life
I sat on the 400 X, 900, 1200 X and 1200 XE but this beauty caught my eye. The 900 is very similar to my old Street Cup 900 but with new refinements and of course the Scrambler styling. The only potential downside is the low seat height with my 34” inside leg
The plan is to test ride them all, as well as the Ducati Scrambler 800, Royal Enfield Bear 650 and the new BSA Scrambler when it comes out.
I really like the scramblers and that colour is gorgeous!! I like the look of the BSA ones too and the Bear. I was looking online at this new colour scheme that is now coming to the UK for the Bear and I think it’s really smart.
I sat on them and they felt great to me…but I have 3" less inside leg than you do at 5ft4!! The BSA one would be my preference style - wise over the Ducati.
I’m in such a Scrambler dilemma at the moment. I really want one but I have managed to find faults with all of them. Perhaps I should just build my own
Triumph Scrambler 900 - Probably my favourite but possibly too low and I hate the high rise exhausts
Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC - Perfect height but a heavy bike as I approach 60 and I hate the exhausts
Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE - Too tall! Oh yes and I hate the exhausts
Ducati Scrambler 800 - Too low, even with the higher seat option and quite expensive
Royal Enfield Bear 650 - I love the look, price and the height is good but it’s quite low on power at <50BHP
I will do some test rides in February to help with the decision process
I’ve always liked the scrambler style and was quite keen on the Bonneville air cooled ones a while back. Early carburettor ones rarely come up for sale and later ones can be pricey.
A1 Moto in York have a 2015 model, yes it has been customised a bit but they still want £5999 dropped from £6999! Next to it is a 2021 Street Twin for £6495.
The Royal Enfield Bear is getting good reviews and I’m going to try and test ride one as soon as. It’s 47bhp as it shares the Interceptor engine, but with more torque.
To be fair it’s probably enough for this style of bike, especially if it’s not your main ride. The early street scrambler was only 54bhp and my Moto Guzzi V7 Classic was 48 bhp but it went well enough.
