S
traight up – the new Triumph Street
Scrambler is the best Scrambler I have
ridden, and by some margin. More than
subtly improved across the board and shedding
almost 10 kgs, the 900cc Street Scrambler
finally feels like a complete package – the
bike Triumph was always trying to achieve (the
potential was always there but this is the bike
that’s nailed it). In essence this is a versatile,
comfortable and totally pleasant road bike
that can still be fun for mildly spirited riding.
Triumph is obviously embracing the look
of yesteryear with the bike’s retro styling
from the legendary Bonneville. They’ve
achieved this with aplomb and it will certainly
impress if this is the style you’re looking
for. I think it’s a genuinely handsome retro
beast and certainly has an excellent finish.
To give the Scrambler name some merit
Triumph has continued with the old school,
off-road style, 2-into-2 stainless high-level
pipes. They look cool and have a civilised,
but fruity burble. Of course, the Street part
in the name tag is the most relevant to the
Triumph’s capabilities… with gravel road
use about as extreme as you should really
go in standard trim. The down side to the
Scrambler’s high-mount pipes is they mess
with the ergonomics making it wider between
your legs and seriously compromise access to
the right-hand pillion peg – should you take
a passenger on the optional pillion seat.
KIWI RIDER 57