in any way , but because it seemed that a sixspeed box would suit the engine better ( as is often the case with bikes that only have five gears , they all seem like they could benefit with a better cruising gear - Ed ). On reflection , though , the five gears do suit the nature of the bike . Six gears may sharpen up the outright acceleration a little and provide greater punch in each ratio as well as an overdrive , but it won ’ t really suit the wafting , high inertia flexibility of the 900 engine or be in keeping with the intended design .
The Triumph 900 Street Scrambler is a very nice bike . It does everything well , looks absolutely the part , maintaining its traditional looks while still being thoroughly modern . It is perhaps the ultimate Sunday afternoon cruiser with a sensible , comfortable riding position , nice handling and brakes , a lovely ‘ waft along ’ engine and comfortable suspension . There is a whole lot to like here for the civilised gentleman or lady rider .
FORM MEETS FUNCTION I ’ m never all that happy to see a single front disc on any bike of this size and weight . However , in this instance , my misgivings on the braking front can be put to one side for two reasons . Firstly , the 310mm front disc and four-piston Brembo caliper do a fine job of stopping the Triumph . And , at the back , the 255mm disc and two-piston Nissin caliper help too . The total combined braking power is actually pretty good and the ABS is well calibrated . Secondly , the Street Scrambler is not intended to be ridden super hard , nor is it even particularly fast , and Triumph wants to maintain the bike ’ s traditional looks ... so they can be forgiven this time . As an example , we recently tested a big , heavy and powerful bike with a single front disc and I genuinely believe that bike is form over function - the engine ’ s stonking power far outweighs the bike ’ s stopping potential . In Off-Road mode the traction control and rear ABS are disabled , making the 900 properly useful on gravel and more . Rain and Road are the other two available modes . I think Rain mode is a complete waste of time , unless perhaps you like to ride at the local ice-skating rink in the rain . This engine is abundantly civilised at all times in Road mode and it still has TC for those wet , polished tar seal sections . In the immortal words of Tim Gibbes , “ The throttle goes both ways ...” I guess it reads well on the brochure though , to appeal to every possible section of riders . The dash is a traditional analogue dial with multi-function LCD display insert . It ’ s timeless yet modern and shows a wide range of information – speed , rpm , fuel , warning lights , trips , modes and more .
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