Posted on 05/30/2006 8:20:21 PM PDT by martin_fierro
One of the bikes introduced by Triumph last week is the Scrambler 900. This is a production model that will be available in the U.S. in Spring of 2006 at an U.S. MSRP of $7,999.
Featuring a version of Triumph's 865cc, air-cooled parallel twin motor, the Scrambler is one of Triumph's coolest looking retro models yet. I had the chance to see this bike in person, and it would definitely make our older readers drool thinking about the Triumph Bonneville era -- when Steve McQueen and others used a bike like this both on the road and in the dirt. Of course, all the retro styling comes with the modern DOHC, eight-valve engine, as well as modern disc brakes and suspension parts. One of the interesting design elements that caught my eye right away is the use of handlebars that look like they came straight off a dirt bike. This should make for a relaxed riding position, as well as plenty of leverage to throw the bike into corners.
Obviously, this is not the bike for the rider looking for cutting edge performance. This is for the rider looking for capable performance coupled with distinctive Triumph-retro style. Add to that the character of the parallel twin utilizing a 270 degree crank, and you have the potential for a rider experience that is relatively rare these days.
As it does with its other models, Triumph will support the Scrambler with plenty of accessories, including a bash plate, headlamp grill, number plates, tachometer (the bike comes stock with a speedometer only), and a single seat with rack. The production machine will be available in the pictured Tornado Red/White color scheme, as well as a Caspian Blue/White option.
Tunnel vision turned on and time stopped as I was going through the sequence in my mind: swing right leg back, get ready to bail, keep the bike off the left leg.
And then k-bang into the rear bumper of parked car.
A blank spot and then I'm standing in my cutoffs talking to a fella that ran up to me.
He takes one look, sits down and barfs.
What the ?
And then I feel wetness on my leg. drip, drip drip. hand to face, wet and red.
Looked in the parked car's side mirror.
Hmmm, big damn gaping hole in throat.
Stuffed my shirt into the red tunnel and pressed.
Hmmmm no jetting, can't be all that bad.
Looked at bike.
Must have been rear view mirror.
Walked to the pay phone on the corner and called Emergency.
Sat down with witness to calm him down.
Ambulance drive, nice crew.
Let me sit up and chat.
Asked EMT to give me the skinny.
He said bad, but not horrible.
Good enough.
Walked into ER.
Nurse gatekeeper says no.
I pulled shirt away.
She calls for gurney.
Next door neighbor on guney 80 yr old, kicked by horse.
We discuss cycles and critters until our turn comes up.
Waiting for plastic surgeon to get off golf course.
Nurse calls home.
Whoops, dad doesn't know I have cycle.
I'm 18.
Get off gurney for phone. Will explain all, I walked in, I'll walk out.
Still no pain.
Plastic man arrives.
Lecture on evils of cycles.
Some 70 odd stiches in face.
Later legs patched.
Bastid forgot to shave before gluing.
Sign promissory note to pay for care.
1966...just a tad under $800.
Pop arrives, drives me to my car, 58 XK-150 jag roadster,
Drove home. Thought about Doc saying, "another 10 or 12 mm, different outcome."
Sure did love the bike though.
Crap...Now car and cycle need repairs.
Wow, looks like they found a bike from the 70's and slapped a new paintjob on it...
I think that's the whole idea of Retro models...
What's the point? They were ugly then, they are even uglier now.
That's Caspian Blue, according to the Gnomes from Hinckley. The relatively rare and striking *Aegean Blue* available on some late 1990's Triumph Thunderboids exported to Canada [reputedly, five] is not available on the Scrambler...yet.
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