First Ride: Triumph Street Scrambler retains its classy retro looks

The original Scrambler by Triumph is now into its second generation - the Street Scrambler - and comes with the requisite safety bits, retaining its classy retro looks

Scramblers seem to be making a bit of a comeback. The genre of motorcycle that was birthed in the 1960s and faded away a decade or so later seems to be making a strong resurgence these days. All the big European bike-makers have gone down the scrambler route of late, and the latest to get on this particular hype train are Triumph.

Twin exhaust pipes

The bike has shiny twin pipes mounted high and running across the length of the bike. The Scrambler gets a 19-inch front wheel and the suspension setup has been changed as well. The Scrambler rides on a Kayaba setup front and back.

Tank grips help keeping the bike steady

That exhaust is definitely the standout element, but there are a few other choice additions that set the Street Scrambler apart from its sibling. Other additions unique to the Scrambler are a funky-looking aluminium bracket for the headlamp, a refreshed mirror design, rubber knee-pads slapped on to either side of the tank, a bash-plate to protect the bike's underbelly, and an aluminium rear rack that can be swapped on to the bike in place of the rear seat - a cool feature for the travel-junkie and one that comes as standard too. All in all, the Street Scrambler's old school ethos is one that's quite pleasing on the eye. The levels of fit and finish are pleasing, too.

The Scrambler genre was a rage back in the sixties and seventies. Pics/Saurabh Botre

Sitting on the bike you're pretty upright, with the solid, one-piece handlebar and mid-set pegs combining to offer a sorted riding position. The single-pod analogue-meets-digital console is simple and effective. A quick thumb on the starter fires up that 900-cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, eight-valve parallel-twin that does duty on the Street Twin. Pull on the light, ride-by-wire and torque assisted clutch, and shift that smooth five-speed transmission into gear to get going, and the Scrambler belts out some pleasing notes from its shotgun dual-pipes. Sadly, in the traffic-choked bits of the city, the exhaust did feel a little uncomfortable.

The burst of acceleration you get when getting off the line is pleasing, though, and overtakes are easily accomplished as the Street Scrambler just keeps on pulling away. Speaking of highways, a 12-litre tank means while you won't be doing extended cross-country runs on a single tank, you should be able to manage a good distance without the need to pull over. She's agile, easily flickable, and steady as she goes around a corner. Braking comes from a 310-mm disc up front and 255-mm one in the rear, complete with ABS.

As a package, the Street Scrambler looks good, rides decently, and offers a good burst of speed. You even get an under-seat USB charging point. It is priced at R8.10 lakh (ex-showroom), which is competitive when compared to its rival, the Scrambler Ducati.

Specifications
Triumph Street Scrambler
Engine: 900 cc, liquid- cooled, SOHC eight-valve, parallel-twin
Max Power: 55 PS @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 79 Nm @ 3,050 rpm
Weight: 213 kg
Transmission: Five-speed, wet multi-plate clutch, chain final drive Price Rs.8.10 lakh (ex-showroom)

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