2017 Triumph Street Scrambler first ride impression

Triumph has expanded its range of modern classics with the launch of 2017

Street

Scrambler in India. Besides being based on the British marque's new road-going Street platform, it also gets some off-roading characteristics to conquer the challenges thrown by unidentified routes. A quick, short ride was obviously not enough to understand the actual behaviour but still, there are a lot of things to share about the first impression of the new motorcycle.

How does it look?

Those who have seen the Hollywood movie "

Jurassic World

" can recognise that the 2017 model looks much similar to the customised Triumph

Scrambler

ridden by the lead actor, Chris Pratt in multiple scenes.

Despite being based on the existing Street Twin, the Scrambler looks new and fresh. The bike retains a classic charm with the modern level of finishes like most of the retro motorcycles from Triumph and the impeccable detailing doesn't leave any scope for improvement.

While the headlamp, LED tail lamp and fuel tank remain exact similar to the Street Twin, the new detailings save them from mimicking the sibling. The retro style metal fuel tank receives knee pad inserts which are not just aesthetic elements but provides the rider with a grip on the bike as well. There is nothing new in the multifunctional single-pod instrument cluster.

The side panels are new to accommodate the changes and the bike gets an all-new split seat with classic, brat stitching. Moreover, the pillion seat is removable and interchangeable with an optional aluminium luggage rack.

Another big difference from the Street Twin is the durable wire-spoke wheels of the Street Scrambler, that to a larger 19-inch one at the front. There is a bash plate provided under the crankcase for protection while going off the road.

And finally, the most exotic dish on the plate, the high-mounted, single-sided dual exhaust pipes which complete the authentic Scrambler expression.

Is there any change in the dimensions?

As mentioned above, the bike is based on the Street Twin model. However, there are some minor as well as major changes in the dimensions of the Street Scrambler. The widen and more upraised handlebar makes it 46mm wider and 16mm taller as compared to its sibling.

The company refused to disclose the ground clearance of the new motorcycle but some trustful sources suggest it is 6.2-inch, gains around an extra inch than the Street Twin. It also results in an increased seat height of 790mm (40mm more than the Street Twin).

The spin was not enough to test the agility of the new Street Scrambler but a slightly higher rake (by half a degree) is not expected to make a noticeable difference, in comparison to its sibling.

The Triumph's new Scrambler weighs 206kg in the dry condition, which is quite decent with respect to its all metal construction.

Is there any update to the engine?

The new Street Scrambler is powered by the same 900cc HT (High Torque) engine that propels the other Street models and the

Bonneville

T100. However, the parallel-twin motor has been retuned to deliver the peak torque, which remains 80Nm, at just 2,850rpm, around 380rpm earlier than the other models.

The power output of the liquid-cooled mill in the Scrambler also remains unchanged at 55PS but it comes at 6,000rpm, around 100rpm later than its siblings.

The strong initial torque gives the confidence to take challenges and the fuel injection also provides an impressive response in combination with ride-by-wire technology. The five-speed gearbox serves the purpose well and the torque assist-clutch further reduces the shifting effort.

On the first go, the performance of the updated motor felt a bit better than its siblings.

How different was the first ride experience?

The brat seat of the new Scrambler is well padded and long enough to provide excellent room for the rider. Thanks to the new up-raised handlebar, the 2017 Street Scrambler offers most upright riding posture among the Triumph's entire modern classic fleet.

It also helps to stand on the foot pegs with a comfortable reach to the handlebar while going off-road. Moreover, the jigged pegs come with removable rubber pads so one can get a better grip while doing so. The handlebar is wider as well, reducing rider's effort to keep the bike on the desired path.

The 41mm front forks and dual rear shocks by KYB are the same units which provide a satisfactory performance in the Street Twin. Both the front and rear setup offers a travel of 120mm and the rear one is also adjustable for preload.

The spoke wheels come shod with a bit knobby dual sports rubber which was performing well on the wet road. The tread pattern also looks promising on the regular tarmac as well as dirt terrain, it is yet to be tested though.

Both the 310mm front and the 255mm rear disc brakes are grabbed by Nissin 2-piston sliding calipers, which is also a similar setup that one can find on its siblings. Both the units are satisfying with ABS assistance, which can be turned off.

Thanks to the rain god, it was a wet road to get a better experience of the switchable traction control that works well. And the best thing is one can turn it off to slide the bike intentionally.

Does it impress?

No doubt the Triumph Street Scrambler is a good looking motorcycle, something different than most of the classic motorcycles on sale in the country. Moreover, mild off-roading capabilities provide an added advantage over a normal road going motorcycle.

A well performing 900cc engine, classic design with the extreme level of detailings, and technologies like ABS, traction control, torque assist clutch among the others. And all this for an ex-showroom price of Rs 8.1 lakh which definitely makes it a value for money proposition.

The first impression was really impressive but the final mark sheet of the bike will come only after a detailed ride

review

.