Featured About My New Street Scrambler

Discussion in 'Triumph General Discussion' started by JD_Lincs, Aug 10, 2020.

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  1. JD_Lincs

    JD_Lincs Well-Known Member

    Aug 2, 2020
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    Thought I'd make a thread about the bike I just bought - what I think of it and how or if the aftermarket parts I bought for it work.

    I was fortunate enough to benefit from the current £500 free add-on parts that Triumph are offering. This was introduced just after I put my deposit down, so my list went from just the fly screen to that, a mainstand, engine bars and bash plate. That all came to £560 so I got it all for just £60. The salesman had already included the screen for free before the new offer came up.

    The engine bars and bash plate are out of stock with Triumph UK and they have no idea when they will have more in, so I took the bike without them and hope they will arrive in time for the first servicing, in 3 weeks.

    I've only done 60 miles so far - the 35 miles home from the dealer and a quick 25 jolly the next day. It's far too warm for putting on armoured jackets just now - but I hope to get out in the evenings and this weekend I've been given the green light to disappear on it whilst Mrs looks after the mutt :)

    So firstly, the fly screen. I was a little worried it might spoil the look of the bike from the front - but fortunately, I don't think it has. I opted for the smoked version rather than clear or colour coded (which looked just awful on the PC image). I don't think it has made much difference to the wind force I feel - which isn't that bad in any case - but definitely does a good job of keeping most of the bugs off my visor. I'm 6ft tall btw.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    The mainstand is really great. I had been planning to buy the one from TEC, which costs £95 in comparison to Triumph's £199 - so that offer saved me again.

    It's a fairly low thing, as far as how much it lifts the bike off the ground, but that's just fine - as long as it's enough for the regular maintenance I'm happy. Thanks to this and the very large footplate, it's very easy to lift onto the stand as well,, even for old duffers like me - and it tucks well out of the way.
    Downside is that it gets spattered by the chain lube as can be seen in the photo after just those 60 miles from new. Still, I suppose that will give it some crud protection.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    One nice thing, that's standard, is the ability to remove the rear pegs if you don't plan to carry a pillion - just two bolts to remove:

    [​IMG]

    Talking of pillions - my wife doesn't ride on bikes any more unless she really has to, after we got knocked over by a numpty a couple of years ago, but I got her to have a quick go on the drive. She found it very easy to get on and off - and even though I had removed the fanny pad and put the Triumph bag rack on, she was able to comfortably fit behind my podgey bulk on the plush, main seat and found it quite comfy and secure. She liked the pillion peg position, too (which is a first!). If the handle had not been there (which I had put on with the luggage rack) it would have been another story.

    Here's the bike with the fanny pad removed, Triumph bag rack and TEC large luggage rack (£75) fitted:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    That's about it for now - the bike has been handling well, though perhaps not surprisingly given the mileage, it isn't as frugal as the test bike I rode, and the rear brakes are making an awful noise, even when pushed by hand - not a squeal, more like a jarring wooden door sound. It did keep cutting out every time I stopped and put it in neutral on the ride home, but this seems to have righted itself now. The best displayed range was 124 miles (12 litre tank).

    I have yet to fit a fuel booster unit, full fork upgrades and rear shocks/dampers from TEC. I won't be fitting those until after the first service, so I'll definitely notice any difference to the ride and performance. On the way home I took it down a 10 mile stretch which has the most horrendous bumps I've ever come across - continually, which bash the hell out of your backside and yank you all over the place. I did manage to average 50-60mph, which is about 25mph faster than any of the 4-wheeled vehicles were able to manage. Once the new suspension has bedded-in, I'll take it back down there for comparison.

    I'll also do some green-laning on local roads by the Welland. Unfortunately I can't afford a decent bike camera.

    So far I'm very happy, though I must admit, going from a missile like the Fazer 1000 to this does feel a bit like I've gone back to a learner bike, however it's really hard not to keep smiling when I'm riding this, and with an open face lid, people must be thinking I've just escaped from somewhere.

    Stay tuned...
     
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  2. Riggers

    Riggers Well-Known Member

    Jul 26, 2020
    134
    83
    Hull
    Nice report JD, I enjoyed the ride. Thanks!
     
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  3. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    2,934
    800
    Yorkshire
    I also removed the redundant pillion pegs on mine and stuck the supplied rack on in place of the rear seat. I didn't opt for the centre stand but fitted TEC rear bobbins instead as I already have paddock stands. I've also fitted a chain oiler (wouldn't be without one) and fattened up the bar grips. I also did the twist grip mod which takes out a lot of the free play in the action. I got the enduro kit with mine but removed a couple of items, the high level mudguard and headlamp protector as I prefer the looks and don't intend to offroad it, well maybe a very mild green lane or two. The suspension feels quite basic, especially the forks so some progressive springs from TEC are on the cards. The biggest riding adjustment I had to make was with the comparative lack of power compared to my road bike. Lining up overtakes you just have to remind yourself which bike you're on! Having said that I tend to use it more on the tight back roads that would leave the Z floundering and on such roads the SS is a blast!
     
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  4. JD_Lincs

    JD_Lincs Well-Known Member

    Aug 2, 2020
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    Yup - I only bought it entirely as a fun bike. I'm limited to 70-100 miles per trip before I start struggling, and there's plenty of good roads within that range around here.
    The 3 hours I spent on the test bike were all on twisty back roads, so I was bound to fall for it :)
     
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  5. JD_Lincs

    JD_Lincs Well-Known Member

    Aug 2, 2020
    180
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    Took it for a 70+ mile ride today, to Stamford to visit my Mother for the first time since the Covid-19 restrictions.

    I used to go once a month on my Fazer, so this was a good first comparison. Firstly, to my amazement, I got there quicker on the Scrambler than I've ever done on the Fazer! I think it's because it's easier to slip through the traffic on.

    The other thing I noticed was how harsh the suspension was, over the worst bumps. It was fine over normal stuff, but the really big bumps and dips that come out of the blue were pretty awful. Almost painful (remember I have spinal injuries, so I notice it more than a normal rider would). So I'm keen to see how well it does with the TEC suspension fitted.

    The average mpg displayed was 80, which makes sense comparing the distance to empty shown and the distance ridden. The low fuel light came on at an indicated 50 miles to empty (on the test bike it came on at 80 miles!).

    I had been a bit baffled as to where to put my disc lock, and this was also a common theme on review videos for the bike that I'd watched on YouTube, but the solution was very simple - I locked it onto the rear baggage plate in a way that it wouldn't jump about.

    The handling round the bends is very good - it inspires confidence like no other bike I've ridden. Another thing often complained about in the videos is the single front disc, but I have to say that mine is working very well and gives me just as much confidence as my Fazer double EBCs did. I'm pretty sure the dealer said the front brakes were upgraded this year - and if so, I'd have to say they've got it right.

    Unfortunately, although I use the rear brake a lot normally, I struggled to find it comfortably on this bike - so I'll have to look and see if there is any adjustability on that. The one time I did manage to use it, it seemed very effective, used together with the front.

    I'll also need to adjust the gear lever, as it is just a little low for me to use comfortably with my chunky despatch rider boots. This was a common theme on all the bikes I've test ridden in recent years. I'm currently using the edge of the sole to change.

    Oh - it's also still cutting out on the odd occasion when I stop for lights or level crossings. I'll get them to adjust the idle speed on the first servicing.
    I'm concerned about corrosion, so I'm going to give the relevant bits a coat of ACF50 - luckily, Sportsbikeshop is less than 2 miles from my house.

    The main thing is that this trip I usually find quite dull and tedious - but today I was smiling both directions and at each end it was a case of "oh, am I here already?"
    ...and that's the most important thing :)
     
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  6. JD_Lincs

    JD_Lincs Well-Known Member

    Aug 2, 2020
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    I forgot to mention - I decided to get the rpm display up, just to see how I was doing with my riding and gear changes and I was shocked to see that I had been riding in most gears well under 2,500rpm.

    I can quite comfortably use 4th gear for everything down to around 30mph and up to 70-80mph. It seems like5th is a kind of overdrive to save fuel - it doesn't seem to give much in the way of speed - maybe an extra 5mph - just makes the engine relax a little. I don't want to push the bike, with it being new, but it seemed to run out of puff at 80mph.

    Going back to the YouTube reviews and there were complaints about there only being 5 gears, but a sixth at these ratios would just be a waste of time. On my Fazer at 60mph in 6th I would have 4,000rpm. On the Street Scrambler at 60mph in 5th I'm at 3,100rpm. Nuff said. The only way a 6th gear would make sense would be with completely different gear ratios and that would remove all the low-down grunt that gives the bike it's character.
     
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  7. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    2,934
    800
    Yorkshire
    Your findings pretty much echo mine. I think the ratios of the 5 speed suit the bike perfectly. An extra gear would just mean a busier left foot. The motor is all about low down torque, remember, it only has 65bhp which is a pretty low state of tune for a 900cc lump. It also gets quite harsh and vibey when revved hard so I tend to change up around 4000. The specs claim a 120mph top speed which I think may be a bit on the optimistic side, especially with my suited up, 6'3" 17stone frame on board. I've read the cutting out problem is a trait of the very lean running required to meet the latest Euro emmision regs and affects other models/manufacturers. The fuel booster plug is supposed to address this. I find the brakes excellent, the front is powerful enough to virtually stand the bike on it's nose and the rear has the right balance of power and feel, not that I use it that much TBH.
     
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  8. JD_Lincs

    JD_Lincs Well-Known Member

    Aug 2, 2020
    180
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    I'm just about half-way to the 500 miles I need to have ridden by the 26th and I've been enjoying it a lot - taking it round local back roads around 50 miles a day.

    However, some downers have come to light. Firstly, that suspension - I can't wait until I get the first service done and fit the TEC kits. Big dips and bumps can be very harsh - as can landings over hump-back bridges.
    Then there's the fact that there is no room to store anything more than a rag. I just bought a chunky new Thatcham approved disc lock for the bike, and there is nowhere to put it whilst I'm out and about. I tried locking it to the little 'back seat' rack - but it knocked a small chunk of paint off the tail. So I have to take a rucksack with me all the time. I might be able to fit it into my bum-bag, but I usually have a cold flask of drink in that, so it would be very bulky and will hurt a lot if I come off.

    There is plenty of space under the two side panels which simply pull off without tools required, but it would jump about alot - maybe I can wrap it in a cloth. Have to try that.
    The third thing that annoys me is the fact that there isn't a flash function for the headlight. the main/dipped switch is in the position that the flash button is on most other bikes. It's very easy to accidentally flip it onto main beam, too.
    I did have a bike - can't remember which one - that also had the main/dipped switch there, but you could just half push it to flash the headlight. Shame Triumph didn't at least do that.

    Still having a complete blast, though. I've never enjoyed the local roads so much, it's like this bike was made just for them!
     
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  9. Helmut Visor

    Helmut Visor Only dead fish go with the flow
    Subscriber

    Oct 3, 2018
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    Screen Shot 2020-08-16 at 14.52.27.png Screen Shot 2020-08-16 at 14.52.48.png
     
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  10. Helmut Visor

    Helmut Visor Only dead fish go with the flow
    Subscriber

    Oct 3, 2018
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    So surely if DRL are active then it just goes to high beam for the time you press it (ie. flash) and if you don't have DRL you just press it twice
     
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  11. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    2,934
    800
    Yorkshire
    That DRL switch isn't fitted to UK models. The headlight comes on with the ignition and the main beam switch just switches it from dip to main beam. One press for main and a second press for dip etc, not the "push to make, release to break" type as used for a flasher switch.
     
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  12. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    2,934
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    +1 on the suspension. I think it's been made so stiff as standard as a nod to it's offroad potential, limited as it may be. Compared to a full on dirt bike with long forks and mono shock rear the, SS has very limited suspension travel and would bottom out easily with soft suspension on rough terrain. Some aftermarket F&R suspenders with a good range of adjustability should improve things no end.
    I carry a small bag (an army surplus radio bag) strapped to the small rear carrier for a disk lock, pair of waterproof over trousers, spare gloves etc. You're right about zero storage space but it's not a tourer or adventure bike so Ididn't expect any TBH, even my ZZR1400 doesnt have any!.
    Tne dip/main beam headlight setup is new to me also and I would have preferred a flash switch but I've got used to it.
     
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  13. JD_Lincs

    JD_Lincs Well-Known Member

    Aug 2, 2020
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    I don't know how feasible it is to quickly double press the main light switch - I'll have to give it a try, but even that is far from ideal.

    The TEC kit does have longer, progressive fork springs and they have a good video which shows exactly how to make things even better for offroad riding with making longer spacers and how to improve rebound beyond what their kit provides.

    I've not been offroad with it yet as I didn't want to get it too dirty for now. Washing bikes is a strenuous activity for me, so I'm trying to time it so I can get away with just doing it once before the first service. There is a good green lane route close by, though not very long, plus a very long dirt track that runs for several miles alongside the river Welland. I had a ton of fun along that on my BMW F650ST - although that's a bit more off-road capable (but not by much) but I reckon the Triumph should handle it okay. I'll have to be extra careful if I do it with the standard suspension.
     
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  14. cliverdee

    cliverdee Well-Known Member

    Aug 5, 2014
    346
    63
    Nottingham
    I’m still having excellent fun on my SS ... had the 1st generation model then swapped up to the latest after the noticeable difference in higher power and better front brake ...so I’ve had SSs for over 2.5 years with about 3.5K miles and still my most happy bike so am sure you’ll enjoy. Mine ran a bit rough with some stalling at idle but was adjusted at 1st service and has run like a dream since. For storage I’ve got the Triumph rugged pannier fitted... did have the waxed pannier but a bit too small so you may want to think about that ... couple of pics for info ...p.s. the Madstad windscreen lives in the garage 90% of the time as not only looks awful but gives a disturbed airflow for my normal upright riding position at anything over 30mph..bike is much better with nothing up to 60 mph and I use the screen only if on faster road trips where I need to keep up with the traffic at 60 plus..just hunker down and tuck in a bit behind the screen and 70mph is ok for long distance. .. great fun bike and have fun :cool:
    B4931C55-6CB7-4DF1-9811-E89099315432.jpeg 5BF9B872-77AD-479A-92A4-DB9492074882.jpeg
     
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  15. JD_Lincs

    JD_Lincs Well-Known Member

    Aug 2, 2020
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    Thanks - nice pics! Wow - that is a screen and a half!

    I did consider the 'satchel' pannier, but I would be concerned about security. I bought a hard topcase but will only fit it if absolutely necessary (i.e. for shopping or going to the hospital on the bike so I don't have to pay outrageous parking charges).

    I like the helmet - this is my main one:

    https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/254102

    I wanted to buy the Shoei J-O with the monochrome Union Jack - it looks fantastic, but it was very uncomfortable so after trying on many different lids I went with the AGV K5 which wasn't so good on my Fazer, but is perfect for the upright Scrambler.

    https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/255211
     
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  16. Daveweld

    Daveweld Active Member

    Aug 2, 2020
    141
    43
    UK
    i have now had my Scrambler 2019 for 7 months. Great bike and now put 1750 miles on the clock. The engine was tight but gets better at 500m and a big difference and smoother after 1000 miles. Had a small issue with the front tire losing 3 psi a week. All sorted under warranty with a better new tube. I fitted throttle spacers to take out the slack on the twist grip. Next is to sort out the front and rear suspension. All a bit too bumpy.
     
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  17. cliverdee

    cliverdee Well-Known Member

    Aug 5, 2014
    346
    63
    Nottingham
    Hi, yes my helmet is a Shoei J Cruise which I’ve had for about 3 or 4 years and is my most comfortable & favourite helmet... I’ve also got a Schuberth C3 pro which is really comfortable but I much prefer the open face with visor, particularly pottering about on the SS... more in touch with the fresh air and what’s going on around you... shame they don’t make the J cruise anymore and the similar types are few & far between for some reason... your AGV looks smart and ideal. ... I had an open face Bell 500 which after a few miles was horrendously uncomfortable so it’s a bit live & learn. The rugged pannier has a ‘secret’ locking knob to deter the opportunist thief from pinching it but for the owner it comes off in a few seconds and has a shoulder strap for carrying it with you... minus the weight of the disc lock of course as that’s securing your bike ! ...
     
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  18. Repooh

    Repooh Rarely Satisfied

    Jan 5, 2018
    1,427
    1,000
    Stabby Town
    Great bikes the Street Scramblers, as for suspension personally I would fit suspension from a suspension company not TEC, now George makes some cracking bits but for me there are a few essential components I would never scrimp on, suspension being one. I'd look at Hagon who are also at the cheaper end but are specialists and build specifically for you. Ohlins if you're a billionaire.

    I have Ohlins on my Scrambler 1200, albeit some cheapo Triumph specific ones which cost Triumph £1.50 I'm sure.

    Now Tec fanboys will bash me up, you'll hear stories of hero's with Tec shocks who've done 300 mph at the Nurburg ring on them etc, each to their own just food for thought. I did fit the Tec front progressive springs, figured a spring is a spring and it made a positive impact

    By the way Scramblers are never meant to be that clean
     
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  19. Gyp

    Gyp Well-Known Member

    May 13, 2020
    384
    63
    United Kingdom
    I have to agree on the shocks - I've seen a number of reviews that, how can I put it, are not that complimentary with regard to the TEC shocks. I've no personal experience (having gone for the Fox) but I've seen enough that I'd avoid them.
     
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  20. Daveweld

    Daveweld Active Member

    Aug 2, 2020
    141
    43
    UK
    Has anyone fitted Progressive fork Springs to the 2019 model ?.This has the cartridge forks which are different to the previous year model. If you have fitted them do they make a difference ?
     
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