Bonneville or Scrambler

[DavePortugal]

Was at an enduro the other week and after the event we were messing around on part of the course and were joined by a spectator on a new Scrambler. It was actually OK on loose gravel, he came over all 'Cooler King' and was throwing it around having a fine time. Wisely he didn't tackle anything too challenging but even so it was clear that the suspension was bottoming out on anything resembling a bump. In terms of mods that would be the first place I'd look.

As Triumph make about a million different types of Bonnie it's a shame they haven't made a serious attempt at an overlander/off-roader in the spirit of the ISDT machines. A lightweight, simple, tough, well-suspended bike with lots of money-spinning after market options - call it the Trophy. Gap in the market??

[Dodger]

Originally Posted by DavePortugal

Was at an enduro the other week and after the event we were messing around on part of the course and were joined by a spectator on a new Scrambler. It was actually OK on loose gravel, he came over all 'Cooler King' and was throwing it around having a fine time. Wisely he didn't tackle anything too challenging but even so it was clear that the suspension was bottoming out on anything resembling a bump. In terms of mods that would be the first place I'd look.

As Triumph make about a million different types of Bonnie it's a shame they haven't made a serious attempt at an overlander/off-roader in the spirit of the ISDT machines. A lightweight, simple, tough, well-suspended bike with lots of money-spinning after market options - call it the Trophy. Gap in the market??

There has been a Trophy ,it was the 3 or 4 cylinder tourer .
Maybe they could resurrect a BSA name ,they have already used "Rocket 3" on the mega cruiser .
Spitfire or Hornet would be good .
The world needs an offroad capable Triumph IMHO .

[trophymick]

Originally Posted by Dodger

There has been a Trophy ,it was the 3 or 4 cylinder tourer .
Maybe they could resurrect a BSA name ,they have already used "Rocket 3" on the mega cruiser .
Spitfire or Hornet would be good .
The world needs an offroad capable Triumph IMHO .

You are correct! I ride the 4 cylinder 1200 Trophy They also did a 900 3 cylinder, but alas not made anymore, production of the Trophy ended in approx 2003:confused1: But as previous posters have said, I think the Bonneville has the basic ingredients for a good all round bike, maybe my next bike


Trophymick

[Dodger]

More exhaust pipes for Bonnies ;
--- ZARD ---

[modre]

Update:

I made a couple killer modifications.


I like the WWll era pannier racks...with or without cases...highly functional.

after the forward pegs, I decided to drop the operator's pegs 2" cause the knees suck. Dropped the shift 2 splines and shaved a tad off the return spring arm for the brake pedal to extend it's travel a couple more degrees...and did some adjustment on the linkage...What a difference...after all, comfort reigns for old gimps.

then, on advice here. I bought a Royal Enfield sprung solo seat, and raised my butt another 2 1/2"...the knee angle is absolute bliss now. Feels like a vintage Brit dirt position. I could probably put the pegs back to stock, but it's so outrageously nice, I don't believe I will...and the extra seat springs shine over railroad tracks and potholes. major major major improvements.

then picked up a National Cycle deflector screen which is small enough so it doesn't feel burdensome in the wind, and puts a nice sweet spot at the face. Makes the prescription glasses work now where before I had to squint a bit in the wind or wear aviation shades.

I'm now working on the world's most comfy passenger seat...a small tractor seat with backrest also on springs for ms. modre...and/or a top case when she's not involved...hovering over my shoulder...asking pesky questions...where I was and who I was talking to...and what's that blonde hair doing in the seat springs...

the more I play with this new Bonneville, the more I'm convinced it's a viable choice...peppy, light, adaptable, and sexy.

This bike is getting downright comfortable...and very familiar feeling. The forward pegs are now just another layer of luxury.

surprisingly, the lowered pegs don't scrape...the stock position must be for 120mph sweepers, and I'm thinking I matched closer the original 60's Triumph position, tho with the seat and military style racks I think the overall impression suggests more 1940-ish than 1960-ish...which is fine by me...I'm sinking into a vintage groove.

...now if I could only find the leather flying helmet and just the right goggles...

as far as the Scrambler for adventure....naw...the Bonneville's the travel piece for all the stated reasons...Scrambler may look the part, but not functional in the real world.

[trophymick]

Very nice looking bike Modre The more I look at Bonny's, the more I want one

Trophymick

[mr moto]

i love the look of the scrambler, and was wondering is it fuel injected ?, and does it run tubed tyres . to be honest the older i get the more i want a simpler bike that i can work on and fix myself , ie good old fashioned carbs,carbs i understand, fuel injection i dont have a clue about . i love what modre is doing with his bike, too many bikes today seem to built to discourage you from modding them to suit your own need,s . oh god i sound like an old fart ! i think i will go for a blast on my old 1989 gsxr1100k .

[trophymick]

Originally Posted by mr moto

i love the look of the scrambler, and was wondering is it fuel injected ?, and does it run tubed tyres . to be honest the older i get the more i want a simpler bike that i can work on and fix myself , ie good old fashioned carbs,carbs i understand, fuel injection i dont have a clue about . i love what modre is doing with his bike, too many bikes today seem to built to discourage you from modding them to suit your own need,s . oh god i sound like an old fart ! i think i will go for a blast on my old 1989 gsxr1100k .

No and yes to both questions Carbs and tubes used on the scrambler


Trophymick

[tommym]

Not too many Triumphs in Panama.
I stripped the bonneville to the bare minimum after finding the 16km long Playa Lajas. Perfectly flat and wide. No people, no pigs.

[Guybo]

Originally Posted by DavePortugal

Was at an enduro the other week and after the event we were messing around on part of the course and were joined by a spectator on a new Scrambler. It was actually OK on loose gravel, he came over all 'Cooler King' and was throwing it around having a fine time. Wisely he didn't tackle anything too challenging but even so it was clear that the suspension was bottoming out on anything resembling a bump. In terms of mods that would be the first place I'd look.

As Triumph make about a million different types of Bonnie it's a shame they haven't made a serious attempt at an overlander/off-roader in the spirit of the ISDT machines. A lightweight, simple, tough, well-suspended bike with lots of money-spinning after market options - call it the Trophy. Gap in the market??

Hi I'm new to this and at the early stages of planning a trip to north africa next year. I've recently ridden demo bikes of the Scrambler and Standard Bonnie back to back and have to say they feel like completely different bikes. The 270 crank gives a very different power delivery for the scrambler and I have to say didn't feel as smooth on a steady throttle; it also steers quicker. High pipes did feel a bit warm when stationary with feet down but not too bad, however, the silencers will seriously restrict the size of the right-hand pannier. The bike I rode had a single seat and rack fitted which on short acquaintance was very comfortable. The standard Bonnie was smooth and comfortable, although I preferred the riding position of the scrambler; the bars are slightly wider and further forward. Triumph quote a half degree reduction in rake for the forks of the Scrambler but the forks appear identical so I assume they've changed the yokes. Anyway apparently it leads to a one inch increase in ground clearance. On balance I've gone the standard Bonnie route and have found a five year old bike with only 211 miles on the clock so think myself lucky; it's the 790cc of course but I didn't notice any diffence at my sort of riding speed (not a TT wannabe ).

As to the mods: Norman Hyde is now listing Progressive fork springs and improved Icon shocks for the Bonnie which may well sort the problem of bottoming out. Gazelle exhausts in Wales will build a bespoke exhaust to your spec so maybe a high level exhaust that's well tucked in and won't spoil carrying capacity is possible. A mate had a pipe made by them for a MuZ and it was very nice quality. Triumph list more comfortable seats in their accessories catalogue including a gel version of the standard dual seat. The single seat is available with and without the rack. I've also tried a Bonnie with a Triumph K&Q seat which was comfy but not my thing.

I've only just got this bike and want to use it a bit before I mod it too much so I don't try and fix anything that ain't broke. If I come up with anything useful I'll post it.

Regards to all

[Walkabout]

Guybo,
Welcome !!

It is good to see information about Triumphs on here and it is certainly the best place to get information about travelling in any part of the world.
Looking forward to more feedback from you as you get on with riding your Bonnie.

ps I was talking with a dealer a short time ago: he reckoned that it is the Bonnie and the 1050 engined bikes that are selling best at present. I suppose the 675 will get a boost this month with the Street Triple however - still waiting for the day when that engine goes into some form of scrambler/adventure bike (whatever the latter is - there is a thread on this right now!).

Cheers,

[mutineer]

Originally Posted by modre

I did another tasty comfort modification...dropped the operator's pegs 2", the shift 3 splines, and shaved a hair off the brake pedal return spring arm so the pedal can drop another bit without conflict to match the shift level.

VERY positive result is the old knees are in love again with the reduced angle ...so nice in fact the forward pegs were a luxury rather than absolute relief position yesterday after a 5 hour trial run...the increased distance between seat and pegs gives it much more of a vintage Brit dirt feel. In normal riding position, the feet can sit natural and tuck under the pedals. It's either closer to the old Triumph peg position. or my legs were shorter then. Before the peg drop the old legs just felt a bit wedged into a cafe position. The 2" drop is the single best modification yet IMO... I don't do 125mph curves, so I certainly don't need blood and guts peg positions they insist on marketing to Squids.

the mildly downside is in the sweepers you want to keep your feet on top of the pedals, but I have yet to scrape a peg...I did scrape a dangling boot in a parking lot much to my surprise.

I personally think this feet position thing is the deal clincher between Scrambler and Bonneville for any distance. if it's not comfort, then it becomes hell. Check out the skid plate above, and I'm thinking a couple 1-1/2" X 1/4" bars on end running back to the new lower pegs are enough protection for the low pipes even grinding over rocks if need be. The pipes would be visible for air cooling, but enclosed between the plate and the side rails, with reasonable bash potential.

I've been musing on a vintage tricycle looking solo seat to gently caress the hinder portions next. I don't need both feet flat at stops so I can raise the seat another inch or so to gain even more in the knees if need be...and I'm not sure the stock seat had my butt in mind to begin with.

it would be great if you could post some higher resolution pics of your relocated pegs

I cannot really tell how you have it set up from the post posted above (maybe I just nedd new glasses)

I just got back did a 500 mile day a couple of days ago and my number one complaint is the peg position

I have sat on, but not ridden, a scrambler and the peg location looks to be about an inch down and an inch forward and it feels much more natural

you set up sounds about perfect

if you cannot post pics for some reason you could email them to me at pmlaw7@yahoo.com and I'll host them for you and post them here


thanks

[Threewheelbonnie]

I set off Scrambler-GSerising my Bonneville Black before the Scrambler came out and before I put the sidecar on. Knobblies give you everything you need. The low exhausts only give hassle when fixing punctures, there is enough pressure for crossing water so long as you don't need to stop, I've ridden through water than was lapping the oil filler hole (). The 360 engine is perfect on snow or mud, I never tested the 270.

The Scrambler to me has a few issues that make me think I made the right choice. That exhaust costs you about 10 hp and the choice of screens is limited. My 790 solo would cruise at 90 mph, the Scrambler loaner was only happy at 70. My black paint also seems more practical and you have endless choice of racks etc. I too concluded the Scramber is yet another style exercise rather than an improvement on the highly useful Bonneville Black.

For the seating position I have no issues. I am a short **** (5'7"/1.7m), but use a K&Q seat plus a Gel pad. Raising the seat is the same as lowering the pegs?

For sidecar use, I will be fitting wider bars. I guess this would be logical too for a road-scrambler based on the Black?

Call me tight, but why would I buy a "styled" Scramber when I can have 10 more horses and a lot of practical features for similar money once I've bought tyres etc?

Andy

[milkman]

i love my scrambler.
At first i was split between the scrambler and the bonnie black

yes, it would be easier to mount luggage with lower pipes, but now |I make myself take less gear, and it handles offroad surprising well (thought suspension doesn need more clearance, as do bonnies)

[Trac]

Hi All,

My first post here. I demoed a 2007 Black Bonneville, liked the motor and handling, but found it to be cramped for my 6' body, anyone else have this problem with the Bonny? Looking for a good all around and two up ride.

Have a 2006 KLR650 now, but it is not very good at 2 up.

thanks, Trac.