Triumph Scrambler: Modern tech, '60s cool

By James Holter

In case you haven't noticed, retro is hot right now. And Triumph's new Scrambler, the latest entry in the rapidly expanding retro-bike class, is a throwback to the days of Steve McQueen--when cool was more than a memory, attitude wasn't for sale, and high-mounted side pipes offered all the good vibrations the Beach Boys could evoke.

Of course, the Scrambler isn't a big surprise coming from Triumph. Not only did the marque produce similar high-pipe machines back in the day, but the company has a better grasp and appreciation of its own heritage than most.

Based around the company's 865cc eight-valve Bonneville twin, the Scrambler comes standard with enough authentic hipness to fill the cavernous trunk of a 1965 Buick Riviera. But it's also a thoroughly modern motorcycle that puts the emphasis on usable torque.

The motor chugs out a claimed 51 foot-pounds of torque through the chain-driven rear wheel at 4,500 rpm. Even better, Triumph claims that 90 percent of peak torque is maintained from around 2,500 rpm to redline. The usable oomph is most noticeable powering out of corners and accelerating from stoplights.

Other engine bits are a mix of nostalgia and high-tech. Twin carbs and air-oil cooling combine with a throttle position sensor and electric heating elements to keep the carbs warm for easier cold starts.

The backbone of the five-speed Scrambler is a tubular steel cradle frame with 41mm telescopic forks up front and twin chrome shocks out back. It has generous upper-body ergos, with high, wide handlebars, but the high-set footpegs can feel a tad cramped. While some may complain that the high pipes create an uncomfortable bulge on the right side, that's just a fact of life with the scrambler design.

On the road, the $7,999 bike definitely has a quality feel about it, with solid, well-placed controls. And the styling offers a unique take on the retro concept, with cues that hint at off-pavement aspirations.

Do those attributes add up to a machine that's more gravel-road capable than the Scrambler's sister model, the Bonneville? Sure, mostly thanks to the increased ground clearance and more dual-sport tires. But for real off-road? Maybe if your personal expectations are filtered through some rose-colored goggles, but for the rest of us, the 451-pound Triumph Scrambler is not 2008's answer to the T100 that Bill Baird rode to seven straight Grand National Enduro Championships in the 1960s.

McQueen cool, though, it pulls off in spades.

For more information, see Triumph's website, www.triumph.co.uk/usa.