2006 Triumph Scrambler v. 2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200R
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Nice review great photos.. As Triumphs go I think the Speedmaster, America or Thruxton might be better competition in the looks department. Think the Truxton would have the best handling and performance though.. It looks cool too. Sportster are great chick bikes though. Ah black leather clad bonde on a yellow sporty.... 
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I'm going to join the squidly types here and ask why the fock Triumph put a detuned engine in the Scrambler? The original "scrambler" - the TT - had high pipes and the full on Bonneville engine. What's the point of neutering it? The Truxton engine isn't radical as it is.
When I first read about the bike I thought it might have potential as an adventure tourer if one added a windshiield, luggage and the right tires. But why Triumph gave up the 20 horsepower is beyond me. With the Thruxton/T100 engine and some better spring rates this bike would look a lot more attractive.
When I first read about the bike I thought it might have potential as an adventure tourer if one added a windshiield, luggage and the right tires. But why Triumph gave up the 20 horsepower is beyond me. With the Thruxton/T100 engine and some better spring rates this bike would look a lot more attractive.
Does anyone really buy these things for performance???
Sounds like the Harley still won on "nice to ride" grounds so I can't fault your end conclusion, but....
Performance seemed to be the main issue in this test. Does anyone really buy one of these things for that?
Seems stupid considering that an SV650 is $5950, or a ZZR600 is $7200, either of which would run big circles around these bikes.
Everyone I've ever met who likes Harleys says it's the look, sound and feel. I don't "get" Harleys myself, but I do get that their buyers don't care much about performance beyond being able to get out of their own way.
Sounds like the Harley still won on "nice to ride" grounds so I can't fault your end conclusion, but....
Performance seemed to be the main issue in this test. Does anyone really buy one of these things for that?
Seems stupid considering that an SV650 is $5950, or a ZZR600 is $7200, either of which would run big circles around these bikes.
Everyone I've ever met who likes Harleys says it's the look, sound and feel. I don't "get" Harleys myself, but I do get that their buyers don't care much about performance beyond being able to get out of their own way.
I'm not the target market for either of these bikes, but when the Triumph was anounced a year ago I got excited. I've always love the look of those old scramblers. Lightweight and with a powerful motor, they seemed the ideal bike. Much like the SuperMotos that are becoming all the rage.
Then I went to the dealership. The Scrambler looks like Anna Nicole Smith, sexy lines but plus-sized. It's 150% the size of the original and has the same power.
How about a real scrambler - A 70-80HP twin in a sub 400lb package? I can see a SuperMoto Scrambler in my future!
Thank you Aprilia just dip it in chrome before sending it my way!
Then I went to the dealership. The Scrambler looks like Anna Nicole Smith, sexy lines but plus-sized. It's 150% the size of the original and has the same power.
How about a real scrambler - A 70-80HP twin in a sub 400lb package? I can see a SuperMoto Scrambler in my future!
Thank you Aprilia just dip it in chrome before sending it my way!
Yeah, to be honest my primary bike is an '03 Speedmaster, and I can tell you from experience that it'll blow the fenders off a Sportster 1200. It's not quite as quick off the line, but after about 20ft it's all over. (Then again, mine is far from stock.)
I'm told that Triumph really screwed the pooch with the Scrambler, though. I agree with the other folks here -- I cannot for the life of me figure out why they'd de-tune the engine.
As for why folks ride these bikes? Well, my last bike was an SV650, and I loved her dearly, but honestly the Triumphs have more... soul. Sounds cheesy, but I finally understand the appeal. It's not about going faster or cornering better, it's about having more fun. *shrug*
I still get to surprise some unsuspecting sportbikers, tho.
--Jaeger
I'm told that Triumph really screwed the pooch with the Scrambler, though. I agree with the other folks here -- I cannot for the life of me figure out why they'd de-tune the engine.
As for why folks ride these bikes? Well, my last bike was an SV650, and I loved her dearly, but honestly the Triumphs have more... soul. Sounds cheesy, but I finally understand the appeal. It's not about going faster or cornering better, it's about having more fun. *shrug*
I still get to surprise some unsuspecting sportbikers, tho.
--Jaeger
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Gabe- why not put the Bonni T-100 against the Sporty? Even the Thruxton would have been a better choice. Both those bike have a better power range and the Thrux puts the Sporty looks to shame.
I spent a weekend on a Scrambler and have to admit it was a fun bike if you're not in a hurry to get anywhere. But I been on a T-100 and it feels completely different. Least we forget, CAFE bike started with modified Bonnevilles. Remember, racing from ACE to other truck-stop cafes all over England.
I spent a weekend on a Scrambler and have to admit it was a fun bike if you're not in a hurry to get anywhere. But I been on a T-100 and it feels completely different. Least we forget, CAFE bike started with modified Bonnevilles. Remember, racing from ACE to other truck-stop cafes all over England.
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1,521 Posts
Re: Does anyone really buy these things for performance???
Many, I would even go as far as to say most Harley riders care about performance. If not in the beginning then soon. More money is spend on big Harley´s performance upgrades than those of any other bike.
- cruiz-euro
Many, I would even go as far as to say most Harley riders care about performance. If not in the beginning then soon. More money is spend on big Harley´s performance upgrades than those of any other bike.
- cruiz-euro
Scrambler v Sportster
So I picked the Scrambler because it's the newest member of the Bonneville line-up and is the most interesting-looking of them, too. Also, it fit with the San Francisco/Steve McQueen theme we had going. Finally, I had no idea it was so down on power from the other Bonnies. I thought it had the same motor as the rest of the line-up, and I agree, "tuning for torque" makes no sense for this product, as it's not really an off-road machine.
-Gabe
So I picked the Scrambler because it's the newest member of the Bonneville line-up and is the most interesting-looking of them, too. Also, it fit with the San Francisco/Steve McQueen theme we had going. Finally, I had no idea it was so down on power from the other Bonnies. I thought it had the same motor as the rest of the line-up, and I agree, "tuning for torque" makes no sense for this product, as it's not really an off-road machine.
-Gabe
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