The day finally arrived. I asked for a few favors, stopped by the bank, and I bought a new motorcycle. I was on the fence for quite a while, but when the chips were down, I knew I wanted a multipurpose machine, and I needed a long term view on what would be the best tool for the job considering I have a one-horse stable. The Tiger 800 XCx (or XRx) would have done the job marvelously but that meant a commitment on my part that I was simply not okay with. Moreover, I have an unrelenting rebellious streak that answers “you can’t do that on a Scrambler…” with “watch me!”; so on Friday, Rosie followed me home.
15,000 annual miles means changing the oil at least twice and a valve clearance check. Obviously with a little practice, that task can be accomplished on the Tiger 800, but I already know the maintenance requirements, have all the tools, and trust the 865 mill. I’ve heard horror stories about the time needed to complete simple maintenance tasks on the Tiger (i.e. air filter change), which may just be hearsay, but I frankly don’t want to fart around with wrenching when I know I can be riding. In the end, the sheer stature of the challenge at hand (make a Scrambler dirt worthy), my concerns about reliability, and flat-out passion for the 865 twin carried the day, and 3 days in, I regret nothing.
If I hadn’t mentioned already, my cousin bought a Scrambler (not all that different from mine) this spring so I had a chance to ride it. My initial impression was that it was similar to my Speedmaster, but rode like a Bonneville, which is exactly what I was looking for. First day on the road (Saturday), the Scrambler brought torque in spades. Not all that different from the FZ-07 (obviously heavier…), the Scrambler does NOT have the top end power of a triple (or a four for that matter), but it packs a hearty kick in the ass through the twisties; so much so my face still hurts from grinning ear to ear all weekend.
Again, the Scrambler is by no means a sport bike, but the ground clearance is by far superior to the Speedmaster, so it’ll jump the curb and it leans over just the same. I can’t hang with supersports or enduros by and means, but I have a thing for underdogs, so the challenge of “keeping up” suits me just fine. One of my favorite movie lines is “I don’t care what anything was designed to do, I care about what it can do!” (Apollo 13). I assume it’s two years in the “sandbox” but I get guilty pleasure out of doing more with less; glutton for punishment I suppose.
How does that saying go; “Adventure is taking inappropriate equipment to out-of-the-way places”?
It may be all wander lust… be here goes!
Triumph Scrambler Project: Planning
Triumph Scrambler Project: Stage 1 Upgrades
Triumph Scrambler Project: Stage 2 Upgrades
Triumph Scrambler Project: Off-Road Rally Planning
Moto Adventurer 
Great looking ride! Scramblers certainly garner a lot of attention. Hope she gives you everything you want.
My take on the adventure definition: an adventure is an ill planned trip. Ha!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So far I’ve been very impressed. The butt dyno says the fun meter is pegged everywhere under 80 mph!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Best wishes on the Scram. I miss my 08 Bonnie Black 865 carb but over 30k Tiger 800 miles and very happy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The Tiger will happen eventually, no doubt about that, just not the right time right now.
LikeLike
A great bike you won’t be disappointed! I put the Arrow exhaust on mine which looks and sounds great but has done nothing for mpg 😦
https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2194459895128917225
LikeLiked by 2 people
I heard that! I have the TORs on mine and it sounds great… also not helping with mpg…
LikeLike
sweet bike, let it lead you to adventure and mischief
LikeLiked by 2 people
So far it’s been a real gas! Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Awesome! I rode a Scrambler at a demo event a few years ago and it was fun, fun, fun! Also love the definition of adventure 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I took a few short rides on other Bonnies and really liked them. The Scrambler is a whole new animal, and a truly visceral experience. Can’t get enough!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations and loads of safe miles on her. She is looking great for sure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Haven’t had time to read your blog in a while. Catching up now with the latest news. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Singing in the Rain… | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Breaking in the Scrambler… or maybe it’s breaking in me? | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Destination Red River Gorge: Moto-Camping and New Roads | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: 2016 Triumph Dragon Raid: Round Trip to Deal’s Gap | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Triumph Speedmaster Long Term Review: Final Thoughts After 45,000 Miles | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: The Tail of the Dragon, US-129: Triumph Dragon Raid 2016 | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Putting more “Adventure” into Moto Adventurer — Moto Adventurer – Indian Travel + Life
this bike looks awesome! My husband would be jealous haha
check out my mountain camping post- https://courtneylivin.wordpress.com/2016/10/23/blue-bear-mountain/
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: Triumph Scrambler Project: Stage 1 Upgrades | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: A New Tire in a Pinch: Triumph Dragon Raid 2016 | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Back Across the Skyway, War Stories, and Solitude: Triumph Dragon Raid 2016. | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Setting Goals for 2017 | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: How Cold is Too Cold to Ride: Approaching the Limit | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: 2017 Triumph Street Scrambler: First Impressions | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Rever, Ural Motorcycles, and the #WinterBeDamned Challenge | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Change a Tire with Zip Ties: DIY Motorcycle Maintenance | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Tried and True Dual Sport Tires: Shoe Shopping with Rosie the Scrambler | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Red River Scramble: 160 Days in the Saddle | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Are Scramblers Just a Fad? · Moto AdventurerMoto Adventurer