NAIL THE TRAILS
Triumph’s 2019 Street Scrambler retains style but gains off-road ability
Biblical rain can’t dampen my spirits on-board Triumph’s updated Street Scrambler, which is shining despite gruesome weather. As I cruise gently along the dramatic Portuguese coastline I’m constantly scanning the roadside, looking for possible off-road trails and the chance to flick into the bike’s newfor-2019 off-road riding mode, which cancels the ABS and traction control. I don’t care about rain or the fact my shoes are full of water; I just want to pretend to be Steve McQueen and get sideways.
Preserving history
Triumph’s first stripped-back Bonneville Scrambler appeared in 1963 as the unmistakable T120 TT. The likes of McQueen and Evel Knievel, who famously attempted to jump the fountains at Caesars Palace on one in 1967, gave the bike street cred and coolness that continue today. Thankfully Triumph have only tweaked the iconic looks for 2019 and not dramatically detracted from the Scrambler’s accomplished styling. There is a new seat with an optional pillion seat or rack and updated branding and graphics but the charismatic sculpted side exhaust, with its cleverly hidden catalyser, remains centre stage along with the cooling fins (the parallel twin is water cooled) and fake carbs.
Uprated engine and brakes
The Scrambler hasn’t just had a facelift. Like the new Street Twin, peak power has been significantly increased (by 18%), powerful but unintimidating Brembo stoppers replace the old Nissin calipers, and there are additional riding modes: road, rain and also a specific offroad mode that doesn’t appear on the new Street Twin.
The Scrambler’s larger-diameter 19in front wheel, extra kilos and higher riding position slow the steering down slightly compared to the Street Twin (with its traditional 18in front wheel), but it’s still a doddle to ride and I prefer the taller and more purposeful riding position.
Feel the difference
The increase in power is instantly noticeable, especially in the low to mid-range. Peak torque is actually lower in the range than the Street Twin, at just 3200rpm, and the water-cooled parallel twin is smooth and relaxed with perfect fuelling, pulling effortlessly from just above tickover in the first four gears with ease. Town work, too, is a delight thanks to a light clutch, that can be operated with one finger, and a smooth but purposeful gearbox.
The extra power has given the Scrambler more zip and urgency which should make it even more fun on mild off-road trails. Remove the rubber pegs, flick into its specific off-road mode and have some fun.
That said, the lovely sidemounted exhaust does interfere with your legs when you are standing up and the bars are too low for too much derring-do, so let’s not plan any Knievel style jumps just yet.