Clean sweep
Triumph’s 2019 retro off-roader gets the same updates as the Street Twin, with a few tweaks
TRIUMPH’S STREET SCRAMBLER for 2019 has the same upgrades as the Street Twin; identical 64bhp 900cc parallel twin with the same internal modifications but different fuel and ignition mapping to suit the Scrambler’s high-level exhaust. This also shifts peak torque 600rpm lower down the rev range. The result is a 4300rpmwide spread between peak torque and power; this broad rev range translates into more flexibility than the Street Twin.
And the Scrambler feels easier to ride on the road; its riding position more spacious thanks to lower, forward-set pegs, a higher, thicker and comfier seat, and higher, wider bars, giving better steering leverage. With a 19in front Metzeler Tourance on a spoked rim, the Scrambler is more nimble and manoeuvrable, at the cost of less ground clearance and a 790mm seat height, 30mm more than the Street Twin.
KYB forks have the same cartridge internals, settings and travel as the Twin, also to compensate for more braking performance from a Brembo four-pot. The larger caliper requires the Scrambler’s forks be set further apart, to get clearance for its wire spokes (the Street Twin gets round it with a new cast wheel) – so the Scrambler has different yokes to the Twin.
Other changes are as per Speed Twin: Road and Rain riding modes give two levels of traction control and throttle response, with a third Off-road setting with TC and ABS disengaged. Off-road can only be selected at standstill but can be disengaged on the move.
Triumph says the Scrambler starts at £9300 but its three colours – khaki, white or red – cost £300, £150 or £150 extra respectively, so the cheapest Scrambler starts at £9450... unless it also comes with no paint at all. Which would be cool.
The Scrambler is over a grand more expensive than the Street Twin because it has a twin seat with interchangeable aluminium rack, a bash plate, knee pads on the tank, wire wheels, and the highlevel exhaust can’t be cheap. Like the Street Twin, the Scrambler also has a huge range of accessories and kits to chose from, for endless factory customising potential.