The smooth, air-cooled engine delivers 58 hp at 6,800 rpm and 50 lb-ft at 4.750 rpm, with a nice and flat torque curve from 2,500 rpm. Riding the bike, we can see that Triumph also replicated the feel of the engine, not just the looks of the bike. While we’re used to easy performance coming from modern bikes, this one delivers torque smoothly, letting you know at the same time that it is down there working, especially as you approach peak revs. The stock exhaust proves easy on the ears; although I’m sure some riders (Not me!) will revel in the harsh-sounding note of the Arrow muffler from the Triumph accessory catalogue.

Before high quality metals and hard protective coatings, you needed to protect the fork tubes from rocks and water. These bellows worked well until they sprung a small leak, in which case they retained water and facilitated rust - not the case on today's bike, where they look just right. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

In the city, you enjoy a surprising amount of bucking-free thrust as early as 2,000 rpm. The light-action, adjustable clutch lever makes easy work of modulating the clutch, and the smooth-shifting, 5-speed transmission has the feel of a modern unit — nice work by Triumph engineers.

Ready for any type of riding
The most versatile of all retro-style Triumphs offers everything you need to explore the wonderful landscape, be it on good trails, dirt roads or pavement. There’s a solo seat with cargo rack (or an available 2-up seat), a sump guard, a fairly wide and raised off-road handlebar, a basic instrument panel, a high-mounted exhaust and dual-purpose near-knobby tires. Oh yeah, I almost forgot: an engine that loves the dirt and makes it easy for the rider to slide around a little coming out of corners.

Hands wide and right calf stuck against the heat shield, you take off and rewind time. While the generous ground clearance make the Scrambler feel slightly heavier than the Bonneville at low speeds, the reasonable seat height (825 mm) puts average-sized and taller riders at ease, offering a straight up seating position that eliminates stress on all body parts over hours of riding. What’s more, the softish suspension enhances comfort over rough pavement.

Remember, the Scrambler is first and foremost designed for the city, where it displays exceptional agility thanks in part to the wide handlebar that allows you to precisely and effortlessly shoot in any direction. The brakes prove competent and up to the task, with enough bite to have fun upon entering corners — with proper tires, they would even make a somewhat sporty statement. The stock rubber is versatile enough to ride on slick terrain, while the square profile of the rear shoe limits the available grip during sportier cornering manœuvres; it sure sports a cool, old-style look!

A nice, wide place to sit for solo rides, and the right height (825 mm) to allow anyone over 170mm to sit up and ride all day (With a big grin on your face!). (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)