Triumph Street Scrambler: First Ride

The all-new Triumph Street Scrambler extends Triumph Motorcycles India's modern classic range with an 'adventure' twist. Triumph says the Street Scrambler combines the best of both worlds - classic styling and adventure capability. Triumph also expects the new Street Scrambler to become one of Triumph India's bestsellers after the Street Twin and the Bonneville T100. The Street Scrambler is priced at Rs. 8.1 lakh (ex-showroom), so it's priced at a slight premium over both the entry-level Street Twin, as well as the Bonneville T100. We took a very brief spin on the new Triumph Street Scrambler, and although the ride was too brief for a review, here are our first impressions.

The Triumph Street Scrambler adds desirability to the base Street Twin

It's got the look!

The Triumph Street Scrambler certainly takes the Street Twin, on which it's based, to a whole new level. The Street Twin has the quintessential Triumph Bonneville styling, but it's laid-back and understated. It's not a bad thing though, and those are the very same qualities which make the Street Twin such a bestseller - understated styling, easy-going road manners and decent performance. But for that little extra oomph, the Street Scrambler meets all that, and more.

The high and side-mounted 'scrambler-style' exhaust is the biggest visual differentiator

The Street Scrambler gets purposeful equipment, and the most striking visual difference is the high and side-mounted 'scrambler-style' exhaust. Look closely, and there are more differences; the front suspension gets more travel, rubber fork gaiters, and a larger 19-inch wheel. The engine gets a bash plate, rear suspension also gets more travel, and the wheels are shod with dual-purpose, Metzeler Tourance rubber. The handlebar is wider, and taller, and the seat narrower and longer as well. In all, the Street Scrambler certainly ups the desirability quotient of the Bonneville range, and that itself should see many prospective buyers taking a closer look at it.

Also Read: Triumph Street Scrambler Road Test Review

The 900 cc parallel-twin engine is shared with the Street Twin but gets a different state of tune

Performance Play

Our first ride was a very brief spin on the new Triumph Street Scrambler, so we'll reserve detailed comments for when we get the bike for a proper road test and review. First thing that's noticeable is the riding position; the high and wide handlebar, coupled with the 19-inch front wheel makes the Street Scrambler feel like a different bike altogether. It's a comfortable riding position, ergonomics are spot on, and even first time big bike buyers will certainly appreciate the riding position, ergonomics and comfort the Street Scrambler offers.

Also Read: Triumph Street Scrambler - All You Need To Know

The Street Scrambler has wider and higher handlebars, and the motor feels punchy at low revs

Performance isn't neck-slapping fast, but the re-tuned 900 cc parallel-twin engine certainly feels a little 'different'. Throttle response is smooth, thanks to ride-by-wire, and the 80 Nm of torque kicking in lower in the revs makes the Street Scrambler feel eager, and fun to ride. Power output is the same 54 bhp, and it's more than adequate really, for a diverse range of riders. Standard switchable traction control and ABS makes sure things don't get out of hand. Our first ride was on wet and damp roads, and during the brief spin, not once did the Street Scrambler feel skittish or lose composure. So, full marks there as well.

Our first ride was a very brief spin on the Street Scrambler

Also Read: Triumph Street Scrambler Vs Ducati Desert Sled Specifications Comparison

What Next?

The new Triumph Street Scrambler feels like a well thought-out package. It looks good, sounds good and has decent performance and good road manners for someone looking to upgrade to the first big bike, or even someone looking to get back into motorcycling. Of course, the Street Scrambler also boasts decent off-road capability, and we have yet to see how it performs when the road ends. Till we get our hands on the bike for a full review, we're very positive about the new Street Scrambler. It certainly makes for a very good all round package. With classic styling, everyday ride ability and adventure capability, the Street Scrambler promises to be the perfect do-it-all motorcycle in the entry-level big bike segment. Of course, that also means decent highway manners, but for a detailed low down, look out for our full review, coming soon.

Photography: Pawan Dagia