2009 Triumph Scrambler Review

Introduction

Like all of Triumph’s 2009 Modern Classics, the Scrambler had to comply with Euro 3 regulations so the most notable upgrade is the fuel injection system that not only does that, but is designed to still look like a carburetor composed feeding system just to retain that original ‘60s look while being allowed to role down the streets today. Also, the engine is the same air-cooled, 865cc, DOHC, parallel twin only that featuring a 270 degree firing interval which is not the regular characteristic for the engine which was originally donated by the Bonneville. The exhaust noise differs due to that aspect so apart from the unique style the Scrambler stands out with a unique vrooom as well.

Independently of shapes and sizes, all Triumph consecrated models come with tubular steel cradle frames and twin-sided, tubular steel swingarms and the Scrambler wasn’t going to be the exception. Indeed, this brings a significant contribution to the 451 lbs dry weight, but it’s nothing that can’t be solved with a decent overall length (87.1 inches) and a low center of gravity achieved despite the allowing ground clearance. The cumulative effects of these features plus the 27.8 degree rake and 105mm trail ensure proper handling abilities both on and off the road, which is exactly what the bike is built for.

2009 Triumph Scrambler

And if you’re by now wondering if the suspensions meet modern requests, we must say that the 41mm forks feature 120mm of travel and the twin shocks with chromed springs stand for 106mm of travel and will let you draw the conclusion from there, but not before mentioning that the Scrambler is working with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, both being standard spoked. The brakes are provided by Nissin and feature two floating piston caliper both front (310mm disc) and rear (255mm disc).

Although the new Scrambler got the only upgrade it could possibly get without Triumph cutting in the bike’s ‘personality’, performance figures don’t change dramatically as you may expect. So peak horsepower (69bhp, 3 horses more than on the previous model year) is achieved at 6,800 rpm (200rpm lower than on the previous model year) while torque remains the same 51ft.lb at 4,750 rpm. Our guess is that legislation is the factor behind 2009’s upgrade as the carbureted Bonneville engine could have carried on unchanged decades from now.

2008 Triumph Scrambler History

Competition

2009 Moto Morini Scrambler

Classic off road models are rare bread nowadays so it’s pointless trying to find an appropriate competitor for the Scrambler, one that which would correspond both in what concerns style and performance. But, if it is to name a bike that is suppose to do the same things without the epic look, the 2009 Moto Morini Scrambler is the one.

Exterior

2009 Triumph Scrambler

So it is by now clear what distinguishes the Triumph Scrambler from the crowd, a one-off combination of timeless looks and versatility standing as the best proof that the British actually developed it from a street only model, most likely the Bonneville. At a first glance, it sure looks like being destined for the road, but the all-surface tires and spoked wheels, the high mounted exhaust, smaller headlight and sporty forks all contribute to inspire the idea that there’s plenty more to this bike that it initially seemed like.

The sporty parallel-twin cylinder engine is matte black painted, just like the transmission, swingarm and forks are in an attempt to provide a modernity touch while the wheels, gas tank (with the implicit Triumph emblem), flat seat and chromed exhaust and round mirrors are a reminder of how things used to be done back in the days. This is how both the “modern” and “classic” terms are being sustained by perceptible features and unveil part of the unique recipe behind the Scrambler.

But while Scrambler’s design has been around for decades, the only details that set the 09 model year apart from previous ones is the Matt Khaki Green and Jet Black paintjobs. We notice that Triumph has kept the two-tone color schemes from the Bonneville and gave the Scrambler this nice army bike appearance. That’s a great thing to have on such a bike. 

2008 Triumph Scrambler Test Ride

We’re anxious to ride the new bike although we did mentioned earlier that the performances of the 2009 Triumph Scrambler don’t differ much from the previous model year and the rush should be exactly the same. So check out our 2008 test ride to form an impression of what the bike is capable of and we’ll be back to give more details as soon as the 2009 Scrambler gets to our garage.

Price

Starting at $8,499, the 2009 Triumph Scrambler is a great bang for the buck and the reasons couldn’t be simpler: all around riding capabilities, complete comfort, classic looks and a distinguishable sound that always touches a passionate rider’s heart. And if you don’t happen to fit in that category, don’t worry because you’ll soon do.

Conclusion

2009 Triumph Scrambler

If it is to look at the big picture here, the Scrambler is just a piece of the puzzle, a very important one that has gathered a big crowd of fans bringing major benefits to the British motorcycle manufacturer and that’s how it ends up in this year’s lineup, but that’s also how things are with all Modern Classic models. What sets the Scrambler apart is its unique combination and the fact of having its roots buried deep into Triumph’s past. We’re just happy that a piece of that past is on the way to us.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

2009 Triumph Scrambler Engine

Type: Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 270° firing interval
Capacity: 865cc
Bore/Stroke: 90.0 x 68.0mm
Fuel System: Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Final Drive: X ring chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox: 5-speed

Chassis and Dimensions

2009 Triumph Scrambler Chassis

Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm: Twin-sided, tubular steel
Front Wheel: 36-spoke, 19 x 2.5in
Rear Wheel: 40-spoke, 17 x 3.5in
Front Tyre: 100/90 19
Rear Tyre: 130/80 17
Front Suspension: 41mm forks, 120mm travel
Rear Suspension: Chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload, 106mm rear wheel travel
Front Brakes: Single 310mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper
Rear Brakes: Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper
Length: 87.1 in
Width (Handlebars): 34.1 in
Height: 47.3 in
Seat Height: 32.5 in
Wheelbase: 59.1 in
Rake/Trail: 27.8°/105mm
Weight (Dry): 451lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.2 gals

Features

2009 Triumph Scrambler

Engine: The Scrambler’s air-cooled, parallel twin cylinder engine offers a cubic capacity of 865cc for excellent midrange torque. The twin balancer shafts provide civility and refinement. 90% of peak torque is maintained from around 2500rpm through to redline providing smooth, effortless acceleration throughout the five gears.

Fueling: The Scrambler features a fuel injection system designed for clean running and to meet forthcoming Euro 3 legislation. The retro styling remains uncompromised though, as the fuel injectors are cleverly concealed by throttle bodies designed to look like traditional carbs.

Chassis: With a strong tubular steel cradle frame and supple front and rear suspension (41mm telescopic forks and twin chromed spring preload-adjustable rear shocks) the Scrambler is built tough, to iron out the bumps. Its high, wide handlebars and high-set footpegs further aid control and low-speed manoeuvrability. Steering geometry is set at 27.8° of rake, with 105mm of trail and a wheelbase of 1500mm. Twin piston calipers are used for both brakes, the front working a single 310mm disc, the rear a 255mm disc, for ample stopping power.

Wheels: The spoked wheels are sized 19 x 2.5in (front) and 17 x 3.5in (rear), both wearing lightly-knobbled tires in sizes 100/90-19 and 130/80-17.

Exhaust System: The high-level chromed stainless exhaust pipes, retro styled silencers and evocative heat shields are all key to the Scrambler’s unique look.