Baby needs new shoes...

[Rchop]

Just turned over 4K miles on the Triumph Scrambler and the Bridgestone Trail Wings are toasted. Considering they are not made for the street...they held up pretty well for 4K.
I shopped around and found some dual sport Pirelli Scorpions that are 90% street rated. Sounds like they fit my style of riding and they weren't radials like the Michelin dual sport that were originally #1 on my list. My wheels are built for bias belted tires so, those were out.
Bought the tires and new brake pads and disassembled the legs. Looks like I still have some life in the front pads but the rear pads were wafer thin. Replaced the rears and did the required chain maintenance along with a complete cleaning and she's like new again...

http://www.frsengineering.com/TR2.jpg

http://www.frsengineering.com/TR1.jpg

http://www.frsengineering.com/TR3.jpg

I'm really looking forward to the improved ride and grip with the new tires since the old tires road like... knobbies on the street!

[jamming]

Randy, that's a great looking motorcycle. I really like the Tiger as well, but have to wait on that bike. It needs to be an addition not a replacement.

[AZBMWRIDER]

That Triumph Scrambler is a great looking Bike...!

I have to ask, how is it to ride...?

http://www.frsengineering.com/TR3.jpg

[Rchop]

Yeah, it is a great looking bike...that's why I bought it. It reminds me of my first bike. A 1969 Honda Scrambler...
http://members.cox.net/frsengineering/Honda%20350.jpg

This bike is a blast to ride. I'm not sure what the reason is, Rake, trail, weight distribution or what. This bike falls into a turn and holds a tight line with one hand while riding on the "chicken strips" on knobby tires!! I can't belive it...it corners better than my Ninja did. The "upright seating position" is ergonomically correct for my "age group" LOL. I have ridden the bike every day to work since I bought it in September (rain or shine) and have looked forward to every trip! It has been nimble since day one and I'm looking forward to Monday morning and scrubbing in the new tires. The knobbys would walk a bit in tight corners but the new Pirelli's should have twice the grip.

Plusses:
Runs smooth and doesn't leak oil like the old trumpets.
Shifter is on the left side
Has "hooligan bike" appeal and handeling
Starts every morning without trouble
I can ride in the dirt on the right side to get past the stop sign lineup
I can split traffic at any stop light with no side bags
Looks are the "epitome of cool" (thanks Dean:))
Minusses:
Rear shocks suck...light set and I bottom out in the bumps...heavy set and I bite my tounge in the bumps...no happy medium:(
Gearing puts the top speed about 80mph. Too slow to safely ride in the fast lane on the freeways here in SoCal. So...I stick to the back roads. No real problem there!!
Fuel tank vent gets pinched once in a while and stops the bike dead until I open the fuel cap. Took me a few pushes towards home to figure that one out. LOL Easily fixed by re-routing the vent line.
It has a chain that needs maintenance...I'm not used to that.

Plus Plusses:
Did I mention I get mistaken for Steve McQueen while riding ths beauty:dance:

All in all, I would recommend it to anyone that doesn't need a windshield or fairing to be comfy or has to commute regularly on the freeway.

[R1150R in Africa]

What a beaut bike Rchop !!

I've just shown your photo to my wife and she said "Now that's ugly !".
Now.....that may have been her honest opinion....... OR..........she has the same thought that I've now got that I WANT one of those !! The height looks perfect for my short legs, the bike is an absolute looker and I need a commuter JUST like that for my trips to the office when I am back from Nigeria once every 3 months (maybe she has a point - she's a clever woman !!). Never mind her !!

I really am in 2 minds for my second bike - should it be a KLR or a Triumph Scrambler. After seeing your photos I think I'm convinced !

[Rchop]

It depends on your intended type of riding Gary. The KLR and the Scrambler are quite a bit different. The main reason the Scrambler attracted me is the killer looks (IMHO) and the fact I don't drive offroad very much. Not to mention the sentimental value...

Needless to say...I'm pleased with my choice

[jb44]

... My wheels are built for bias belted tires so, those were out.
Randy, how does one determine if a wheel is made for bias or radial tires?

BTW, Great lookin' bike!

jb

[Rchop]

Randy, how does one determine if a wheel is made for bias or radial tires?

BTW, Great lookin' bike!

jb


The spokes are mounted toward the outside edges of the center of the rim instead of the the center section.

[DarthRider]

The spokes are mounted toward the outside edges of the center of the rim instead of the the center section.

Also allowing the use of tubeless tires with a spoked wheel!

[BobFV1]

Randy -

The new shoes look good - plenty grippy for trail riding.

Have you managed to avoid that hot exhaust so far? As I recall - those things can do a real number on polyester pants. I had my ass chewed out in about 1982 by a Navy Commander because a hot pipe had melted my khaki polyester uniform pants on the ride in to "work".

[Rchop]

Randy -

The new shoes look good - plenty grippy for trail riding.

Have you managed to avoid that hot exhaust so far? As I recall - those things can do a real number on polyester pants. I had my ass chewed out in about 1982 by a Navy Commander because a hot pipe had melted my khaki polyester uniform pants on the ride in to "work".

That problem has been solved Bob with double heat shields anywhere you would touch them while sitting on the bike.

[BobFV1]

That problem has been solved Bob with double heat shields anywhere you would touch them while sitting on the bike.

Excellent! Although Steve McQueen never needed heat shields :eusa_clap:

[geechie]

Steve McQueen was simply too cool to be bothered by heat.

George

[Sir Limpsalot]

I saw one of the new Bonnevilles the other day with 85,000 miles showing. The owner claims it just gets better and better, so you can probably enjoy yours for a good long time yet..

Si.