2017 Triumph Scrambler Diablo Red/Lunar Silver

2017 Triumph Scrambler Matte Pacific Blue

In the 1960s, far from civilisation and regular roads, stripped down desert bikes based on Triumph twins and fitted with high level exhausts, dirt bike tyres and suspension were being used for hard recreational fun and competition on tough terrain. The Scrambler takes its inspiration from these custom bikes.

They were highly competitive and most famously were used by Hollywood superstar Steve McQueen for pleasure and in full competition. Including the 1964 International Six Day Trial (ISDT) in East Germany.

Just as desert racers and enduro riders in the 1960s took Triumph twins and personalised them for off-road fun and competition, we started out with the standard Bonneville and modified it to achieve the classic Scrambler look. As well as studying closely the original Triumph TR6C Trophy Special from the late 1960s, the bike which inspired the Scrambler's high level exhausts.

The current Bonneville itself made its first appearance in 2001 when it was powered by the first 790cc version of the retro parallel twin, but when the Scrambler appeared in 2006 we fitted it with the latest 865cc engine, to achieve the strong torque at low revs we were after. After that it was a case of researching the archives and adding features to give the Scrambler its convincing 1960s style, while ensuring it still rode like a modern Triumph should.

For the Scrambler we retuned the 865cc eight-valve engine to give you more torque at very low revs. It peaks at a strong 68Nm at 4750rpm but keeps producing useful thrust much lower than that, with 90 per cent of its torque on tap from as low as 2500rpm.

Powered by a special version of our twin-cylinder Bonneville engine, the Scrambler is air-cooled and styled like the 1960s originals yet quietly bristling with 21st century technology to ensure it's efficient, durable and easy to use.

It even looks as if it comes with old-style carburettors, but we’ve disguised the thoroughly modern fuel injection system, which along with the double overhead cams and contemporary internals makes this a highly fuel efficient, as well as engaging engine.

With the exhausts lifted high out of the way it's possible to see the traditional tubular steel, twin cradle frame in all its glory. Classically styled but strong enough to meet modern handling expectations. The engine is bolted in to lend its own stiffness to the frame which creates a ride that’s light, predictable and completely engaging.

The pair of chromed shocks we put at the back look classic on the outside but are modern inside. Giving you balanced and effective damping for comfort and controlled handling. And the front forks wear traditional rubber bellows to protect against dirt, while the stubby front mudguard is just like those you would have fitted in the 1960s.

Only wire spoke wheels would do for a classic like the Scrambler so that's what we've fitted, now with eye-grabbing black hubs and rims. There's a 19 inch diameter rim at the front to add to the authenticity and style. On those are block-treaded tyres, another nod towards the off-road look but with excellent on-road performance in all conditions.