Australian Road Rider — August 2017

the time. If you are more than 70 per cent

bitumen based, fi t road tyres rather than se le

for the compromise of dual-sport rubber.

While reasonable for grip, they set up a wobble

through the steering head on the overrun and

you can never quite forget just how much air

there is between those knobs.

The engine is the bike’s highlight, making

very usable power in all the right places. When

wanting to pull out of tight, 35km/h advisory

signposted corners, it’s a case of slamming

open the thro le and le ing the power li you

out of a lean and fi re you neatly into the next.

It’s deceptively quick, off ering lovely response

from everywhere.

In tighter circumstances, those wide

handlebars work well, off ering great leverage

— not so much in the longer straight, where

they put the rider a li le chest on, limiting

aerodynamics. The gearbox off ers slick

changes and the ratios seemed about right for

what we were up to in the mountains.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR

The chrome and shiny bits drop away

markedly over time. You’ll be looking at a bit

of tarnish on a well-used 2006-2008 model. If

you get a well-loved unit, continue the upkeep.

These things need to be under cover lest they

return to the earth at a quick-smart clip. Most

of this is because Triumph thought it was a

good idea to clear-coat almost all of the alloy

on the bike. This made it look all sorts of shiny

when new but it crazed over time.

Anyway, the good news here is that,

once blasted off , the metal will be spotless

underneath. A great bargaining chip there just

for you.

The carbs were a pre y cheap setup. Once

a bike has done a reasonable mileage — say,

around 40,000km — they are pre y worn and

won’t maintain synchronisation. New carbs

are cheap, so don’t let that stop you.

The rear suspension was ordinary from the

get-go and will be well past its best on most

examples. Bung on a set of Ikon shocks or up-

spec to something like a brace of Öhlins and

you’ll be all set.

There was an optional tacho available for

the bike. If you get the choice, buy one with

the tacho fi  ed. Most of the add-ons that were

on the accessory list are still available from the

factory — back-up from Triumph has always

been good.

The seat is hard. That’s all there is to it.

If you’re ... um, heavy or tall, think hard. Of

course, there are optional seats from mobs like

Corbin at a reasonable quid.

SO ... HOW MUCH SHOULD

YOU PAY?

Condition and kays will play a big part in pricing

here. I reckon you’re looking at $4500–$6500.

Keep in mind the points above when negotiating.

An absolute plum with low mileage is probably

going to work out cheaper than a roughie that

you have to add bits to.

As always, off er low and come up to the

mark slowly. He’s selling; you’re just browsing.

That’s the smart vibe.

This bike has a rough chance of becoming

a bit sought a er. Already research is showing

they are thin on the ground. You’ll never retire

on the gains but it’s nice not to go backwards.

There ya go — hit the classifi eds! ARR

“As always, offer low, come up to the mark slowly.

He’s selling; you’re just browsing”

ARR’S TRIED-AND-TRUE

USED BIKE RATING

SYSTEM EXPLAINED

* Dud. Give it a big miss.

** Are you sure? We certainly aren’t.

*** Do your homework, but this one is in

the game.

**** A bike that will serve you well indeed.

***** Quick. Stop reading this and make

the off er!

r Chrome and other surfaces can dull and corrode; look closely at brightwork.

SPECIFICATIONS:

2006 TRIUMPH

SCRAMBLER

ENGINE

Type: Air-cooled, DOHC, 270-degree,

parallel-twin

Bore × stroke: 96mm × 68mm

Displacement: 865cc

Compression ratio: 9.2:1

Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

TRANSMISSION

Type: Five-speed, constant-mesh

Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR

Frame type: Tubular steel cradle

Front suspension: 41mm Kayaba fork, non-

adjustable

Rear suspension: Preload-adjustable

Kayaba twin shocks

Front brake: Single 310mm disc with twin-

piston fl oating Nissin caliper

Rear brake: Single 255mm disc with twin-

piston fl oating Nissin caliper

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES

Dry weight: 205kg

Seat height: 825mm

Fuel capacity: 16L

PERFORMANCE

Max power: 43kW (58hp) @ 6800rpm

Max torque: 6.93kg/m @ 4750rpm

OTHER STUFF

Price: $12,490*

Test bike supplied by: Triumph Australia

Warranty: 24 months, unlimited

kilometres

*Manufacturer’s price, excluding dealer

and statutory costs

ARR’S FEARED

USED BIKE RATING:

2006

TRIUMPH

SCRAMBLER:

80 | AUSTRALIAN ROAD RIDER

USED BIKE BUYING: 2006-2008 TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER

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