It's been two and a half years since I bought my re-entry bike, a 2006 Scrambler. Have piled up 11,000+ miles since, despite our snowy winters here in central Washington. A pretty good mix of in-town stuff, country roads, dirt and a bit of freeway. We don't have any freeways close, so I have to go find one to ride... Avoid 'em whenever I can. Lots of mountains and canyons though.
Initially I was pleased with the perceived power of the twin. Think it was the torque and because I'd been off a bike for some years.
Quickly learned that there was NOTHING after it revved up a bit. Good grunt, and then tapered off quickly. Try to wind it up and pass... Hah! Was disgruntled, I mean after all it's a 900 right? Should have some punch...
Did the usual first stage hop-up. Hmmm. Air filter/Air box improvements, re-jet, exhaust and dyno-tune. Picked up a whopping five or six horsepower.
Fast forward a year and dang. Maybe I'm just getting better at riding it 11,000 miles later but well... Dang... I'm pleased and impressed. No, it's no sport bike, but yeah, it gets with the program. Love riding the twisty roads with short straights. Part way through the turn I'll start twisting the throttle, then open 'er up on the short straight. Love the sound of the intake and the Norman Hyde pipes!
Frankly, it's about all the acceleration I care to deal with on those tight, twisty roads. The engine braking is also excellent - so I can often just leave it in second or third and roll the throttle on & off... Love it! My buddies following me often tell me two things:
1. At first they're surprised by the zip out of the turn the Triumph has.
2. They all love the sound of those pipes... Me too...
I ride with guys and gals on all sorts of bikes. Big HD touring bikes, cruisers, sport-touring rigs, sport bikes, adventure bikes... Whatever! At a sane but spirited street pace, the little twin has no trouble holding with the group.
Now if they want to get crazy, Lil' Scram and I come up a bit short - but that's okay with me!
Power - reconsidered - and I'm content. For now...
Initially I was pleased with the perceived power of the twin. Think it was the torque and because I'd been off a bike for some years.
Quickly learned that there was NOTHING after it revved up a bit. Good grunt, and then tapered off quickly. Try to wind it up and pass... Hah! Was disgruntled, I mean after all it's a 900 right? Should have some punch...
Did the usual first stage hop-up. Hmmm. Air filter/Air box improvements, re-jet, exhaust and dyno-tune. Picked up a whopping five or six horsepower.
Fast forward a year and dang. Maybe I'm just getting better at riding it 11,000 miles later but well... Dang... I'm pleased and impressed. No, it's no sport bike, but yeah, it gets with the program. Love riding the twisty roads with short straights. Part way through the turn I'll start twisting the throttle, then open 'er up on the short straight. Love the sound of the intake and the Norman Hyde pipes!
Frankly, it's about all the acceleration I care to deal with on those tight, twisty roads. The engine braking is also excellent - so I can often just leave it in second or third and roll the throttle on & off... Love it! My buddies following me often tell me two things:
1. At first they're surprised by the zip out of the turn the Triumph has.
2. They all love the sound of those pipes... Me too...
I ride with guys and gals on all sorts of bikes. Big HD touring bikes, cruisers, sport-touring rigs, sport bikes, adventure bikes... Whatever! At a sane but spirited street pace, the little twin has no trouble holding with the group.
Now if they want to get crazy, Lil' Scram and I come up a bit short - but that's okay with me!
Power - reconsidered - and I'm content. For now...