Old Scratcher
who?
Not that I'm saying that there's anything wrong with a stock Scram. But a lot of us soon find the limits of the tyres & suspension. Also, the 55 ponies that come standard, just aren't enough (IMO). & it's not long before many of us start looking for ways to harness a few more.
So what are the best mods for a Scrambler?
Well it depends on what you want to use it for, where it's going to get ridden, & of course, how much you're willing to spend. I can only tell you what I've done, & how I've found it. But if enough of us do that, I think we'll soon be able to build the perfect cyber-scram.
The suspension & tyres are the first things to improve, IMO, as the stock items can barely cope with the 55hp the factory intended for them. There are many suspension options out there. I went for Ikons, which I'm very happy with, but the main thing to make sure of is that you get a progressive rate system.
For tyres I've tried Michelin Anakee & Metzler Tourance. They're both good tyres, which are far superior to the original Bridgestones. But I think the Tourance is the best of the lot, especially in the dirt (though it is the most expensive). For serious dirt work Metzler Karoo are the way to go. I've never used them, as I ride too much bitumen, & that really wears them out quickly.
I also had to fit Excell rims front & rear, when I flat-spotted my rear rim. & I'd highly reccomend them, as they're not only stronger, but also way lighter. & they make a big difference to the handling.
My first engine mod was a Stage 1 Performance Kit from Thunderbike in Nelson NZ. This consisted of new cams & mufflers, with an AI removal kit, K&N filter & a rejet. I never had it dyno'd, but from the seat of the pants, I'd say it increased hp to around 62-65hp, which I was more than happy with (the words "I'm fucking rapt" were used often).
Still, fucking rapt only lasts for so long. & so the next addition to my engine's internals were a Wiseco 904 kit, with a Sth Bay head & high comp pistons, 39mm FCR Keihin carbs, K&N pods, Barnett's H/D clutch springs, & to keep it all tracking straight a steering dampner. This has taken the hp into the mid 70's (I haven't had it dyno'd since it bedded in, but it's a lot more powerful than when it made 70hp just after the rebuild). & if I was fucking rapt with the TB kit, I was completely fucking blown away by the 904!
The bike has now got the kind of power that I always thought it should have, but is still very usable as a Scrambler in the dirt. I don't think I'll be adding any more neddies though. A Scrambler's not a Thruxton (or a Bonnie) & would lose it's Scrambling abilities if you made it into one. So I'm happy with what I've got, & intend to get as much riding enjoyment out of my improved ride as I can.
But it ain't been cheap.
Ikons $800
Tourance tyres $500 (pair)
Excell rims $1000 (laced to my hubs)
TB Stage 1 kit $2000
904 kit $650
Sth Bay Head $1200
Keihin carbs $1200
nark kit $250
Steering dampner $125
Labour $1500
Total $9225 (AUD)
I guess that's why I'd be so loath to sell it. I mean, who's going to give me the $20K I'd want for it? & come to think of it, I'd rather have my beautiful Scram sitting in my garage than $20K sitting in the bank. It gives me interest I can really use.
OK that's my folly. How much dosh have you splashed on your ride?
So what are the best mods for a Scrambler?
Well it depends on what you want to use it for, where it's going to get ridden, & of course, how much you're willing to spend. I can only tell you what I've done, & how I've found it. But if enough of us do that, I think we'll soon be able to build the perfect cyber-scram.
The suspension & tyres are the first things to improve, IMO, as the stock items can barely cope with the 55hp the factory intended for them. There are many suspension options out there. I went for Ikons, which I'm very happy with, but the main thing to make sure of is that you get a progressive rate system.
For tyres I've tried Michelin Anakee & Metzler Tourance. They're both good tyres, which are far superior to the original Bridgestones. But I think the Tourance is the best of the lot, especially in the dirt (though it is the most expensive). For serious dirt work Metzler Karoo are the way to go. I've never used them, as I ride too much bitumen, & that really wears them out quickly.
I also had to fit Excell rims front & rear, when I flat-spotted my rear rim. & I'd highly reccomend them, as they're not only stronger, but also way lighter. & they make a big difference to the handling.
My first engine mod was a Stage 1 Performance Kit from Thunderbike in Nelson NZ. This consisted of new cams & mufflers, with an AI removal kit, K&N filter & a rejet. I never had it dyno'd, but from the seat of the pants, I'd say it increased hp to around 62-65hp, which I was more than happy with (the words "I'm fucking rapt" were used often).
Still, fucking rapt only lasts for so long. & so the next addition to my engine's internals were a Wiseco 904 kit, with a Sth Bay head & high comp pistons, 39mm FCR Keihin carbs, K&N pods, Barnett's H/D clutch springs, & to keep it all tracking straight a steering dampner. This has taken the hp into the mid 70's (I haven't had it dyno'd since it bedded in, but it's a lot more powerful than when it made 70hp just after the rebuild). & if I was fucking rapt with the TB kit, I was completely fucking blown away by the 904!
The bike has now got the kind of power that I always thought it should have, but is still very usable as a Scrambler in the dirt. I don't think I'll be adding any more neddies though. A Scrambler's not a Thruxton (or a Bonnie) & would lose it's Scrambling abilities if you made it into one. So I'm happy with what I've got, & intend to get as much riding enjoyment out of my improved ride as I can.
But it ain't been cheap.
Ikons $800
Tourance tyres $500 (pair)
Excell rims $1000 (laced to my hubs)
TB Stage 1 kit $2000
904 kit $650
Sth Bay Head $1200
Keihin carbs $1200
nark kit $250
Steering dampner $125
Labour $1500
Total $9225 (AUD)
I guess that's why I'd be so loath to sell it. I mean, who's going to give me the $20K I'd want for it? & come to think of it, I'd rather have my beautiful Scram sitting in my garage than $20K sitting in the bank. It gives me interest I can really use.
OK that's my folly. How much dosh have you splashed on your ride?
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