Great Escapism

First impressions don't always count. My initial feeling on seeing a Triumph Bonneville Scrambler was that this bike didn't work on an aesthetic level. It seemed as if several people had had a go at the design and all put their favourite retro parts forward for consideration. The exhaust and silencer system that dominates one viewpoint seems to distort the proportions.

But stand awhile, push conventional and modern design notions to one side,and this bike takes on another dimension. Retro works. There's lots of chrome and polished alloy so any owner had better enjoy spending a chunk of their 'bike time' cleaning the beast. For me, this model's great feature is the engine unit. A lovely lump of matt black and alloy oil leaks long ago. The sculptured engineering 865cc's only push out that could sit on a 56bhp, a plinth in my house to veritable be gazed at -gentle giant, especially as fuelled by Triumphs gave up twin carbs that are fitted with manual choke. However this "old" technology incorporates 'electric carburettor heaters'.

The Scrambler that Boyer Racing loaned me for a couple of days took me through the Kent and Sussex countryside, and various jaunts around London. It was fitted with an after market exhaust and silencer system that made you take half a step back when the bike was fired up. Blip the throttle and it cracks assertively. Not enough to provoke unfriendly stares but enough to draw attention, which it did as I ambled through a couple of county towns at high street traffic pace. This is a bike that turns heads. Mostly those of blokes who have long ago given up two wheels, but when a model like the Scrambler cruises past, the Ford Focus and supermarket aisles will be lost for a moment as the memories return - just one more regret.

This bike had a single seat fitted with a chrome carrier where the pillion would be, which is handy enough to strap an overnight bag to if necessary but you're not going to be doing any significant touring on this. It's the epitome of weekend leisure cruising: a rolling through the countryside, and runs to the coast, type of bike. 'Go Your Own Way' as the ubiquitous Triumph slogan states.

Start it up from cold and the engine takes a while before it warms through enough for you to lean down and push the choke back in - it's a long time since I've performed that manoeuvre. Then it's a gentle pull away with a light clutch picking up the power through a five speed gear box that's precise and noiseless.

The bars are wide but comfortable enough for the average size rider, whoever he or she is, and the cross brace has a Triumph embossed cover. Tucked in beneath and sitting above the tank is a small rev counter, and beyond, a speedometer on a polished alloy mounting with two instrument lights each side. It's a neat and pleasing minimalist set up.

On the move the Scrambler will soon discipline you into riding the way this motorcycle should be treated. Easy does it. Aboard this bike you're not thinking about how to get to your destination quickly nor aiming to set up the next set of bends to take at pace, because footrests meet the road without too much effort. If you want to put a stint in at 70/80mph on a dual carriageway or motorway stretch, it will handle it comfortably, with bags of grunt. It's smooth too, right through the range. Riding all day I never felt any vibration through the bars, seat, or footrests. I did find the footrest positions awkward when coming to a stop and waiting at lights, junctions etc, because my legs didn't drop easily into a comfortable position, and either my shins or my calves were pushing against them. I eventually opted for stopping with my legs forward of the rests so my calves pushed them back slightly on their springs.

The bike went on to reserve not long after I picked it up, and under the tank there's a genuine retro fuel tap too. As the engine splutters through fuel starvation you lean down with the left hand and turn the spigot to release the reserve supply. I topped the tank up with 12 litres at 695 miles, and when the reserve kicked in again the mileage was 836 (141 miles). You can work out the mpg; it's a frugal figure that would gladden the heart of any environmental campaigner.

On my return journey towards London I tried a couple of roundabouts at a more exciting lick, but the footrest grounding out soon discourages this. There's 205kgs (415lbs) plus rider to stop, and the front brake is just a single disc, but the rear has some bite, and the two in combination are effective enough. The Bridgestone Trail Wing tyres, even with their semi knobbly pattern, provide ample confidence too.

You wouldn't buy a Scrambler to go scratching around trying to keep pace with sports models anyway. As the Dealer has pointed out in recent columns, motorcycle purchasing decisions should ideally take account of the type of riding you do, the geography and the mileage you cover - so you end up with a machine that is 'fit for purpose' in the current management speak.

I was surprised how nimble this bike was in congested traffic, and began to enjoy drifting through gaps and filtering down the outside of lines of static vehicles with that lovely silencer sending out a firm audible warning.


Sunny Saturday, posing on Brighton sea front, lightweight jacket, open face helmet, tan with stubble, and heading for some South Downs back roads: yes you too can be Steve McQueen.

Thanks to Boyer Racing for the loan of their demonstrator: an enjoyable bike with an easy style and ride. They will feed your Great Escape fantasy in red/white or blue/white for £5,699 OTR. 020 8854 8133 www.boyerracing.co.uk

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