Triumph Motorcycles rolled out its newly-renamed Scrambler 900 for MY2022 and carries it over into MY2023 with a trio of distinctive colorways plus a Chrome Edition trim package for this year only. The Scrambler 900 carries a Euro5-compliant engine set-up for easy conversion to A2 license requirements. This extends the Scrambler 900's usefulness and expands the potential rider base in areas with tiered licensing systems in place.
Rugged design elements join with {bona fide} dual-surface capabilities to make it as versatile as it looks, which is in keeping with the original scramblers from back in the '60s built around UJMs and British sport-cruisers. Wire wheels and stealth knobbies make their contribution to the off-road-tastic looks and function, while the engine layout reinforces its classic looks. Ride-by-wire throttle control pairs with the electronics to delivery a thoroughly modern riding experience. Add to that switchable ABS and traction control, as well as three ride modes for on-road or off-road journeys.
Triumph's Scrambler started back in the 1960s, but this latest addition to the family line launched in 2006 with a continual line of succession through MY2023 making this model a genuine evolution of design with a rock-solid pedigree. Perhaps even more historically significant is the engine choice. Trumpet packs in a new Bonneville engine that itself is a member of a long and distinguished family all its own with proven power and capabilities.
2023 Triumph Scrambler 900
- Model
- Scrambler 900
- Engine:
- 900 cc Parallel Twin
- Power Output
- 64.1 HP
- Torque
- 59 LB-FT
- Transmission
- 5-speed
- Driveline
- O ring chain
- MSRP
- $11,495
- Classic Looks
- Proven Engine
- Decent Electronic Protections
- Pillion Pad Is Minimal At Best
- Could Use A Beefier Bashplate
- Could Use Handguards
2023 Triumph Street Scrambler 900 Performance And Capability
Power for the Scrambler 900 comes from a 900 cc parallel-twin Bonneville, which is another name that's steeped in Triumph history and is perhaps one of the most popular and recognizable designs around today. Almost square in its layout, the Bonneville runs an 84.6 mm bore with an 80 mm stroke for a fairly spicy, 11-to-1 compression ratio that will prefer mid-grade pusholine at least.
Rather than the usual 180-out firing order we frequently see with parallel-twins, this engine has a 270-out firing order that gives it a lope at idle and extra traction on wet/soft surfaces higher up in the range. It's got an eight-valve head with a single over-head cam to actuate the valvetrain while keeping the top end light and relatively simple. This engine is liquid-cooled, so it has good stamina in slow/stop-n-go traffic conditions, even in hot weather.
Electronic throttle bodies feed the beast, but Triumph missed an opportunity by not using the throttle bodies that look like the old mechanical-slide carbs from back in the day. Power flows through a slip-and-assist clutch and five-speed transmission with an O-ring chain final drive.
The 2023 Scrambler 900 produces 64.1 horsepower and 59 pound-feet of torque. This gives it plenty of top-end power with a decent amount of tractable grunt available early on in the rev range that pairs well with the broad friction zone of the slipper clutch for improved, low-rev control. Claimed Scrambler 900 top speed is 108 MPH (175 km/h). The ride-by-wire throttle enables the switchable traction control with a trio of Riding Modes that let you tailor the power delivery.
Design
Triumph enjoys the benefits of longtime operation to give its “Modern Classics” a ring of historical accuracy with a genuine look that evolved over the decades. It makes sense that the Bonnie vibe is still strong with Scrambler 900 since Bonneville models were the base for the early scramblers.
Cut-down fenders come shot in black like much of the rest of the bike with the only splash of color found at the fuel tank. Fork bellows give the front end an air of off-roadiness while the round cyclops headlight reinforces the old-school looks. Behind the light, a single round gauge with an analog speedometer and LCD handles all the instrumentation and electronic controls to keep the cockpit looking nice and clean.
The fuel tank has a teardrop profile that makes yet another historical reference that deepens the Scrambler's classic chops. A bench seat sits 31.1 inches off the deck, which should accommodate relatively short riders. In the rear, it comes with a small pillion pad and subframe-mount passenger foot pegs, so you can share the fun with a friend right off the showroom floor. An LED taillight ensures effective visibility from the rear, day or night.
Specs & Dimensions
Width | 32.9 in |
Height | 46.5 in |
Seat Height | 31.1 in |
Wheelbase | 56.9 in |
Fuel Capacity | 3.17 gals |
Curb Weight | 492 lbs |
Chassis
Tubular-steel members on the Scrambler 900 make up the double-downtube/dual-cradle frame with more steel found in the yoke-style swingarm for the strength it brings to the table. A pair of 41 mm, cartridge-type forks float the front end with dual, coil-over shocks that rock adjustable preload settings as the only suspension tweak found. Both ends turn in 4.72 inches of travel to make it a tad forgiving for off-road work.
Laced wheels, ever the fave of off-road riders, round out the rolling chassis in a 19-inch wheel ahead of a 17-incher, and they come shod in Metzeler Tourance tires in a 100/90 and 150/70 respectively. These hoops have stealth-knobby treads that are equally good on streets and softer surfaces to give the Scrambler 900 some genuine dual-surface utility.
The steering head establishes a 25.6-degree rake angle with 4.29 inches of trail. These figures put it almost all the way at the most agile end of the spectrum to give the Scrambler a willing nature with just a tad of stability like a cherry on top.
A single 310 mm disc and four-bore Brembo caliper slow the front wheel with a 255 mm disc and twin-pot Nissin binder out back. Switchable and stock cornering ABS provides protection for some extra safety right out of the box.
Chassis & Suspension
Frame | Tubular steel, with twin cradles |
Swingarm | Twin-sided steel fabrication |
Front Suspension/ Travel | 41 mm forks with cartridge damping/ 4.7 in |
Rear Suspension/ Travel | Twin shocks with adjustable preload/ 4.7 in |
Rake | 25.6° |
Trail | 4.3 in |
Front Wheel | Spoked steel rims, 19’’ x 2.5’’ |
Rear Wheel | Spoked steel rims, 17’’ x 4.25’’ |
Front Tire | 100/90-19 Metzeler Tourance |
Rear Tire | 150/70 R17 Metzeler Tourance |
Front Brake | 310 mm floating disc, Brembo 4-piston fixed axial caliper, ABS |
Rear Brake | 255 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS |
2023 Triumph Street Scrambler 900 Price And Availability
MSRP on the 2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 starts at $11,495. You can get the base model in Jet Black for that price. If you fancy the Matte Khaki Green or Carnival Red/Jet Black two-tone colorway you'll have to fork over another $300. The Chrome Edition with chrome panels at the tank indents is available this year only in Brookland's Green for $11,995.
Pricing & Features
Features | Analog speedometer with LCD multi-functional display, switchable ABS, switchable Traction Control, 3 Ride Modes |
Warranty | 2-year, unlimited mileage warranty |
Colors | |
└ 2022 | Jet Black, Matte Khaki, Matte Ironstone (Sandstorm: Sandstorm Gray) |
└ 2023 | Jet Black, Matte Khaki Green, Carnival Red/Jet Black (Chrome Edition: Brookland's Green) |
Price | |
└ 2022 | $11,000 (Sandstorm: $11,750) |
└ 2023 | $11,495 (Chrome Edition: $11,995) |
Competitors
The scrambler scene is quite well-populated, but I wanted a serious contender. I went to Ducati for its Scrambler Icon.
Ducati Scrambler Icon
Ducati puts together a solid product with excellent fit-and-finish along with solid engineering. Admittedly, the Duc has a more modern overall look, but that's not necessarily a good selling point in this particular genre since the retro thing is also red-hot at the moment.
Chopped-down fenders and a classic fuel-tank design make an effort to hit the same design high notes with the benefit of shedding unnecessary weight, both sprung and unsprung, from the equation. I'll say this for the Duc, the hugger rear fender looks really sharp under that bobbed rear fender, and it cleans up the actual subframe area.
Power comes in at 73 ponies and 48.8 pounds o' grunt against 64.1/59 for a trade-off that's pretty much a wash at the end of the day. The Ducati rolls for $10,195 for a slim advantage at checkout, but the price won't settle this contest. It comes down to what kind of package you want, be it modern or modern-classic.
He Said
“That Bonneville look is rather timeless at this point. It's an inextricable part of the British motorcycle culture, never mind the historical use of Bonnies as the basis for a Scrambler (or café racer) machine. I find it entirely appropriate for Triumph to cleave to that history while turning out a modern bike because it has “the look” while also having the goods.”
She Said
My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says,
“The improved Bonneville engine that came in with the last update still goes strong moving forward. It's a higher-revving engine with more power and torque. This is a right proper scrambler. It's priced well for what you get, and that's a well-put-together bike in a classic style. It's a blast for dirt roads and loose, sandy soil.”
FAQ
Q: What is the MPG of the Triumph Street Scrambler 900?
Equipped with the 900 cc Bonneville engine, the fuel economy of the Street Scrambler 900 is a claimed 54.7 MPG.
Q: How much horsepower does a Scrambler 900 have?
With the 900 cc Bonneville engine, the Street Scrambler 900 produces a claimed 64.1 horsepower at 7,250 RPM and 59 pound-feet of torque at 3.250 RPM.
Q: How fast is the Triumph Scrambler 900?
The claimed top speed of the Street Scrambler 900 is 108 MPH (175 km/h).
Q: How much does a Triumph Street Scrambler 900 weigh?
Curb weight of the Scrambler 900 is 492 pounds. This is the weight before options or accessories are added and does not include modifications.