TRIUMPH STREET SCRAMBLER (2017 - 2018) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
Power: 54 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.2 in / 792 mm)
Weight: Medium (470 lbs / 213 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £5,500 - £7,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Not only is the 2017 Triumph Scrambler, smoother, easier to ride and more fun than its predecessor, it’s also a handsome and extremely well packaged machine with sweet finishing touches and clever attention to detail. 

Everyone loves a scrambler. And everyone will love this. Triumph kicked off the retro scrambler platform back in 2006 with their Bonneville-based version which paved the way for a new popular breed.

Today’s trend veers towards fun, simple and accessible instead of performance orientated and that’s exactly what Triumph has done with their latest offering. What's more, its decent electronics package, off-road bobbins and classic style will appeal to a wide audience.

Triumph’s attention to its off-road treatment, style and the superb finish is much appreciated. So here’s what makes it better than the outgoing model. It’s more compact, less intimidating, more usable and thoroughly modern.

Swing a leg over the low seat, fire it into life and the new brushed aluminium exhaust system plays a distinctly British tune. Click the slick gearbox into first, the super-light slip-assist clutch is effortless and the 900cc parallel-twin pulls away smoothly.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Its wide bars make it a hoot to tip into corners and the silky smooth motor and refined throttle make it incredibly easy to manhandle and push harder. The exquisite exhaust just loves it when you crack the throttle open.

The longer fork and rear shocks remain poised and focused on every bend and the new Nissin twin-pot caliper and floating disc provide plenty of stopping power. You can wring its neck and it doesn’t get bent out of shape.

The Metzeler Tourance tyres do an excellent job of sticking to the tarmac and easily handle gravel tracks too. The Scrambler is fun on light gravel, the suspension does a good enough job of soaking up light bumps, but anything too deep and it’ll bottom out.

Most importantly, it’ll instantly slap a smile on your face and you’ll feel like Steve McQueen scanning the countryside for fences (just don’t try jumping them).  

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Triumph’s most accessible bike is the Street Twin, launched a year ago, it’s simple, manageable, fun, packed with mod-cons, and more importantly – meets euro4 requirements. So it only makes sense for Triumph to ditch the old 865cc motor and start again with the Street Twin as the donor bike.

No complaints here. The Street Scrambler gets a new ‘High Torque’ 900cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin motor. The 900cc parallel-twin pulls away smoothly.  Triumph reckon the new motor produces 28% more power and torque between 2750-4750rpm than the outgoing model and it’s certainly smoother and more refined with a broader spread of power. They also say it’s more fuel efficient and service intervals have been bumped up from 6,000 to 10,000 miles. 

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Triumph’s attention to its off-road treatment, style and the superb finish is much appreciated.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

There are three colour options to choose from, Jet Black  - £8,900, Matt Khaki Green - £9,025 and Korosi Red and Frozen Silver - £9,200.

Find Triumph Street Scrambler models at MCN Bikes for Sale.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Triumph Street Scrambler gets switchable traction control, ABS, ride-by-wire and slip-assist clutch all wrapped up in an ultra-friendly package. Traction control and ABS are quickly turned off by thumbing the ‘Info’ button on the switchgear. It also has removable rubber pegs and a bashplate as well as an exquisite new exhaust system. 

The Street Scrambler sets itself apart from the Street Twin with its scrambler styling, raised and wider handlebar, a more relaxed riding position thanks to a higher and new seat, slightly more forward pegs, a larger 19” spoke front wheel, new mirrors, new longer suspension units front and rear with 120mm travel, posh side mounted exhaust system, uprated Nissin front brake and an interchangeable pillion seat and aluminium rack as standard. 

But the really sweet extras are found in its off-road CV. Only the traction control is switchable on the Street Twin, while the Scrambler also allows you to switch off the ABS to lock up and slide the back end in the dirt. It’s also got a hefty sump guard, rubber pads on the tank, big grippy pegs with removable rubber inserts and a large off-road brake pedal.

It comes with Metzeler Tourance tyres as standard, which do a commendable job both on the tarmac and gravel tracks. While it’s no enduro bike and we wouldn’t go jumping any fences Steve McQueen-style anytime soon, it’s still fun and has all the dirt bobbins you’d want.

Specs

Engine size 900cc
Engine type liquid-cooled, 8v, parallel-twin
Frame type Tubular steel cradle
Fuel capacity 12 litres
Seat height 792mm
Bike weight 213kg
Front suspension KYB 41 mm forks, 120 mm travel
Rear suspension KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload, 120 mm rear wheel travel
Front brake Single 310 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Rear brake Single 255 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Front tyre size 100/90-19
Rear tyre size 150/70- R17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 63 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £200
New price -
Used price £5,500 - £7,000
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year, unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 54 bhp
Max torque 59 ft-lb
Top speed 115 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 164 miles

Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH STREET SCRAMBLER (2017 - 2018)

5 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH STREET SCRAMBLER (2017 - 2018) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your TRIUMPH STREET SCRAMBLER (2017 - 2018)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Engine: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Equipment: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
4 out of 5
10 July 2020 by Mark

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £140

Good but not good enough

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Just good fun and ok over mid ranges

Engine 4 out of 5

Not an engineer but smooth and responsive, just lacks a little something?

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Some poor components

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

My mechanic liked how easy it was to work on

Equipment 3 out of 5

Expensive base model for what it is

4 out of 5 The Rough Stuff - Urban Raider and Sunny Day back lane rider.....
11 February 2020 by David Alanson

Year: 2018

Street Scrambler - the clue is in the name; this is all about urban or rural fun. It can commute, scratch and ride the roads less travelled. It's not a true off roader of course but the odd trail can be done with ease. It looks killer and it has that Triumph iconic badge on the tank plus it is a good, indeed a very good, motorcycle. Let the good times roll. I love it. I went for the red/silver option and even the tank has it's lines finished by hand with the initials of the person who did it. Nice touch on this charismatic motorcycle. Great for commuting, rural roads and just having fun on. triumph at their utilitarian and fun best in my view. The bike induces a real feel good factor.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Nimble, manouverable and quick enough. This really is an urban or rural fun bike in the best radition of Triumph and other British marques. It is a good ride the forks and brakes are fine if you want to ride within the limits of the bike. You can add new shocks, but it just depends the type of riding you do. Stock is 100% fine for me and the front brake is absolutely fine; I prefer the ease of having just one front disc; braking is fine and the Nissin brakes are good for the job.

Engine 5 out of 5

Sweet engine 900cc high torque puts out 54 bhp but does that matter? No, it's about real world performance. The 2019 Street Scrambler (2019 on) puts out more horse power with the same torque and torque is king here. The 2018 model puts out real world power. I bike in the UK and the engine is ideal; it will do longer runs (based as it is on the Street twin engine) but the twin cylinder is sweet and the engine noise is just right as you hear it through the stock pipes - not too loud but it is audible and the standard pipes allow you to hear that amazingly flexible engine. A lovely piece of engineering by Triumph. I give it 5 out of 5.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Early days for me and with a 2018 model with only 2,400 miles I'd expect 100% reliability. So far no shocks and I expect that the quality fit and finish will remain; this bike is well screwed together. Many of the bikes are now made by Triumph in Thailand and the quality control is 10 out of 10. The standard of quality finish is Japanese standards or above.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Vehicle tax in the UK is £91 per year but that aside insurance for my age group is low and many owners quote 70 mpg when run mildly, although mpg suffers when thrashed. Mine is ridden sensibly and costs so far are very reasonable. Budget fun is a term I would offer here, but much more emphasis on the word fun; this is a grin inducing bike.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Centre stand is an extra but worth it, a fly screen keeps a little wind off too and a fender extender keeps mud and dirt off the radiator which is nicely tucked away. Centre stand is a must for this bike and is an extra - but worth it in my view.

Buying experience: Purchased from a non Triumph dealership, but I have mo complaints about CMC in cannock, I did the deal online and the service from CMC was top class.

5 out of 5 2019 Street Scrambler is old-school perfection in a new wrapper.
09 August 2019 by Dale Leppo

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £300

Easy to ride. Comfortable. Cruises fine at 70-75 mph, but the most fun is on back roads at 40-60 mph. Much improved brakes over my 2009 Bonneville. I absolutely would recommend this bike to anyone.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Not huge power, but plenty to be an all-around bike. Brakes are just right. Ride it to the store or work, ride it on back roads, take it on the highway. (Add accessories listed below if you plan to do more than an hour or so on the highways.) Haven't had a pillion but you would need to change the seat for that. The standard pillion seat is tiny.

Engine 5 out of 5

I love the engine, BUT it has a few characteristics that some folks might not like. Pros: Enough power. Great sound. Good torque. You know you are on a motorcycle. Cons: Not amazing power. Get a 1200 if you want that. I rode both and preferred the 900. Some folks might not like the vibrations below 2,000 and over 4,200 rpm, but I think they are part of what makes it fun to ride.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Quality is great. The bike is too new to comment on reliability yet.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Service costs more than a Honda, about the same as a BMW and less than a Ducati.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The riding position is perfect for me at 5'9" and 180 lbs. I recommend the heated grips, hand guards (I chose Bark Busters) and a center stand. For highway riding I added the fly screen. It takes pressure off of you chest over 55 mph, but it adds wind noise. Good option if you do a lot of freeway riding. Otherwise I would skip the fly screen.

Buying experience: Triumph Cleveland (Ohio, USA) is a pleasure to do business with.

5 out of 5 This is a great old-school bike with modern upgrades
10 May 2019 by Dale Leppo

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £200

First some background. I was born in 1952 and have been riding since 1972 (you can do the maths). My last two new bikes have been a 2012 Ducati Multistrada and a 2017 Harley Ultra Classic. Both are great bikes, but I was looking to return to bikes similar to the ones I started riding. Here's what I wanted: 1) A bike that sits comfortably for my no-longer-young body. 2) A weight around 450 lbs (210 kg). 3) A seat height of 32" (810 mm) or less. 4) Reasonable power, but not a rocket. 5) Good brakes with TC and ABS. I rode the CB1100 and was underwhelmed. I looked at the RnineT in its various configurations and couldn't get comfortable. Same with the Ducati Scrambler. I rode an Indian Scout and liked it, but it was 100 lbs too heavy and the forward controls wouldn't work for me long term. My local Triumph dealer let me ride a Thruxton because he has a demo bike and he loves the Thruxton which is an absolutely beautiful bike. I appreciated the engine and the looks, but the riding position and handling were too aggressive for me. I rode the Scrambler and told him "No comparison" when I returned. He thought that meant that I preferred the Thruxton. He almost fell on the floor when I pointed to the Scrambler as the better bike for me. This is a great bike for someone like me who has "been there, done that" with bigger, more powerful, more focused bikes. Could you ride it across the USA? I guess you could, but it might not be my first choice. Other than that I can't imagine a scenario where this bike wouldn't do what I want it for. I can hop on to ride to the grocery store (with a tail bag) or do a quick weekend jaunt. I would suggest that you ride one and see it if is the right bike for you.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

This bike is a joy to ride, but especially at something less than highway speeds. The new Brembos are a significant improvement over the old brakes as they actually stop the bike.

Engine 4 out of 5

It isn't a rocket, but it has enough power for me. I rode the 2019 after riding a 2017 and the increased power is noticeable. Best of all, the engine is happy to run at almost any sane rpm.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The fit and finish of the bike is superb and the factory accessories fit like they were designed to do so (which, of course, they were).

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

That's just a guess, but with 10,000 mile intervals it should be relatively inexpensive to keep on the road.

Equipment 5 out of 5

My favourite feature is the riding position. This bike fits me like the old-school bikes it is designed to look like. I had a 2009 Bonneville, but it was lacking in power, needed another gear and the brakes bordered on awful. All of that seems to have been rectified in this bike. I added heated grips and a centre stand. More to follow.

Buying experience: I got it from the local dealer who could not have been more pleasant to deal with.

5 out of 5 Big smiles from little scram.
07 April 2017 by steve

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £150

great bike bike, makes me smile on every ride. this would make a very good first bike for new riders, i also have a speed R but this is a different flavour of bike entirely, puts as big a smile on my face. I tried most of the new Bonny range, almost went for the Thruxton R but am very happy with my choice as the street scrambler is more Fun.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

very smooth most of the time, great on pot holed roads, brakes work well, just remember she is not a sports bike but is surprisingly rapid when asked especially on B roads.

Engine 5 out of 5

suits the bike perfectly, grunt down low and in the mid range but still smooth for a twin.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

the quality of Triumphs has made a big step for the better on the new Bonneville range. only 1000 mile so far so reliability not tested yet but this is my 6th Triumph with zero problems so far.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

just the 500 mile service so far but i don`t think the cost will be to bad 10,000 mile intervals will help. i am averaging 69 mpg.

Equipment 4 out of 5

i went for heated grips which are very good. the standard rack is handy. i also got the short screen which looks nice, not sure about any benefit of wind blast? LED indicators look much better and are Bright. Do like the LCD rev counter, keeps a clean look with the one clock, but there if you want to see revs.

Buying experience: a nice experience all round, as expexted from Carl Rosners.

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