Triumph scrabbler

[Sorbs]

Has anyone got one of these cos my wife was thinking about doing her test and buy one. Are they any good for a newbie? She's only 5'5" and about 50 kgs so would it be any good for her. 

[davyc]

My wife bought a new bonnie after passing her test. The new bonnies seat height was perfect as she's only 5' 3" but sadly she found it was just too heavy for her when doing slow manoeuvres. She felt it was only a matter of time before she'd end up dropping it in a car park or similar.

We sold it and got her a little 250 Ninja that she loves. She rode it over to Italy from Scotland a couple of years ago and round France last year. Mind you, she feels she'd probably be OK with the Bonnie now that she's more confident.

[Serial675bpurchaser]

Just had a look at the specs on this one. 230kg wet weight, that's 41kg more than a Street, so quite heavy. In fact the specs say the Street has a slighly lower seat height than the Scrambler, so I would say a Street is more suitable, although the engine will have more performance.
My wife use to have an NC30 when she rode, followed by a Bandit 400. These little japs import bikes are quite suited to the ladies, as they are built for the smaller japanese frame. If you can find a good one, well worth considering, especially as a first 'big' bike, a bit more manageable than a 600. Of course whatever she gets will have to be the right colour etc.

[Sorbs]

Thanks for the input guys it might be the Japanese option for her.

[Red]

No harm or cost in getting a test ride. But the weight will be a bit daunting to start with only when riding, but it wont go away if you need to push it up a slope to park.
 
There are 2 bonnies as well as the scrambler (not counting speed masters etc) so have a look as its a great bike.
 
 

[jcp]

Sorbs,
 
I've never thought it good manners to comment on typos or spelling errors  but I can't resist it.
Triumph really should make a "Scrabbler" a 110kg 250cc single with wire wheels and high pipe.
A pure and simple trail bike for Triumph fans to use for sunday morning light off road fun!
Scabbler!!
Pure marketing genius!

[Tomspurs]

Might be better getting a street and fit a de tune kit if needed, that way she can get used to the bike as its very light in comparison to the Bonnie. I have a Bonnie and its ok as long as its vertical and great around the bends, especially the small wheel version (which should be better for her). The scrambler has exhaust issues where its located, so best try one and see if she gets on with it......try them all, one after the other....thats probably the best way...the dealer wont mind....good luck.

[davyc]

My wife loves my Triple but it's still too tall for her. She's on tiptoe and it doesn't give her confidence. She likes being flat footed on the bike. Even with a lowering link she'd struggle but then 5' 3" is short. Your wife may find it ok Sorbs.

Another option to consider (and one my wife is looking at as an upgrade to the Ninja, though mainly for comfort) is the BMW G650GS. BMW do a low seat option or, even better, a lowered suspension version which is great for shorties. The lowered suspension option isn't just a linkage, it's lowered all round using a shorter shock and shorter forks so handling isn't affected. The weights also not too bad, it has a safe amount of power and it does something like 100,000 mpg    Oh and the price isn't bad either.

http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/motorcycles/enduro/bmw-g-650-gs/

[Sorbs]

Davyc thanks for the link to BMW they look pretty good. Jcp thanks for the correction its just that i type with my elbows 

[firedragon]

Ducati Monster Dark (600cc) might be a good option, has quite a low seat and is light and manoeuvrable but still pretty pokey and sounds lovely...

M

[jcp]

Originally Posted by Sorbs

Davyc thanks for the link to BMW they look pretty good. Jcp thanks for the correction its just that i type with my elbows 

Think if it as more congratulation than correction-I'd buy a Triumph Scrabbler!!

[flyn2k]

Originally Posted by jcp

I'd buy a Triumph Scrabbler!!

Sounds like it would be going for a triple word score!