Triumph Originals - USA
Custom Workshop: Colombia River
Model: Scambler 1200 X
Team Leader: Liz Rubin
“The Scrambler doesn’t pretend. It’s built to get dirty, take a wrong turn, and keep exploring. Its heritage design and instant cool factor make it a perfect canvas for customization.”
A Tribute to PNW Adventure, built by Liz Rubin and the team at Triumph Columbia River in Portland, Oregon, this is a custom Scrambler inspired by the landscapes, roads, and adventurous spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
Designed as a motorcycle that could be ridden and enjoyed every day, the build draws on the region’s strong connection to the outdoors, where the journey is often more important than the destination.
Inspired by US Forest Service vehicles and childhood memories of Smokey Bear in the Rocky Mountains, the bike blends nostalgia, rugged character, and modern functionality. Custom components, bespoke details, and distinctive CROOKED brand additions enhance both its performance and personality, while the paintwork, logos, and finishing touches reflect the creativity and collaboration of Portland’s motorcycle community. More than just a custom build, this project is a tribute to place, adventure, and the people who helped bring the vision to life, resulting in a Scrambler that is clean, capable, and unmistakably full of character.
Liz Rubin, alongside her team at Triumph Columbia River in Portland, Oregon, answered the ‘Time Capsule’ design brief with a custom Scrambler titled, ‘A Tribute to PNW Adventure’. Working at Triumph dealerships since 2001, Rubin believes custom motorbikes shouldn't be out of reach, and helps riders make bikes their own. Her first project, a 2000 Legend stripped into a Bobber, set the blueprint: start with a vision and go with guts.
For this build, Rubin drew on Pacific Northwest riding culture, US Forest Service vehicles, and Smokey Bear nostalgia from her Rockies upbringing, mixing memory and place with old-school grit and modern details. The Scrambler's get-dirty, explorative character became a natural canvas for it all.
Timing was tight and good black hardware was a challenge to find, but custom components, bespoke details, and CROOKED brand parts added the final edge, sharpening both performance and presence. Rubin's favourite moment came when the pieces finally clicked into place and the team's reaction said it all: “Oh... now I get it.”
Q&A
How long have you been customising Triumph motorcycles?
I’ve been at Triumph dealerships since 2001, helping riders make their bikes their own. I’m not a fabricator – just someone who loves motorcycles and believes custom builds shouldn’t feel out of reach.
How did you get into Customs?
My first custom was a 2000 Legend stripped down into a Bobber. It wasn’t perfect, and that was the point. You don’t need a full shop or a huge budget to build something cool – just a vision and the guts to go for it.
What do you think makes the Scrambler platform a great platform for custom builds?
The Scrambler doesn’t pretend. It’s built to get dirty, take a wrong turn, and keep exploring. Its heritage design and instant cool factor make it a perfect canvas for customisation.
How would you describe your approach to custom bike building?
Make something I would want to ride everyday.
What are the key ideas behind your custom Scrambler for this competition?
This bike is a nod to the Pacific Northwest – our love of the outdoors, great roads, and rides where the journey matters more than the destination. Inspiration came from US Forest Service vehicles and a little Smokey Bear nostalgia – growing up in the Rockies, now riding in the PNW. It’s a mix of memory, place, old-school grit, and modern touches.
