Triumph Scrambler 1200 is finally here!

Bruno Gomes

October 24, 2018

Say hello to the brand-new Triumph Scrambler 1200!

We’ve already spoke about the new scrambler models almost every manufacturer builds nowadays, and it seems that these bikes are going for a more road focused bias instead of going full off-road that’s the essence of a scrambler bike. On one side, manufacturers managed to capture the attention of new motorcyclists that want that rugged look but without the off-road capabilities, but on the other side, the scrambler spirit was lost through time.

Fortunately, some manufacturers want us to have true scramblers to have some fun shredding the off-road trails, and Triumph certainly has done its job.

After months and months of teasers, and a lengthy development process, Triumph today released all the details and photos of the sweet looking Scrambler 1200, that shows up in two trim levels: the on-road friendly model XC, and the pure off-road version XE.

Both bikes share the same basic elements: the known Triumph T120 twin cylinder engine, with 1200 cc, developing 90 hp and 110 Nm of torque. The engine has been reworked to deliver its torque down the rev range and across the medium rev range, with the rider controlling the Scrambler 1200 through a ride-by-wire throttle, that makes it available to Triumph to use an advanced electronic package.

Triumph also announces that the service intervals are extended to 16 000 km.

As we said, both the Scrambler 1200 XC and XE feature an advanced riding electronic package. This includes riding modes – there’s five modes as standard Road, Rain, Off-Road, Sport and Rider-configurable riding mode; the XE also adds the Off-Road Pro riding mode that turns ABS and traction control off, and uses the ‘Off-Road’ throttle map -, and through the use of an Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU) fitted on the XE, this model also gets optimized cornering ABS and traction control.

Both Scrambler 1200’s get full LED lighting with DRL headlight, backlit switches for ease of use at night, keyless ignition, a second generation color TFT screen that will allow the control of GoPro cameras and navigation system created in partnership with Google for the Triumph app, and for those winter rides, the Scrambler 1200 XE also gets as standard equipment heated grips (optional for the XC).

Suspension duties are controlled by fully adjustable Showa front forks and newly developed RSU twin-shocks by Öhlins, which deliver 250mm wheel travel on the XE, and the dual purpose XC delivers 200mm.

Topping off the high-specification engineering innovation there are premium Brembo M50 radial monobloc calipers, folding foot controls which are adjustable on the XE model, and first-in-class tubeless tyres and spoked 21’ inch front wheel. Because it’s more off-road capable, the XE also uses a new longer aluminium swingarm.

Of course being the top of the range, the Scrambler 1200 XE gets premium components like handguards, Brembo MCS lever, gold coloured fork and silver finish on the handlebar.

And knowing how customizable the Scrambler can be, Triumph also created its own custom kits, known as Inspiration Kits.

The Escape kit gives the Scrambler 1200 a more touring style. Rugged pannier and fitting kit, handguards kit, grab rack kit, LED fog lights, center stand and flyscreen and mounting kit.

The Extreme kit gives the Scrambler 1200 an even more off-road look and performance. IT includes an Arrow carbon silencer, aluminium radiator guard, machined oil filler cap, high front mudguard, black handlebar brace, LED indicator kit and relocation of rear light, side stand extension, stainless steel dresser bar, headlight grille and bezel.

As if this wasn’t enough, Triumph also developed an extensive accessories range dedicates exclusively to the new Scrambler 1200. There are over 80 different accessories to choose from, ranging from style, to performance and touring capabilities like a 30 liter roll bag.

Triumph hasn’t announced the price of these new Scrambler 1200’s, but we expect the price to be near the top of the T120 range, making the Scrambler 1200 a fitting rival of Ducati’s Scrambler Desert Sled, and serious contender for the title of the big scrambler segment.