QUICK SPIN: Triumph Scrambler 1200

The Scrambler 1200 joined the Triumph line-up again in 2019 and was an instantaneous hit. New for this yr, we see a reinvented 1200 XE and the all-new 1200 X mannequin. Tim Neave has spent a while with the massive Scrambler. Right here’s what he has to say:

The Scrambler 1200 XE may simply have nabbed centre stage with it being the all-singing, all-dancing spec’d up mannequin, however that’s to not say the X isn’t worthy of some limelight. Costing £800 lower than the outgoing XC mannequin (at £11,895), it has a a lot decrease 820mm seat top, which is a whopping 50mm decrease than the XE mannequin. This bike is far more road-focused with its decreased suspension journey and a stiffer, extra progressive suspension setting; a shortened swingarm that provides agility to sooner street rides; narrower handlebars; and better foot pegs for higher floor clearance once you’re cranking it over within the corners. This bike has been designed for max accessibility to offer the shorter riders an opportunity to attempt the package deal, and for these eager to spend rather less money. In essence, the X mannequin shares all the identical core capabilities and character because the XE however has a barely decrease spec.

Each Scramblers profit from the identical engine upgrades, which sees improved midrange torque and higher gas effectivity. Each additionally share the identical tubular metal body and high-quality bodywork particular to the Scramblers, and the larger 21-inch entrance wheel gives an entire new degree of management and stability in off-road driving. Triumph has completed away with the faffy keyless ignition after listening to buyer suggestions, so it’s again to a standard key begin (which I’m all for).

As I blasted away throughout an hour-long street journey consisting of tight, technical twisties and large, open, high-speed sections, I obtained an actual flavour of the bike’s capabilities and immediately felt extra in management. The narrower bars and better footpegs meant for a sportier driving place, however don’t get me unsuitable – there may be nonetheless a lot room on this bike, and it has the identical possibility to maneuver the handlebars ahead or again, similar to on the XE.

The suspension is far firmer on the X and initially didn’t really feel as good as a result of I’d actually loved the load switch from the softer, taller suspension, however because the tempo picked up on the street, it quickly made extra sense. I might push the bike into corners, braking deeper and later, and the assist was precisely what I wanted. This bike felt extremely confidence-inspiring and really intuitive; it went the place I seemed, and the sensation from the chassis was the identical in any respect lean angles, to some extent the place I used to be quickly dragging the footpegs via the corners. At first, the scraping actually unsettled me, however as soon as I knew what to anticipate it wasn’t so unhealthy…

With the X being the extra centered street bike, I did question why it didn’t additionally get the higher Brembo Stylema calipers, moderately than the Nissins, however the reply was fairly frank: ‘The Nissins are as much as the job and are all you want’ – which, I need to say, I agree with.

So far as the street driving maps are involved, I had a flick via and located sport mode to be greatest by a great margin. In the event you’re feeling a bit fruity and need to do some skids and wheelies, it’s no hardship to enter the settings and dial out the TC and ABS, however with all that grunt from the 1200 motor, leaving the TC on isn’t a foul thought.

If 820mm continues to be too tall within the saddle top division, there’s now a shorter seat obtainable (it matches each fashions) that’ll drop the peak by an additional 25mm. Fortunately, consolation isn’t compromised as you’d generally anticipate with cut-down seats, and it’s ergonomically sculpted to really feel an identical to the usual one. If touring is your factor, I wouldn’t dismiss this mannequin. It has the legs and the consolation, and with one-touch cruise management and new equipment obtainable, such because the windshield and as much as 102 litres of pannier and tank/tail bag storage, this bike very a lot desires to be thought of. And regardless of having two giant exhaust pipes working near your proper leg, I assumed the warmth administration was impeccable and can be mendacity if I stated I seen it as soon as.

It’s refreshing to see actual adjustments based mostly on actual buyer wants, and Triumph has delivered. Improved efficiency and an improved price ticket are exhausting to come back by this present day, so kudos to Triumph for ticking that field. However when it’s all stated and completed, if it’s ok for James Bond, it’s good for me.