Test Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and XE 2021

Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and XE

According to the original press release, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 is a naked adventurer: either a stripped-down tourer or a touring classic. An intriguing statement - a classic, retro-styled iron bike that has everything you need for off-road touring. Really intriguing.

Triumph Scrambler 1200 test

When the invitation came to test the new Scrambler 1200, I immediately agreed. After all, I've ridden just about every mid-size touring bike, I've ridden (and ridden mercilessly) a Tiger 800 XCx in the past, and I currently have a KTM 1090 Adventure R in my garage

As you read this review, keep in mind that the purpose of a tourenduro is to be equally easy to ride both on asphalt and off-road. Of course, a universal motorcycle feels worse within strict limits than a specialized one, but tourenduros are usually one of the flagship models of any manufacturer, so they are one of the first to receive new technologies and top-end components.
Let's go!

Triumph Scrambler 1200

The new Scrambler 1200 is available in two forms - XC and XE. According to Triumph PR, the E in XE stands for "Extreme". Well, if so, then he is ready for even tougher off-road conditions than his brother. Let's first discuss the common features of both bikes, and then I'll talk about the differences between them, because they differ by slightly more than five centimeters of suspension travel, contrary to idle speculation on social networks.

Engine

The heart of the new Scrambler is a modified and retuned engine from Thruxton - a 1200 cc twin-cylinder HP series. The main changes affected the reduction in weight and inertial characteristics of internal moving parts, such as the balancer shaft, generator and crankshaft. According to Triumph, the camshafts have not been modified. This motorcycle also received special firmware for the ECU, which moves the peak thrust slightly lower and expands the torque plateau.

It is interesting that in the materials presented by the company, the Scrambler is compared with the T-120, which is equipped with an engine from a different series, HT, although it is also a 1200 cc inline engine.

Essentially, the Scrambler's engine sits somewhere between the T-120 and the Thruxton, producing 110 Nm of torque at 3,950 rpm and 90 hp. at 7400 rpm.

While it's technically less powerful than the Thruxton R, keep in mind that there's still power distribution to consider. The torque peak is almost identical to Thruxton's 111 Nm, but it is located 1000 rpm lower and on the graph looks not like a peak, but like a plateau. This makes the device flexible in terms of gear selection. At the same time, horsepower (which is about 8 less than the Thruxton) peaks 650 rpm higher, thereby expanding the pulling rev range even further.

If you like to push the engine to the max to get maximum traction, this is not the bike for you. But for those who prefer powerful traction at low speeds, this engine will provide a wide smile.

Throttle response is radically improved over the T-120 and Thruxton. Their throttle has two positions - on and off, and everything in between has little effect on traction. The new Scrambler 1200 has excellent throttle response in all five (six on XE) riding modes. Each of these modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road and Custom) changes the bike's response as well as the level of ABS and traction control intervention. The XE also features an Off-Road Pro mode that allows the rider to turn off ABS completely. On the XC, ABS is only disabled on the rear wheel. Both models have electronic cruise control.

Electronics

In addition to the standard electronics, Triumph has introduced an app that allows Google Maps directions to be displayed on the latest LCD instrument panel, a first for a Triumph bike. In addition, the Triumph Thruxton 1200 was the first model to have GoPro integration, allowing you to control these cameras from the bike’s dashboard. Unfortunately, at the time of our test ride this function had not yet been finalized, so we did not try it. However, we are not too upset, since you can always just press the record button on the camera itself, but in general this will be convenient when installing several cameras in hard-to-reach places. But the navigation function on the bike’s dashboard, which suggests turns in conjunction with Google Maps running on the phone, is really interesting. I regularly use navigation from my phone and know how functional it is. And it’s especially nice that Triumph listens to user requests. In addition to navigation on the dashboard, at the request of customers, removable passenger footrests were made for the Scrambler 1200. It would be nice to see the same on the Tiger 800...

Scrambler 1200 Brake System

The Scrambler 1200's braking system consists of two massive Brembo M50 four-piston radial monobloc calipers at the front and a Brembo two-piston floating caliper at the rear. Brake fluid is supplied through steel-reinforced lines. These same brakes have earned rave reviews when fitted to the Street Triple RS. The XE version even has the same levers from MCS.

Suspension

Ditching the Tiger 800's WP suspension components, both Scramblers feature fully customizable Showa inverted split forks. One feather in it is responsible for compression, the second for rebound, and both have a spring preload setting.

The rear suspension consists of two huge Ohlins shock absorbers with variable pitch external springs. Made to special order for the XE version, the hand-sized monsters have an extra five centimeters of travel. They also have a full set of settings.

The vehicles have spoked tubeless wheels, the front ones are shod with 90/90-21, and the rear ones with 150/70R17. There were those among us who would like to see the 18th rear wheel on the devices to install affordable off-road tires on it, but the Pirelli Rally Scorpion, on which we tested the devices, impressed us. This was my first time riding on these tires and I really liked them. My friend puts the same one on the Tiger 800 XCa and sings its praises with might and main.

Road motorcycle SCRAMBLER

The SCRAMBLER motorcycle is unique: it has a good cooling system, excellent cross-country ability, due to a powerful engine, wide wheels and a safe suspension. Thanks to the set of these characteristics, you will feel confident when driving on roads with any surface.

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+You can get an additional discount, check the price with our managers before buying a SCRAMBLER road motorcycle.

+ FREE DELIVERY FOR MEMBERS OF OUR “IN CONTACT” GROUP!

+Extended quality guarantee for the SCRAMBLER road motorcycle.

+You can get an additional discount, check the price with our managers before buying a SCRAMBLER road motorcycle.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Road motorcycle SCRAMBLER

Engine type – four-stroke single-cylinder CB200
Engine displacement, cubic meters cm – 200
Power system - carburetor
Cooling system – air
Maximum speed, km/h – 90
Drive type – mechanical with five-speed gearbox
Starting system – electric and kick starter
Lubrication system – separate, oil pump
Clutch – multi-disc, oil bath with manual release
Number of gears – 5
Front wheel suspension type – telescopic
Rear wheel suspension type – pendulum with two shock absorbers
Front wheel brake type – disc
Rear wheel brake type – disc
Front tire size – 2.50-18
Rear tire size – 3.50-16
Maximum load, kg – 150

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Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC vs XE

When I announced the Scrambler test drive, I was asked if the XE's suspension was worth the price difference between the two bikes. This characterizes the biggest problem with Triumph's marketing: they created excellent devices, differentiated them in the line, but failed to clearly explain how and how they are different and why to choose one or the other.

Let's dot the i's: the difference between them is much greater than in the suspension strokes. But that's where we'll start. Both bikes are equipped with high quality suspension components, the XE has a 47 fork with 25 cm of travel, and the XC's 45 fork has 20 cm of travel, so the difference in front suspension travel is 5 cm. In fact, the XE has almost the most large suspension travel among mid-sized tourenduros, for example, the travel of the Africa Twin L2 fork is 251 mm.

Increased suspension travel also means an increase in seat height, which is 87 cm, which is 3 cm higher than the Scrambler 1200 XC seat. While the tall seat may be uncomfortable for shorter riders, the Scrambler 1200 XE has increased ground clearance, useful for riding on rough terrain. Both bikes will have an optional lowered seat that lowers the riding position by about an inch.

In addition to differences in suspension travel, the overall geometry of the XE is also different. It has a longer swingarm, increased stem angle and trail. This means a longer wheelbase and improved off-road stability. It also has a wider handlebar with a removable 10mm spacer supplied for a comfortable ride in the rack.

Both bikes feature a folding rear brake pedal, with the XE's having a quick-adjust pedal, again for ease of use in a rack. The steering wheel controls are also different. As I mentioned, the XE has upgraded MCS levers for maximum adjustability. You can adjust both the stroke of the levers and the feeling of progressive feedback on the front brake lever. The handlebars of the Scrambler 1200 XE also have lever protection installed - a thing that any modern touring bike needs. I must say, the stock XC levers also impressed me with the ease of control and adjustment.

In terms of on-board electronics, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE differs from the XC by having an additional riding mode, Off-Road Pro, which allows the rider to easily and completely disable traction control and ABS. Plus, this version of the Scrambler is equipped with an inertia measurement device, thanks to which the angle of inclination is taken into account when operating ABS and traction control in Sport, Road and Rain modes. The inertia measurement device is not active in any of the off-road modes. Also on the Scrambler 1200 XE, heated grips are installed as standard.

The finishing of the two variants is also different. I like the XC's semi-matte, semi-gloss green finish, but the matte surface is too easy to show the imperfections that are inevitable in off-road driving. I hope I was able to somewhat clarify the differences between these two models. Let's find out why these differences are needed.

Cruiser motorcycle models

Cruisers are motorcycles with their own specific features. The word "cruiser" in English means traveler. Typically this is a motorcycle with a low seat and forward footpegs. Thus, its seating position is upright and not tiring for the driver during long drives. The motorcycles themselves are not designed for high speed, and the engine is not designed to handle too much power. Cross-country driving is also not for him. Ease of control and a high torque coefficient at low engine speeds are important.

A characteristic feature of any cruiser is the strong roar of the engine. Although they are sometimes confused with choppers, which are just a specific style of motorcycle.

MOTO GUZZI V 7, 1970

in 1970 it began producing cruisers with 748 cc engines. Such volumes were achieved thanks to long-term experiments by designers. Later in 2008, the inventors would return to the style of these motorcycles and the company would launch the "Moto Guzzi V7 Special". This cruiser is designed to awaken excitement among fans of the legendary model. Its characteristics: 51 kW, 70 hp, 6300 rpm. 4-speed gearbox. This model weighs 227 kg, the tank holds 22.5 liters of gasoline. Maximum speed is about 170 km/h.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHC 1340 EIECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC, 1980

This cruiser has a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1337 cm³ engine with 2 valves per cylinder, air-cooled. It reaches speeds of up to 150 km/h, the rear and front wheels are equipped with 1 brake disc. The gearbox has 5 stages. This model weighs 336 kg and is started by an electric starter.

CAGIVA 125 CRUISER, 1989

Classic motorcycles were very popular in the 90s, but small cruisers such as the CAGIVA 124 were also widespread. These models are equipped with a single-cylinder, 2-stroke, water-cooled engine producing 27 hp. CAGIVA 125 have a 6-speed gearbox and are characterized by low fuel consumption and high maneuverability.

INDIAN CHIEF, 2001

The Polaris concern has made the dream of many motorcycle enthusiasts come true by reviving the popular Indian motorcycle model. While maintaining the original design, the designers supplemented them with modern technologies. INDIAN CHIEF 2001 is equipped with a 4-stroke 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1442 cm³ and a power of 75 hp. These models have a belt drive from a 5-speed gearbox and are capable of reaching speeds of up to 170 km/h. The 2014 Indian is upgraded with beefier single-disc brakes that can easily stop 295kg of nickel-plated iron adorned with leather covers.

What are these Scramblers capable of?

We spent some time at the training area, which has a flat track (dirt oval), a cross track, an enduro track and two hour-long off-road tracks. Enough to understand what these Scramblers are capable of.

It had rained a couple of days earlier, and the ground was still damp and sticky. We each started with a few laps of the flat track to get used to the bike. I've been on a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE and was impressed with its stability on slippery conditions. I don't ride the dirt oval as often as my partner, but I figured it would be a great way to warm up and get a feel for the handling before moving on to off-road riding.

Off-road tracks essentially consisted of two strips of dirt, sand and gravel, which in places merged into each other. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE stood up to it all with flying colors. There were a couple of moments when I was sure that he was going to slip out from under me, but this never happened, even in the mud and sand. It was much more stable than my Tiger 800 XCx on similar terrain.

I'm used to cranking it all the way up, as my 1090 requires, so the Scrambler's low-end thrust didn't come right away to me. I rode the outside corner a couple of times, but the bike never got out of control.

Usually on a tourenduro I turn off the traction control and leave ABS only on the front wheel. However, in the Scrambler's off-road modes, the traction control is so unobtrusive and correct that I never wanted to turn it off. I rode in the standard off-road mode (available on both models) and never once did I feel like the system was hindering my ride, like on the KTM or my old Tiger.

According to Stuart Wood, lead engineer on the project , the off-road traction control allows for 50% rear wheel slip before intervention. Not much different from other traction control systems, right? But in addition, the system monitors whether the rider is adding gas and automatically adjusts to the increased slip, without intervening when it is not yet necessary. It works great even when jumping. And I know this because I spent some time on the cross country track. Going through a series of meter-long jumps was the only time I managed to break through the XE's suspension. The fork made a loud noise and immediately stabilized. Extremely impressive, considering that the bike weighs about 225 kg, and I couldn’t weigh less than 110 kg in my gear.

Yes, this is a big motorcycle, and quite heavy in terms of steering. You need to help with your whole body, hanging down in turns, and sometimes control feels like a struggle. But the transition from a sitting position to a standing position and back is easy and convenient. Even the dashboard tilts so it can be seen from any position.

It’s also worth noting that the Scrambler feels wide. The wide handlebars, a fairly wide motorcycle, and the loose seating position and exhaust pipe on the right make you ride with your knees relaxed and spread out to the sides. The heat from the exhaust is noticeable when stopping, but is not particularly disturbing while driving. No more than the right foot gets at 1090.

If you remember, in one of my reviews I was indignant about the inconvenience of riding in a standing position on a tourenduro, because in cross boots I could not reach both levers. Everything here is excellent in this regard, even in the stock position of the paws.

Choppers

Chopper is one of the types of motorcycles. Choppers are not designed for high-speed driving, they are more for leisurely walks with a breeze. Those who choose a chopper emphasize their solidity. These motorcycles are intended for serious and prominent men.

Its distinctive feature from other motorcycles is its elongated frame and front fork. The founders of choppers were American soldiers, who began converting motorcycles after World War II. They removed fenders, headlights, bags, and replaced them with lighter materials to make the motorcycles accelerate better. This is where the name chopper comes from. From English “chop” is translated as “to chop off, chop off.” That is, everything unnecessary was removed from the motorcycle.

And by the sixties, it became fashionable to remake them beyond recognition so that the chopper stood out from the others. That’s when the frames came into play, and the angle of the front fork changed noticeably. The greater the angle, the more confidently the chopper walked; control on a straight road was possible without the help of hands. But when turning and various maneuvers, difficulties arose. In the United States of America there are even laws that put a taboo on forks that are too long and handlebars that are too high.

In modern times, the appearance of a chopper is a real art. Customizers remodel and decorate motorcycles, from the engine to the passenger backrest. The chopper is heavy, relatively large in size, and has a powerful engine. The chopper parts are mostly chrome plated. A distinctive feature of this type of motorcycle is the teardrop-shaped gas tank. During long trips, leather bags or trunks are attached to the sides. A stepped saddle, forward footrests, soft suspension - all this provides the driver with a comfortable ride on the chopper. The main technical characteristics are a powerful engine with low speeds, a wide rear wheel of reduced diameter and a narrow front wheel of large diameter.

The chopper is designed for leisurely trips. The motorcycle should not be driven at great speed along the track, but should float along it, so that everyone can admire its brilliance and impressive roar. On a chopper it will also be a pleasure to embark on an exciting and exciting journey and enjoy the road to your heart's content. Harley-Davidson is a classic chopper. It has a simple V-shaped engine with two cylinders. And the streamlined shape makes the chopper memorable and bright.

Triumph Scrambler 1200 on the road

On the second day we left the hotel to find a lingering light rain that had soaked us, the bikes and the asphalt. We were divided into groups of six people and each was assigned a leader. Ours was a guy named Joe who was experienced in road racing. He gathered us around him and warned us that the road we would take would become slippery when it rained. He looked each of us closely in the eyes to make sure we understood everything.

In less than 15 minutes I was sliding on the asphalt across two lanes on my right leg, on which the motorcycle rested. Nothing predicted this. I didn't touch the brakes or gas. We drove slowly. I was just turning into a corner at about 40 km/h when my front wheel suddenly moved out of the way, as if I was paving on black ice. There are accidents that neither ABS nor even the most sophisticated traction control can prevent.

Luckily, I was in off-road gear, which took the brunt of the blow. My knee pad literally saved both my leg and the bike, serving as a slider between it and the asphalt. The bike ended up with a bent brake pad, a scratched handlebar weight, and a loose thermal protector on the exhaust. Not a scratch on me... We were lucky that the oncoming lane was empty, otherwise everything would have ended differently.

Triumph Scrambler 1200 on the road

The bike started up without a single objection and we rode on, even more carefully than before.

The most significant difference between the Scrambler and other tourenduros became obvious literally from the very beginning of the day - the absolute lack of weather protection. If I were planning a long road trip in the Scrambler, I would first consider a windshield, much like I've done on the Bonneville.

During the day the weather cleared and the sun dried the road. In the afternoon we picked up the pace and had the opportunity to ride on empty highways. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC cornered slightly better than the XE, but neither felt unstable. You literally have to push the bike into corners, and apparently the XE's wide handlebars help overcome the inconvenience of its longer wheelbase. All things considered, I really liked both bikes. The ride on them is quite pleasant, and even without a windshield I easily rode almost 500 km without any inconvenience.

We had driven about 220 km when the reserve light came on, telling me that there were about 3 liters left in the tank. I think if we carefully measured the consumption, it would be something like 5-6 liters per hundred, in other words, 250-280 km from a full tank.

Road motorcycle SCRAMBLER

+ FREE DELIVERY FOR MEMBERS OF OUR “IN CONTACT” GROUP!

+Extended quality guarantee for the SCRAMBLER road motorcycle.

+You can get an additional discount, check the price with our managers before buying a SCRAMBLER road motorcycle.

+ FREE DELIVERY FOR MEMBERS OF OUR “IN CONTACT” GROUP!

+Extended quality guarantee for the SCRAMBLER road motorcycle.

+You can get an additional discount, check the price with our managers before buying a SCRAMBLER road motorcycle.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Road motorcycle SCRAMBLER

Engine type – four-stroke single-cylinder CB200
Engine displacement, cubic meters cm – 200
Power system - carburetor
Cooling system – air
Maximum speed, km/h – 90
Drive type – mechanical with five-speed gearbox
Starting system – electric and kick starter
Lubrication system – separate, oil pump
Clutch – multi-disc, oil bath with manual release
Number of gears – 5
Front wheel suspension type – telescopic
Rear wheel suspension type – pendulum with two shock absorbers
Front wheel brake type – disc
Rear wheel brake type – disc
Front tire size – 2.50-18
Rear tire size – 3.50-16
Maximum load, kg – 150