2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE Review | MC Commute
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 เม.ย. 2019
- The 2019 Triumph Scrambler XE bundles some of today’s best adventure-riding tech into a $15,400 package with Triumph’s classic visual appeal. But how does it hold up to the MC Commute? Ride along with us, and find out.
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Back in the day, when rules were few, tough guys with an itch for excitement blitzed across California deserts aboard their custom British-made scramblers. Whether it was for work (racing) or play, it was during this era that the Scrambler segment was born.
Fifty years later, the category continues to grow in popularity with no fewer than four manufacturers offering production machines off the showroom floor. After playing second fiddle to its nemesis, Ducati’s aptly named Desert Sled, Triumph aims to retake the class with a pair of off-road-capable but still street-legal bikes in its Scrambler 1200 XC ($14,000) and XE ($15,400). Following a quick tease in the First Look article, we were among the first group of journalists to test ride it during the official press introduction held off Portugal’s rugged Algarve coast.
When you look at the history of Triumph Motorcycles, the Scrambler was the original do-it-all, on-/off-roader. It was the type of bike that Steve McQueen and Bud Ekins ripped the Nevada and California deserts aboard during the ’60s. They’d race, crack open cold ones, and tell everyone about their exploits afterward. Fast-forward to 2019, and these two bikes employ the type of hardware that would make McQueen and company Brooklands green with envy.
Both the Scrambler 1200 XC and XE are Triumph’s vision of all-around, dual-purpose scrambling fun. They are road-legal motorcycles that are just as happy when ridden on the street as when throwing roost on the dirt-it’s that versatile. We began our riding adventure on the dirt, where it proves to have some serious chops.
Equipped with a real dirt bike-sized 21-inch spoked front wheel, big-displacement liquid-cooled 1,200cc parallel-twin engine, and thick, long-travel suspension, these motorcycles hold their own off road. It jumps, slides, digs into ruts, and can tackle treacherous terrain better than a 500-pound streetbike should. Still, both Scramblers are far from dedicated dirt bikes, sporting top-notch road equipment too, including LED lighting, keyless start, and a pair of superbike-spec M50 Brembo calipers hanging off the front hoop. It makes the rotors look tinier than its sporty 320mm diameter measurement implies.
Of course both Scramblers come with all the electronic bells and whistles: ABS, traction control, multiple engine power modes, cruise control, heated grips (standard on the XE but an option on the XC)… You name it, this Triumph has it.
Keeping tabs on it is a beautiful round-faced full-color TFT display, that also integrates GoPro control and Google Maps functionality. Both of these features are in the beta software development phase and weren’t ready for us try. We did note the crisp, clear font of the instrumentation and how easy it is to decipher while riding.
Both electronic and trip settings are manipulated via logically placed switch gear on the handlebar. The ability to switch between “themes” was also neat, with an more analog-style option available if the standard display is too modern for you. The tactile function and overall quality of the controls is top-notch too.
Each come with a pair of Öhlins shocks, but for an extra $1,400, the XE model (stands for “extreme”) gets more heavy-duty suspension (47mm-diameter fork versus 45mm on the XC) with 9.8 inches of travel front and rear versus the XC’s 7.9 inches. The suspension lifts the motorcycle, giving it a taller stance, with seat height climbing over an inch to 34.25 inches. An inch-longer swingarm further enhances grip and the ability to climb steep terrain. The electronics package adds an IMU giving it greater positional awareness. This allows the traction control electronics to account for lean angle-odd, considering the XE’s more off-road focus. Hand guards are also standard-a welcome feature for riding in the rain or cold.
You’d assume a bike that has top-notch pavement bling wouldn’t work so well off road, but it does. The superbike-like brakes are calibrated fantastically for use in the dirt and it was impressive how well the combo worked with Triumph’s recommended Pirelli Scorpion Rally off-road knobs. Metzeler Tourance rubber comes standard on both models. The footpegs’ rubber inserts can be removed for extra grip against boot soles, if desired.
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Really liking these commute videos mate. Was disappointed when the boys left, but digging your style now. Thanks for the upload.
Yeah!!! im with you on this one, he is doing a super good work! And it is time to move forwad now, everything
can't stay the same forever... Nothing does! Cheers all bikelovers out there :)
Same man. I like Adam's slightly wilder style!
- Who wants a Scrambler 1200 ride?!
- I do! I do!
You lost me when you said "it pains me to ride a bike this dirty"
It's a scrambler!
Thank you Adam for mentioning the Brembo master cylinder. You're are second of nearly a dozen reviews that I've seen of the Scrambler. That was the first thing that I noticed when I sat down on the bike, and then the bike was covered in drool.
I am looking forward to and very excited for episode 2! Keep them coming.
Saw one in person finally today. It is quite a piece of art.
Enjoy the reviews, Adam. Very entertaining. Keep it up and Thanks!
Got me hyped for the next episode of On Two Wheels! Love this bike, got a soft spot for scrambles haha
Very detailed review! I like it
Everyone complains about the price, but forgets it shares hardware and tech with nakeds and supersports that cost thousands more.
One also has to remember it's pretty much Scrambler name only. It's more like pretty ADV bike. And it's spec wise comparable to most mid size full on adv bikes. And it has better suspension than base Tiger and beats pretty much every ADV on looks sector.
Personally this is the first truly desirable ADV.
My complaint, as always, is having to pay for crap I won't use. TC and ABS well OK, but everything else is just pointless 'for me'.
Thanks Adam, enjoy your reviews. 👍
Awesome video. Had all the info!
Love the review! Can you do the Speed Twin?
Awesome review from the best in the business. Hey Adam, the problem I am having is that I also would use it more on the road but I freaking LOVE that blue tank! Am I really that attached to a color that I would 1) pay $1400 and 2) buy a version of a bike that is less suited for my needs? Yeah, I probably would. Thankfully I'm going to buy the Street Triple R instead!
Love style of bike not into off road scrambles but seriously thinking about buy one of these.
Minor point, but this Scrambler, as opposed to the other “classic - retro” models, has shed the tank’s pinch-weld - looks a lot better, long overdue.
The MACHINE is Back
Very good test!!!
Keep educating the viewers with your unique style of moto-journalism!!! I want to learn more!!! Great work , Thanks!!!😎
How about a commute on the new Husky 701 svartpilen? 🤘
Love the expert level filtering. Should be allowed in all parts of America.
If you want to see expert filtering, look at Baron Von Grumble's youtube videos of his commutes in London. Or, look at the Harley's doing the San Francisco commutes.
Dear MC, longtime fan. Requesting you guys to to please do proper video reviews. The commute series is ok for maybe a long term review, and honestly is a very dull video to look at....like every other guy with a gopro on the chin of his helmet.
Sorry to come off too critical, i really like the channel, and also was looking forward to the 790 review. But without any different angles, shots, etc, cant see the bodywork, cant see how he rider sits on the bike..seems dull and hard to concentrate on the words too.
Love you guys, and hope this wasnt too harsh
Tc
I kind of see what you are saying, but I wouldn't change a thing (other than maybe somehow fit in a shot of what he looks like on the bike so we can gauge rider position)! I love these MC Commute reviews because he goes through every little aspect very thoroughly while he is riding it. What else do you really need? You don't need to throw out this entire review just for that one shot you want. Oh, and if you are looking for a review with that then look for "Nothing To Prove". He usually does a drive by in slo mo for exactly what you are looking for.
What a pretty bike.
Bikes look better dirty. Keyless ignition: one more thing to go wrong. Along with the complicated electronics. Nice dash. I wish it came with an 18'' front wheel, too.
This is obviously a great bike. The bhp isn't much, but this bike proves you don't need it. Torque is king.
I'd be interested to learn what you think of the Indian FTR1200 when and if you get to ride one, Adam. When they FINALLY come out.
The best review of this bike on TH-cam.
it's huge, heavy and unwieldy for scrambling but beautiful.
I love riding them when they are dirty.
great video as usual. curious why you are not allowed to wash it?
Great video Adam!
Would love to see a review on the scambler/cafe racer model they have :)
Great wheelie!
I'm a former rider looking to get back into motorcycling. My last bikes a couple decades ago were a KZ1300, and XS 650, but had some Yamaha DTs prior to that. I'm liking the look and specs on the new Triumphs, but what I'm ACTUALLY wanting, is a bike that is about like the XS650, but would be capable of using the side of the road, or the other side of a low curb as an escape path as I used to do with my old DT Yamahas on occasion, just to have a few more options. I know a 1200 cc 450+ pound bike with a 65 year old coot on board probably won't be able to loft it over a curb at 50 like a DT 250 with a 20 something maniac pushing it, but I'm looking for every possible advantage I can get in the cellular age, and my first bike was, sort of, a scrambler (Honda CL 100), so the nostalgia factor is a thing as well. But the main thing is it looks like this bike would be capable of going from highway speeds off the shoulder of a highway and onto a open green runoff area and surviving it, even if it is a bit rough, where a pure street bike, like maybe a T120, or an Enfield 650 would be liable to go down. I'm not looking to be a hooligan, or the fastest guy out there. I just want to be able to tool around, have fun, go exploring down the Twisties in the Ozarks, and the country dirt roads. This looks like a good choice for that type of riding... But which one is better for that, XE, or XC? Or is there a better option out there? DUKE Scrambler? One of those Husky thumpers I can't pronounce? Anyway, sorry for the length, appreciate your input, suggestions welcome, lighter is better, and doesn't have to be NEW. Old cheap and reliable (like me...👀) Would be great.
thanks for a great video, on another note, that jeep cherokee chief (hooked up to a boat at the first stop sign) is so cool. maybe he wants to sell it??
If I owned it, those warning stickers on the tank would have to go immediately.
🤣 Almost a dead giveaway it’s a review bike
@@vengefulmosquito1337 ??
1990 as in they don’t own it. It’s on loan from Triumph.
Really? Most people keep those on after they buy a bike. Weird.
New to the channel and just found out your commute is the same as mine 👀
Since you’ve ridden both this and the Ducati desert sled , which bike is better. Really nice job.
I think it sounds pretty good
I love how it's dirty before he even gets on it.
That braking settings is genius. Never thought that would be an option. Wait till you see the AWD KTM 1190 system by Christini. I bet Dakar will change forever once they develop it for those bikes.
Yamaha and Öhlins actually developed a 2wd system that they used in dakar 2004 or 2005 i think. They called it 2 trac and it used a hydraulic system to transfer some power to the front wheel. During those years they sold a limited amount of Yamahas with this system, which they later on discontinued.
I think that if two wheel drive ever really takes off it will be an electric system, that really makes the most sense. Modern bikes are already suffering from too much electronic gear and small batteries, so the bigger battery would be a welcome improvement in addition to the hub motor being able to generate power and some braking effects.
@@woohoodoh The Christini system is an interesting setup and new forks are included because of the way the front wheel hubs need to transfer power from the gearbox. Definitely look it up on TH-cam if you're interested to see how it works. The system is around $4500.
Cool bike. Hey maybe try 30 or 60 fps rather than 24fps?
What's involved in changing the brake sensitivity settings?
Do u just press the rear brake to back it in? And clutch up wheelie?
Dey see you rollin', dey hatin'....
Surprised you didn't mention the size. This bike is HUGE, it is literally a big bore ADV bike with retro styling. The local Triumph/BMW/Ducati shop had this Scrambler parked next to a 1250GSA and it is just as big as the GS haha. It is also shaft drive, which is great.
mrvwbug44 chain final, buddy.
The starting thing is the fuel pump not cycling before you hit the starter.
Where did you hear that it was replacing the 900 Scrambler? Don't think they would be showcasing the 900 Scrambler with "updated" engine if they were replacing it
It wont be replacing the 900 Scrambler, but still nice review.. but I miss Ari Henning ...
@@xau Ari Henning didn't do the commute.
those are cool bikes !!
Brakes, handling, engine, sound, wheelies all day long, all absolutely brilliant! Soaks up every bump?! Really? I've ridden sport bikes that offered a plusher ride...which isn't necessarily a bad thing, depending on what you're looking for. You were accurate in that this bike is very stiffly sprung...
Also you don't get the OffRoad Pro mode on the XC, which you'll probably want if you like offroading. The basic Offroad mode isn't bad, but you can't control the rear as much as it does intervene quite early.
I wish we could have gotten a better look at that TFT display during the ride...unless you didn't want us to see how fast you were going!
Is it TFT? If it is then why didn't they add any color to the screen?
Is that a ton of condensation in the display? Oh, and you failed to mention the cat-converter toaster on your right leg.
I had the desert sled before and it was an awesome machine actually. I searched for a stronger engine for on the road (I missed that on the desert sled) so I traded it for a xe 120p. However, offroad the desert sled is way better though.....
Decisions decisions decisions ! I have a 2017 Street Scrambler, do I sell it and get this ? I have a small garage so no room for two bikes ( I know very sad) This bike seems to really be the best of both worlds and it looks the part. The whole Adventure bike thing not sure that’s for me, I dig the retro style vibe more then the multi color adventure look. I need to get my ass on a test ride pronto ! Great review 👊🏽
I really enjoyed riding this bike. The best in the Triumph range I reckon. Suspect build quality and corrosion issues still put me off a little though. Even the demo I took out had wonky handlebars!
Really? I thought the build quality was excellent. If the handlebars were wonky it was probably the dealership who put them on? Fit and finish is insane on these Triumphs these days.
'It's not going to annoy the tree huggers'.
what happens when you drop fob?
a pair Oh-Leans shock absorbers? Oh cool, sign me up !!
d redman 650ib says that
@@michaelj.kastner5165 apparently a LOT of people mispronounce Ohlins? I am from the South - we mispronounce EVERYTHING!
Öhlins. Ööööööhliiiiiins
Oh, come on. For Christ's sake. People are so nitpicky. Who cares how he says it. Pretty sure this dude could ride circles around most of us and understands motorcycle's better too.
I always pictured a Waheed commute to be a total 'hoonfest!
Keyless? How long is that gonna last?
I would love to ride it everywhere except a singletrack trail
Next Royal Enfield INT?
how about heat from the cat?
you don't need ABS 'today'? how do you know? it's made for what you _can't_ know. and the bike's got 90 hp.
He's said stuff like that before , very strange attitude. Entire point of ABS is to save your ass when you get complacent
You don't need ABS 99% of the time. But when you actually need it you'll be really glad to have it. I wouldn't buy a bike without ABS
I think because of backing it in and wheelies, that might be why he's saying that.
Furthermore he said the reason was because Steve Mcqueen didn't have it he doesn't need it either...
Abs promotes lazy and shitty riding. Good riders practice and know where there braking zone is. Lazy shitty riders use abs to make up for lack of rides control of thier motorcycle. If you make the excuse of panic brake you are not riding defensively at all time a rider should expect other people on the road to cut you off, not see you, and not be paying attention. It is your job to make up for thier short comings and keep your self safe. Proper spacing and anticipating others actions. That combined with knowing your bike and how to control it and abs is not needed and becomes a bad thing. In all study's and test abs increase stoping distance. Abs only helps with maintaining control when in a slide. Sliding does not happen when you know your bikes capabilities and your skills.
It doesn't replace the 900. It's a brand new model
Tubed or tubeless?
Great review! Fuck the haters they dont have a life. I'm getting that bike. BMW Scrambler you've been served!
Doesn't that exaust burn your leg or the pillion's?
It has a guard and heat shield over the area.
Gets a little toasty in traffic for sure.
30 minutes is proper. Free to the public is proper.
You know where you are with a key.
Bit surprised the bike only made 75 BHP when Triumph claim 89. I know there is always drivetrain losses for the rear wheel but.
Shaft drive tends to be the most power-hungry, for sure
When are you going to learn Mate...You can only trust the Japanese manufacturers!
@@I_am_Thursday I ride a Yamaha 👍
@@Banditmanuk I know Mate. We've discussed your tales of woe with Ducati before. Unfortunately I am now having fun and games with H-D. I cannot tell you how good my local Yamaha dealers have been with my XSR. Japanese only for me now on I reckon.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I am pretty sure one can only split lanes on the freeway...
You are incorrect
If you can only buy one bike, this or Africa Twin!?
Alright I haven't seen it mentioned yet but the video quality is super weird. Looks like there is some kind of cell shading/cartoon filter applied which doesn't look very good. What camera are you using ? A GoPro 7 recording at 4k30 superview, ISO 100, shutter speed 1/60, flat color profile (+ a LUT in post), and a ND32 filter should give you way better footage
Not really new from the ground up. That motor is already on other bikes. That’s not a problem cause that 1200 is great. That bike is a fucking hoot. Like a scrambler and a tiger had a baby.
I Do likw that the bike is diry! It's actually been used and not just polished... like some other people do...
Sweet nod to the great Steve McQueen and Bud Ekins
This is but a motorcycle review, conversely, I'm in good hands.
This Guy sounds quite boring to listen lol no offense 😁
Wow, I disagree. I think he is articulate, nice voice, smooth, honest and smart. I look to his reviews above all others.
The lane splitting blows my mind... Did you clip a mirror at 15:22?
Nope. That mirror is prob a meter away
Lane splitting scares me! You Californians are crazy! Great bike Great review though.
It's totally safe. The gopros make it look way scarier then it really is.
The XE seems like a no brainer for people who actually want to offroad. The XC seems like a show boater.
Wrong. The XC slays off road. I switched from a KTM 690 and am having more fun on this beast off and on road, despite the weight.
This vs the bmw r nine t urban gs?
This.
This. I love the RnineTs but man are they wide and heavy. They call it urban but try lane splitting on the 101 through San Fernando. All the owners say, yeah, you can lane filter no problem....but half the time they aren't going where a skinnier and lighter bike can go. I'm thinking about getting this bike, ditching the hand guards, cutting 2 inches off each end of the handlebar and replacing those long mirrors with bar ends. That will be an awesome "urban" motorcycle!
no audio
Sweet bike, but 15k? fuckkkkkk. Nah, i'm good. lol That gauge cluster looks similar to the one on the Husky Vitpilen, just not quite as round.
It's almost 40k in my place! Big fakkkkkk 😅
Superbike brakes, 90 section front knobby. Be cool if you could get a 17 inch front wheel and make a big ol' supermoto.
XE looks much more beautiful than XC
Agreed! It's too bad Triumph won't let you pick the color for either bike. I would go for that blue all day long but the XC is the bike I need. It might sound silly, but I will probably cross them both off my list because of it.
Good review but I really didn't like the excuse to turn off ABS. Adam might be a capable rider but it's a feature that's meant to be used in a pinch for a majority of riders. It's a bad example to set for a new rider, like saying "why would I need it" if the professionals think it's intrusive and dumb.
At six foot three inches . . . Yea . Thanks
6’7” here. I’m enthused .
Riding between cars & trucks like that in SC you'll wind up in jail!
Yes, because it is illegal there. It is legal in California.
It's not like I could afford one or anything, but I wouldn't be able to live with that assymetrical fuel cap.
Why power and torque are so low from 1200cc engine? Even old Triumphs with 865cc had comparable figures.
Why would you not use ABS when not offroad? Why? Especially with those knobbies?
Wheelie test at 21:11
I sat on one yesterday, I really like it. Best feature, it's tall af. I'm 6'5" 280 lbs, and I don't look like a gorilla fucking a football on it.
Looks like it came straight from the 90s
Not an entirely bad thing though
I used to think that too. For some reason I just couldn't see the interest in their line up of Scramblers and Cafe Racer type bikes. But for whatever reason they started to grow on me. Now I'm looking at buying one of the damn things. Weird how that is.
Does the bike come with the dirt, or is it extra?
It's included in the poser package
Mandates complaint is why the hell is the paint job and Seat look like a city bike in the XC look like a more proper off-road bike triumph really dropped the ball and came to the paint job like yeah I get it it’s a more expensive bike but you should at least offer me a paint job that looks exactly like the XC now as soon as I get this bike because I love the function of the off road capabilities of the EX then by the gas tank and seat from the XC and put in on the XE and paint over all the flashy gold that I don’t like yeah it looks good with the blue but that should be an extra paint job Triumph offers I think black or dark green will look better
Why make a Dirtbike look like a city bike and not a jungle cruiser like the XC looks like
Engine/exhaust sound awesome. How about less spec-talk and more "how it feels" talk?
No room for luggage on muffler side!?!
Triumph claims 88.8 hp and 81.1 pound-feet of torque
He's probably quoting those figures at the wheels which will be lower
Lucky Dog
Can this guy make a decision about his hair holly frejoles
ohleeins or ohlins?
Why didn’t you take it off road? Where is the Baja Action? You riding to work is as entertaining as paint drying
no quick shifter, bummer.