I’m just over 1,100 miles on my XE and couldn’t/wouldn’t have another bike on the market. Having sat (not ridden) an XC, it is definitely a “different” bike. Narrower bars, lower as well...lower seat height, blah blah...no need to go on as have already covered it. My White/Green XE in Sport Mode...is a Beast!!!
The XC is more than enough bike for 99% of on/off road riders. I guess I'm a 1%er because I bought the XE... but think I should have gone with the XC with full kit in the end.
Agree that the xc is very capable. As mentioned I was going for a black xc but the ride on the xe is just better so I'm glad I tested both and ended with the bike that feels best for me.
Remember, Triumph suspension does drop . So be sure to sit on these after the bike have covered at least 1000 miles or more. This will give you an accurate idea of seat height.
Mark Jacobs it’s what I said , 1k + and miles and suspension will fall, not excessive but changes. I agree with you standard seat softens. Lower seat is available but I have sat on one and it was too hard.
Found your channel as I have a Versys 300 but would love an XE. Your reviews are fantastic and it’s a shame you don’t have the time to make more. Maybe in the future........
I love triumph as a brand but find it unforgivable that they have not included or given the option of the advanced lean angle ABS and traction control. BIG BLACK MARK!
Taste an preference.. From a Nestor's perspective, i started riding in '77 i could care less about electronic aids, and would gladly buy the XC without any wizardry at a lower price :)
@@cfvgd I don't get what your on about. I would be happy to be able to buy a XC without TC and ABS at a reduced price. I have managed for almost 40 years without electronic aids and i think i will be able to do so even now/in the future. THAT was my point :)
HerrBlackwood I agree man. They should offer a stripped down model like what Indian is doing. Analog gauges with the basics. Give abs at most and you’d have a hell of a bike. Royal Enfield has the right idea right now, basic bikes at a good price.
Thanks for the comparison. I have a 2018 Street Scrambler but I want something with better suspension and brakes. Im 184cm and could not flatfoot the XE so Im leaning towards the XC.
Definitely take one for a spin. The xc leans more towards the street scrambler in terms of riding position than the xe and is definitely lower. Also ask to try the low seat they have as option.
I went to the dealer (1,5h drive) and the seating positions are quite different. The XE didn't feel as intimidating as last time though. Only a test ride will tell. Unfortunately there still is a few weeks until they allow test rides due to all the loose gravel on the roads. Can't wait.
There are lots of dirt roads around here (middle Sweden) but in this case I meant loose gravel on paved roads. It's very slippery and treacherous if you're not prepared. The snow and ice are gone from the main roads so they should sweep it up soon I hope.
I wouldn't worry about the handlebars if you don't like them, it's quite easy and inexpensive to change to higher wider bars , l think l've changed the bars on every bike l've owned
He's right about the suspension. A VStrom1000 only has 160mm of suspension travel and it is a very capable Adventure bike, so 200mm of travel is loads. The KTM950, which is a very very capable off road bike has 210mm for comparisson. If you are shorter the XC would be an excellent choice. At 5'10" - inseam of 32" I can get both feet almost flat on the floor on the XC. On the XE I'm on the balls of my feet - just.
@@heythere6983 Just have to sit on one and see. I was on Tippie toes on my ZX9 after adjusting the suspension and that is a road bike. To be honest you adapt to a tall seat height. -One foot down at lights etc. It isn't great if you are new to riding, or possibly not a very confident rider. However, if you've been riding a few years and have your other skills sorted, it is only one new thing to deal with.
@@heythere6983 Yes the one-foot thing is definitely a pain on an uneven surface and I find riding a tall bike pretty intimidating when the going gets rough and slow too. You need to ask yourself what kind of off-road you'll do. I would get the scrambler 1200 XE because I need something that can deal with extreme off-road (I ride in NZ and some of us ride ADVs where you would take a dual-sport) - I am also considering the Tenere 700 - which is lighter. However, if you are only doing the odd gravel road and a bit of dirt road, you don't need any additional ground clearance - you could get a Ducati Scambler, or a Triumph 900 Scambler. Ducati Scrambler has a 30" seat height and the 900 Scrambler a 31" seat height. There are probably bikes with lower seat heights, or lowering kits for the afore-mentioned. Hope that helps. You could also get an XC and drop it right down and put on some risers for the footpegs.
Nice review fella but little tip if I may? Try to keep your head a bit more still when the camera is running - you look up and down a lot and I actually started to feel maybe a bit seasick after a bit. Good though.
Great review + appreciate the detailed breakdown on XC vs XE! Agree with the safety features being gated behind the XE: irresponsible of Triumph here and they need to do better.
Nice review! I have the XE and I now get why not many seem to complain about the suspension harshness ...your roads are SOOOOO nice! Really wish we had smooth roads like that here :) I have no idea how it's even possible for Ohlins to make suspensions so stiff with so much travel, regardless of how you adjust them, it's far from a plush ride like most adventure or dual sport bikes. My Africa twin had just slightly less travel, yet suspensions were great offroad and very comfortable on road. I love most everything else about the bike...but not sure what I'll do about the suspensions very underwhelming...
@@winglessoracle2967 I hope so but not holding my breath. I might try having them resprung and revalved at a suspensions shop. The problem with that is you know when it starts, but never when it ends...on a bike this price I'm really disappointed they didn't get the suspensions right (like KTM has been doing for over a decade, they are plenty capable offroad, yet super compliant on the road).
@@iamguillaume We have terrible road conditions (with temperatures going from -40C to +40C through the seasons, the roads take a serious beating). It's just harsh on anything that isn't perfectly smooth. You can see them in action here: th-cam.com/video/4O6TKAPjlEo/w-d-xo.html It's as if I only used about 2" of travel. The forks are not perfect but better. It's really the shocks that I'm about to have revalved to reduce the high speed compression damping, it's very fatiguing over long rides (and I'm used to naked bikes and can usually ride 5-600km in a day no problem).
Good review....I'm having the same XE/XE dilemma. Will wait for the XC to be available in the UK for a test ride before I decide . Aesthetically I'm torn between the two...the XE in green looks a more subtle and classic bike...but the XE in blue also looks great in a big friendly giant kind of way!. The tinted flyscreen Triumph do for both bikes really improves the look and tidies up in front of the clock. Cheers, Steve
Yes fully agree on the flyscreen. Will be the first thing I add. Don't know what they were thinking leaving that gap open between the light and instruments.
@@winglessoracle2967 Specially with the cable sticking out with what looks like hockey stick tape on it lol I've put a little piece of 3M on the headlight to protect it against scuffing from the cable.
Since the time you have produced this video till now, are you satisfied with the decision that you’ve taken? Would like to know your opinion at the present about it. Thanks and ride safe✌️✌️
Nice test but I'm waiting on Triumph to produce my perfect bike. It'll have the dimensions of the XC, the engine of the Speed Twin and the looks of the T120. I live in hope.
The Xc ( cheaper ) bike feels a smaller, shorter machine. Feels quicker ready to go ,compete and throw about. Both feel a bit “ hooligan “ and my advice would be to test ride both of them prior to making a decision.
I sat on both the XE and XC today i can flatfoot on a XC but barely reach the ground on the XE. Is there a way to make the seating position lower to basically the height of an XC sitting position? Its only 20mm difference (it felt more though). I sat on a Ducati desert sled with the same height as the XE but the seat is alot smaller so i could reach the floor with a little more than my tips. Im 1m75 an i really wish i could choose between these 3 bikes.
I assume the same but I have not ridden the ST yet. I had the Thruxton R and that had a longer power band than the xc which runs out of breath sooner but has a little bit more grunt. I also assume the st will rev faster.
How do you plan on riding your XE? Onroad? Offroad? DIrt roads? Last season I did about 50% dirt roads and 50% paved roads. Which bike would you prefer for that?
I do 80% on road and 20 off. Mostly single track and sand. For 50-50 I would definitely go for the XE but also check out the new KTM 790 adventure (r) if you like the styling.
I love all the "reviewers" that claim to be experts that don't even know the difference between rake and trail. XE has higher suspension which makes the rake longer which makes it better off road, the shorter rake makes XC better on road and shorter, both bikes are more than capable of doing anything that average writer/rider, which this guy is, can do. The XE just took fifth place at the Mexican 1000 in 98% stock form. 3000 miles now on my XE and it's simply the best bike I've ever owned in 45 years of riding.
Hi Mark. Neven claimed to be an expert. Just like talking about bikes 😁. Thanks for the explanation. I'd like to add the XE also has a longer swingarm adding to offroad stability and I fully agree the XE is the best bike I have had in a long time.
I owned a thruxton r for three years and loved it. Assuming the ST has a more relaxed riding position and upgraded engine definitely! I didn't like to take the Thruxron on long rides because of the position and for that I did consider the ST. Lovely nimble bike, great build quality. Do note that your legs are a little tucked in so be sure to test it for at least half an hour to see if you like that.
Hi, yes I bought an XE. I preferred the riding position to the XC. It is the best all round bike I have owned and I use it for commute, weekend off-road rides and 2-5 day trips. Assuming you don't mind the lack of wind protection, I can highly recommend it. I don't do 2 up riding btw. Only downside I can think of is that it is quite a beast to move around.
Yes, It is reliable. I had one issue a year ago (some electrical thing and it wouldn't start) and Triumph took care of it right away. Since them it has behaved perfectly.
I’m just over 1,100 miles on my XE and couldn’t/wouldn’t have another bike on the market. Having sat (not ridden) an XC, it is definitely a “different” bike. Narrower bars, lower as well...lower seat height, blah blah...no need to go on as have already covered it. My White/Green XE in Sport Mode...is a Beast!!!
Enjoy!
The XC is more than enough bike for 99% of on/off road riders. I guess I'm a 1%er because I bought the XE... but think I should have gone with the XC with full kit in the end.
Agree that the xc is very capable. As mentioned I was going for a black xc but the ride on the xe is just better so I'm glad I tested both and ended with the bike that feels best for me.
Remember, Triumph suspension does drop . So be sure to sit on these after the bike have covered at least 1000 miles or more. This will give you an accurate idea of seat height.
@@percyc123 I have 100 on my XE and it still sits the same but the seat is softening up...which is a good thing. It is a fantastic bike.
Mark Jacobs it’s what I said , 1k + and miles and suspension will fall, not excessive but changes. I agree with you standard seat softens. Lower seat is available but I have sat on one and it was too hard.
it's not triumph suspension, it's ohlins shocks and showa forks
Found your channel as I have a Versys 300 but would love an XE. Your reviews are fantastic and it’s a shame you don’t have the time to make more. Maybe in the future........
I love triumph as a brand but find it unforgivable that they have not included or given the option of the advanced lean angle ABS and traction control. BIG BLACK MARK!
Taste an preference.. From a Nestor's perspective, i started riding in '77 i could care less about electronic aids, and would gladly buy the XC without any wizardry at a lower price :)
@@Larry_Mott Wizardry? Lower price? Only the suspension on the XE is worth more than the price difference.
The XC should be much cheaper imo.
@@cfvgd I don't get what your on about. I would be happy to be able to buy a XC without TC and ABS at a reduced price. I have managed for almost 40 years without electronic aids and i think i will be able to do so even now/in the future. THAT was my point :)
HerrBlackwood I agree man. They should offer a stripped down model like what Indian is doing. Analog gauges with the basics. Give abs at most and you’d have a hell of a bike. Royal Enfield has the right idea right now, basic bikes at a good price.
Congratulations WO on a great choice. I saw my first XE out on a ride at the weekend - it was a stunning looking piece of machinery. Enjoy bro.
Thanks!
Keep you hand on the handle bar grip that what it is for, stay safe and make many more video reviews.
Thanks for the comparison. I have a 2018 Street Scrambler but I want something with better suspension and brakes. Im 184cm and could not flatfoot the XE so Im leaning towards the XC.
Definitely take one for a spin. The xc leans more towards the street scrambler in terms of riding position than the xe and is definitely lower. Also ask to try the low seat they have as option.
I went to the dealer (1,5h drive) and the seating positions are quite different. The XE didn't feel as intimidating as last time though. Only a test ride will tell. Unfortunately there still is a few weeks until they allow test rides due to all the loose gravel on the roads. Can't wait.
@@SvenTord gravel roads... jealous here
There are lots of dirt roads around here (middle Sweden) but in this case I meant loose gravel on paved roads. It's very slippery and treacherous if you're not prepared. The snow and ice are gone from the main roads so they should sweep it up soon I hope.
@@SvenTord friend of mine in Sweden is waiting for the Yamaha tenere 700
I wouldn't worry about the handlebars if you don't like them, it's quite easy and inexpensive to change to higher wider bars , l think l've changed the bars on every bike l've owned
He's right about the suspension. A VStrom1000 only has 160mm of suspension travel and it is a very capable Adventure bike, so 200mm of travel is loads. The KTM950, which is a very very capable off road bike has 210mm for comparisson. If you are shorter the XC would be an excellent choice. At 5'10" - inseam of 32" I can get both feet almost flat on the floor on the XC. On the XE I'm on the balls of my feet - just.
that's right, bmw gs 1200 has the same 200mm travel
so at 5 8 and 31 inch inseam the xc would have my on my tippie toes? hmm
@@heythere6983 Just have to sit on one and see. I was on Tippie toes on my ZX9 after adjusting the suspension and that is a road bike. To be honest you adapt to a tall seat height. -One foot down at lights etc. It isn't great if you are new to riding, or possibly not a very confident rider. However, if you've been riding a few years and have your other skills sorted, it is only one new thing to deal with.
@@actstuntcam yeah ill have to check it out, yea the one foot thing, could be a pain, especially on an uneven surface, thanks
@@heythere6983 Yes the one-foot thing is definitely a pain on an uneven surface and I find riding a tall bike pretty intimidating when the going gets rough and slow too. You need to ask yourself what kind of off-road you'll do. I would get the scrambler 1200 XE because I need something that can deal with extreme off-road (I ride in NZ and some of us ride ADVs where you would take a dual-sport) - I am also considering the Tenere 700 - which is lighter. However, if you are only doing the odd gravel road and a bit of dirt road, you don't need any additional ground clearance - you could get a Ducati Scambler, or a Triumph 900 Scambler. Ducati Scrambler has a 30" seat height and the 900 Scrambler a 31" seat height. There are probably bikes with lower seat heights, or lowering kits for the afore-mentioned. Hope that helps. You could also get an XC and drop it right down and put on some risers for the footpegs.
Nice review fella but little tip if I may?
Try to keep your head a bit more still when the camera is running - you look up and down a lot and I actually started to feel maybe a bit seasick after a bit.
Good though.
Thanks for the tip
2 minutes in and I can barely watch.. definitely getting nauseous :(
“Oh no a bump in the road!” Said no Scrambler 1200 owner ever... 😎
Great review + appreciate the detailed breakdown on XC vs XE!
Agree with the safety features being gated behind the XE: irresponsible of Triumph here and they need to do better.
I'd want the XE simply for the paint. I have no interest in all the electronic nannies though.
I hate all this electronic crap on so many modern bikes.
Nice review! I have the XE and I now get why not many seem to complain about the suspension harshness ...your roads are SOOOOO nice! Really wish we had smooth roads like that here :) I have no idea how it's even possible for Ohlins to make suspensions so stiff with so much travel, regardless of how you adjust them, it's far from a plush ride like most adventure or dual sport bikes. My Africa twin had just slightly less travel, yet suspensions were great offroad and very comfortable on road. I love most everything else about the bike...but not sure what I'll do about the suspensions very underwhelming...
Thanks! Maybe there will be good aftermarket (non progressive) springs to adjust the ride in a few months.
@@winglessoracle2967 I hope so but not holding my breath. I might try having them resprung and revalved at a suspensions shop. The problem with that is you know when it starts, but never when it ends...on a bike this price I'm really disappointed they didn't get the suspensions right (like KTM has been doing for over a decade, they are plenty capable offroad, yet super compliant on the road).
what do you mean with an "harshness" front suspension ? The high frequencies are not enough filtered at your taste ? What sort of roads do you have ?
@@iamguillaume We have terrible road conditions (with temperatures going from -40C to +40C through the seasons, the roads take a serious beating). It's just harsh on anything that isn't perfectly smooth. You can see them in action here: th-cam.com/video/4O6TKAPjlEo/w-d-xo.html
It's as if I only used about 2" of travel.
The forks are not perfect but better. It's really the shocks that I'm about to have revalved to reduce the high speed compression damping, it's very fatiguing over long rides (and I'm used to naked bikes and can usually ride 5-600km in a day no problem).
Good review....I'm having the same XE/XE dilemma. Will wait for the XC to be available in the UK for a test ride before I decide . Aesthetically I'm torn between the two...the XE in green looks a more subtle and classic bike...but the XE in blue also looks great in a big friendly giant kind of way!. The tinted flyscreen Triumph do for both bikes really improves the look and tidies up in front of the clock. Cheers, Steve
Yes fully agree on the flyscreen. Will be the first thing I add. Don't know what they were thinking leaving that gap open between the light and instruments.
@@winglessoracle2967 Specially with the cable sticking out with what looks like hockey stick tape on it lol I've put a little piece of 3M on the headlight to protect it against scuffing from the cable.
Since the time you have produced this video till now, are you satisfied with the decision that you’ve taken?
Would like to know your opinion at the present about it. Thanks and ride safe✌️✌️
Nice test but I'm waiting on Triumph to produce my perfect bike. It'll have the dimensions of the XC, the engine of the Speed Twin and the looks of the T120. I live in hope.
The Xc ( cheaper ) bike feels a smaller, shorter machine. Feels quicker ready to go ,compete and throw about. Both feel a bit “ hooligan “ and my advice would be to test ride both of them prior to making a decision.
Fully agree.
Wingless Oracle Thanks and to you for an excellent video.
I sat on both the XE and XC today i can flatfoot on a XC but barely reach the ground on the XE. Is there a way to make the seating position lower to basically the height of an XC sitting position? Its only 20mm difference (it felt more though).
I sat on a Ducati desert sled with the same height as the XE but the seat is alot smaller so i could reach the floor with a little more than my tips.
Im 1m75 an i really wish i could choose between these 3 bikes.
Just the video l needed. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks for posting - cheers from Canada. 🇨🇦
Who designed those roads? How do you not have head-on collisions all the time? I got stressed out just watching the oncoming traffic. :P
I have never seen roads like that in my entire life, where is it. Are you supposed to drive your car with the line going between your tires, WTF.
I wonder what the power delivery is like from the xc to the speed twin, I'm assuming maybe a little Lower end torque on the xc but I have no idea
I assume the same but I have not ridden the ST yet. I had the Thruxton R and that had a longer power band than the xc which runs out of breath sooner but has a little bit more grunt. I also assume the st will rev faster.
@@winglessoracle2967 thanks for the response good to know
Useful review. Your command of English is amazing.
Thanks
Sounds like was once an English man
How do you plan on riding your XE? Onroad? Offroad? DIrt roads? Last season I did about 50% dirt roads and 50% paved roads. Which bike would you prefer for that?
I do 80% on road and 20 off. Mostly single track and sand. For 50-50 I would definitely go for the XE but also check out the new KTM 790 adventure (r) if you like the styling.
Absolutely beautiful bike!
Thanks!
I love all the "reviewers" that claim to be experts that don't even know the difference between rake and trail. XE has higher suspension which makes the rake longer which makes it better off road, the shorter rake makes XC better on road and shorter, both bikes are more than capable of doing anything that average writer/rider, which this guy is, can do. The XE just took fifth place at the Mexican 1000 in 98% stock form. 3000 miles now on my XE and it's simply the best bike I've ever owned in 45 years of riding.
Hi Mark. Neven claimed to be an expert. Just like talking about bikes 😁. Thanks for the explanation. I'd like to add the XE also has a longer swingarm adding to offroad stability and I fully agree the XE is the best bike I have had in a long time.
XC is the better road bike I think, After riding both.
If you do most of your riding on road, would you consider the new speed twin?
I owned a thruxton r for three years and loved it. Assuming the ST has a more relaxed riding position and upgraded engine definitely! I didn't like to take the Thruxron on long rides because of the position and for that I did consider the ST. Lovely nimble bike, great build quality. Do note that your legs are a little tucked in so be sure to test it for at least half an hour to see if you like that.
@@winglessoracle2967 I owned an older thruxton and agree. Good fun but for young riders or short trips. Im hearing good things about the st.
Just watched this again. I am considering buying an XE. Did you buy one? If so, has it been reliable?
Hi, yes I bought an XE. I preferred the riding position to the XC. It is the best all round bike I have owned and I use it for commute, weekend off-road rides and 2-5 day trips. Assuming you don't mind the lack of wind protection, I can highly recommend it. I don't do 2 up riding btw. Only downside I can think of is that it is quite a beast to move around.
Yes, It is reliable. I had one issue a year ago (some electrical thing and it wouldn't start) and Triumph took care of it right away. Since them it has behaved perfectly.
@@winglessoracle2967 It is electrical issues I worry about. Particularly to do with the daft keyless system.
@@winglessoracle2967 Will you make a video on the ownership of the bike or maybe some updates you have maybe done ?
Did you buy the XE? Haven’t seen a post from you in 2 years mate. You OK?
I bought the xe and still own it. Do everything on it. Commute, adventure, weekends. Love it.
Family and full time job caught up. I hope to be posting again later this year.
very good review!!!! thank you :)
Not one mile offroad! And you call that a scrambler review?
Dealer wanted it clean.
When I get my own one in two weeks I will go into the woods
Not sure how many dealers would let someone test ride one off road. Not many dealers of any brand let people do that.
daniel thompson : well then you have to buy the bike and you post the video on youtube
@@Fr99763 or you can watch the many reviews done by professionals in the industry here on TH-cam! How about that for an idea💡 lol.