When they first launched the 1200 scrambler I thought wow yeah this could be my next bike. Now they have launched the 1200 Speed twin so now Im thinking damn thats worth a look . OMFG check out the new 2019 Rocket 3 . IMO Triumph are killing It .
Wish they’d just made this an 800. Personally I don’t need 1.2 liters for playing in the dirt. They don’t need g to keep making them bigger and bigger.
it’s 2023, you can’t use the word NEW in your title anymore lol i bought the 2022 XC…..wow what a bike. i’m 5’ - 8” and a 1/4” lol the XC just a little tall but it’s awesome!!! the feel, the look, the sound, its a 1200, awesome bike. some people have described this bike as “hey look at me” bike. i agree with them. all the parts have been designed to look good. they all together real nice even though they have different finishes. amazing attention to detail. great job triumph, and ride safe everyone!
This ticks every box I could possibly want... easily capable for anything I’d be doing off-road, big enough to be hellish comfy on motorway stretches, massive luggage options, the coolest looking thing since McQueen raced an original. I really need to sell something, my ST, a kidney, my soul! Everything the Africa Twin has, but in the most beautiful package that looks like a motorbike. Ted Simons 21st century ride! Where do I sign- and how can I hide it from the wife!!!
Daniel Parkinson luggage options? Motorway stretches? I think that’s the only places it’s lacking, in every other respect it’s spot on... maybe not pillion comfort as well. You’d need a screen for long motorway hauls which would make it look a bit silly I think. Also in terms of luggage I haven’t seen anything for this or the smaller one yet? Just some small leather bags that are just a token effort
Scot Wilson - yeah absolutely! All that off-road plushness will be like riding a mattress on the motorways- obviously I wouldn’t expect it to handle like my ST on the tight A roads. I’m a fabrication technician so I don’t see anything being too testing for any luggage system once the correct rack is made and fitted- ally boxes or soft bags depending on your intentions. I did 3 weeks in Europe on a naked 1200 Bandit with soft luggage years ago and found no issue not having a screen, plenty of people do rtw epics on duel sports with nothing more than a number board! No bike is perfect for anything more than it’s intended purpose, this actually IS a scrambler unlike the other badly named offerings out there. It looks massively capable off road, and on it. How many people ride the hottest litre sports bike to work and back every day, and never see a track or a fraction of its potential, just as many GS riders would freak at the thought of a rain shower or gravel bridleway! Triumph have possibly created something very special with these, and it turns out it’s a motorbike! If you want to drag the missus everywhere you’re clearly not headed off-road anyway, if luggage options are stopping you riding further than the shops you’re probably on a bike for reasons other than loving the ride. A lot of people want an adventure but also want 5* accommodation every night. I’m sure this won’t be everyone’s idea of a perfect bike, but it pretty much looks like mine! (None of the above is aimed at you btw! I’m not here for an argument!)
Very in depth review. Fab content. I really cannot wait to get my hands on one of these 1200 scramblers and to be quite honest I couldn’t care less which one either. I loved the boneville street scrambler one of the very best I have ridden (better than Ducati for sure) and this just looks amazing. I’m just looking at my children now contemplating which one to sell lol
What's especially promising is that this review described a great bike and the fun it gives. Rather than be a review about a "classic retro" that looks great and as just a bonus performs surprisingly well when you actually use it.
Great review. All the essential info and some opinion on the difference between the versions. I am definitely the target market for this - I have a GS which is great but I don't use its touring capabilities as I don't have the time with young children. If I only ride Sundays and the occasional weekend away I will probably have more fun on this. Luggage can be a bag strapped on the back and it might come in 25kg lighter than a GS with panniers on. I will be taking a test ride on an XE...
Took my xe off road today gnarly lanes 4 hours on the saddle I’ll say this for it - know it’s limits & you’ve got a wonderful sled My next mod’ll be to upgrade the skins to a more 50/50 boots Zen it’ll be more adaptable off-road ~
Suspension looks really competent. Bike stays composed recovering from jumps etc, check the headlamp for reference, it hardly moves off line. Impressive. Cant wait to see it up against a 1090R which weighs the exact same 207 kg and up to this point has the best suspension in this weight bracket. The Trumpet will match it I reckon, possibly with 30mm more suspension travel, it may even beat it.
Robert Voigt The engine in this is the high power from the thruxton instead of high torque from the bonnie, so engine will be better. The main thing is suspension, the bonnie, thruxton and bobber Black all have short suspension so on bumpy roads they’re pretty uncomfortable. That’s just my opinion because I have a Tiger 1200 and always had adv bikes so they soaks up bumps really well - so for me the bonnie, thruxton and bobber were fine on smooth roads (but we live in the uk) so on bumpy roads I didn’t like them I absolutely loved riding the thruxton (I had it as a loan bike for 3 days) only disadvantages for me were hard suspension, riding position, luggage capability and motorway comfort ^^So my point is this scrambler should at least sort out the suspension/comfort. Next problem is getting a screen that works but doesn’t look ridiculous..
Great review as usual. You call them as you see them and don't play pattyfingers about what's not right but also call out what is actually great. Thanks again
Kieron Botting Hi Kieran. How are you? A few things to consider & clarify: I love Triumph a lot but I’m not brand loyal and you shouldn’t be either. The Thruxston R is my all time favorite bike. I’m 5’6 & athletic and that matters. The scrambler series by Triumph is exquisite and unequal in quality. However if I were looking at an off-road/on road bike-that is good at both of pick the Desert Sled for two reasons: (1) the Triumph is a nicer bike but not $4k nicer. (2) the DS is lighter. Ducati should have put a fuel indicator, auto turn signals, and running light on the first generation but they finally corrected that. For most people who don’t live near Moab or the Sahara desert, the DS will do everything almost as well as the triumph and if you bang it up no big deal The XE is for y’all riders who are into Xtreme riding and if that’s not you, it’s really not the right bike. If you aren’t doing crazy shit on that bike sell it and get something you can still have a blast on but isn’t more bike than you need. No one wants to spend more $$ on a bike than you need to. If you are doing long distance off reading the XC is excellent: otherwise I think Ducati DS does just what the XC does for a lot less coin I promise you’ll still have fun and smile every mile. But if I said you could buy a Triumph Scrambler XE/XC or a Desert Sled & a trip around the world, fully paid for, what would you choose? Be that as it may, if you got it enjoy the heck out of it. It’s quality is unsurpassed and it’s very capable either model. Same goes for the BMW R9 & Thruxston R. Less money more style and so much performance. Now if you live on the edge and push the XC to its limit OK. But few will do so. Whereas the Desert Sled is easier to push to the limit and yet you won’t be disappointed when you hit the limit but happy you are still safe and within your own limits perhaps. But again if you are an Extreme rider and out overlanding long distances with huge jumps: You’ll want the XE If you are brand loyal and just like to have some fun as a weekend warrior and it has to be a triumph: XC Be safe daddio
Great reply, mate. Thank you for your thoughts. I’ll be getting it to travel and won’t be too crazy off road, obviously. Hmmm... I’m not too price sensitive and given that I intend hold onto the one that takes me round the globe, I’m not really considering what it’s resale might be either. I think I’ll give the Sled and the XC a spin and see how both go. After all... what’s the point in asking advice if you’re not gonna listen! Once again, thank you. Will you be posting any videos of your rides? If so I’ll give you a cheeky follow and keep my eye out. 👊
ernst jo the power is on another level. The 900 has around 60ftlb and just over 50 bhp, this 1200 has 88 and 89bhp I believe. The 900 was really fun to ride, but it was more of a small-bike novelty feel. Great around back lanes but on the open road it was lacking. I rode the 1200 thruxton and the engine was amazing, I’ve got a Tiger 1200 so I’m used to that sort of power, and the 1200 thruxton didn’t disappoint at all, it actually feels like it’s got more torque - you will only notice the power difference after 80 mph really.
Awesome review! 5'8" never sucked as much as it does now. Maybe with the low seat (dropping seat height to 845mm) the XE becomes an option. I can ride an Africa Twin on low seat setting, hope this bike does not feel taller.
Having owned an 82 Tiger Trail with off-road oriented gearing, I know how suprising it is to find how much fun these bikes can be in the dirt. Being 5'8", I'd probably lean towards an XC, spending the extra dosh on upgrading it to XE level.
Nice review. This compares more with the GS Urban or R9T Scrambler than the GS/GSA. Shame about the chain eh. And not much off road in SE England where the biggest adventure is a ride to the local cafe.
Did you prefer the Triumph to the Ducati Desert Sled?? PS you have def changed my perseption of maybe getting a Triumph Scramler XE.. thanks enjoyed the vid
TheWindigomonster it is, there’s slightly less travel in the suspension and a few other differences, but we rode both and the XC would cope off road. I’m 5 11 and suited the XE more.
Short, sweet, to the point and absolutely no faffing about. You rock, John. Love the bikes, but, although they are utter works of art, I'd still get a KTM. And although they really sound divine and the two German reviews I've seen so far (Motorradmagazin and 1000ps) like it as well, although Christian from MM prefers the XC, says it's better on the road and almost as good in the dirt, I suspect that Triumph is going to have a wee bit of difficulty shifting many of these. That's partially because GS riders are incredibly brand loyal, no matter what prices or crap BMW throws at them, and partially because Triumph's new Speed Twin will be a better bike for almost all real road riding.
*Triumph is going to sell a lot of these.* But you're right, GS owners are not the target audience for this bike (although Africa Twin is already doing a great job eating GS' lunch). The retro market is bigger than anyone realizes (remember how BMW got into the retro segment just to compete with the Bonnies and now Indian also wants to replicate the same by hiring Ola Stenegard, the dude that designed the R NineT range). Duc Scrambler is their highest selling model by a mile, 55000+ units sold. And that bike is nowhere near the XE e in terms of capabilities. Harley, MV Agusta, Norton, Guzzi (V85TT, another retro adv bike) they all have new retros planned for the next couple of years.
@@samrit123in Yes, you're right, but the retro bikes that are selling well aren't the off-road ones. Ducati's Desert Sled doesn't sell anywhere near as many as their other scramblers. These are, of course far better bikes, but also at much higher prices. I'd absolutely love to have one, for the sound, looks and torque, but in reality I wouldn't want to tour on one or filter through traffic on one either. KTM is bringing a new SMT based on the 790 engine. I'm already saving for that (I have a 990 SMT).
I don't ride a GS, nether particularly like them but you get a hall lotta bike for that money... These however have a lot to them that money doesn't get you and still cost you less. Well done triumph!
I think that all of these types of Bike look far better with “ Traditional “ type front forks - I understand that “ Upside down “ forks are stiffer but RWU Forks add to the Retro look that these types of Bike are trying to achieve .
@Bunnyshooter 223 my 650 versys seem to be just fine on the highway. The new 600s have plenty of power these days. The real benefit (for me) of a 600/650 scrumbler is that I would actually consider buying one at a lower cost of a 600 cc engine while keeping the look. Lets be real, the only place these bikes will be riden is on the street due to their weight and awesome appearance. Someone who loves the dirt will buy a real dirt bike not this.
Aside from the absence of graphics/data superimposed on the screen, an excellent review! It appears that the question is to Tiger or Scrambler: a comparison test soon?
That bike design is a work of art - The only thing that spoils it for me is the exhaust system, it ruins the rest of the looks of the bike. But they do deserve a pat on the back for coming up with that "look", totally unique, it looks absolutely great. Not a big fan of these "revived" named bikes, but this one from Triumph is something else. Anyone on TH-cam bought one of these? I am curious about what sorts of problems you get in the first year compared to the 2nd year - How reliable are they, any niggles or silly things that fail? Then again, any Major items that let the bike down?
In the real world, a rider wouldn’t slip on different tyres for different conditions. If you loved the grandad supermoto aspect of the bike and kept the road tyres on, would it still be an off road beast? Or would you be limited to dirt roads? I don’t ask to belittle it, I’ve seen Riding wit Tom’s road video and that’s enough to make a sale in my mind, but I just wonder if all the suspension and electronics is going to be enough to get this to scramble on dirt in road tyres better than say the considerably cheaper Street Scrambler?
John, you made me call into my local Triumph dealer today, cool review; thanks. One question, do you have to clutch it up? Really tempted to buy an XE after watching your review a couple of times.
Looks great fun. 1st mod for me is to get rid of that exhaust. Get rid of the high weight it must bring. Also on a personal level it looks like it's trying to be too retro, not cool. A shortie tucked out of the way with little weight I reckon.
It's a lovely looking bike and there's nothing I would change but I really don't need 1200cc, the price and weight that goes with it. Do these companies do market research as there's a lot of comments along the same lines. 600cc single under 400lbs same styling would be perfect!
1200 cc engine that only makes 80HP? What did they leave out? I like standard motorcycles, I'd probably like this one, but more power would be welcome.
Great review, this is my next bike! I've been planning to buy a new one for about 2 years now, and had decided the Africa Twin or the Tiger 800 would be the choices. But, when I saw this a month ago, it's been love at first sight. Thanks again for the great review!
I have to admit that, on screen at least, is looks like a decent off roader. Basically, I dislike fairings on a bike and think they belong on scooters. I've owned more "Trail" bikes than anything else and somehow, Triumph have managed to at least make this appear somehow lightweight. I guess that's part;y down to the lack of plastics, the suspension clearance and the 19 inch front wheel. The only vaguely "adventure" machine I've ridden was a 1000 Varadero about 20 years ago. What a SOS that was!
Great review John. That bike looks amazing, shame about all the electronic bollocks, but I guess that is just a given these days. One thing annoys me about this bike though. The weight and power figures are pretty pathetic compared to an old KTM950, which is now 15 years old. It is significantly heavier than an old KTM950 (KTM 198kg dry vs. 205kg dry) and makes significantly less power (KTM -98hp vs 89hp) It does win the torque battle though, so that is great - Triumph 81 lb/ft vs KTM 70 lb/ft. It also achieves that torque much sooner. I wouldn't mind the lack of outright hp if the Triumph was much lighter. A serious question here - why are modern bikes (particularly ADVs) getting heavier and heavier. Ultimately specs-wise this bike is a little bit disappointing. We seem to be going backwards in this part of the market. Styling - wise this thing rocks though and looks much more comfortable. The XE seat height isn't too bad either. It is slightly lower than the KTM, so pretty manageable for a proper ADV. The XC would be even more manageable, but obviously, you lose a bit of ground clearance. When I win lotto I will definitely be checking one of these out :)
SHIT! Now I'm doubting my reservation of a Bonneville T120 Diamond Edition! I feel like this is a lot more bike for $1k more. (subscribed by the way, great video!!!)
I've rewatched this every day for the past 3 months.
When they first launched the 1200 scrambler I thought wow yeah this could be my next bike. Now they have launched the 1200 Speed twin so now Im thinking damn thats worth a look . OMFG check out the new 2019 Rocket 3 . IMO Triumph are killing It .
First 1200 review on Utube.
Good job ! Thanks
Excellent presentation, no mucking around, very interesting, you know your stuff. Thanks.
The best thing about the 1200 is that I'll be able to pick up a used 900 at a good price.
I already did 👍
Older 900 got some issues though - worse suspension, exhaust etc. so if you want to fix those problems, you are almost at 1200 price :)
@@Spazik86 And heavier than the 1200.
Wish they’d just made this an 800. Personally I don’t need 1.2 liters for playing in the dirt. They don’t need g to keep making them bigger and bigger.
I absolutely love this bike.
Except the exhaust.
...and the price.
So good to finally see someone who has the nerve to call out that idiot sprinkling salt down his elbow. Good work John.
it’s 2023, you can’t use the word NEW in your title anymore lol
i bought the 2022 XC…..wow what a bike. i’m 5’ - 8” and a 1/4” lol
the XC just a little tall but it’s awesome!!!
the feel, the look, the sound, its a 1200, awesome bike.
some people have described this bike as “hey look at me” bike.
i agree with them.
all the parts have been designed to look good. they all together real nice even though they have different finishes. amazing attention to detail.
great job triumph, and ride safe everyone!
This ticks every box I could possibly want... easily capable for anything I’d be doing off-road, big enough to be hellish comfy on motorway stretches, massive luggage options, the coolest looking thing since McQueen raced an original. I really need to sell something, my ST, a kidney, my soul! Everything the Africa Twin has, but in the most beautiful package that looks like a motorbike. Ted Simons 21st century ride!
Where do I sign- and how can I hide it from the wife!!!
Daniel Parkinson luggage options? Motorway stretches? I think that’s the only places it’s lacking, in every other respect it’s spot on... maybe not pillion comfort as well.
You’d need a screen for long motorway hauls which would make it look a bit silly I think. Also in terms of luggage I haven’t seen anything for this or the smaller one yet? Just some small leather bags that are just a token effort
Scot Wilson - yeah absolutely! All that off-road plushness will be like riding a mattress on the motorways- obviously I wouldn’t expect it to handle like my ST on the tight A roads. I’m a fabrication technician so I don’t see anything being too testing for any luggage system once the correct rack is made and fitted- ally boxes or soft bags depending on your intentions. I did 3 weeks in Europe on a naked 1200 Bandit with soft luggage years ago and found no issue not having a screen, plenty of people do rtw epics on duel sports with nothing more than a number board!
No bike is perfect for anything more than it’s intended purpose, this actually IS a scrambler unlike the other badly named offerings out there. It looks massively capable off road, and on it. How many people ride the hottest litre sports bike to work and back every day, and never see a track or a fraction of its potential, just as many GS riders would freak at the thought of a rain shower or gravel bridleway!
Triumph have possibly created something very special with these, and it turns out it’s a motorbike! If you want to drag the missus everywhere you’re clearly not headed off-road anyway, if luggage options are stopping you riding further than the shops you’re probably on a bike for reasons other than loving the ride. A lot of people want an adventure but also want 5* accommodation every night.
I’m sure this won’t be everyone’s idea of a perfect bike, but it pretty much looks like mine!
(None of the above is aimed at you btw! I’m not here for an argument!)
Saw these at the NEC and they left me cold. Now I've seen your video, I really want one. Triumph played a blinder inviting you to the launch!
Portugal is a fantastic country with very good off roads !! Well choosed
Very in depth review. Fab content. I really cannot wait to get my hands on one of these 1200 scramblers and to be quite honest I couldn’t care less which one either. I loved the boneville street scrambler one of the very best I have ridden (better than Ducati for sure) and this just looks amazing. I’m just looking at my children now contemplating which one to sell lol
What's especially promising is that this review described a great bike and the fun it gives. Rather than be a review about a "classic retro" that looks great and as just a bonus performs surprisingly well when you actually use it.
Great review. All the essential info and some opinion on the difference between the versions.
I am definitely the target market for this - I have a GS which is great but I don't use its touring capabilities as I don't have the time with young children. If I only ride Sundays and the occasional weekend away I will probably have more fun on this. Luggage can be a bag strapped on the back and it might come in 25kg lighter than a GS with panniers on.
I will be taking a test ride on an XE...
Anything is 25kg lighter than the gs even the old gs before it went LC
Took my xe off road today gnarly lanes 4 hours on the saddle
I’ll say this for it - know it’s limits & you’ve got a wonderful sled
My next mod’ll be to upgrade the skins to a more 50/50 boots Zen it’ll be more adaptable off-road ~
You all rode the desert sled more aggresively off road. How do they compare?
Great video... which means I will unfortunately spend far too much time re-watching it.
Excellent video, great points made about the bike.
So, they took the English summer to the fabulous winter of Portugal ?? !! But, is THE BEST review frm that bike on TH-cam!
Cheers.
I think that I may have finally found a bike that will make me consider getting off my a tiger 800. Thanks for a great review.
Another really good video, very informative and what great looking bikes
Thanks Lee
Helluva stance on the XE model... I'm with you, that bike checks a lot of boxes for my own tastes.
Now I've got to go convert 207 kilo to lbs.
Suspension looks really competent. Bike stays composed recovering from jumps etc, check the headlamp for reference, it hardly moves off line. Impressive. Cant wait to see it up against a 1090R which weighs the exact same 207 kg and up to this point has the best suspension in this weight bracket. The Trumpet will match it I reckon, possibly with 30mm more suspension travel, it may even beat it.
Compare oranges with apples?
Great Video. Comparing to a t120 bonneville is the XE Better onroad? Better Sound?
Robert Voigt The engine in this is the high power from the thruxton instead of high torque from the bonnie, so engine will be better.
The main thing is suspension, the bonnie, thruxton and bobber Black all have short suspension so on bumpy roads they’re pretty uncomfortable. That’s just my opinion because I have a Tiger 1200 and always had adv bikes so they soaks up bumps really well - so for me the bonnie, thruxton and bobber were fine on smooth roads (but we live in the uk) so on bumpy roads I didn’t like them
I absolutely loved riding the thruxton (I had it as a loan bike for 3 days) only disadvantages for me were hard suspension, riding position, luggage capability and motorway comfort
^^So my point is this scrambler should at least sort out the suspension/comfort. Next problem is getting a screen that works but doesn’t look ridiculous..
So John... For you is it this or the 2019 Street Scrambler?
This.
Great review as usual. You call them as you see them and don't play pattyfingers about what's not right but also call out what is actually great. Thanks again
Cheers Ross!
What jacket are you wearing? Ordered the XC - great review
J James how you finding the XC, mate? I dig the XE, but I think the XC leans closer to what I’m looking for/capable to ride!
Kieron Botting Hi Kieran. How are you? A few things to consider & clarify: I love Triumph a lot but I’m not brand loyal and you shouldn’t be either. The Thruxston R is my all time favorite bike.
I’m 5’6 & athletic and that matters. The scrambler series by Triumph is exquisite and unequal in quality. However if I were looking at an off-road/on road bike-that is good at both of pick the Desert Sled for two reasons: (1) the Triumph is a nicer bike but not $4k nicer. (2) the DS is lighter. Ducati should have put a fuel indicator, auto turn signals, and running light on the first generation but they finally corrected that.
For most people who don’t live near Moab or the Sahara desert, the DS will do everything almost as well as the triumph and if you bang it up no big deal
The XE is for y’all riders who are into Xtreme riding and if that’s not you, it’s really not the right bike. If you aren’t doing crazy shit on that bike sell it and get something you can still have a blast on but isn’t more bike than you need.
No one wants to spend more $$ on a bike than you need to. If you are doing long distance off reading the XC is excellent: otherwise I think Ducati DS does just what the XC does for a lot less coin
I promise you’ll still have fun and smile every mile. But if I said you could buy a Triumph Scrambler XE/XC or a Desert Sled & a trip around the world, fully paid for, what would you choose?
Be that as it may, if you got it enjoy the heck out of it. It’s quality is unsurpassed and it’s very capable either model.
Same goes for the BMW R9 & Thruxston R. Less money more style and so much performance.
Now if you live on the edge and push the XC to its limit OK. But few will do so. Whereas the Desert Sled is easier to push to the limit and yet you won’t be disappointed when you hit the limit but happy you are still safe and within your own limits perhaps.
But again if you are an Extreme rider and out overlanding long distances with huge jumps: You’ll want the XE
If you are brand loyal and just like to have some fun as a weekend warrior and it has to be a triumph: XC
Be safe daddio
Great reply, mate. Thank you for your thoughts.
I’ll be getting it to travel and won’t be too crazy off road, obviously. Hmmm... I’m not too price sensitive and given that I intend hold onto the one that takes me round the globe, I’m not really considering what it’s resale might be either.
I think I’ll give the Sled and the XC a spin and see how both go.
After all... what’s the point in asking advice if you’re not gonna listen!
Once again, thank you.
Will you be posting any videos of your rides? If so I’ll give you a cheeky follow and keep my eye out.
👊
@@KBeezyEsq what did you go for mate?
Great review...how does the 900 scrambler stack up against the 1200 ?
ernst jo the power is on another level. The 900 has around 60ftlb and just over 50 bhp, this 1200 has 88 and 89bhp I believe.
The 900 was really fun to ride, but it was more of a small-bike novelty feel. Great around back lanes but on the open road it was lacking.
I rode the 1200 thruxton and the engine was amazing, I’ve got a Tiger 1200 so I’m used to that sort of power, and the 1200 thruxton didn’t disappoint at all, it actually feels like it’s got more torque - you will only notice the power difference after 80 mph really.
Awesome review! 5'8" never sucked as much as it does now. Maybe with the low seat (dropping seat height to 845mm) the XE becomes an option. I can ride an Africa Twin on low seat setting, hope this bike does not feel taller.
Hi, go and get on one you might find it works for you. I'm the Producer, I'm 5'9 and it was fine for me. Al
Great review...the Scrambler looks awesome. I'm a bit too nervous to take my 2012 Tiger X off road, the scrambler probably won't cure me..
Fabulous vid as ever John and crew, fabulous bike by the sounds (and looks) of it too.....I do hope Triumph will let me ride one someday!
TheMissendenFlyer Just go to a dealership and ask for a test ride, It’s that easy !
Hope to see and old school green lane vid with the new scrambler
Having owned an 82 Tiger Trail with off-road oriented gearing, I know how suprising it is to find how much fun these bikes can be in the dirt. Being 5'8", I'd probably lean towards an XC, spending the extra dosh on upgrading it to XE level.
Great review. Commentator was funny and informative. Subscribed.
Great video, cool bike!
Ok, you loved the Street Scrambler and you love the 1200. Which would you choose if you rode 98% tarmac?
Take this. Had a Street Scrambler. Sold it after just a year. Too underpowered.
Speed Twin 😜
@@disekjoumoer Every road test I've seen sees the Street Scrambler as a better ride.
@@MillfieldWheels the street twin, mate. The one that's just been unveiled.
@@TheodoreStauffer Speed Twin?
Good review. Would like to know your opinion on what competition is, and what kind of people will really take to this.
Thanks Knobface!
Good review....it seems the Scrambler is as good as it looks!, can't wait for a test ride. Steve
Great review! I did sat down on the XE, Me at 5'10" tall still the 1200 XE felt so tall...
Love it. However it'll be the XC for me rather than the full pull XE.
Dude..awesome video...👍👍👍👍
Great review. I love that big scrambler in blue. It looks the nuts. I want one!!
Nice review. This compares more with the GS Urban or R9T Scrambler than the GS/GSA. Shame about the chain eh. And not much off road in SE England where the biggest adventure is a ride to the local cafe.
Does it put a smile on your face as in the street scrambler review?
Did you prefer the Triumph to the Ducati Desert Sled?? PS you have def changed my perseption of maybe getting a Triumph Scramler XE.. thanks enjoyed the vid
This bike was the most impressive bike at the motorcycle show in NYC. Much nicer than the Polaris FTR.
Awesome video! I have been waiting for this!!!
Good review but for interest how tall are you. At 180 cm I would prefer XE but is it feasible especially when on road with pillion? Thanks in advance.
Beautiful Machine, really love it. Not sure where it would fit in my garage or what I would part with to have one. Well Done, and great review.
Is the XC still off-road capable? I don’t think I’d be tall enough for the XE
TheWindigomonster it is, there’s slightly less travel in the suspension and a few other differences, but we rode both and the XC would cope off road. I’m 5 11 and suited the XE more.
Amazing video 👏
Just put money down on one! Great review. I'm leaving the GS behind after 12 years.
Nice, let us know how you get on with it Dave.
Bike World - I will be as well ! However, I will probably be mothballing my BMW HP2 Enduro which is my best ever bike !
It appears like you can't get a centre stand for the XE only the XC. ????
Zohar jacket are you wearing? Great review! Thx
Short, sweet, to the point and absolutely no faffing about. You rock, John. Love the bikes, but, although they are utter works of art, I'd still get a KTM. And although they really sound divine and the two German reviews I've seen so far (Motorradmagazin and 1000ps) like it as well, although Christian from MM prefers the XC, says it's better on the road and almost as good in the dirt, I suspect that Triumph is going to have a wee bit of difficulty shifting many of these. That's partially because GS riders are incredibly brand loyal, no matter what prices or crap BMW throws at them, and partially because Triumph's new Speed Twin will be a better bike for almost all real road riding.
*Triumph is going to sell a lot of these.* But you're right, GS owners are not the target audience for this bike (although Africa Twin is already doing a great job eating GS' lunch).
The retro market is bigger than anyone realizes (remember how BMW got into the retro segment just to compete with the Bonnies and now Indian also wants to replicate the same by hiring Ola Stenegard, the dude that designed the R NineT range). Duc Scrambler is their highest selling model by a mile, 55000+ units sold. And that bike is nowhere near the XE e in terms of capabilities. Harley, MV Agusta, Norton, Guzzi (V85TT, another retro adv bike) they all have new retros planned for the next couple of years.
@@samrit123in Yes, you're right, but the retro bikes that are selling well aren't the off-road ones. Ducati's Desert Sled doesn't sell anywhere near as many as their other scramblers. These are, of course far better bikes, but also at much higher prices. I'd absolutely love to have one, for the sound, looks and torque, but in reality I wouldn't want to tour on one or filter through traffic on one either. KTM is bringing a new SMT based on the 790 engine. I'm already saving for that (I have a 990 SMT).
I don't ride a GS, nether particularly like them but you get a hall lotta bike for that money... These however have a lot to them that money doesn't get you and still cost you less. Well done triumph!
Compare oranges with apples?
Triumph bikes looks super clean I wud hesitate to take them off road
Thanks for the awesome review! How tall are you?
Just get longer / pegs, I definitely need this bike in my life!!! The Blue is Heaven with the Gold forks!! I just fear the weight!!!
89 BHP not 81. Apart from that ,great review.
I think that all of these types of Bike look far better with “ Traditional “ type front forks - I understand that “ Upside down “ forks are stiffer but RWU Forks add to the Retro look that these types of Bike are trying to achieve .
I would be more interested if they made a Scrambler 600. But it does look awesome.
@Bunnyshooter 223 the extra 600cc weighs the same as the gut I grew over the last 10 years. No need to be a weight weenie unless you're a gp racer.
@Bunnyshooter 223
my 650 versys seem to be just fine on the highway. The new 600s have plenty of power these days.
The real benefit (for me) of a 600/650 scrumbler is that I would actually consider buying one at a lower cost of a 600 cc engine while keeping the look.
Lets be real, the only place these bikes will be riden is on the street due to their weight and awesome appearance. Someone who loves the dirt will buy a real dirt bike not this.
Ok guys, National Powersports in Concord, NH has 21 of these babies on the floor at $11,995 per copy. Whoa whoa whoa!
Aside from the absence of graphics/data superimposed on the screen, an excellent review! It appears that the question is to Tiger or Scrambler: a comparison test soon?
Where is Luke ????? The greatest bike journalist!!!!
Nice review
Great detailed review. 👍
Nice review guys! Looking forward to test riding one. John, did you have the low seat on the XE there?
Phil480 not as far as I’m aware mate. Seat height felt ideal on the road for me and was manageable off road.
Does it make you smile like the street scrambler?
Did you say the XC has only 2 rider modes ?
What about 5.5 dwarf like me,i think i need to buy a ladder with this...having said that i am in love with this bike..
That bike design is a work of art - The only thing that spoils it for me is the exhaust system, it ruins the rest of the looks of the bike. But they do deserve a pat on the back for coming up with that "look", totally unique, it looks absolutely great. Not a big fan of these "revived" named bikes, but this one from Triumph is something else. Anyone on TH-cam bought one of these? I am curious about what sorts of problems you get in the first year compared to the 2nd year - How reliable are they, any niggles or silly things that fail? Then again, any Major items that let the bike down?
Is it your own BELL..helmet it's a proper looker👍👍👍 retro 80s cool..bikes brill..cheers from dave
In the real world, a rider wouldn’t slip on different tyres for different conditions. If you loved the grandad supermoto aspect of the bike and kept the road tyres on, would it still be an off road beast? Or would you be limited to dirt roads?
I don’t ask to belittle it, I’ve seen Riding wit Tom’s road video and that’s enough to make a sale in my mind, but I just wonder if all the suspension and electronics is going to be enough to get this to scramble on dirt in road tyres better than say the considerably cheaper Street Scrambler?
As a non bike owner. That bike gets me thinking. After I pay off the Mini Cooper. Nice Nice Nice
1:35 of ginger bread (we can do without) till the review starts. Just tell us to skip to 1:36 to watch the review.
Can I take it for as tour bike??
John, you made me call into my local Triumph dealer today, cool review; thanks. One question, do you have to clutch it up? Really tempted to buy an XE after watching your review a couple of times.
Valentina Warren I’m sure you could cough it up on the gas as well. Glad you enjoyed the review, I hope the test ride speaks for itself.
Stunning bike.
That's a great review buddy, will it be a rider friendly bike for city? The exhaust heats up faster than the street scrambler?
Looks great fun. 1st mod for me is to get rid of that exhaust. Get rid of the high weight it must bring. Also on a personal level it looks like it's trying to be too retro, not cool. A shortie tucked out of the way with little weight I reckon.
Is that the bike in the new Viper movie
It's a lovely looking bike and there's nothing I would change but I really don't need 1200cc, the price and weight that goes with it. Do these companies do market research as there's a lot of comments along the same lines. 600cc single under 400lbs same styling would be perfect!
1200 cc engine that only makes 80HP? What did they leave out? I like standard motorcycles, I'd probably like this one, but more power would be welcome.
89bhp.
Great review, this is my next bike! I've been planning to buy a new one for about 2 years now, and had decided the Africa Twin or the Tiger 800 would be the choices. But, when I saw this a month ago, it's been love at first sight. Thanks again for the great review!
steven lewis I’m jealous, you got a plan for luggage and a screen?
cool bike, but too tall for my short legs...love the greeting on start-up!
looking forward to the Speed Twin review. :)
I have to admit that, on screen at least, is looks like a decent off roader. Basically, I dislike fairings on a bike and think they belong on scooters. I've owned more "Trail" bikes than anything else and somehow, Triumph have managed to at least make this appear somehow lightweight. I guess that's part;y down to the lack of plastics, the suspension clearance and the 19 inch front wheel. The only vaguely "adventure" machine I've ridden was a 1000 Varadero about 20 years ago. What a SOS that was!
Looks great
Comprehensive and very professional review. Nice bike, though tank needs another 2 litres.
Stizzy Grayson must have a big bladder
Good review...im looking to sell my ducati scrambler full throttle to buy this scrambler cos I ride off road 40% of the time .
Please send one to South Africa for me! Please?
Great review John. That bike looks amazing, shame about all the electronic bollocks, but I guess that is just a given these days. One thing annoys me about this bike though. The weight and power figures are pretty pathetic compared to an old KTM950, which is now 15 years old. It is significantly heavier than an old KTM950 (KTM 198kg dry vs. 205kg dry) and makes significantly less power (KTM -98hp vs 89hp) It does win the torque battle though, so that is great - Triumph 81 lb/ft vs KTM 70 lb/ft. It also achieves that torque much sooner. I wouldn't mind the lack of outright hp if the Triumph was much lighter. A serious question here - why are modern bikes (particularly ADVs) getting heavier and heavier. Ultimately specs-wise this bike is a little bit disappointing. We seem to be going backwards in this part of the market. Styling - wise this thing rocks though and looks much more comfortable. The XE seat height isn't too bad either. It is slightly lower than the KTM, so pretty manageable for a proper ADV. The XC would be even more manageable, but obviously, you lose a bit of ground clearance. When I win lotto I will definitely be checking one of these out :)
Wonder if you can buy the suspension from this bike and put it on the later model scramblers?
I want it! Need a flat track edition with 100/100 :D
Looking at the back ground of where your talking tells me your working for Triumph.
It's a launch with press from all over the world, we don't work for Triumph.
Great bike...
SHIT! Now I'm doubting my reservation of a Bonneville T120 Diamond Edition! I feel like this is a lot more bike for $1k more. (subscribed by the way, great video!!!)
Is there a way to put panniers on the bike with the high exhaust?
only think i dont like is the gold forks ,i would get them coated in black
Portugal again:)
No grin??! ah but you do like it. Great review!
Still prefere DesertSled styling.
The triumph Scrambler 1200 vs BMW Rt 9? Anyone?