Ride report Triumph Scrambler 1200 X & XE: Fraternal twins

A seat height of 870 millimetres is quite something for a motorcycle. And even 840 millimetres is not without its challenges if you are not strolling through life with model stilts or basketball legs. Many potential buyers of the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE, which has been available since 2019, or the 1200 XC, which has so far stood alongside it, have therefore decided shortly before signing the purchase contract: Sorry, Beauty, we're not going to happen after all - you're great, but unfortunately too high for me.

As a retailer, your heart naturally bleeds at times like this. So you talk to the manufacturer and make suggestions: Work on it! No sooner said than done: Brit bike manufacturer Triumph has, by its own admission, listened to its dealers and customers and is sending its cool Scrambler 1200 into the race for buyers' favor just in time for the 2024 model year as the road-oriented 1200 X and, as before, as the "high-legged" off-road variant 1200 XE. The best thing about it: both will be cheaper. In the case of the new 1200 X (from 13,795 euros), this is a whopping 850 euros compared to the previous model, while the 1200 XE (from 15,295 euros) is still 400 euros cheaper.

170 millimetres front and rear suspension travel, 820 millimetres seat height - the new 1200 X looks as accessible as a roadster. With the accessory seat bench, the distance between the rear end and the asphalt even drops to 795 mm. You could almost mistake the 1200 X for a slightly pimped version of the classic Triumph Bonneville T120, which is its direct relative anyway. There, as here, a medium-sized person simply swings their leg over the formidable seat, with both feet easily reaching the ground. As soon as you take your first seat, it is clear that the new 1200 X prefers asphalt to gravel, despite its scrambler attitude.

The model-maintained 1200 XE is completely different with its enormous suspension travel (250 mm) and still 870 mm seat height: If you are an average height of around 1.80 meters and want to get onto the narrow seat, you should use the footrest as a step. And then it's a matter of balancing well! Which is not so easy when only the tips of your toes are touching the ground. Tall motorcyclists, on the other hand, are in good hands on the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE. It is wonderfully balanced, offers plenty of comfort despite its slim stature - and even allows two-meter tall riders to sit elegantly.

The so-called rider triangle - the distance between the handlebars, seat and footrests - is ergonomically perfectly designed and can be readjusted if necessary, for example by tilting the handlebars. Nothing stands in the way of longer off-road excursions or extensive trips on the large Triumph Scrambler. The maximum payload is an impressive 210 kilograms - more than enough for luggage plus pillion passenger.

The tried-and-tested 1.2-liter twin engine - Triumph uses it in various models of its "Modern Classics" family - builds up pressure early on in the 1200cc Scramblers. The maximum torque is now available 250 Nm earlier (110 Nm at 4,250 rpm), the same applies to the power (90 hp at 7,000 rpm). Triumph has also tweaked the fuel consumption: 4.4 l/100 km according to the data sheet, which is 0.2 liters less than the previous model. In purely mathematical terms, this results in a range of around 340 km without stopping to refuel.

Up to around 120 km/h, the airstream is kind to the person on the handlebars. Only from 130 km/h does it start to press noticeably against the chest of the completely unclad Scrambler, causing the wind noise on the helmet to swell. On request, a transparent touring windshield partially intercepts the wind and also offers protection from the elements. In city traffic, the high exhaust is noticeable relatively quickly. Triumph assures that it has once again improved the heat dissipation of the style-defining exhaust system. Nevertheless, the casual exhaust, which runs almost at seat height, naturally radiates a lot of heat - and still forces the rider to bend their right leg slightly when riding. But now: Scrambler riders are happy to put up with this design-related peculiarity.

Triumph has largely standardized the technical components of the 1200cc duo. At the front and rear, for example, both models now have suspension elements from Marzocchi. The front wheel is guided by an upside-down fork (USD) with a 45 mm fork tube diameter. Like the rear suspension, it is fully adjustable on the off-road cracker 1200 XE, but not on the 1200 X road version. In both cases, the Italian USD fork does its job very well. Rear shock absorbers from Marzocchi are now also used in unison, in the case of the 1200 X with adjustable preload. The road scrambler relies entirely on Nissin brakes, while the 1200 XE has Brembo superbike brakes at the front.

Both bikes now have a Bosch 6-axis sensor measuring unit (IMU), which orchestrates the interaction of traction control, ABS and up to six riding programs depending on the lean angle; this state-of-the-art feature was previously reserved for the XE. The basic trust in the bike, which is already quickly established on the Triumph Scrambler, is thus increased even further. The precision with which the 21-inch front wheel can be maneuvered through corners is impressive.

In addition to the excellent chassis, the comfortable, upright seating position and the pleasantly wide handlebars play a significant role in this. On the XE it measures an impressive 905 mm, on the 1200 X it is around seven centimetres narrower. The round instrument and controls are also one size smaller here. Riding fun and coolness factor are identical. In January 2024, the bikes will be available at dealers in three colors each - with new, smaller indicators, narrower rear light, full LED lighting and smart navigation. (aum)

Data Triumph Scrambler 1200 X

Engine: Two-cylinder in-line engine, liquid-cooled, 1200 cc
Power: 66 kW / 90 hp at 7000 rpm
Max. Torque: 110 Nm at 4250 rpm
Top speed: 176 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: n/a
Gearbox: 6-speed
Drive: X-ring chain
Tank capacity: 15 liters
Seat height: 820 mm
Weight: 228 kg (ready to ride; XE: 230 kg)
Standard consumption: 4.4 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 102 g/km
Test consumption: 4.5 l/100 km
Tires: 90/90-21 (f.), 150/70-17 (h.)
Price: from 13,795 euros (plus transfer costs)