1200 Scrambler XC – built with an all-road & off-road focus.
The first of a new generation, and the best in every dimension. These beautiful new 1200 scramblers deliver a category redefining level of performance, specification and finish, fused with Triumph’s iconic Scrambler DNA and all the capability of a genuine adventure motorcycle.īuilt to deliver a sublime riding experience on every road, and packed with class-leading specification and state-of-the-art technology, these new modern classics take the legend that Triumph started to a whole new level. I can’t imagine any other bike that would better introduce a new pillion to motorcycles.Introducing the Scrambler 1200 XC and Scrambler 1200 XE line up, all-new benchmark-setting motorcycles that represent a first for dual-purpose capability and modern custom style. I did not feel completely in tune with the rear suspension, but I reckon with a pillion on it would have been perfect. It made me relax, and I found myself exploring the side roads I usually fly past on other bikes. The Scrambler 900 is a lovely piece of retro-styled machinery. There is not much I can or will say that can change that. The bottom line is that the Scrambler design and Triumph badge are enough to sell this bike to the target customer. Triumph has been producing versions of this 865cc twin for some time, so reliability shouldn’t be an issue. With loads of engine braking, I rarely felt the need to apply the brakes hard. When you do need to stop the brakes (310mm disc in front, and 255mm in back) have got good feel and, particularly when used together, conjunction they feel more than up to the job of stopping the 450 pound bike. You never feel like you need to go anywhere in a rush. On the Scrambler, all you need to do is short shift as soon as possible up to fifth for smooth and pleasant acceleration. The engine is fed with double, electrically-heated carburetors-perfect for those ice-cold mornings. The 865cc parallel twin develops a claimed 54bhp 7,000rpm. The chromed rear shocks can be adjusted for preload, and perhaps I could have softened it slightly to be in tune with the front for my use. The suspension is on the soft side, and the front fork feels softer than the twin rear shocks. The Trail Wing tires, stable chassis and wide bars give good control. Particularly on really bad pavement, the Scrambler 900 holds its own over most other retro machines. In the corners it is easy enough to lean it from left to right (the wide bars help), and the Scrambler feels very stable here too. Top speed is around 110mph, and the Scrambler is stable enough for what it can do. To see if it handled well, I rode it through some corners as quick as it would go. Compared to a cruiser, the riding position is more upright and the handlebars tall and wide. The gentle 900cc parallel twin makes you relax in much the same way as a big cruiser. The Scrambler 900 works best when cruising in the countryside or commuting to town. The weight of the bike makes itself felt immediately when you venture off the pavement, the twin-shock rear suspension doesn’t have enough travel and you don’t want mud under that attractive rear fender anyway. You are better off with a Honda CRF or something similar if you like to jump. Ride it because you like to remember those days rather than trying to act them out. But the bike is more a statement than anything else. They are Bridgestone Trail Wings on spoked wheels, and can handle some gravel if need be. The tyres are not as knobby as the one’s on McQueen’s 1964 “278” Enduro bike, but they do look the part. But who cares – I’m Steve McQueen, and I can stand up and eat barbed wire if I wish. My legs would have felt much more comfortable if I could just sit slightly higher on the super soft seat. The seat height is low, slightly too low for me since the seat is so soft. There’s not as much horsepower on tap, and the riding position is much more relaxed. Compared to the Thruxton, the Scrambler is very docile and laid back.
The Triumph Scrambler 900 is the natural follow-up to 2004’s Thruxton 900. From looking at the sturdy tubular frame, and the two stretched high mounted exhaust pipes in the morning, to watching the sunset between the handlebars in the evening – this is a very relaxing bike. Stress relief is what this bike is all about, and the Scrambler is damn good at it. The big parallel twin thumps out smooth torque below me and the handlebars are comfortably wide. So how come I get this calming sensation, as if I’m on my way to the beach to do a bit of off-road riding and watch the surfers? It’s because I’m surfing with the Scrambler. But I’m not in California I’m in old foggy Blighty. I can almost feel the salty warm sea air flowing through my hair through my full-faced helmet.
The Bonnie Scrambler feels right straight away.
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