Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC 2023 — Specifications

Triumph has pushed the concept of the modern Scrambler to its limits. With off-road capabilities superior to some large-capacity trail bikes and a plethora of electronics, this motorcycle is full of promise and subtle hints. It’s the kind of thing that is discovered over time.

Justly, its place in the catalog is secured with a Euro5 update. We’re doing what’s necessary to the engine to make it cleaner, while retouching the exhaust line with two objectives: to improve the environmental footprint and reduce thermal discomfort. The gases held in the pipes get hot. And those of the Scrambler are close to the thigh. These works have almost no impact on maximum power and torque – only the latter requires 550 rpm more to be reached.

Do we need to change anything else? No. It’s enough to put yourself in the skin of a gentleman adventurer. Roads are no longer ridden in a jacket but in a suit. Before upsetting this soft and playful terrain, what philosopher would ask themselves? Who invented the scrambler? What do we know about its origins? Triumph knows how to highlight its past and its influence in this category. However, every reputable brand surfing on the retro trend finds a more or less influential trace of it in its history. We will never really know who; because the first inventors were certainly anonymous enthusiasts who created the first scrambler somewhere in a dilapidated garage with a few parts, a hacksaw, and a lot of ingenuity.

Let’s move on – that’s not what will tell us where the first of the breed was born. Above all, it would be very far from this 1200 Scrambler that Triumph has concocted for us. After sharpening the teeth of its Street Scrambler, the manufacturer added another adventurer of greater caliber; and of a more noble consistency. Since 2006 and the release of the 865, most of its enthusiasts have wanted something more substantial, capable of satisfying their desire for vigor. Here is what will satisfy them, and in doing so, will also polish the R Nine-T of analogous appellation.

Little audacity but quality and mimicry in the silhouette. This 1200 is based on the 900, with that typical signature that is the two side exhaust cannons. Copy but don’t paste, as the machine exudes a much more marked sense of value. Very quickly, we understand that the two machines do not play in the same league... nor on the same terrain. Let’s dig into the entrails right away, let’s see what the large 270° twin offers. Borrowed from the Bonneville T120, it is specially revised for the Scrambler to develop a power that is specific to it. A respectable 90 horsepower at 7250 rpm, which is 10 horsepower more than the Bonnie and 25 above the 900 Scrambler; not too many watts either, so as not to annoy the Thruxton, Hinckley’s neo-retro sports bike, galloping with a 15-horsepower advantage. At BMW, we are not worried yet, the NineT soaring over these figures with 109 units coming out of the Boxer. The torque rivals and is not left behind. Its 11.2 mkg announces itself as powerful, much more eloquent than the 8.2 of the medium Scrambler. With this well-filled block, what kind of tire thrashing awaits the tread? 38% more power than the 900. Beautiful accelerations in perspective, whether on asphalt or forest playground terrain.

With the Scrambler definition, this kind of bike implies that it can scramble a bit everywhere, like a field roadster. A stone, some scratches, a few leanings, and we add another layer. Except that by taking 1200 on the sides, the machine also changes category and level of equipment. Triumph is not kidding, ensuring premium both in stature and in equipment. The Brembo M50 brake calipers are enough to calm everyone down – biting 320mm tracks. At the helm of a motorcycle nimbating the roads and fields, the rider can count on equipment worthy of a hypersport. The tone is set.

So, is the motorcycle tempted by performance? For its name, at least. With its raised exhausts, its spoked rims, its mixed shoes, and its aluminum protection skid plate, the Triumph respects the codes of the genre much more than most of its competitors. It also promises greater off-road capability with surprising suspension travel: 200 mm, at the front and rear. The seat height also feels the effects, with an altitude of 840 mm. With its 21-inch front wheel, the machine does not pretend to cut through the excursion; while still reserving beautiful chassis elements. Like a 45mm inverted fork, a pair of Öhlins shock absorbers, and a robust, hitherto unique aluminum swingarm. With all this and a new frame, this 1200 Scrambler has taken a significant independence from the Bonneville. Enough to eat road for breakfast and mud at noon.

Almost an adventure bike, this Scrambler? Close indeed, and very technologically-electronic. The list of equipment does not just offer refinement to the 1200. It is also a real provocation for competitors, from its category and elsewhere. Where to begin? The switchable ABS at 3 levels connected to the Riding Modes, the full LED lighting, the keyless start, the switchable traction control, or the USB socket under the seat? This is just a teaser.

One of the other hallmarks of this machine is the adoption of a 2nd generation color TFT dashboard with a dual display theme. Rather sober and compact but full of information. Do you have a smartphone? The possibilities of interaction with the meter are formidable. Once the Bluetooth connectivity module is acquired, you can couple the device to control the music, the volume, the calls from the handlebars... and a step-by-step navigation system. Triumph has partnered with Google to develop a guidance app. Once the route is selected, the direction icons are displayed on the dashboard screen. The rider thus has navigation, a route calculator, the display of the final destination and points of interest.

Not bad, and there’s still more in stock. Still with the Bluetooth module, it is possible to command a GoPro from the commodo. More practical for bringing back memories of the ride; provided you enjoy riding more than sharing it... The Scrambler is also equipped with a speed regulator, backlit commodos, and 5 Riding Modes. Such as: Road, Rain, Off-Road, Sport and the mode configurable by the pilot, which adapts the throttle response and ABSet anti-slip settings according to his preferences and driving conditions. Many but not all; Triumph still has some up its sleeve but reserves a series of additional equipment for the XE version.

The manufacturer is playing a game of one-upmanship in embedded technology, keen to take the lead over its favorite Bavarian rival. But also in finish, the parts that please, the waltz of qualitative adjectives. Forget for a moment the control joystick, the displays, the apps... Instead, take a look at the Monza-type cap, the stainless steel brushed tank strap, this open-worked pinion carrier, this motorcycle barely calming its pride. At that moment, once discovered, we dare a little less to take it straight into the mud. No need to look at the price, we quickly understood that it was going to sting. The weight a little less, with 205 kilos.

With this muscular and abundant version of the Scrambler, Triumph moves to the next stage of the concept. A beautiful machine, expensive, valuable for the owner while promising beautiful capabilities. With in addition a bunch of accessories to embellish it.

M.B - Photos manufacturer