Motorcycle specifications Triumph1200 Scrambler XE 2026 A path-breaking baron

Some choices go awry. Like Triumph's decision to remove the Öhlins components from its Scrambler XE in 2024. Given the price of the machine, it was a petty decision.
No mea culpa, but a return to original suspension refinement for 2026. The Marzocchi gear will have lasted two seasons before the Showa inverted fork and Öhlins combos return - adjustable from all sides, as they should be. The premium scrambler is back in the limelight, and this is reflected in the price.

Right from the start, Triumph placed its Scrambler 1200 XE a notch above the XC. This gap widened when the XC was transformed into an X, resulting in a loss of premium equipment and a drop in price.
As a result, the XE has much more obvious pretensions. It's no longer a top-of-the-range + alongside a top-of-the-range -. It's Triumph's ultimate scrambler. Which is not to say that it remains unchanged. A few small details warrant a closer look.

Details is the right word. Because if you look at it from near or far, you won't be able to tell the new XE from the old one. Same leggy, aristocratic equestrian looks, same design, same narrow 21" and 17" wheels, same spectacular exhaust system... same fuel tank? No, this one's a bit different. Although the appearance is also a copy-paste, its capacity has been reduced by one liter, leaving 15 liters in the back.

Previous changes for today's escapades

What had changed on the last model: tapered turn signals, a grey headlight cover instead of black, a more compact rear light, new colors of course, changes to the chassis, and a slight engine update.

Triumph makes every effort to keep the twin-cylinder HP running. A 50 mm throttle body and improved exhaust manifolds allow better torque distribution, lower maximum revs where 90 hp and 11.2 mkg are obtained, validate Euro5+ compliance, and above all, get the throttle into the most insane places. Because the Scrambler XE is made to go (almost) everywhere.

Its suspension offers 250 mm of travel (like its predecessor). No other Scrambler offers such amplitude; nor do most trails. The difference with the X is much greater than before, with one now more accessible and the other still a little tricky to get to grips with. 870 mm to reach the saddle, that's high. But that's the price to pay for advanced off-road capabilities and a generous 25 cm of ground clearance.

Triumph has also updated the brakes. The Brembo M50 calipers, already overkill for this type of bike, were replaced by Stylema calipers, which are even more formidable. The 320 mm discs can handle it, but what's the point of such power? On the other hand, the notion of top-of-the-range is very much present.
As on the Scrambler X, the rear brake is entrusted to a Nissin single-piston caliper to calm a 255 mm disc.

Apart from these changes, let's look back at what (also) distinguishes the XE from the Scrambler 1200 X, then and now: a longer wheelbase due to the 32 mm longer swingarm, adjustable foot controls, handlebars that are 65 mm wider (for better control and greater leverage) and 10 mm adjustable, a pair of handguards, a larger kickstand, more all-terrain tires, a color TFT screen and an additional Riding Mode.

There are 6 on this big Scrambler: Road - Rain - Sport - Off-Road - Off-Road Pro - Rider (customizable). So you can adapt to the moment's mood and let the electronics manage acceleration, traction control and ABS parameters according to the angle taken (thanks to the on-board IMU). Or switch everything off with the Off-Road Pro mode specific to this XE.
Cruise control, backlit gauges, keyless ignition, USB socket, tank strap, Monza-style cap and aluminum boot are all still there. So, nothing new or added here - a pity: a little effort like the bonus connectivity module, or heated grips as standard, would be sensible if not normal for a bike of this price.

The Scrambler 1200 XE remains a beautiful object... that you don't really want to trash. It's a question of point of view, which other countries don't see as such. Either way, this off-road aristo still plans to be a class act.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos