Motorcycle specifications Triumph1200 Scrambler XE 2019 An aristocrat on the campaign trail

The scrambler, in concept, is more or less the ancestor of the trail bike. It heralded the days of laughter and fields in days gone by. That's all changed today. Voxan has brought it up to date, BMW has given it a premium cachet by deriving it from the NineT, and Triumph has made it opulent with its 1200 Scrambler. Except that in its XE version, it once again finds the opportunity to escape into off-road riding. With conviction and without pretence.

900 or 1200, the silhouette is common to all Scrambler models. It's undeniable and logical that the big one should stand out with more presence, an enhanced finish and a more plush appeal. Even more so on the XE, where the colors are more attractive, the equipment richer, and the capacities enhanced. Where the XC will turn left to follow a stony path, this brother will fork right, on trails where surprises rub shoulders with the unknown.
It's got what it takes: suspension travel has been increased by 50 mm to 250 mm. An exceptional value for the category, even more so than the big adventure trails. The Showa upside-down forks and Öhlins shock absorbers will have their work cut out for them on the many occasions when you'll be drifting, lurching, crossing, potholing and whatever else awaits you between fir trees and lampposts.

it's all about off-roading, with that retro feel that the brand excels at cultivating. An appreciation of the finer things in life accompanies it, as does a certain exactingness. More sliding for the lines, more ground clearance, all of which means a higher seat. Perched 870 mm off the ground, the seat is not for everyone. The Scrambler XE also stands out for its increased focus on stability, with a longer wheelbase (1570 mm) than the XC (1530 mm), mainly thanks to a longer swingarm. Weight is down by 2 kilos, to 207 units.

a gold finish for the fork, a more flattering handlebar appearance, handguards with aluminum reinforcement as standard, heated grips and a Brembo MCS brake lever all add to the perceived quality. It also heralds a surplus of electronic equipment. Such as an inertial unit, enabling the ABS and traction control systems to be more responsive when cornering.
To the 5 driving modes already present on the XC (Road - Rain - Sport - Off-Road - customizable), the XE adds Off-Road Pro (off-road settings, ABS and traction control deactivation). In short, it's more adventurous. A baron of high England wanting to cross his lands, his rivers, happy to come home with a suit full of mud.

same siblings, same engine. The 1200 cm3 twin produces 90 hp and 11.2 mkg of torque. Whatever the version, this road-off-road bike features a special tubular steel frame, 21" and 17" spoked wheels, raised exhausts320mm brake discs, aluminum brake shoe, Monza-style fuel filler cap, steel tank strap, folding foot controls and a good dose of features to ensure its high-end identity.
Öhlins amortos whet your appetite? The Brembo M50 brake calipers will confirm, the high-definition TFT screen will seduce, and the on-board package is demonstrative: keyless ignition, backlit instrument cluster, cruise control, USB port, joystick control, full LED lighting, daytime visual signature, coded immobilizergPS simplified on-screen via smartphone app, and optional tire pressure monitoring, as well as control of a GoPro or main phone functions (calls, music, etc.) via Bluetooth....) via Bluetooth.

with its 1200 Scrambler, Triumph takes to the road in style. A bit roadworthy on the XC model, much more intrepid on the XE, and richly equipped. In this way, Triumph continues to pursue its quest for premium motorcycles with aplomb. On the other hand, while a trail bike is the democratic all-rounder, the British scrambler is a real wallet buster. Almost 16,000 euros is more than enough to make you hesitate.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos