In case you haven’t noticed, Triumph is really going for it at the moment. Not only are brand new road models coming out – including this latest Triumph Scrambler – but the Hinckley based manufacturer is also providing race bikes for the Moto2 world championship and in 2024 will be entering into moto cross and enduro off-road racing at a top level.
Of course, the company has a proud and varied history in competition motorcycling. As long ago as 1949 it produced the TR5, designed for off-road use with a high-level two-into-one exhaust and decent road handling.
That made it a contender for the prestigious (and very difficult) International Six Days Trial (ISDT) where it won three gold medals and the manufacturer’s team trophy in 1948 – and Triumph promptly added ‘Trophy’ to the bike’s title.
Of course, it also found success in dirt and desert racing in the US, with lots of mods to make the basic bike lighter, better handling and with a power delivery suited for the looser surfaces.
Triumph also produced a TR5T Trophy Trail (also known as the Adventurer) in the early 1970s, and had some success in the ISDT, but the then Meriden factory was in heaps of trouble at that point.
The modern Triumph reintroduced the idea of an off-road bike with its first Scrambler, designed by John Mockett (industrial designer and also behind the biking ‘Sprocket’ cartoons), in 2006.
Triumph Scrambler 1200
Now Triumph has produced an updated Scrambler for 2024. There are two models, the 1200 X and 1200 XE. Yes, that’s right 1200, more than double the engine capacity of the 1948 TR5! See the bike in the metal at Motorcycle Live in November.
The bare figures:
- Engine power 89bhp, torque 81ft lb
- Dry weight 228kg
- Seat height 820mm
- Traction control
- Prices: from £11,985 X, £13,295 XE
- Traction Control
The Scrambler 1200 XE is basically a higher spec model of the 1200 X and aimed more at the adventure bike market.
Triumph’s Steve Sargent said, “Built for both on-road and off-road adventures, the new Scrambler 1200 XE sets an even higher bar for performance, capability, and modern classic style. The Scrambler 1200 X is a new choice for our customers, optimised to deliver the specification riders have asked for, with a lower seat height, even more competitive pricing, and an even better road ride than the previous Scrambler 1200 XC.”
The spec is something Triumph 1948 team would never have dreamed of (but would have loved):
- Marzocchi suspension, 45mm USD forks and RSU with piggyback reservoirs and preload adjustability delivering 170mm wheel travel
- Advanced rider technology including new optimised cornering ABS, switchable optimised cornering traction control
- Multifunction instruments with an integrated TFT display
- Five riding modes, including Off-road
- All-LED lighting, including signature DRL headlight, compact taillight, and new slim contemporary indicators (Position light rather than DRL in US, CN, JP)
- USB charging
- Accessory activated connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth phone & music operation.
