The new Scrambler 1200 is a Triumph.

Triumph has launched the new Scrambler 1200 and it is a real winner. Jeremy Webb attended the launch event and was very impressed with the new bike.

Looking back is now the new going forward for motorcycle companies, and Triumph has picked up on this trend. They have gone back to their past to look at the bikes they made in the late 1950s and 60s, and what riders used the bikes for.

On the West Coast of the USA, a movement started where bikers were taking their machines out into the deserts and blasting them around just for pure fun. The make of choice was Triumph, the owners adapting them to suit the terrain and riding requirements. The Scrambler was born.

Jump forward to 2018 and Triumph have produced a 1960s look machine with 21st Century technology and specifications. The Scrambler 1200 XE and XC have been designed with the intention riders will return to the dirt and use the machines for what they are made for. Fun.

Two models sharing core DNA from the 1960s machines with all the benefits of being purpose-built for the role. In designing and building these new bikes Triumph has listened and worked with off-road riders to meet the requirements of what is needed.

This is to allow the bike to ride equally well on road and off. The list is quite long but Triumph has managed it.

Long suspension travel front and rear, to handle undulating ground keeping the rider as stable as possible. The XC has 200mm rear travel and the XE 255mm.

The bikes are the Real Deal, with ride modes allowing traction control to be adjusted or even turned off, to give the rider as much or as little control as they want.

As I mentioned Triumph have fully equipped the two models with a host of class-leading ‘cutting-edge’ technology that is exclusive in the class. to deliver a responsive and confidence-inspiring ride.

Their 2nd generation TFT instrument display is new, allowing the rider a clear view of all the information they need. The bikes have all-LED lighting and a world’s first motorcycle-integrated GoPro control system and new intuitive ‘turn-by-turn’ navigation, both displayed on the TFT instruments.

The XC and XE have backlit switch cubes to suit the conditions and your riding preference, whatever terrain you’re considering. The torque-assist clutch reduces lever effort (a huge benefit, particularly on longer journeys) to optimise rider comfort.

XE's Premium technology,

The world’s first motorcycle integrated GoPro control system (facilitated through a Bluetooth connectivity module available as an accessory) enables camera operation while you’re riding. Another first comes courtesy of intuitive ‘turn-by-turn’ navigation which is displayed on the TFT instruments. This new navigation system is supported by Google™ and delivered through a new Triumph app. Phone and music operation is also supported, allowing the rider to control their music and phone operation via the illuminated switch cube control.

As with the 1960s bikes, Triumph expects owners to custom their bikes to suit them so they have given plenty of thought to add-ons that can be purchased. Over eighty accessories are available specifically for the Scrambler models.

They also created two exciting new inspiration kits to show what’s possible and get your personalisation off to the perfect start. The fully loaded ‘Escape’ inspiration kit showcases the luggage and touring accessories available, and the ‘Extreme’ inspiration kit shows the more overt off-road & stripped back custom options available including a distinctive high-mudguard set-up.

From what I saw of the bike at the launch it will be a great seller and offers real adventure possibilities to the rider. I can't wait to ride one. I have some trails in West Sussex that will be perfect to test the bike out. Also taking me back to my childhood riding dirt bikes.

Words by Jeremy Webb. Photos Jeremy Webb and Triumph Motorcycles.

Prices will be announced in December.

XC model specifications:

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled, 8 valves, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel-twin

Capacity 1200 cc

Bore 97.6 mm

Stroke 80 mm

Compression 11:1

Max Power EC 90PS/ 89bhp (66.2kW) @7,400rpm

Max Torque EC 110 Nm @ 3950 rpm

System Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection

Exhaust Brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system with brushed high-level silencers

Final Drive X ring chain

Clutch Wet, multi-plate assist clutch

Gearbox 6-speed

Chassis

Frame Tubular steel with aluminium cradle

Swingarm Twin-sided, aluminium

Front Wheel Tubeless 36-spoke 21 x 2.15in, aluminium rims

Rear Wheel Tubeless 32-spoke 17 x 4.25in, aluminium rims

Front Tyre 90/90-21

Rear Tyre 150/50 R17

Front Suspension Showa 45mm fully adjustable upside-down forks, 200mm travel

Rear Suspension Fully adjustable Ohlins twin shocks with piggyback reservoir, 200mm rear wheel travel

Front Brakes Twin 320mm Brembo discs, Brembo M50 4-piston radial monobloc callipers, ABS

Rear Brakes Single 255mm disc, Brembo 2-piston floating calliper, ABS

Instrument Display and Functions TFT multi­functional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and rider modes (Rain/Road/Sport/Off­road/Rider-Customisable)

Dimensions & Weights

Width Handlebars 840 mm

Height Without Mirror 1200 mm

Seat Height 840 mm

Wheelbase 1530 mm

Rake 25.8 º

Trail 121 mm

Dry Weight 205 kg

Tank Capacity 16 L

Fuel Consumption

Fuel Consumption 4.9 l/100km (58 MPG)

CO2 Figures EURO 4 Standard: 113g/km