Triumph 1200 Scramblers look high-end and highly capable

2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE and XC

Triumph have taken the Scrambler big-bore for 2019 with an 89 hp version of the 270-degree 1200cc Bonneville engine housed in a stripped back retro Scrambler format that seeks to marry modern technology with classic styling.

Triumph Scrambler XC Engine
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC

The engine seems to be tuned with big-bore thump in mind. A 7,500 rev limit cuts in only 100rpm after the claimed 89 horsepower peak, while the maximum twist of 110 Nm hits its fattest at not much more than half those revs, 3950 rpm to be exact.

Triumph Scrambler XC RHR
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC

Triumph mention ‘low inertia’ in the press blurb so we presume that the 97.6 mm pistons swing off a somewhat lighter 80 mm crank throw in comparison to the Bonneville. Those aforementioned power figures are 12.5 per cent more than the T120 Bonneville, and 38 per cent more than the smaller engined 900 cc Street Scrambler.

Triumph Scrambler XE RHR
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

Out of the two models it is the XE that has the more serious off-road chops with a very generous 250 mm of suspension travel compared to the also quite long 200 mm travel of the XC model. 

Triumph Scrambler XE Extreme Kit
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE with Extreme Kit

Showa provide the fully-adjustable forks on both models with the XE boasting 2 mm larger stanchions in gold compared to the 45 mm black items found on the XC.

Triumph Scrambler XE Scene
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

Ohlins fully-adjustable piggyback shocks grace both bikes and it seems the team at Ohlins are impressed by the new Scramblers.

Triumph Scrambler XC Shocks
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC

Emil Åberg – Ohlins

’The twin spring Öhlins RSU on the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 combines new technology with inspiration from 70’s motocross to deliver high performance and long suspension travel capability. Our testing team were amazed with the performance of the new 1200 Scramblers, and considered them to be actually more capable off-road than many of the adventure bikes they had tested.’’

Triumph Scrambler XC Action
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC

You will need a longer inseam for the XE as at 870 mm its seat height is 30 mm taller than the XC.

Triumph Scrambler XE Seats
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

Both bikes ride on a 90/90-21 front and 150/70-17 rear tyres that are wrapped around 32-spoke tubeless ready rims with optional tyre pressure monitoring.

Triumph Scrambler XC Escape Kit
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC with Escape Kit

High-spec monobloc hardware from Brembo looks after the stopping duties.

Triumph Scrambler XC Brakes
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC

The tubular steel frame is all new for the Scrambler 1200 platform and combines with aluminium cradles. While the XC has a 547 mm long swingarm, the XE gets a much longer item at 579 mm. The longer swingarm should help the bike be more manageable in the slippery stuff, and also make it easier to slide!

Triumph Scrambler XE Swingarm
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

The XE also scores a higher spec ABS and traction control system with lean-angle functionality thanks to an internal measurement unit (IMU). 

Triumph Scrambler XC Speedo
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC

The XE also gains an extra Off-Road Pro mode to add to the Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road and rider customisable modes present on both bikes.

Folding and adjustable foot controls are also exclusive to the XE model as are the braced alloy hand-guards and heated grips.

Triumph Scrambler XC Controls
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC

Both bikes feature Triumph’s latest generation full-colour TFT screen with optional bluetooth functionality.  The bluetooth system not only allows for turn-by-turn navigation to be displayed when partnered with your phone, but also music and voice controls for your intercom system.

Triumph Scrambler XE Speedo
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

The navigation prompts are a first for Triumph that debuts on these new Scramblers.  We have seen this great new technology on a few new motorcycles now but Triumph have gone further and implemented an integrated GoPro camera control system! 

Triumph Scrambler XE Action
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

LED lighting is used throughout both motorcycles along with keyless ignition, cruise control and a USB charging socket.

Triumph Scrambler XE Headlight
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

As we recently have noted when testing some of the latest Triumph models, the brand is definitely positioning itself further up in to the premium category of motorcycles.  

Triumph Scrambler XE White
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

Thus I would expect these new Scramblers, especially the very highly appointed XE model, to be priced north of 20k, but hey maybe Triumph will surprise us..?   Both new models are expected to arrive in Australia late in the first-quarter of 2019.

Triumph Scrambler XC Top
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC

Source: MCNews.com.au

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