Motorcycle description sheet Triumph1200 Scrambler XE 2024 A path-breaking baron
from the outset, Triumph placed its Scrambler 1200 XE a notch above the XC. This gap has widened considerably now that the XC has been 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. While the appearance is also a copy-paste, its capacity has been reduced by one liter.
that leaves 15 liters in the back. Let's take a look at what else has changed: 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 new throttle body and improved exhaust manifolds allow better torque distribution, lower maximum revs where 90 hp and 11.2 mkg are obtained, validate Euro5b compliance, and, above all, put the gas in 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.
Where the new XE differs is in its choice of hardware. What happened to the Öhlins shock absorbers? Is the front axle still Showa? No, everything has gone to Marzocchi. The fork has lost 2 mm in diameter (45 mm now), but all suspension components remain fully adjustable.
triumph has also updated the brakes. The Brembo M50 calipers, already overkill for this type of bike, have been upgraded to the even more formidable Stylema version. The 320 mm discs can handle it, but what's the point of so much power? On the other hand, the notion of premium 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. As a result, the Brembo name has disappeared.
apart from these changes, let's return to 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 (better control and greater leverage) and 10 mm adjustable, a pair of handguards, a larger kickstand, more off-road tires, a color TFT screen and an additional Ride Mode.
There are 6 riding modes 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 the 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 judicious if not normal for a bike of this price.
good and very rare news: this new Scrambler is less expensive than the one it replaces - a difference of 650 euros. But it's still a beautiful object that you don't really want to throw away. It's a question of perspective, which other countries don't see as such. In either case, the 1200 Scrambler XE still has plenty of scope to be a class act.
M.B - Manufacturer's photos