Motorcycle specifications Triumph1200 Scrambler XE 2021 An aristocrat on the campaign trail

One eye on a photo of the TR6, the other on the trail, its legs high and strong, this Scrambler was waiting to find out if it would be one more ride or the last. Upgrading to Euro5 was a must if the Scrambler was to continue its recent career. Triumph was careful to preserve the fruits of its efforts. A series of engine upgrades, a more heat-friendly exhaust system, no loss of power to retain flavor... and the most emancipated of Bonnevilles can serenely contemplate putting into action its desires for escapism.

That's what it is; that's what it wants. The concept of the scrambler 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 now. Voxan has brought it back into fashion, BMW has given it a premium cachet by deriving it from the NineT, Triumph has tipped it into opulence with its 1200 Scrambler. Except that in its XE version, it once again has the opportunity to venture off-road. 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 do a fine job in anticipation of the many opportunities for drifts, swerves, crossings, potholes and everything else that 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 comes with 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 ABS and traction control to be more reactive in curves.
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 rims, raised exhausts, 320 mm brake discs, an aluminum shoe, a Monza-style fuel filler cap, a 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 commodos, cruise control, USB port, joystick control, full LED lighting, daytime visual signature, coded immobilizer, simplified on-screen GPS via a smartphone app, and in the options, tire pressure monitoring as well as control of a GoPro or the main functions of a phone (calls, music, ....) 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 model, 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