Motorcycle specifications Triumph1200 Scrambler Steve McQueen Edition 2021 The great escape – Episode II

Triumph holds Steve McQueen so close to its heart that his image has almost become a symbol for the brand. Hinckley is quick to point out at every opportunity that the famous actor loved Triumphs, loved motorcycles, loved trials, loved living the bike beyond the passion.
Yet until now, only one model bore the honor of his name - the 865 Bonneville special series from 2012.

This time, it's the 1200 Scrambler. But not with just a sticker, a cap and a T-shirt. No, with a special paint job and a few accessories fitted to the best-equipped version, the XE - which already boasts an equipment list as long as the next village directory. The McQueen family was consulted to develop this model, with a significantly more upmarket result. It looks like a young English aristocrat eager for a bit of fun, especially in a rough meadow. " I don't give a damn about deer hunting! I'd rather shovel mud!

This is where the engine protection bars come into their own. A judicious complement to the (original) aluminum shoe, these tubes will not be outdone in terrain littered with large splinters. In the same vein, the radiator is covered by a laser-cut aluminum grille. Stones and stumps, the Steve McQueen Scrambler is not afraid of you.

mind you, it's not for sure that the owners of this bike will be keen to take it out for a spin. The machine already costs a fortune, and you won't necessarily want to mess with the McQueen's specific paintwork and adjoining deco. The aluminum front and rear mudguards are painted a deep English green, as is the fuel tank. The tank features brushed aluminum knee pads, surrounded by a hand-painted gold border. On the sides, Triumph has brought out its old logo from the '34 to the '90s. Above, to the left of the metal retaining strap, a coat of arms bears the bike's name and symbolizes Steve McQueen's stance on his iconic TR6. A brown saddle completes the differences.

The XE is a long-travel model, capable of real off-road riding. With its original capabilities plus on-board extra protection, it would seem that Triumph wanted this Scrambler to be able to perform the must-see scene that associates McQueen with motorcycling: the jump over a barbed-wire fence in the film "The Great Escape". A cinematic moment engraved in marble... even if it was Bud Ekins, his understudy, who performed the stunt - the manufacturer hasn't forgotten, and last year dedicated two special-series Bonnevilles to him, the 900 and 1200 Bonnevilles. Steve could have made the jump, especially as he'd already done all the other action scenes in the film. Except that insurance companies were gnashing their teeth.

This year, all Hinckley limited editions will be produced in batches of 1000. The same goes for the Steve McQueen 1200 Scrambler. If anyone ever doubts its pedigree, the cockpit will inspire confidence: McQueen's signature is laser-engraved on the machined handlebar trigger guard. A certificate of authenticity signed by Triumph CEO Nick Bloor and Steve's son Chad McQueen accompanies each Scrambler.
There's only one thing missing to satisfy the movie buffs - a glove and a baseball.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

P.S.: In December 2019, a very similar Scrambler 1200 XE (but with reinforced shocks) piloted by Guy martin made the same attempt as Captain Virgil Hilts to jump the fence. A lot of training and quite a challenge for the Tourist Trophy rider, not very adept at this kind of exercise. But this time, it's over.