Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC, XE Unveiled

Equipped with a host of new features and electronic aids, the new Scrambler looks bolder and more aggressive than before. Expect the two variants to go on sale in India in 2019

Triumph has unveiled its top-of-the-line Scrambler 1200 after what seems like an eternity filled with a ton of teaser videos. The new flagship Scrambler will be offered in two variants - the 1200 XC and the fully-loaded 1200 XE. But how is it any different from the Triumph Street Scrambler? Well, it gets a bigger motor, sophisticated electronics and new mechanical components to make it off-road friendly. Here’s everything you need to know about the new motorcycles.

Design

At first glance, the bikes bear a striking resemblance to the Street Scrambler. But that's where the similarities end. The Scrambler 1200 looks purpose-built to take a beating. To elaborate, it gets aluminium components such as a bash plate to protect the engine, serrated footpegs, front and rear mudguards and an aluminium swingarm to shed weight. Additionally, the bike gets a long travel suspension with protective plastic covers at both ends to tackle the gnarliest of terrains.

While these components make the bike look rugged, it doesn’t stray away from its neo-retro roots, which come in the form of a stainless steel strap running down the middle of the tank and a race fuel-filler cap for added convenience. A full-colour TFT screen with various functions, an all-LED headlight, tail light and turn indicators make the Scrambler fit for the 21st-century. The functions on the TFT screen can be controlled via the switchgear placed on the left-hand side of the handlebar.

While the aforementioned features are offered as standard on both the variants, the top-spec 1200 XE gets a never-seen-before, motorcycle-integrated GoPro control system, which lets the rider control the action camera by connecting it the bike via a Bluetooth module. Apart from that, it also gets turn-by-turn navigation assist and smartphone connectivity, which enables you to control your smartphone and music playback. Other premium features include keyless ignition, cruise control, a USB charging socket that comes right off the shelf and heated grips for those chilly winter mornings.

And that’s not all, the Scrambler 1200 XE also features gold anodised front forks, aluminium braced knuckle guards and a silver-finished handlebar. The tank, on the other hand, gets an embossed Triumph logo along with a pinstripe that accentuates fuel tank’s the dual-tone paint.

The XC variant will be offered in two colours - Jet Black with Matt Black and Khaki Green with Jet Black. The XE variant comes in Fusion White with Brooklands Green and Cobalt Blue with Jet Black.

If you’d like to make your Scrambler 1200 more practical and personal, the British bike manufacturer will also offer over 80 accessories apart from providing two inspiration kits. The ‘Escape’ inspiration kit comes with panniers, a flyscreen, auxiliary LED lamps and a rear rack for touring. The ‘Extreme’ kit, on the other hand, come with an even more off-road focused setup comprising of a raised mudguard, headlamp and engine protectors, Arrow exhausts and a handlebar brace.

Electronics

The Scrambler 1200 XC features five riding modes: Road, Off-Road, Rain, Sport and Rider. In addition to this, the XE version gets an additional mode called ‘Off-road Pro’ that offers better control in slippery conditions. Both bikes have the option of switching off the ABS completely. But the 1200 XE goes a step ahead as it gets an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and switchable traction control too.

Powertrain

Coming to the meat of the matter, the new Scrambler 1200 employs Triumphs 270-degree, 1200cc High Power motor. This liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine has made a comeback specifically for the Scrambler 1200 and produces 90PS of power at 7400rpm and a peak torque of 110Nm available at revs as low as 3950rpm. To put things into perspective, that’s a good 12.5 per cent more power than the Bonneville T120 and 37.5 per cent more torque when compared to the Street Scrambler. The motor is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch.

Underpinnings

The Scrambler 1200 is based on an all-new aluminium steel cradle frame and gets a new steering head which connects the front fork to the chassis. Both the models get fully-adjustable upside-down forks from Showa at the front and a fully adjustable twin shock absorber setup from Ohlins at the rear.

The 547mm and 579mm long swingarm on the XC and XE is made of aluminium too and offers better wheel travel and stability. While the former gets 200mm of travel at both ends, the latter gets 250mm of travel. Braking duties for both are handled by dual 320mm discs and Brembo M50 Monoblocks at the front, and a single 255mm disc, Brembo two-piston caliper at the rear.

When can we expect them?

The new Scrambler 1200 is expected to be launched globally on December 14. We expect the British manufacturer to launch to the duo in India sometime early next year. When launched, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and 1200 XE will face stiff competition from the BMW RnineT Scrambler (Rs 15.55 lakh ex-India) and the Ducati Scrambler 1100 series (Rs 10.91 lakh - Rs 11.42 lakh). All prices, ex- showroom India.