Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC

DIRT DEVIL

A 21” front wheel should tell you that Triumph mean business when it comes to the trail riding side of things. And with its wire-spoke wheels, Metzeler Tourance dual-sport rubber and ample ground clearance, the Scrambler 1200’s got some serious off-road prowess. Admittedly, those tyres aren’t really up to much when the going gets tough and the ground gets soft, but they’re more than up to the job for flying down a fire road or two (and it wouldn’t take much to change them to something slightly more serious).

AGILE HANDLING

Despite its mammoth front wheel and long travel suspension, the 1200 handles. It doesn’t flop around like a lumbering, lazy enduro – instead it’s taught and controlled. And with those big, wide bars, you can really throw the bike into corners with confidence.

PUNCHY POWER

That engine. Oh wow. Cradled in a tubular steel cradle chassis, the Triumph’s high power Bonneville motor has been nicked from the Thruxton, and tweaked for more low-down power. In fact, a variation of this 1200cc motor has been used in the Thruxton, T120, Bobber, Speedmaster, and the new Speed Twin, so I don’t need to tell you how good it is. Triumph’s commitment to it should tell you all you need to know.

TOURING POTENTIAL

Although there’s been a few questions asked of the Scrambler 1200s touring potential, I reckon its commanding riding position, high, wide bars and ample leg room could help make it a serious adventure machine. Ok, so there’s no wind protection (the little screen doesn’t count), so it’s not all that great for big-mile motorway blasts, but get off the motorway and it comes into its own.