Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
This bike could be one of the biggest hits in 2019 It’s the real deal with substance as well as style
Most retros manage to blend timeless styling with decent modern performance, but in an age of scramblers being a style statement rather than a promise to get you across a muddy field, the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 might just be the exception we’ve been waiting for. Available in two versions, the XE is the one we’re most excited by. Yes, it looks great and boasts a huge array of clever tech, but the fact that Triumph are racing one in the Baja 1000 really gives it some authentic kudos.
The T120 engine (from the Bonneville range) delivers just over 89bhp at 7400rpm and 81ftlb at 3950rpm, and comes with its own bespoke chassis set-up. There’s a 21in front wheel and a 17in rear wheel for genuine off-road ability; each being spoked, tubeless rims running Metzeler Tourance rubber.
The bike also has
Showa forks and Öhlins piggyback twin-shocks, with huge travel, and a 32mm longer swingarm than the XC.
The only downside is that it creates a somewhat lofty 870mm seat height.
The XE also boasts an Inertial Measurement Unit that adds cornering ABS, plus leansensitive traction control, and riders can use the OffRoad Pro mode. There are heated grips as standard, aluminium hand guards, and adjustable footrests. It also gets an all-new TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity. Adventure ability while dripping with retro allure? This could be one of the biggest hits of 2019.