BIG AND BALLSY

New Scrambler 1200 XE is ready to shake up the class

Scramblers are absolutely everywhere these days, but they’re not all the same – and Triumph may have scored a stunning goal with this new one, based around their T120 engine platform from the Thruxton. Available in two versions, an XC that’s aimed at the road and an XE that’s aimed at any terrain you’re brave enough to tackle, it’s the more extreme XE that’s got us most excited. The T120 engine delivers just over 89bhp at 7400rpm and 81ftlb at 3950rpm in this higher state of tune, and that’s more than enough on the tarmac and off it, despite it’s mass. There’s a 21in front wheel and a 17in rear wheel, each being spoked tubeless rims running Metzeler Tourance tyres. The suspension comprises fully adjustable Showa fork and Öhlins piggyback twin-shocks with huge travel and a 32mm longer swingarm than the XC for stability and drive off-road. The XE also boasts an Inertial Measurement Unit that adds cornering ABS to its rider aids, as well as lean-sensitive traction control, and Off-Road Pro mode; which lets you dial back the intervention, and rely on your talents. Heated grips, handguards, and adjustable footrests are also standard fitment.

It also gets a new TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity for music and phone, and you can control GoPro Action cameras through the switchgear, and access Google Maps for turnby-turn navigation.

MICHAEL NEEVES CHIEF ROAD TESTER ‘It’s not just a serious off-road tool, it’s a proper adventure bike that just happens to look like a retro’