2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE : 1500 Mile Review

[@Migitulusu]

Another great video. It's good to see someone's still making genuine reviews of motorcycles they own, instead of quick impression videos that seem to be the norm nowadays.

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks for your comments, cheers, Phil

[@markjacobs6294]

Here's my 4000 mile review. Best all around bike I've ever owned and I've owned many including 800 and 1200 ADV bikes. It's not for the novice and not for anyone who likes the like the Optimus Prime Transformer look.

[@80eightReviews]

Hey Mark, thanks for stopping by...Must admit I had to look up the Optimus Prime reference, but yes, I get your drift :-) Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@mikek2218]

Nice to see a new video. Can't remember,... did you mention it has a 21" front wheel?

[@80eightReviews]

Good morning Mike, Ha Ha, does it have a 21” front wheel then? 😀 thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@blurr33]

refreshing review. love the way you are using the 360 camera for this review. makes me want to invest in one too. keep on sharing.

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks for your comments - much appreciated. Yes, the 360 camera is quite a thing - it feels very immersive to me and once the quality / affordability improves one camera will be able to do everything. Looking forward to it! Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@105Gunner]

So did this replace the Hyperstrada? I found your channel through your Hyper videos and looking at either a Hyper or a Scrambler XE to supplement my 1200 GS, leaning toward the Hyper.

[@80eightReviews]

Hello, thanks for stopping by and yes, the XE replaced the HyperStrada - big mistake as the XE was hot, annoying and not very interesting to be honest. Hyper all the way!!! Especially if you’ve already got a GS for the serious stuff. I can’t recommend the Hyper enough - total fun and a brilliant one up, basic tourer. Let me know what you decide, all the best, cheers, Phil.

[@105Gunner]

@@80eightReviews Thanks Phil! I appreciate the additional info and hope to go test the Hyper this weekend. Fingers crossed!

[@JohnCarr43]

Thanks for an excellent video, can I ask is that an original Triumph screen?

[@80eightReviews]

Hey John, thanks for stopping by and thanks for your comments. And yes, that is the original Triumph Screen, cheers, Phil.

[@RobVespa]

Nice review. I loved the visuals, such as the opening.

[@RobVespa]

I look forward to watching more of your videos. I'm going to look at your catalog, as I'd like to know which MG you're referring to and watch any associated videos (if I've not already).

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks Rob, good to know the visuals are appreciated, cheers, Phil.

[@SJBatie]

Yet another quality video. A lot of similarities with my Ducati Scrambler: extremely wide bars, super hot engine to name but two. Best wishes.

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks Steve, yes, the Ducati was about the only other bike I was seriously looking at - in particular the desert sled, but the Triumph just pipped it due to the front wheel size and slightly more poke for the road. Not much in it though! Anyway, thanks for watching (again), cheers, Phil.

[@rumo201]

Fantastic video, great pictures....very nice. Thanks a lot

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks! Good to know the work is appreciated, cheers, Phil.

[@PaoloD2R2]

so you have a v7 and the triumph XE 1200. Thats fun, i have the v7 and the triumph speedmaster 1200. Yes the XE gets hot, i live in italy and i tested one in summer and it was a pain. Nice bike tho, but i preferred the Speed Twin with the same 1200 HP engine.

[@80eightReviews]

Good afternoon and happy new year! What a coincidence...although I have just sold the Triumph as ait just wasn’t doing it for me. It wasn’t so much the heat & key issues but something about the engine which I found a little uninspiring - all the low down torque meant it felt as though I was short shifting in the first four gears then just leaving it in fifth. With no revs or power band to ‘chase’ it didn’t have much sparkle although undoubtedly it had the power and speed on paper....which probably aligns exactly to your previous comment. I think the speed twin engine is a little different and has a wider rev range? That probably makes quite a bit of difference. Anyway thanks for dropping by (again) cheers, Phil.

[@nazrighazali]

Great video. I like the effects you made. I agree with you, I would also choose the Guzzi over the Triumph for sure.

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks Nazri, good to know the video is appreciated. Yeah, the Guzzi is something else - it’s really under my skin, even though the Triumph is a fabulous machine. Anyway thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@adamprawiranegara5800]

best Motorcycle review on youtube

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks Adam! Cheers, Phil.

[@guywolff]

I chose a left over 900 Street Scrambler for much the same riding in 2018 . I like that it uses less petrol and is lower and slightly lighter. Tank range is around 165 miles to the tank . Though 5 10' my inseam is 3 inches less than yours so I know I would get in trouble with the 1200XE 's weight stopping on slanted gravel tracks . I am attracted to the new Tiger 900 gt for the riding you are doing with your Ducati ..Sorry I am binging your clips this morning and really enjoying myself ... If I lived closer I think I would work at meeting up with you at some greezy Cafe .You have a wonderful sense of humor .. Yours Guy

[@80eightReviews]

Morning Guy, well, to be honest I was wondering when I got the 1200, should I have got the 900 (or the XC) for slightly easy handling. From a height and overall weight perspective it was fine for me, but I can't help but think the extra suspension travel made it a little top heavy and less balanced, while the handlebars were so incredibly wide, any distance at speed was quite tiring. I think the XC is better in that respect and certainly the 900 scrambler isn't beast-sized. As for the Tiger 900, you could be right - but if you should ever get the chance of a ride on a Ducati Hypermotard / Hyperstrada - you should do. So much fun, incredible and confidence inspiring handling and brilliant traction control trickery. As mentioned in my Ducati review - I thought I was ready for the knackers yard and be made into glue..But the Ducati changed all of that. It was a proper shot in the arm - but it also made me sell my B-King and MT-01 as they felt like lumbering leviathans from another era. Both bikes were great to have in a 'collection' which is what I thought I wanted, but then I realised it's all about riding, not looking. Binging on clips? Be careful, it's all downhill after the Ducati video :-) If it's any consolation, I've watched and listened to more banjo videos than I have in the last 40 years. For info, a modern beat-combo called "Public Service Broadcastling" feature a banjo solo here and there. Not quite June Tabor but they go well with an accelerating Ducati on the pipe :-) Great to talk! Must dash, cheers, Phil.

[@guywolff]

@@80eightReviews I so agree ; It is all about the riding ..I skied a lot as a young person and the bikes that bring me back to THAT feeling of cutting a line in the bend while feeling under control are the keepers .. That Ducati must have a planted suspension and frame for it to give you that feeling of direct response and security under fire .. I tried an R9t last year and loved its direct feel in a corner.. I had heard the MT01 could be a little skittish on its frame in a bumpy curve ... Thanks again for the very entertaining GAB .. Yours guy

[@80eightReviews]

Afternoon Guy, absolutely - the Ducati had exactly that feeling of cutting a line (nice phrase!) and at the same time gave you a feeling that if something untoward happened, another line and a direction change would be just as fine also. I always felt I had options on the Ducati and could literally feel the tarmac and grip from the front wheel. Like a dirt bike what the rear was doing was of no consequence, it was all about the front. A beautiful thing. The MT-01 could be a little wayward - once it was on a line, it wasn’t moving off it. Being the weight of a small house, it wasn’t so much skittish, but would sometimes develop a sort of slightly drunken stupor every so often. Which could be unpleasant. Sounded like a biplane though 😀 I’ve heard the R9-T is a cracking bike, very keen to have a go on one at some point. I used to have a GS but it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking a GS is the only bike to have - it isn’t and these days I value light weight and pokey engines. Plus I can sit on any saddle for days on end and feel ok (rode an XR600 to Egypt once, after that I could sit on broken glass and be comfortable). Good to know your wife is posh also, your comment on a previous note did make me laugh. In this neck of the woods such a marriage is known as “marrying up” 😀 As for ‘Spittal’ we try not to mention that place here in Berwick, given it is “Across the river”...Like you I’ve been zooming around Connecticut via google earth and street view. It looks beautiful and I’m a big fan of the iconography of American movies, the suburbs with kids cycling long wide tree lined streets, the wooden houses and covered bridges, gorgeous woods...Scary clowns living in sewers, that kind of thing. I’m kind of a bit upset that no-one noticed my homage to “Millers Crossing” in my final Ducati review. Oh well, must try harder 😀 Must dash, hope your Sunday is going well, Cheers, Phil.

[@guywolff]

@@80eightReviews I did notice on the Honda clip that you had movie posters in your foyer ..It is kind of an east coast version of Beverly Hills where I live. The "Bus to the stars" list for homes 15 miles from my house in a circle go something like : 1930 s = Alexander Calder, beget Bob Hope begat , Fredrick March, 1940= Victor Borge Arthur Miller William Styron Richard Widmark ,Walter Matthau 1950s= Phillip Roth later : Merel Streep , Woopy Golberg , Michael Jay Fox (parents) Anderson Cooper ...Mia Farrow ( Woody Allen) Susan St James, Jane Curtin, Dustin Hoffman , Mike Nicoles, Isaac Stern. Arthur Miller's daughter married the great mortocyclist Daniel Day-Lewis. He is the only one I wanted to meet because he is a great rider. I think he has a KTM1090. When I was visiting a musician friend in Rawcliffe nr.Goole nr. Hull I started explaining my shop to a man at the local pub who asked me who I sold my pots to. My answer and some of the above list bought forth this wonderful reply . "Oh I understand ; You must be a flash bastard." . My Brother says I am the "potter to the stars" but I kind of like "Flash Bastard Pottery " .... All of this has kept the countryside pristinely beautiful ...

[@80eightReviews]

Hey a Guy, Flash bastard pottery - that’s either a very good sign outside your place or a fabulous and quirky band name. I’d copyright it quick! If I were whistling down a country lane I’d definitely stop and see what was going on if I saw that....As for film stars, I think you have the upper hand, as for around here... hmmm...let me get back to you on that....Cheers, Phil.

[@OM-sb2bd]

Didn’t they move the cat further back in the exhaust with newer models to eliminate the heat issue?

[@80eightReviews]

Good morning, yes, a few sources have said the cat is now in the silencer which would be a much better position. The engine is still a bit of an oven but overall I’d imagine it will be much better. All the best, cheers, Phil.

[@osaprakoso]

Always top notch review! Love it!

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks! Good to know and thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.

[@TheDervMan]

It's a great looking bike. Thanks for the video.

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks! And my pleasure...Cheers, Phil.

[@adityaanand2315]

please answer *Suspensions are providing* Soft comfortable comfy creamy delicate easy elastic flexible fluffy silky smooth sponge and supple ride quality or not

[@80eightReviews]

Er....Hmmmm....I'd say the suspension is on the firm side and it's definitely not fluffy!

[@cryptojosef4035]

I bought one 4 weeks ago! Am superhappy about everything exept the heat from the cat! Its really a dealbraker! I got stuck in traffic one day and i almost got panicked, am not exaggerating, it really hurt, not only does the right leg get boiled, the heat travels up and my whole body felt like it was boling. I really really hopes that the decat solution makes the difference as some says, because otherwise i have to sell it..

[@80eightReviews]

Hello, yes, that's pretty much how I felt. It was mainly OK in the UK, but when I went over to France I got stuck in some slow moving traffic and I really thought I was going to have to jump off! Hopefully the de-cat does work for you. I decided to not go down that route as the keyless ignition was annoying me also and overall I felt the bike was a bit low geared for road riding, even though it was good off-road. Great bike though - it just needs to cool down! Thanks for stopping by and hope you get it sorted, cheers, Phil.

[@jonathanmellish4439]

I have just started to watch your reviews and subscribed as i was weighing up a v7 against the Enfield 650. The Guzzi definitely wins in the looks department and like you i remember the Coburn adverts in the magazines of the 70’s. Have you looked at the MG V85 at all ?

[@80eightReviews]

Hey Jonathan - thanks for stopping by. Oh, to be an adolescent again and be faced with a "long legged and easy to live with" advert...Sigh...I haven't really considered the V85, simply because I'm not after an ADV style bike. Having said that, of the bunch available I think it looks fabulous and the extra power would be welcome. I wanted a classic roadster basically and the V7 fits the bill perfectly. I'm sure you won't be disappointed if you go down the Italian route! Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@colonelquickshifter6534]

Apparently if you remove the cat - the heat is much less and manageable - can it handle the twisties ??

[@80eightReviews]

Good morning, yes, a few people have suggested removing the cat - as I’m a cheap skate I’m going down the exhaust bandage wrapping route to begin with - although not this year as it’s now cold in the UK and I need all the heat I can get 😀 as for twisties - yes it can certainly handle them - the tighter and bumpier the better. Must dash, thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.

[@hovishill2779]

🇬🇧👍🏻😄. De-cat it, it’ll run much cooler. You didn’t mention the screen you added, is it of any use at speed?

[@80eightReviews]

Morning! Thanks for stopping by. Yeah the screen helps a tiny bit but it’s marginal to be honest. It maybe gets you another 5mph of comfort. On closed roads / autobahn anything over 85 mph still starts to get tiring / which perhaps is no bad thing. As for the de-cat, will probably live with it for now as it’s getting cooler here plus gotta save the planet 🌎😄Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@Aldo-fj7ep]

i thought intro in this video was opening stage in metal gear solid 3 : snake eater, nice editing and good video.

[@80eightReviews]

Hello! Er, yeah, exactly! Er...thanks for watching & good to know the work is appreciated! Cheers, Phil.

[@Aldo-fj7ep]

@@80eightReviews youre welcome :)

[@s.crambling3795]

Cool vid. I like the 900 over the 1200 - style-wise but the addition of your little screen seems to balance out that pin-head lamp on a massive tree set-up. Have you ridden the 900? It is heavy but sooo nimble. Cheers again.

[@80eightReviews]

Good morning! Thanks for your comments - no, I haven’t ridden the 900 but from what I’ve heard it’s a cracking bike on the road. The main reason for getting the 1200 was down to the (hopefully) better suspension - not just for trail riding but also for the crumbling dusty roads I’ve got round here. As for the screen - it’s a necessity for higher speed riding and as you say it does balance things out a bit. The bike is also a fly and bug magnet, so the screen works well as flypaper. Anyway, thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.

[@s.crambling3795]

I'm sure the 1200 is better with lumps on the road (900 can be a back breaker), but the 900 surprisingly is fantastic on the dirt and riding on the pegs. Perhaps even better in off-road than on tarmac. @@80eightReviews

[@80eightReviews]

Hmm interesting & good to know! Cheers, Phil.

[@pitmactube]

Very good and refreshing video - Thx 👍😎🏁

[@80eightReviews]

My pleasure, thanks for the comment and for stopping by, cheers, Phil.

[@09591000]

Спасибо!/Thanks!

[@80eightReviews]

No problem! Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@joaquinalamo276]

Anybody has problems with the bike choking/stalling at low rpm? Mine keeps dying when idle

[@80eightReviews]

Morning! No problems like that with mine & I’ve not heard of similar problems from other owners. Sorry....Cheers, Phil.

[@IanTheEarlobe]

Even though you’re a bit of a zombie you’re super funny. Great review.

[@80eightReviews]

Morning! Zombie? Well, obviously I’m very upset, no, I’m positively wounded by that suggestion. Especially as I’ve always aspired to be a robot - or more specifically, a cyberman 😀 I’ll take it though! Glad you enjoyed the review and hope all is well where you are, cheers, Phil.

[@thisisme7587]

What kind of sorcery is that camera floating around?

[@80eightReviews]

Good evening David, it most definitely is sorcery...the peculiar alchemy of a 360 degree camera, an invisible selfie stick and some clever auto-stitching software. At first I felt it was a gimmick, however, even despite the fisheye distortion I think it adds a level of immersion that otherwise would be very difficult to achieve - especially when no helpers are to hand. The magic wand is the Insta 360 - highly recommended! Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@willv2378]

Nice pictures ! If you go offroad a lot, like you have shown, the Guzzy would be better due to its cardan shaft, as well.

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks! As for taking the Guzzi off road, well, I’m sort of tempted but the suspension and over enthusiastic traction control wouldn’t be great...maybe a V85 though? Anyway thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@willv2378]

@@80eightReviews You and I did not mention, but the only comparable Guzzi is the new V85TT. The smaller V7 (I have the (V7) Nevada Anniversario) has a too hard suspension. I changed the original shockers to the alternative Bitubo type. But although adjustable, I had to modify those again and make them softer for comfortable riding (I am not a racer but a savourer). By the way: I like you style of providing subjective riding impressions very much as well as your very impressive videos with the British atmosphere. Thanks, Wilhelm.

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks Wilhelm, greetings from England and good to know the work is appreciated. I considered the V85 very much and mainly decided on the scrambler due to the suspension and more dirt focussed front wheel, maybe next time! Cheers, Phil.

[@echanos]

@@80eightReviews That's exactly what I was thinking during the summary - Guzzi V85. Saw one in the flesh earlier this month and it is a looker... Great vid as usual and I enjoyed the special effects!

[@80eightReviews]

Good evening, hmmm...I must admit I keep think about the V85 and my V7 is in a for service this weekend and I know the dealer has a demo bike in so anything could happen 😄 anyway, glad you enjoyed the video and the FX : good to know! Cheers, Phil.

[@HUSKY7-1]

Did you keep the Honda Dominator?

[@80eightReviews]

Good afternoon - yes, I've still got the Dominator. Love it to bits, never selling it as it's perfect for messing about, sounds great and smells lovely! Thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.

[@HUSKY7-1]

@@80eightReviews So glad that was the answer. What sort of mileage is on that engine it nowadays ?

[@80eightReviews]

Good morning - recorded mileage is only 25,000 but I suspect it’s done a bit more. The engine is sweet as a nut, no rattles, no wheezing - it sounds tight and feels responsive. Like all air cooled singles from that era not stressing them is the key to longevity, so I stay around 1500 revs away from the redline - not that chasing the revs would do much anyway! The cycle parts are a different matter though...they are really starting to suffer the effects of a salty English winter no matter I do. Husky 701? I’ve just seen the new 701 LR....very interested in that! Cheers, Phil.

[@Speedytrip]

Nice review, great production quality. I just have to disagree about the suspensions...sold the bike because of it.

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks, yes, I found the suspension quite harsh initially but it does seem to have got more of that plush feel over time. For me, it’s the heat of the thing & the slight uninspired engine which are a little disappointing, however, I’ll be keeping it I think - just not for quite as long as I’d originally thought. Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@thoughtcriminal5655]

@@80eightReviews Uninspired? 😂😂😂😂 It has bags of instant torque. What a clown

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks Christian, it’s all down to personal opinion and preference. Me, I like to use and rev an engine, not have something so flexible it’s like riding an automatic. So for me, I found it boring and anodyne. Other folk will want different characteristics and that’s fine. Some people like jazz also, I hear. Thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.

[@twowheellady3033]

Nice video .. nice bike 🏍

[@pitmactube]

Very nice Video :) Thx

[@80eightReviews]

My pleasure & many thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@martyn_g]

Thank god you put the seat height thing to bed. I think because this bike attracts road riders, they freak out when they can’t get their feet flat to the ground, lol. I’m the same as you, height and proportions and I ride a DR with a taller seat height;)

[@80eightReviews]

Hey Martyn, absolutely - we buy these things with our eyes wide open so why be surprised with the reality? For me it's more about 'balance' and despite my other misgivings about the 1200 (mainly about heat, the key fob and boring power characteristics) it was a brilliantly balanced and good handling bike so it provided tons of confidence. Thanks for stopping by and best wishes for the festive period, cheers, Phil.

[@1990-t1j]

Nice bike, but I think I prefer the XC. I never found my 21'' front wheel being a problem on my old KTM 950 Adventure.

[@80eightReviews]

Morning - in many ways the 21” was the best part of the bike - great for rolling over rocks and on the road it felt really good also. I think the XC looks a lot more understated, which can only be a good thing and the practical reality is I probably never actively used the extra few inches of suspension travel on the XE, even if I thought I needed it! Cheers, Phil.