2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X vs XE: Which Should You Buy?

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[@louismiranda2850]

I have the 2019 Triumph Scrambled 1200 XE Blue Variant with several extras added to it and still absolutely in love with it, I have taken it off-road several times at Wayne National Forrest and planning to hit my first BDR with it! I’ve thought about picking up a tiger but the scrambler really fulfills its role as a do it all for me personally. Bought it a 1k miles, 14k miles now and counting!

[@andrewmears7464]

I would get last year's model of either xc or xe.You get far more bike for your money. Triumph have definitely down graded these bikes this year. Sometimes an iconic bike should be left as it was. 👍

[@NBMBC40]

I have had two XE's and my current one is last years gold line Baja Orange and I love the bike. I think its the best looking retro scrambler but it is pricey. I'm also 6'2" so still flat foot on the XE, I bought a CRF300L last year for off roading which is way easier to ride and use off road. My XE is a garage queen and I'm not embarrassed to admit it.

[@Charlie-rl6tv]

I’m a shorter guy at 5’7”, so while I’ve always loved the Scrambler 1200 it’s just too tall for me to feel comfortable on. When I read about the 1200X coming out I thought, finally.. that will be my next travel bike. Then I saw no cruise control…and that’s a deal breaker. What kind of backwards logic is it to put cruise on the off-road oriented model but not on the road-oriented model?? Missed opportunity

[@clintlautner9542]

A couple of reasons. One, marketing. If you really want cruise control, you have to buy the more expensive bike. Sad but this is how these companies make money in a very competitive market. Two, at the end of the day it’s a Scrambler, not strictly a road bike. That’s why they make a Speedmaster. For me, one of the selling points for my 900 Scrambler was no cruise control. Sounds crazy but I wanted a modern, reliable bike with old school controls and aesthetics.

[@chalkphil]

I'd go for a low-mileage XC 😅. I can see why they've done the new X (price-point, lower), but I think the XC really nailed that modern-retro look, and in the green paint scheme it looks amazing!

[@Numbie9527]

Ya, agree. X trade off Brembo and cruise control for cornering AB traction control.

[@ryannichols3540]

This is the way. XC all the way

[@sjoerdschenk]

If I would be in the market for a 2024 Scrambler 1200 X or XE, I would buy a second hand XC or XE from the previous generation (either Euro 4 or 5). IMO the 2024 models are not an upgrade but more a downgrade compared to the early gen 1200 scrams. I own a XC myself and wouldnt swap it for a 2024 model. /just my 2 cents.

[@andrewmears7464]

I have an xc too, and totally agree. Comfortable on and off road. A unicorn of bikes.🤙

[@oliviermagere]

Totally agree.

[@phils2180]

Do your homework. As well as a lower seat height the 2024 X has been given more road bias to be closer to the 900 Street Scrambler which is what many riders are wanting apparently, me included. My SS never goes off road, I have an Enduro bike for that which makes the XE feel like a truck in comparison.

[@andrewmears7464]

@@phils2180 why buy 2, when one will do it all?

[@phils2180]

@@andrewmears7464 A "Do it all" bike doesn't exist IMO but I guess it depends on what you call "offroad". My 570 Enduro bike can still be a handful with almost 100kg less weight than a Scrambler XE and will run rings round it but then it won't be anything like as good on tarmac. If I could only have one bike then I would make my choice and accept the compromises but I'm fortunate enough not to be limited to one so don't have to.

[@johningle8850]

Thank you for a very enjoyable review of these 2 models. Being only 5’7’’ I thought the X would be ideal for me but having then tried an XC I did what others here are saying and went for a low miles used example. It has that premium feel and is perfectly manageable. My favourite Triumph …. I love it.

[@garylythgoe]

How is the seat height and usability? I’m the same height. The 900 Scrambler felt mega for size in the showroom.

[@johningle8850]

@@garylythgoe Hi. XE tip toes and only just and a definite no go for me but the XC, balls of my feet which I can live with. It’s a great bike to ride. If you like that low down grunt the 1200 twin delivers. I recommend to give one a try.

[@jonno94]

​@@johningle8850 look up Tech Parts here on KZbin, they do a video on how to lower the XE & XC models using lowering springs and they supply worldwide, if i remember it lowers the bikes around 20mm. The height was always a deal breaker for me, but this opens up my options.

[@johningle8850]

@@jonno94 thanks for your message. I will look that up. I have the Tec parts 2 in to 1 exhaust also which compliments the bike no end.

[@HarshitKadpate]

Missing out on tech and features just for a lower seat height? hell nah. Imo, Triumph should have given more features if not same as 1200 XE, on scrambler 1200 X.

[@HarshitKadpate]

At least they should've included TFT speedometer on 1200 X

[@micheltremblay2544]

I just bought a new 2023 XC as it’s just the perfect compromise for me at 5’10” and mostly road riding !!! I suspect the remaining XC out there will sell out fast ;)

[@esr243]

I really enjoy your reviews

[@motobob]

🙏

[@malikknows3510]

Thank you for this. I'm making this exact decision myself and the timing of your video is perfect. In fact, because I'm only of average height (32" inseam), I was leaning toward the X model. But to my dismay, I find they don't offer it with cruise control! Wow, I simply don't understand why Triumph would cripple the more on-road version of this bike. All the best.

[@shadow_realm47]

No cruise control is such a bad deal. At that price. Ninja 1000sx, bmw xr 900, xsr900 are a better deal to me for a one bike garage.

[@malikknows3510]

@@shadow_realm47 I've got an Africa Twin I'd likely trade but I just can't justify it now. The AT is a great bike whose only disadvantage is its tippiness, imho. I guess I'll keep it.

[@boa_tumba]

Nuestros más sinceros deseos desde la República Dominicana 🇩🇴. Excelente video! 👏🏼

[@Pompomgrenade]

Even the largest 1200 scrambler from triumph, makes my GS more like a semi than a motorcycle... Regardless of being on road or off-road... It's always a heavy cargo hauler. And can go anywhere! Your motorcycle reviews are consistently very accurate 🪄

[@amies1976]

After sitting on the x this weekend I'm now on the hunt for a runout xc.

[@Fernando90054]

I am 5/11 tall, I use to ride my BMW S1000 XR, where the seat height was 840 mm to the ground, but I never tried the Scrambler 1200 XE of Triumph. I do appreciate the more tech bikes but I don’t put a bike of this price on off road trails. Eventually, some fire fighters gravel roads, but never something more serious than that. Although, I do prefer a bike that is comfortable, and capable to ride well over bumps and potholes of secondary roads. Technology is important but for me, what I value about it are its riding security features, like leaning traction control, cruise control- for longer rides-, good and strong LED lights, quality of the breaks, that kind of tech features. Beyond , the height of the bike, my only doubt about the XE model, is if riding mostly on tarmac, I’ll benefit enough from its “advantages” to justify the cost difference to the X model. In fact, I had the chance to ride the XC model on a test ride two years ago, and I enjoyed it a lot, but in the meantime, Triumph discontinued this specific bike manufacturing… inclusively it had a set of front breaks, that were certainly more efficient than the ones that now are equipped on the X model. I think I’ve got to pay a visit to my local Triumph dealer to discover the answer. Another thing that I don’t appreciate so much on the X model is the paint job. It’s a bit dull. Maybe it fits well on this kind of bike, but for the price, I think it lacks a bit of refinement. I have to see it in my presence. Maybe it looks better than in videos and photos. 👌🏻

[@Stevebarker66]

An interesting comparison. Although I'm not a fan of tech ('rider modes' were called 'gears' in my day 😉) I still think I'd go for the XE as the price differential is so slim. Many of these bikes will be bought on finance where the differencce in £/month will be negligible. And we have to think of resale value: a better-specced bike should always be more attractive and therefore easier to sell second-hand. But I'm 6'2" and the lower seat height of the X may well be the deciding factor for many; the X still being a great bike for those who want the (arguably) better handling & ease-of-use of a lower-slung bike. One of my 'bikes is an Indian Scout - they don't come much lower than that - and I love how I can push & paddle that around despite my height. Isn't it great to have choice?

[@markmundy3435]

Kinda glad my XE is the outgoing model, in my eyes the only improvement Triumph has made is going back to a propper key.

[@mrufinosantos]

I completely agree with my colleagues, the quality of the components in previous models is superior, but unfortunately for shorter people the option is X. Here in Brazil I imagine it will sell a lot.

[@jasonpoznic8277]

Just bought a second hand (350ks) XE, i actually like the blacked out look of the new X better and with 170mm travel it's still got enough travel for light off road (same as the Guzzi V85tt). I just couldn't justify what Triumph are asking for it considering how many downgrades they've made from brakes/supension/tech/handguards/levers/pegs and dash. It really should be another grand cheaper than the XE.

[@marinoopen]

Thanks!

[@motobob]

Very kind - thanks! 🙏

[@aldeen1982]

The XC was the better deal: Brembo brakes, better suspension, superior display, less suspension travel... all for only 800 more? Sorry, the X is a really bad deal in comparison. Nobody would go for this instead of the XC only because its 800 bucks cheaper und 2cm lower. This bike should be at least 2 k cheaper than the XC - somethin like 10,990. Getting a really good used XC instead is the far better deal. They just downgraded this bike to make more profit!

[@basedury]

I kind of agree, I recently compared all the Triumph Scrambers (except the 400) to my Interceptor 650, and the XC and XE are the only two that actually have more ground clearance than my bike. The XC is perfect because it's still easy to reach the ground if you're 5'9" like me. The 900 and 1200x are actually lower than a standard Interceptor, so I'm just gonna keep scrambling mine.

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Excellent vid, thanks. Why does the X have a 21 inch front wheel. It seems to be pointless for a road bike, with scrambler looks. They both look great and, most importantly, different to other bikes with similar specs

[@user-xv3ep7jg1q]

I have a 2022 XC, and this is my forever bike. The X is a non-starter for one simple reason….. cruise control! I had the option of either when I purchased the XC, and it was purely appearance that won me over, I preferred the black instead of the gold forks essentially, and while I do ride off-road, not enough to warrant the XE, and besides, you get serious off-road, a 1200 scrambler is too big.

[@philipbell2143]

XE for me. Tall and our crappy Australian roads the suspension copes better. Lot of electronics creeping into people’s wish list though.

[@andrewpawsey368]

Hi @motobob. Another great comparison vid. Perfect. But what is the Lid you have on mate. And do they do them in fowlers tia Kate. 🎉🎉🎉

[@motobob]

That’s a Premier Discovery. I believe they do stock Premier although not sure about this specific lid 👍

[@andrewpawsey368]

@@motobob thank you for responding. A lot of KZbinrs don’t bother so again thanks.

[@diaz4534]

Beau comparatif ;) Ce qui est dommage avec la nouvelle X c'est que l'on perd des composants de qualités comme les freins Brembo, l'ecran TFT, les amortisseurs Ohlins, keyless, les clignoteurs ronds néo-rétro, une meilleure finition. Pour avoir eu le scrambler XC et ensuite le XE, je préfère le XC qui est plus fun à conduire à cause de son centre de gravité plus bas. Tout dépends de la taille de la personne, si tu mesures plus de 1m80, il te faut la XE mais si tu fais moins de 1m80, la XC sera parfaite. La XC est plus performante sur la Route

[@steveparish9210]

For only 800 more pounds i think the XC was a much better bike than the X. The premium suspension easily worth that. So the XE would be my choice now

[@zoltans_photography]

Just watch out for the major cooling system fault. 2019 xc fan lower bracket is cheap plastic that breaks after one good jostle from jump/pothole/etc. The fan then rips holes in the back of the radiator causing leaking which can ultimately cause a sudden and rapid overheat of the engine. 800$+ parts cost alone to fix. Don't know that any of the 1200 models have fixed this.

[@Mustrum_Ridcully]

What brand raincoat is that? Looks cool

[@motobob]

Revit 👍

[@HockeyWorld-ox1ee]

Hi Bob, did you do a review KTM690 SMRC before?

[@fauveride]

as a former xe owner, I think they made the right choice to expand their base. By the way, I was hoping they would change the xe dashboard to a more retro style, but they didn't in this update.

[@shadow_realm47]

Why did you sell yours ?

[@prep4evac]

Interesting comparison, you mentioned the X looked too low. I thought the reason for the X was a bigger version of the Scrambler 900, which it is, it’s 30mm taller as well as having the bigger engine.

[@ichbinmartin]

I own Rocket GT, but Scrambler looks also perfect. If I would not have R3GT and must decide, I would probably buy old XC in blue/black colors. What I don't like is very high seat and its brown color. Could be black.

[@crimpyjugs5680]

I think the X nearly nails it, if it had kept the M50’s and have at least some adjustability in the suspension, then it would be perfect in my mind.

[@AdamForeman]

The seat height differences make perfect sense why they did the same on the 400 series.

[@craigjohnson6597]

XE is well worth the extra coin. Seat height is an issue if you like to flat foot

[@s.venkateswarpatnaik2484]

Dear MotoBob i liked your review of Triumph Scrambler 1200 CC variants.You looked handsome on the motorcycles.Both the Scramblers are trendy and beautiful

[@wltrlg]

The 1200X as "budget" option still sets you back €17000 (base) in the Netherlands 😢

[@droidster888]

Being a bit of a short 4rse at 5’6” the 1200’s weren’t practical for me. I like to have the option of both feet on the deck as conditions dictate. I have a 900 Street Scrambler and it’s perfect. I don’t ride off road, ever, my ride outs are always alpine because that’s where I live, twisties all day long. The lower seat height makes more sense if I’m also riding in the city. Unfortunately where I live in Austria they add Nova Tax of 20% to all new vehicles so we’re looking between €16,500 -17,000. That’s just too much wedge to be honest… thanks for the review Bob!

[@shadow_realm47]

You guys have nice ktms though don't complain dawg

[@droidster888]

@@shadow_realm47 but but but I’m British 😂

[@grumpycat9065]

I would take a slightly used XE. Thats still my dream bike.

[@ilikelampshades6]

The new XE should still have all of the same high spec stuff from the premium gen. Then youve got a budged one and a premium one

[@risvangenbrnshj918]

In Denmark, the "X” costs £23.900. The “XE” £24.700 (kr 199.700 and 214.900). Even though I was not tall enough (which I am), the price difference is zero to me. Especially if I could afford it! 😔

[@shadow_realm47]

That sounds crazy expensive 💀 why is it so high😅

[@shadow_realm47]

At that price you could probably fly to France take a train to London buy the Triumph get a ferry back to France ride to Denmark😅 sounds like a crazy top gear style adventure.

[@DaleMt09sp]

Easily answered depends if you’re vertically challenged or not

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

The XE just looks the part. I sat on both of them the other week and that Dash on the X version is garbage just looks so cheap along with the front brake setup. I get it they wanted to lower the price but if you bought the X version you would constantly be wishing you had the XE. I have the T120 Gold Line and a Trophy SE have to keep them under wraps it's winter snowing and minus 20c in Alberta Canada which just sucks....

[@derangeddwayne5532]

I know Ohlins on the XE is far better but I can't stand the gold color. It just looks gaudy and out of place on a retro looking motorcycle. Maybe I'm just getting old. 😅

[@jktho]

Oi mate, what’s that rain jacket you’re wearing?

[@shadow_realm47]

X does look good. A lot of people are saying you should get last years model but why 😅 If someone is already spending 12k-14k GBP on a basic bike they aren't gonna nickle and dime to get a used one. The right choice is ofcourse to get a small super moto for off road fun and a sports tourer/600 for commuting/ cruising long distances.

[@jan-gunnaregge3169]

Why do Triumph make a "budget bike" of these great scramblers? Have tried both the 2023 XE and the XC, the last genuine models, and i went for the last XC. I,m a tall man(6"5) 195 cm, and suits this bike perfect. Of cause i could go for the XE, but the XC looks better, and i,m just using it for road use at sunny days. No problem to ride a whole day on this bike, i often ride to the west coast in Norway(about 650 kilometres, 400 miles) with no struggle. BUT, only at sunny days. You got NO weather protection. For longer trips at various weather , I use my BMW GSA. But that bike has no "soul", so i wanted a genuine "classic" for sunny days and recreation, and that whats the XC is for me. Personally I think the Bonneville T 120 looks better, and are far more genuine, but that bike is to "small" for me.... So I was lucky to get one of the last XC out there. I absolute can recommand this bike, it rides well, and sound fantastic. Best wishes from cold Norway

[@TwoTubesADV]

I went for the 2023 XE, before the downgrades of the 2024 model 👌

[@logangodofcandy]

XE was bought almost entirely by people who should have bought the X. XC buyers got the right bike to begin with

[@basedury]

At 5'8" sitting on the XE, the XC seemed more appropriate for me as only my second bike ever, coming from an Interceptor 650. Upon comparing the X, XC and XE, the X is actually lower to the ground than the Enfield. I still think the XC is the perfect middle ground.

[@ravict]

Now after watching , myself going for E

[@potgieterjc]

The high exhaust is a no - no. Why would one want to deal with a cooked inner thigh? Lower the exhaust and I will buy the XE.

[@ilikelampshades6]

Triumph are leading almost every sector imo. Cool personified that encapsulates young and old riders. Ive never been a sucker for a brand before but im finding myself loving triumph over every other brand in almost every category

[@nairbyad7188]

no. I have a Daytona Moto2, arguably the best handling moto ever. The current Daytona 660 is a weak sportbike, for sure

[@shadow_realm47]

@@nairbyad7188 it's not a supersport but a sport tourer They had no choice when the Ninja 650 out sold everything in the supersport lineups (r6/zx6r/original Daytona 675) for 10 straight years. Suzuki even took a step back from the Gixxer 600/750 and launched a sport touring 778 model. And suzuki basically never tries new products.

[@DaleMt09sp]

@@nairbyad7188its competition is the r7 the new Suzuki 8r Hondas 650 etc it’ll probably be better than all of them

[@nairbyad7188]

@@DaleMt09spwithout a doubt

[@chriscargle7645]

Xe previous gen definitely

[@ravict]

Why xe not launching in india ?????

[@BlazinBlades]

Be more specific man… Some of the best parallel twin 1200cc British retro bike scramblers on the market…😂😂

[@marcello66]

I still do not understand why Triumph has not brought the X or the older XC with a smaler front wheels. This would look much better and would give the bike a much better road handling in the twisties. Especialy the new X model looks a bit odd with the 21" front wheel.

[@motobob]

That’s just a T120 or a Speed Twin isn’t it? I agree though - it’s quite a strange mix to have a low bike with a big 21”

[@ukvamp]

At 6ft 2 with a 35 inside leg, i can flat foot the XE 😂 so I'd pick that!

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

Taking it off road would be a bit painful when it's dropped, which will happen. for this price point it's better suited as a art piece in the Livingroom if the wife wasn't an issue.

[@shadow_realm47]

The one thing I love about motobob is that he comes at all these bikes from an initial neutral opinion BUT will give them the bee's knees to try n enjoy them!

[@IanTheEarlobe]

If you’re thinking about getting one of these get the any year before 2024. I have a 1200xe 2022 bought new with 53,000km and do adv riding with it. The brembo brakes and the showa + ohlins makes a huge difference. Try to find a used one or a new 2022 or 2023 model. This seems like a massive downgrade. People who buy triumphs are willing to spend the money.

[@adventure_power]

LOL KTM indicators on a 1200 cc Triumph scrambler?

[@shadow_realm47]

They are Bajaj indicators which come on the NS 125. They cost 7 usd for a pair in India. But I'm sure Triumph is charging well in europe😅

[@nicomonkeyboy]

Got an XE. Not keen on that X at all...

[@phils2180]

I've always thought the gap between the XC and XE was too narrow. The road biasing of the new X is a good move and will appeal to Street Scrambler owners wanting the grunt of the bigger motor as well as the short legged fraternity. 👍 IMO, Triumph should make a PROPER, light weight, Enduro style bike with serious off road ability and easier to handle. As for the X componentry, I had Marzzochi suspension on Harris Magnum back in the 80's, nothing wrong with them and my ZZR1400, a bike in a different performance league, has Nissin calipers and they're great. 👍

[@nzt1423]

Some of us like tall girls. Otherwise I'd go for a twin.

[@thenightflier37]

🥱

[@andrewkitchenuk]

The XE is too low for us man sized people. 😊

[@ChrisDavis333]

The $800 price decrease was not worth the components you lost… you lost about 4-5 grand in components to save $800 lol. If they were trying to increase sales of the model, I think they’ve done the opposite, it makes even LESS sense now than it did before. At least before it had 90% of the components, now it has like none of the premium components and just looks similar. You lose all of the premium components, you lost a bunch of capabilities, ground clearance and suspension travel, your braking got exponentially worse and so did your overall suspension performance, shitty dash and switchgear. What are they thinking… $800??? Really? All the shit you took away came out to $800 savings? Disgusting. This might be their highest profit bike in the lineup because of these “changes”.

[@peterparker219]

You're absolutely right, the X is a total rip-off outfitted with mostly the same more basic components as the Scrambler 900. The only improvement is getting rid of that useless keyless ignition. And you got a black fuel tank for the base price and pay another 350€ for grey or red single colour paint. Even the paintjob on the 400x looks better. It's meant to be a shelf queen, a non-seller. If I were in the market I'd go for a used XC instead.

[@mnrdash573]

First😂

[@motobob]

🏆