3 THINGS I HATE about the Triumph Scrambler 1200

[@wiseguyrob2005]

2023 Scrambler and I have zero issues with the exhaust.

[@Willieswheels]

Think we can call it fixed now! Stock end cans too?

[@tagertyoung]

I ride a 2019 XE. The key fob drove me crazy, absolutely CRAZY for months. I tried the padding trick and the bending the leads slightly, both worked temporarily I’d say. It wasn’t until I began turning the power switch “on” the very moment the key fob turns from red to green. This has worked every single time and I’ve never had the key fob out of reach error either, since using this method. Key fob off. Press Triumph logo until light turns from red to green, then immediately turn on your ignition. That’s been my “fix” anyway, hope some of you find it useful.

[@Willieswheels]

Good intel! Will try it thanks mate. I find mashing the button so it shines green helps the ignition, but still goes out of range while I’m riding.

[@crackhat]

I had the same issue- and deduced that the battery was not connecting properly. Lo and behold it was a 2025- I replaced it with the slightly larger 2032 and Bob was then my uncle.

[@hagnbike]

My problems with the key fob pretty much went away when I decided to store it seperate from the phone. I usually had the key fob and my phone in the tank bag, which frequently leads the bike to not detect the key. Then I have to get it out and try again. Having some distance between the phone and the key helped a lot. It rarely happens now. And "rarely" means, twice in the last 5000km. I made piece with the key and I like the fact that I can have all bike related keys on a key chain without scratching the dash area while riding. It also helped to "train" how to start the bike when the key is dead. The owners hand book describes it, but it needs some practice to get it right.

[@harowerks44]

Are you turning the fob off after each ride and then back on when you want to ride again? Owned my XE for over 4 years and experienced nil fob problems. Have never turned the fob off either, and Triumph sent out advice re that in 2020 if I remember correctly. (Don't turn off the fob advice)

[@hagnbike]

@@harowerks44 No, I don't turn it off. Replacing the battery is part of the yearly inspection plan. So I don't worry too much about that.

[@PyramidHead76]

My Zontes GK 125 has a wireless key and we all have to carry spare batteries. I just don't believe anybody was ever asking for it...

[@Willieswheels]

Definitely not me! Hopefully a feature that gets left behind really quick, or give us the option to use a real key instead.

[@commodiusvicus]

1) 2022 heat no problem. 2) the key is fine. just remember to turn off when you are gone for a while. 3) yes, price sucks.

[@LizardMane]

What do you mean heat no problem

[@commodiusvicus]

​@@LizardMane I mean with no cat the heat doesn't bother me. And i'm kind of a sissy. nomo pipe karen youtube videos please

[@markmiller7103]

I have a 2023 xc no problem with heat warm at best I try my best to push up against it nothing warm even on the hottest days good bike over all.

[@Watch_Papa]

Put a little rubber washer inside the key bw the battery and the cover. It solved it for me and never had detection issues since

[@Willieswheels]

Thanks will give that a try!

[@sattvicvelo3506]

I fitted heat insulation inside the heat shield and added the extra “for the ride” plastic heat shield and have no issues outside of stopping at red lights. As I rarely ride in the city it’s a non issue. I’d hate riding it in town.

[@Willieswheels]

Thats good to know thanks!

[@Magicks]

But part of the reason you'd buy a Triumph Scrambler is for the aesthetics of the high side pipe. It's pretty crucial to that vintage scrambler look. With that being said, exhaust pipes get hot, even without the catalytic converter, it's still going to get hot. Complaining about the heat from the high pipe on a scrambler is akin to complaining about how uncomfortable clip on handlebars are.

[@barryrose4850]

Just fitted 19 plate end cans to my 23 model, made a huge difference. It was too hot through British winter and planning a trip to Spain this summer

[@Willieswheels]

Good stuff! Nice that we have the option now to switch things up. Did it change the sound/power?

[@rodbowes5309]

I recently purchased a 2020 XC. Yes, the heat from the exhaust is annoying, but it is my left ankle that is actually getting burns from the heat coming from the left hand engine casing. I haven't had any issues with the key, but absolutely agree that the keyless idea is totally pointless as you need the key to lock the steering. I haven't come across the third issue as I know my limitations, so I stay on-road!

[@Willieswheels]

Ah yes, I had a few sizzles from the engine casing too! It’s amazingly hot.

[@roadsweride_pt]

True facts… I 100% agree with all what You’ve said about the XE

[@kimjensen7607]

I've had a similar one. I had no problem with the heat. Of course it got hot but not so much that it was a problem. The key turn it off after use problem solved. Parts and service cost I can agree with.

[@Willieswheels]

I’ve been switching on/off hey every time it still struggles to detect the key when starting the next day. It’s ridiculous

[@harowerks44]

​@@WillieswheelsDon't turn the key fob off, don't do anything with it but leave it turned on and carry it with you and use it to lock / unlock the steering, fuel cap or seat.

[@bobritter7197]

Subtitle of previous vid (offered at the end of this vid) was "it's perfect". lol "If it ain't broke don't fix it" is an axiom a lot of high end manufacturers would do well to adopt.

[@Willieswheels]

Nothings ever perfect 😅 I probably got too excited writing the title.

[@wallacebonfire]

2023 model is behind, like mine . Only issue I have is that when I put on the sp slash cuts is that it's to loud . Even with baffles wrapped in fiber 😅

[@Willieswheels]

It is really loud (mine don’t have baffles) but the character of the sound is unmatched compared to other options IMO. It’s got such a nice rasp to it.

[@wallacebonfire]

@Willieswheels it's sounds nice but after 2 minutes you'll get a ring in the ears and a nice fine 🙂.

[@Willieswheels]

No fines here in the uk - unless you hit one of these new sound meter cameras, and always wear earplugs 🤌🏻 got to look after your ears

[@FunWithAJ]

Good video buddy. I have a thruxton 1200 the heat is still an issue.that said my aircooled ducati is about 100x hotter. I wish they made the key like one of those flip ones cars have. If you want to turn the igniton with it fine but if not proximity is an options

[@nicomonkeyboy]

Yeah, the heat is a problem on the Arrow exhaust I have - is the slash cut worse or better, would you say? My key is okay though. Mine is in for a service as I watch this, plus new tyres, front brakes and fitting the accessory USB... cost is an issue on all big brands. You get what you pay for.

[@Willieswheels]

Heat is the same with both, all my issues came from the cat. I’ve heard removing that in the headers solves the heat!

[@Snuffelt]

I heard that someone "fixed" the wireless key issue by adding some padding inside the key to keep the battery in place. They hypothesized the key loses power because the battery moves due to vibrations.

[@Willieswheels]

That’s a great point, I haven’t heard that before but will look into it

[@martinlaverack3538]

I had same key problem on my 2020 Tiger, ‘fixed’ by bending the connector up slightly so better contact, same thought that it’s the vibrations, works fine now

[@iShaggyi]

i have the new 2024 X model . And no problem with the heat for now ( 2000km at the moment) . Great bike, great engine

[@Willieswheels]

Lovely stuff! Enjoy the Scram 🙏🏻

[@paullandreth-smith1546]

2021 XC. Doing a decat fixes the exhaust heat problems... you've removed your end can/mufflers so why not remove the cat too? More power, better sound, less heat... the key.... sorry to hear about your issues, I've had zero problems with mine! Yup, it's a premium bike so lots of money to run... but if you wanted a cheaper bike to repair when you drop it you'd get a Japanese bike.

[@Willieswheels]

Did exactly that! Got a cheap DRZ for the off tarmac stuff, it rips and I’m not worried about dropping it now 👌🏻

[@cosmonautg1430]

A retro-themed motorcycle should be able to deliver that retro feels. Sure, they can throw in TCS, ABS, slipper clutch, even digitized dash, I'll live. But wireless key and electronic throttle, that's a turn down for me. I still remember the time I traded up my Shadow 750 for a 2017 48 which had a wireless key. For the whole following year I still reach down to the side to take out the key whenever I get down from the bike without knowing. Man I just miss the keys so much.

[@matusknives]

I am sure you reasoned your points well, but all I could hear was 'blup blup blup blup .... vrrrrrr, vrrrrrr, vrrrr, .... blup, blup blup, blup' 😄 Seriously, that bike sounds fantastic!

[@Willieswheels]

Yea… I’m missing it already to be totally honest with you

[@donaldwayne4219]

Keyless on a motorbike, piss off, who needs That? Great looking bike. Could have done with 1 of those 20 years ago for sure 👍

[@charliestoybox2099]

The key is my number one issue. Also I hate the beginner feature of it revving up to 1,500 rpm when you let out the clutch. There’s just no idling slowly without slipping the clutch. Cost wise, Triumph is cheap compared to paying the Ducati tax. I can’t believe how inexpensive the parts are. I guess it depends on what bikes you are coming from.

[@Plaubel17]

Gone with 2024 Model the key issue

[@charliestoybox2099]

@@Plaubel17 yes that is the only change I like about the 2024 model. The suspension changes I really don’t care for.

[@charliestoybox2099]

@@Plaubel17 yes that is the only change I like about the 2024 model. The suspension changes I really don’t care for.

[@themightydash1714]

I hate this too! It just throws you, makes me more likely to stall the damn thing lol

[@TheBritishMotorbiker]

Brilliant video, buddy!

[@Willieswheels]

Thanks Conor! 🙏🏻

[@paulcowin3575]

I have the 2023 XE, the key has never failed, the heat management is ok, and the costs have been fine. It's the best bike I've owned, not sure what the fuss is about.

[@Willieswheels]

I am clutching at straws here, it’s a phenomenal bike

[@ginoasci]

I don’t like the heat or the key fob, but can live with the heat because all bike get hot, but we are forced to live with the key fob. I’d retro fit it as well.

[@chrischater8645]

Leg saver works. Get it.

[@Willieswheels]

Will check it out Chris, thanks!

[@mowman7777]

Just watched another video about the Scrambler and his battery was loose in the fob causing it not to start. He just bent the little tang tighter against the battery and it was fixed.

[@Willieswheels]

I’ve heard that since posting this video, so hopefully that’s the fix!

[@themightydash1714]

Yup I have a huge pipeburn on my leg, massive blister due to that damn cat. Going to have to order the Xpipe. Wrapping the pipes tomorrow to see if it makes any difference, can't wrap the cat though. So see what happens

[@fauveride]

I was really really hoping that exhaust would be low mounted in 2024 model, but it wasn't.

[@Willieswheels]

Wouldn’t want to hit it on a track though, I’ve heard the newer models run cooler through the exhaust 🙏🏻

[@Plaubel17]

Don’t understand the hassle just change the exhaust in front with a 2022-2024 model E5 job done

[@Dz_Livestrong]

Is the heat worse than panigale? Is thats the case, then thats really bad.

[@salin9964]

I love this bike. I would change the exhaust to go under the engine like on the other triumphs. Also the dash looks too modern for a scrambler like this. I would love to have the dash from the speed twin 1200. Cheers !

[@Willieswheels]

I agree with you on the dash!

[@lawrencep7068]

Nice review, what are your opinions on the new scramblers not going with Ohlins to save money? Is it worth picking up a preowned or is the new replacement good enough to buy new?

[@Willieswheels]

To be honest, I haven’t ridden the new one so I can’t comment on the end product, but It’s definitely a cost management move, maybe no one will want for ohlins if the new setup is right… I’ll say in my experience the ride with the Ohlins on mine is pretty much the best I’ve ever felt. If I get a chance to ride a new model I’ll post a video 👍🏻

[@lawrencep7068]

@@Willieswheels Thanks for the reply, Oww yes! Looking forward to the future vid for surree 👍

[@MrYogass]

How you damaged the radiator if its not sticking out on any side? 😅 I can get if a stone damaged it if there is no cover on it. Side crash bars would help too, I think it's a minimum even for small lanes. Ofc people dont want to spend money on protection until they learn the hard way 😅

[@Willieswheels]

Totally agree. Turns out it wasn’t the drop directly (as I’d suspected) - the fan mount was super corroded so the drop caused it to finally snap and the fan ate into the radiator from behind. It quickly cut a big circular hole

[@MrYogass]

@@Willieswheels damn, that's unlucky : /

[@crackhat]

I have a 2022 XE. No heat issues at all. Best bike ever.

[@owenfarmer4197]

Hi first comment and possibly a bit late Remote keys I’ve had the same issues with my XE and Harley sportster do you always have the phone mounted on the quad? I find if my phone and remote key are too close together the phone interrupts the key signal. Good luck with your new purchase

[@Willieswheels]

Thanks for the comment hopefully it will help someone else!

[@B4c4lh0]

Getting rid of the Cat isn't an option? The heat feals like an overall bonnie issue my T100 also heats up but not as close to the leg of course

[@Willieswheels]

It’s an option but not ideal - it’s much hotter than the t100 from a riding position, proper burns

[@tranceending5914]

Knowing the heat issue with cat was well documented, why did you spend on slash cuts, and not a decat? Have you suffered needlessly to make a point?

[@Willieswheels]

Slash cuts for sound & aesthetics - I have neither time nor money to be making a point 😂

[@liberty193]

Regulations ruin a lot. Cat delete and better tune should be mint after

[@POLAK_rides_Scrambler1200XE]

Hi Willies Wheels, you are right, this bike is very HOT ! look at my videos with my SCRAMBLER 1200XE :]

[@bertagriese8282]

You apparently have never owned a Harley or Indian. There you learn what expensive parts means. Triumph is actually rather reasonable.

[@Willieswheels]

Oh gosh. Harley is silly at the mo, didn’t know Indian was on the same level!

[@bertagriese8282]

@@Willieswheels They’re worse. More expensive than Harley.

[@lawrencefranck9417]

Wrap the exhaust.

[@Willieswheels]

0% chance of that happening 😂

[@themightydash1714]

Doing that to mine tomorrow, it's going to be hidden behind the heat shields anyway so it won't even notice visually

[@harowerks44]

​@@themightydash1714 ceramic coat the header pipes inside and out and line the heat shields with self adhesive heat tape. The ceramic coating not only keeps the exhaust cooler but also never needs cleaning and looks great all the time.