8x MUST DO MODS for your Motorbike | Triumph Scrambler 1200 Mods

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Hey folks!
This one has been a longgggg work in progress, but it's gonna be well worth it because I've collected a LOT of great info and put it all into one place - THIS VIDEO! If you want to know what mods to do to your Scrambler 1200, here's a great place to start. Each mod is listed below so you can skip to the most important parts.
0:00 Start
0:30 Intro
0:53 Hand Guards + Bar End mirrors
3:05 Dropping the Scrambler onto the mirrors
3:27 LED Indicators
4:19 Exhaust ride-by sound example
4:36 Slash Cut Exhaust + Decat explanation
6:26 Exhaust on-board sound example
6:49 Hepco & Becker Side Bag
7:57 Dresser/ Crash Bars + paint
9:19 DNA Air Filter
10:24 DNK Custom Tune
12:02 Dual-Sport tyres / tires (Metzeler Karoo 3)
13:36 Topdown View and zoom out
14:05 Outro
All of my Mods are listed below with links to the parts.
MODS:
- Kelpi Customs Mirrors
www.kelpicustoms.com.au/shop/...
- Kelpi Customs Indicators
www.kelpicustoms.com.au/shop/...
- DNK Tune
dnktuneworks.com/product/triu...
- DNA Air Filter
www.e-dnafilters-au.com/produ...
- Slash Cut Exhaust
www.totaltriumph.co.uk/shop/d...
- Tyres - Metzeler Karoo 3 90/90 - 21 Inch Front, 150/70 - 17 Rear
- Hepco & Becker C-Bow + Bag
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My Vlogging gear!
Main Camera:
GoPro Hero 7 Black
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DRONES!
DJI Mavic Air 2:
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DJI Mavic 3:
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Filter:
Telesin ND Filters
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Mount: CamGo Chin Helmet mount
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Audio:
Zoom H5
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Music:
Epidemic Sound
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Riding Gear!
Helmet: Ask me
Gloves: Kelpi Custom Gripper Gloves
Motorbike: Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE (2019)
Phone mount: Quad-Lock - Anti Vibration + Wireless charging
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Cover Image:
Screenshot from footage

[@d.Cog420]

Hey Josh, after seeing your Kelpi blinkers I got some too. Good company to deal with btw and some really nice gear. Just a question...did you source some Triumph connectors (which are different to the standard bullet connectors the rest of the world uses) to connect them up? Can't seem to find any other than TEC bike in UK. Just wondering if you know of something on our side of the world. Cheers mate.

[@lifeofascrambler]

Hey! No I just cut the existing connectors off (at the indicator end only) soldered them to the kelpie wiring. Hope that helps!

[@d.Cog420]

@@lifeofascrambler cheers for that. I might try the TEC ones so I can easily put the OEM's back if I need to in the future. They are pretty cheap too. Will drop you a quick note if it works out to add to the knowledge bank.

[@lifeofascrambler]

@@d.Cog420 Yeah that would be great! I think the connector was something like a J20 or something so its probably a mass-produced type of connector somewhere, no doubt the TEC ones will work, let me know how you go though, I will probably do a video sometime soon on my Tail Tidy

[@0HARE]

You’ve done some sweet mods there. Thanks for the walk-through of what you’ve done.

[@mariodome9430]

👌🏼nice adjustments ... thanks for the inspiration and the video🤙🏼

[@lifeofascrambler]

Thanks mate! Appreciate the support and I hope it comes in handy 🤗

[@alliride1741]

Great vid.. looking fwd to get mine xe

[@justinp910]

Fuckin hell mate, I've been binging your videos on this bike (I'm seriously considering buying one) and only just realized that you have less than 4k subscribers. Whoa. Easiest subscribe of my life and when you break 100k I'll be proud to say I was "one of the first." Big up for some seriously awesome, thoughtfully created content.

[@lifeofascrambler]

Haha thank you! Really appreciate it and glad you enjoyed, I do spend a LOT of time creating all my content so it’s really nice to get that feedback. Let me know if you have any Q’s and if you ever want anything specific I’ve got a patreon now 🤙🏼

[@sangxu5391]

Such amazing video quality!

[@lifeofascrambler]

Thank you!

[@TheWannabeGeek]

Awesome video, great to see another Queenslander on here… When I first saw this video, I thought for sure you were in the USA. Brilliant video. Thanks for sharing.

[@lifeofascrambler]

Thanks! Yeh I usually ride around MT Mee or Beerburrum! Have you got a scrambler? Whereabouts do you go?!

[@TheWannabeGeek]

@@lifeofascrambler Awesome… I am keen to get myself a Scrambler ASAP. I’m up in Bundy, have done Mee, Glorious a couple of times on my Sprint ST. Loving your content.

[@FlorianWerner]

Nice video & good info - really good footage and editing! There are a couple of hicks with the audio for your voice and the lighting of the bike when you're showing some of the mods (made it difficult to properly see them) - but I am being picky here and I am sure you already know about these - giving the great editing you did you've probably picked up on these details. Keep the videos coming and have fun riding!

[@lifeofascrambler]

Haha thanks yeh I spent 6 months collecting all the footage and getting what I wanted to say right, and then looked back at some footage and it was too dark! So, I justified getting myself a new camera with better low light and dynamic range so I can at least brighten up those spots!

[@eatsleepplayrepeat]

Thanks for the info about the weak OEM handguards. I was going to buy the Triumph brand ones for my 1200 XC but now I'll just get the motocross style ones for more strength.

[@lifeofascrambler]

No worries! Barkbuster branded guards seem to be super tough and apparently can fit Triumphs so hope it goes well!

[@eatsleepplayrepeat]

@@lifeofascrambler Any mods or drilling to put Barkbuster on the OEM handlebars?

[@arudd60]

@@eatsleepplayrepeatI run the Barkbusters, and no drilling/modification required.

[@RoadRash1]

Great video. I replaced my stock handguards with Barkbusters. There are some other choices out there, but it was relatively inexpensive and an easy install! I'm running the Zhard slip ons and Zhard decat. I get so many compliments from other adventure riders on the sound. Love yours too! Which tail tidy did you go with. Love the indicators. Those are my next 2 upgrades I'm planning during this "off season." Last, I didn't notice you mentioned the quad lock in your video, but I noticed in the notes. Had to share my recent experience. I had the quad lock and anti vibration. Actually have them on both my bikes. Just purchased and installed the wireless charging head. First time on with my phone, and I cannot get the phone/case off the mount! No joke. I exchanged a few emails with their customer service, sent them photo and video of the problem. They are sending me a new case and wireless charger....but I'm gonna have to work to recover my anti-vibration piece. Can't say enough about their product or their service.

[@lifeofascrambler]

Thanks! I think I’ll look into bark busters but maybe just the metal hand guard, blacked out because I like the clean look. I actually made my own tail tidy - I still have the CAD file to cut it from steel, I just plasma cut it very quickly a while ago so I didn’t focus on it a whole lot in this video, it might be an entire video on its own. I do have the quad lock with anti vibration and wireless charging head - great pickup I didn’t include it yet because the video was already like 15 mins long 😅 I do have trouble getting it on/off but I still manage if I squeeze my hand around the back (I have an IPhone 12 Pro so it is quite big compared to the Mount)

[@RoadRash1]

@@lifeofascrambler I never followed up to your suggestion about the "hand around the back" technique. It worked on the old wireless charging mount! I formed a circle with 2 fingers, squeezed in between the phone case and the mount, twisted, and it popped right off. I did receive a replacement wireless charging mount and case before I applied the "technique." The second mount is easy to get the phone off so definitely something is up with the first one. The original is so stiff, it's almost frozen. They said that would work out over time...I just don't see it. The action on the replacement is very good so the phone mount goes on and off with relative ease. Kudos to QuadLock for the customer service and thank you for the pro tip on something that wasn't even in your excellent video. Cheers!

[@thisisme7587]

Nice stuff mate. Ripping it up around Glassy. I do kennilworth imbil etc regularly on mine. Great trail blaster bike, just need better shocks. Gotta Set the preload all the way down to eliminate the knocking clank of the plastic sleeves but then sit too high in the stroke. I got a vid on my channel where you hear the clunking Also with the tech tail tidy my plate hit the rear going over a little jump

[@lifeofascrambler]

Yeh good spot! How long have you had the Scrambler?! I’ve seen like 5 around Bris and GC we might even have enough for a ride crew! I can’t say I’ve had too many problems with the plastic sleeves? Maybe It’s just my shit hearing 😅 Interesting you had that issue with the Tec tail tidy, I actually made my own tail tidy from a plasma cut piece of steel and it works a treat even when I’ve jumped the scrambler pretty hard it doesn’t seem to have any issues. Also, I’ve actually got the problem with my ohlins at the back where they delaminate and scratch up, I’m hoping to get them covered under warranty or something

[@thisisme7587]

@@lifeofascrambler I'm up the sunny coast. Had the beast for a few months coming off a street scram. Did a 1800k loop to Kroombit tops as soon as I got it. Your tail tidy is in a better spot than the tec, theirs is too far forward so it clips the wheel on impact so good work 👍 Yeah we should get some rides on somehow with a crew

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Bikes looking great 👍, some excellent mods. And I really like the look of the Scrambler without the handguards...gives it a leaner more classic look. Maybe some trimmed down all black Barkbusters...? Have you had any issues with the key fob...? Cheers, Steve

[@lifeofascrambler]

I’ve thought about all black barkbusters with just the bar, and no plastics, but haven’t gotten around to it yet. I haven’t had any dramas with the key fob actually, I have heard others did though.

[@d.Cog420]

Great vid, nice editing and sound. Bike looks good too just wondering if the DNK tune messes up the tune when you get it serviced or if that affects warranty? Also, I put the TEC booster plug in which fixed the stalling but not as good as the tune you did I suspect. Can recommend the fender extender too to help save the radiator from getting clogged with mud and overheating. Must be dry riding where you are or you'd have it. Cheers, sub from here too.

[@lifeofascrambler]

Thanks! so basically I am unsure on the warranty piece, because it varies depending on what country you're in so maybe look it up, and the DNK folks are responsive so you can shoot them a question or email. You're right, it's pretty dry where I am, I have considered the raised guard and extension but haven't needed it really so I'm happy with what I've got so far!

[@harowerks44]

Another XE owner from the northside who rides up through the mountains a fair bit. Wore out the rear Karoo 3 fairly quickly and not all that impressed with it overall. See it has just been replaced with the Karoo 4. Very happy with the AX41 Adventure cross on all surfaces. Have to catch up at Kenilworth or Kilcoy etc one day for a ride.

[@lifeofascrambler]

Awesome thanks for the tip I’m definitely checking them out! Also maybe I’ll see you around on the bike sometime?! I’m always at skinnys social garage in Bowen hills most weeks too!

[@CPF-cv4so]

@@lifeofascramblerI will have to check it out, work down the road : )

[@benolsen9455]

How do the stock dresser bars compare with Hepco & Becker Engine Guards?

[@FreerideMTB]

Do you think si possibile to have some problems with the police with thoose back mirrors ? Thanks you

[@rikkers258]

Awesome video, can I ask what baffles you used in the exhaust as it say can be used with universal 42mm so presume it isn’t included. Thanks.

[@lifeofascrambler]

I got these and they work well, but if you want a deeper note you can use fibreglass to pack it. amzn.to/3sLkcuI

[@mst1269]

Beautiful clean look. I wish I had $15000 .

[@lifeofascrambler]

Thanks! Yeah, I saved my pennies for a long time to be able to enjoy the ultimate bike 🤗

[@peterbalac1915]

I don't want to spend that sort of cash and have to modify it, seems these days it's hard to find something fit for purpose off the shelf. Having said that love the channel love the bike it's a bloody itch I can't help scratching, need to test ride one and commit ain't getting any younger 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.

[@thadc5937]

I want this friggin bike so bad

[@lifeofascrambler]

You won’t regret it if you buy one 😂🤗

[@aidyf4215]

Great video. Love the indicators but who did you use for the tail tidy?

[@lifeofascrambler]

I actually made it myself 🤗 I measured it up and plasma cut it out of 3mm steel. I’ve still got the CAD file if you want!

[@liamoleary8823]

Great vid pal 👌 Aside from adding back pressure, does the cat lower the dbs much with the slash cuts rather than slash cuts and freespirit header?

[@lifeofascrambler]

Hmm that’s actually a great question, I would say if it does it would be barely noticeable, it would be more of a change in note rather than DB’s I think, but I’d just be guessing tbh. The easiest way is just adding baffles

[@benjaminschupp3448]

Did you have bar end weight in the handlebars which you had to remove for the mirrors? I can't figure out how to get the weights out and the mirror clamps don't get tight enough when just trying to clamp them on.

[@lifeofascrambler]

Hey mate! I actually can’t remember so I’ll check when I get the chance. I do remember leaving the OEM bar ends in, just not sure if I used a spacer

[@brandonkintz2837]

Really like the look of the Kelpie Bar-End mirrors. I had a couple of questions. They are very affordable. Are they so cheap because they are a small, local company? Also, will I need any additional pieces for an easy install onto my stock XC? Will they just screw right in? Thanks in advance!

[@lifeofascrambler]

Thanks! I think they should be ok but I will say I removed my hand guards and just clamped them on the end of the handlebar, so I can’t remember how they would fit with hand guards. Also, yeh they’re affordable because they’re small and want to establish their brand, I’ve dropped the bike onto them about 9 times (including the one in the video) and they took the fall, and didn’t break! They should come with all the pieces to just slot in, but like I said with handguards I can’t remember if Theres a different trick sorry!

[@charliestoybox2099]

What size and model is your Hepko & Becker bag?

[@jaycapino5777]

Learned a lot here, thanks! Can I ask - can the dresser bars protect t the exhaust in the event of a right drop?

[@lifeofascrambler]

They definitely do in most drops, especially at lower speeds but if you end up in a big crash where the bike flips I would say definitely not. There’s bars out there that will though

[@estebanlarena-avellaneda6134]

Nice work! Could you please indicate where did you buy the number plate base? Thanks!

[@lifeofascrambler]

Thanks! I actually made it myself from steel and a plasma cutter, but I’ve heard the TEC tail tidy is good!

[@charliestoybox2099]

Try the Karoo 4’s. Definite improvement on the 3’s and work great on wet roads also.

[@lifeofascrambler]

I might just do that! I noticed the K3’s kick the bike sideways when they lose grip, which might be different with the square profile of the k4’s?

[@charliestoybox2099]

@@lifeofascrambler the new tread pattern took care of that issue. Interesting thing, once you start leaning the bike off center, the tire humming goes silent.

[@pabloheiremans2102]

very nice video and information, can I ask where to buy the exhaust?

[@lifeofascrambler]

Thanks! I ordered mine online from Total Triumph (link below). Just be aware of two things - 1. You won’t be able to take a passenger (exhaust is too close to their leg) and 2. You may want to consider leaving the Cat in, because it might lead to problems with back pressure (I was told by a triumph specialist) www.totaltriumph.co.uk/shop/detail/scrambler-1200-short-slip-ons-guy-martin-james-bond/s1200slashpipe

[@clemens974]

hi, do you think it's possible to add a bag at the right side (next to the exoust) tks

[@lifeofascrambler]

It’s possible I have seen some people with custom brackets that go around the exhaust

[@raimondsbutkans]

No rubber tank grips? I would imagine they are necessary as you ride a lot offroad. Thanks for the vids, watched them all. Geting ready to pick up my new 1200xe from dealership next week.

[@lifeofascrambler]

No I haven’t really needed them, i do have some more mods I haven’t included (that video is 12+ months old) so I will do an update soon!Also the tank isn’t scratched at all even tho I don’t have rubber tank grips

[@raimondsbutkans]

@@lifeofascrambler Thanks! I have ordered them to be applied on my new bike and now I hope dealership has not done it yet as those rubbers are so ugly! :D

[@arudd60]

I’m considering a slash cut exhaust. What brand do you go with? Maybe an obvious question… but can a pillion rider still comfortably sit there or is that impossible without the rear heat shield?

[@lifeofascrambler]

So if you get the shorter (Total Triumph) slash cut, it won’t be any good for pillion, but you can get the verex slash cut which is longer and still has the heat shield, so I reckon it would still be ok for pillions: verex.com.au/product/triumph-scrambler-1200-slipon-muffler-pair/

[@arudd60]

@@lifeofascrambler thanks so much. Your bike is beautiful, and the videos are great!

[@dezmiersmith]

Hey Josh, I’m wondering if you got the large or medium Hepco and Becker bag?

[@lifeofascrambler]

Great question! I think it’s the medium?!

[@HoagesMoto]

Hey mate, I'm a 1200 McQueen (XE) owner down in Syd and was wondering if you could shed some light on two quick things regarding your DNK tune. I'm tempted but curious - what regular economy are you getting on the bike (understand your riding style so lets say on a full day from brissy out to glass house and home, mucking about included) - what L/100 are you averaging on the richer tune? Would really appreciate knowing as it's not a huge deal but reasonable range for future ADV trips is a consid for me. Also minor one, spark plugs, have you taken a peek at your plugs recently and seen just how rich the DNK tune modifies the map? Speaking to DNK tune, they seem surprisingly reluctant to share stuff like what power and torque they see as an increase across the curve, and what AFR and timin they target both what the stock map runs and what they target - seems unusual to me but it could be an American thing, I feel most Aussie barra or ls tuners are happy to discuss their tuning methods, AFR and timing targets they believe are safe on specific engines - all part of building trust in risking you motor with them right? Anyway you seem like a small and awesome little channel I just found, if you're even down in Sydney I'm always up for a ride on my 1200 or the dirtbike. Cheers, Glen.

[@lifeofascrambler]

To be honest, I have gotten slightly better fuel economy, maybe like 20km more to a tank? Because I am running slash cut pipes the engine seems to be running more efficiently. Also, the triumph OEM tune is lean, so I am getting a richer fuel mixture for sure (soot building up on the exit of the pipes) but I haven’t looked into it exactly or scientifically in any measure. Haven’t looked at the plugs either so I’ll do that and let you know what I see! Also I was in Bowral over Xmas so if I’m ever down for sure keen for a ride!

[@HoagesMoto]

@@lifeofascrambler appreciate the reply man, yeah euro 5 is very very lean no doubt, excellent to hear the cruise AFR's mustn't be overly rich/wasteful then - by all reports if it has decent economy still and you've got light soot on the pipes it sounds like a solid tune :) I'll work out a way to msg you off this forum so you can add my on FB. Thanks and keen for more vids

[@lifeofascrambler]

@@HoagesMoto no worries look forward to chatting more, I’m in the Scrambler 1200 XC/XE Facebook group or my Instagram is @lifeofascrambler!

[@brianpeter6106]

What brand is the exhaust you are running on?

[@lifeofascrambler]

This particular slash cut is from Total Triumph in the UK, here’s the link: www.totaltriumph.co.uk/shop/detail/scrambler-1200-short-slip-ons-guy-martin-james-bond/s1200slashpipe ..but you can also get some other similar (slightly longer) versions from other brands also!

[@JMyers6T4]

Nice bike, like the mods. As a motocrosser, I love the look of these but I feel they need the high front mudguard. (Also the sound levels on your video seem a little up and down)

[@lifeofascrambler]

Thanks, yeah I am looking at the high front guard upgrade soon! Thanks for the feedback I’m working on the audio so I’ll try level that out 🤙🏼

[@thisisme7587]

The high guard is for show only. The radiator will clog up in no time. Not a good mod

[@harowerks44]

@@thisisme7587 Yep, the high guard does nothing unless you just like how it looks.

[@d.Cog420]

@@thisisme7587 he must be riding in a dry area or it would clog up with the stock guard. I put the fender extender on which helped a lot. If you want to go high guard for the look you could maybe leave the stock guard on, cut it at the forks like the black plastic bit underneath it, then paint it matt black. You could add an extender to that set up too. Might give it a go myself

[@thisisme7587]

@@d.Cog420 yeah but it kinda looks too busy then I reckon. The Guy Martin scram looks awesome, just not practical

[@eatsleepplayrepeat]

What grips work? The way this bike is, it kinda has 2 throttle tubes.

[@lifeofascrambler]

Great question! I haven’t actually tried modifying the grips yet because I have heated grips too - so that makes it more difficult, BUT I will probably get some new grips when I change the handlebars so stay tuned and I’ll see what I can do!

[@yorkchris10]

Would there be foldable blades for this?

[@lifeofascrambler]

Not sure, I know you can get foldable clutches quite easily and they should bolt on, but if you’re looking for just the blade part I don’t know

[@italogiardina8183]

The annoying feature of all those camera slow pans and elevation shots and highly disciplined colour grade along with evocative beats is it makes what is a semi luxury consumer good appear within the luxury range. This is maybe be why house holds debt is so high, but hey, I won't regret buying this bike once I ride it.