2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X | First Ride Review!

[@soggywuffles882]

This would be a great bike if the XC version didn’t exist the year prior, which had better brakes, suspension, cruise control, and a nicer dash for not much more money than this. If you want those features now they push you towards the XE, which is too tall for most of us. It’s cost cutting wrapped in a nice Triumph marketing bow.

[@logangodofcandy]

It's still a great bike. I mean, I have the XC, but this is a great all road bike

[@Englishbikerdan]

The XC went by me as it was too tall.

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

Exactly! I just picked up an XC before they were gone. I'm 6'1" and I have no need for 10" of suspension travel and that high of a center of gravity on the XE. The good news is the XC's are getting closed out for less than these new X models, because they're "older".

[@phils2180]

"Better brakes and suspension" you say. Have you actually ridden one or are you just going on brand names? There's nothing at all wrong with the kit on the X. I had a Harris Magnum years ago with Marzzochi suspension and my ZX14R has Nissin brakes and that has twice the performance of any of the Triumph twins. I really couldn't care less what stickers a bike wears as long as it performs as intended.

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

@@phils2180 It's not only "Brand names". Four-piston radially mounted monobloc calipers are just flat-out more powerful than two piston axially mounted calipers. My last bike was a ZX14R SE btw, with the upgraded Brembo brake package. They used the same exact calipers that came on the Scrambler 1200 XC. That was the main reason to pay more for the upgrade. The regular ZX14R with the Nissin calipers, had 4 piston radially mounted calipers still. The Scrambler X comes with just two-piston axially mounted calipers, not even in the same league even though the brand is the same. I see now that Kawasaki has gone to the M50 Brembo calipers up front even on their "regular" bike. The X suspension lost all the adjustability as well, so no ability (Other than rear preload) to dial it in to suit the rider, unless you happen to fall into the average weight, usage, and prefer the comfort that the stock suspension was built for. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just not as good. But as long as you are happy, then that's all that matters.

[@brianj6513]

Hearing you talk about the chain on the right gave me a fun visual of someone talking about certain amps going "to eleven"

[@Englishbikerdan]

But they did go to 11 on some amps! Great movie too!

[@ChrisMcGrory]

Nice review Dan, thanks. Thinking about the Scrambler for my next bike so glad to hear you being so positive about it

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks Chris, a good fun bike. Would love to own one someday.

[@bobritter7197]

Had to go have a look and you're right... all the bonnys have the chain & sprockets on the right/off side. None of the triples do. How odd. Great review, beautiful bike.

[@arnohag1]

Same as my older f800gs.

[@phils2180]

I've owned mine for just over 9 months and I'm really pleased with it. It's not perfect, no bike is but it's a great all rounder. I found the ABS & TC a bit too invasive and eager to cut in using "Road" mode but "Sport" more or less sorts that.👍😀

[@alandmorley]

Make sure if you have a new tyre put on the rear that the fitter knows the wheel is from the Bonneville range, or the arrows on the new tyre will face the wrong way.

[@desmondmccabe7239]

Good luck with picking that lump up, when you drop it off road..😂😂😂

[@Englishbikerdan]

Yeah, not an easy feat!

[@user-rf9me7xm1w]

You'll probably break the brake or clutch lever off as well not to mention bending the gear lever shaft which will cause the gear selection problem.

[@efish8147]

Interested, as I have the 2023 T120 (79HP - 77T), and this bike has the same motor tuned up ? (89Hp - 81t). Sounds like a "faster" T120 w/more ground clearance. They should spec up the T120 to these numbers..

[@ScramblerofGhent]

Fully agreed. It's more about the overall feeling and styling than spec sheets. I hardly go full off-road anyway, so this is bike enough for me. Plus it looks more like a street scrambler, which is the style I'm going for. Just ordered some Hitchcox silencers for it too. By the way, what jacket are you wearing in this video Dan?

[@M.NiCE206]

I love the look but I'm concerned with the heat from the exhaust while stuck in traffic, especially on A hot day. Being stuck in traffic is crappy enough as it is. I also think it's a bit overpriced considering some of Triumph's other models have more features at a lower price point. Absolutely beautiful tho. I wish it came in the yellow color like the 900. I freaking love that one. The Ash Grey for this model would be my next choice.

[@fabricel2600]

I have the same since tuesday : a super super bike, original style and strong and very pleasant engine. See U after 1000 km. I’m from Belgium 🇧🇪. Thanks for your test.

[@ScramblerofGhent]

Same here! Great choice of bike!

[@ottogedo]

@@ScramblerofGhent Hi there, how is the heat of the exhaust?

[@ScramblerofGhent]

@@ottogedo It gets fairly warm, but not too much on normal days, especially when you ride you don't notice it at all. Only time it was a bit annoying was during warm summer days in the city waiting for traffic lights. But even then it was manageable by shifting your leg a bit. Definitely not a deal breaker in my opinion, more a character trait ;).

[@ottogedo]

@@ScramblerofGhent Thanks very much for your answer!

[@JulianClaydon-z5i]

Hi Dan, could you tell me what leather jacket you are wearing in the 1200X video? I rather like it! Thanks 👍

[@johnevans5591]

The reason the pipes and chain are on the right is its a of rd bike so if you are in a sticky situation and you have to give it a push it reduces the risk of you getting injured if the bike falls on you ie hot pipes ,spinning chain also most people push from the left .

[@Englishbikerdan]

That makes sense! Thanks!

[@SomewhereInside]

Maybe KTM should follow suit , considering how often the owners have to push them .😊

[@garethjones8636]

compared to last years xc Triumph have de contented the x rather a lot ,the xc had fully adjustable ohlins rear shocks ,adjustable front fork, better clocks with cruise control, alloy finished rear mudguard and swinging arm ,which gave it a premium look I think,.and brembo radial brakes .I'd be looking for a deal on last years model or a low milage second hand xc if I was considering this model.

[@FraserWest-um4ue]

I will say that it was a very good video and a bit different from your other videos and I did notice that if you spec the triumph 1200X with a few options the price is over 15 thousand pounds which is quite a bit of money 💰 for that sort of motor bike

[@1990-t1j]

This is the one I like best of the three. I am quite tall, but I like a lower bike. Lowers the centre of gravity. I also prefer the simpler dash on this bike and lack of keyless [It is keyless, isn't it?]. The 900 Scrambler has tubeless tyres.

[@HonestKeyboard1771]

What are the gloves that you are wearing??

[@9MyXX]

Nice video!! I want to get my first motorcycle but I’m not sure what to get I just got my A1.

[@shubhromu]

The Triumph triples have the chain on the other side. But does it really matter which side the chain is?

[@splodge57]

No difference. Laverda had the chain on the right. BMW Boxers had the shaft drive on the right as do Moto Guzzi.

[@alanbarnes2920]

Hi Dan Soon be 12 months since you bought your Tracer 9GT…your thoughts…still love it…any reviews coming? Atb..Alan

[@rossm9676]

Which do you think is the better bike overall (including looks) Dan, this, or the Speed Twin 1200?

[@soggywuffles882]

How tall are you? I owned a Speed Twin for a few years, I could see the rider triangle feeling pretty compact for anyone over 6 feet tall.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I think they are different enough to like both. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, just different. Speed 1200 is a damn fast bike and will certainly give any sportsbike a run for its money.

[@markfranks1329]

Another entertaining and well presented post, young Daniel. However, for me at least, this bike is just another, 'themed motorcycle trinket'. A fashion accessory for those wishing to get their, 'Steve McQueen, Great Escape', cos-play fix. It looks as if it'll be an absolute hoot round the lanes, no doubt whatsoever but a scrambler in the truest sense of the word, it ain't. As someone has already commented on here, good luck in trying to pick it up after a muddy spill. Are there really folk out there who would be happy to get this bike completely covered in crud and then hose it all off at an off-road experience? Just mo.

[@rossm9676]

5'8" i love the ride on the Speed Twin, but the looks of the srambler x, which is the first time they've made one with a low enough seat for me. It does weigh more than the Speed Twin though and moving it about may not be as easy . ​@soggywuffles882

[@rossm9676]

​@@Englishbikerdan. Thanks Dan. Might go for one of the earlier ones to save a bit of dosh, certainly can't do that with the X as it's only just come out. In your experience, is the post '21 updated bike worth going for?

[@FraserWest-um4ue]

I had been watching 👀 your video on the triumph 1200 tiger touring bike and yes it should have a bigger petrol tank considering the size of the engine and the price difference it and the 900 which has the option of the 30L petrol tank I think it should be an option for the 1200 model and the engine sounds better than the 900 but is there much difference between them

[@FraserWest-um4ue]

The only thing with the triumph 1200 X scrabbler is that it’s a very similar price of bike to the Suzuki V strom 800 which has the same amount of power for the engine but it will be a better bike touring and you have Suzuki system for the clutch and the gearing which wasn’t mentioned in the video this afternoon was a question I was going to ask does the triumph 1200X come with anything similar or not and the BMW GS 900 is the other bike again same sort of bike if you had to choose between any of them which would you choose for yourself

[@Englishbikerdan]

The Scrambler feels so different to the V-Strom 800 to ride though, so for me at least it's not a comparison I would make. For long rides and comfort the V-Strom would be better. For fun rides out on the back lanes, the Scrambler gets my vote! Thanks!

[@FraserWest-um4ue]

Yes I can understand what you’re saying for the country roads that the triumph is a better option the one thing that you didn’t mention was the size of the petrol tank in your video how big is the petrol tank on the triumph 1200X

[@k3y155]

Being a bit more cost-conscious, I would love a Triumph Scrambler of any variation in my stable. I just can’t figure out what role it will fill. I currently have a gsxs750 with mods for commuting and road tripping, and a WR250R for daily work and off-roading. But I have a hard time really getting out of that pragmatic mindset when I’m making purchases of this magnitude. One of these days…

[@Englishbikerdan]

I understand that. It's a bit of a strange niché. But I think the scrambler would be a great back lane blaster and commuter (for me anyway). I also loved the 900 version.

[@mikeyardley9463]

@@EnglishbikerdanI went for a 900 Scrambler, as I prefer the sound to that of the T100, and it has more legroom than the Speed Twin.

[@othmane767]

what about fuel economy? is it thirsty?

[@JohnLongdin]

Fabulous looking bike Dan, do you think you could have it as your only bike?

[@Englishbikerdan]

I would say so yes, it's fun enough on the twisties and quite practical for commuting too. My only concern would be seat comfort on longer trips but there must be other seat options out there too.

[@FraserWest-um4ue]

You were asking about other seat options for the Scrabbler 1200X and yes there’s another two options but they look exactly the same seat as what’s on the bike you were testing so apart from that I don’t know if there’s any other options

[@ukvamp]

i prefer the XE and i can also still flat foot the XE 🤣

[@Englishbikerdan]

Are you a giant? :D

[@ukvamp]

@Englishbikerdan I'm 6ft 1 with a 35 inch leg which helps 🤣 Does that count as a giant? 🤔

[@davidnunnerley9084]

It seems a nice bike but I can’t quite see the point of it. I would rather just get a speed twin which I feel would be nicer all round. But that is just me. At least it is shorter.

[@theurbanway10]

Tnx for a nice video Dan I picked mine up from the dealer yesterday Traded in a Ktm adv 790 r (that’s a tall bike 😉) Loving the Scrambler so far😊

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks mate, hope you enjoy your Scrambler. So much fun to ride on the road.

[@1990-t1j]

Good move.

[@theurbanway10]

@@1990-t1j tnx 🙂

[@braaaaaaaaaaap]

Why add extra letters? Aluminum vs aluminium. Oriented vs orientated.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Most metals end in -ium. Plus, it's English so we get the final say. :D

[@rossm9676]

​@@Englishbikerdan😆

[@splodge57]

The XC was a better bike and was also much better value.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I've never ridden one, can you explain how it was better and better value?

[@gilgarcia3008]

It’s Aluminum in the US. I worked for The Aluminum Company of America not ( The Aluminium Company of America ). Also spell check doesn’t recognize aluminium in the US!

[@Englishbikerdan]

Yeah but we speak English, so our version is the correct one. Haha!

[@lundog8548]

Why Triumph insist on using that horrible dash is beyond me, especially on bikes like this, they have just used it on the new Speed Twin such a shame to get rid of the lovely dials. Only the T100/T120 left please leave them alone!

[@mediocreman2]

That is a really confused looking bike. The exhaust looks like something from a spaceship, but then so many other components look 100 years old. The single pod gauge 'cluster' screams cheap. I'm sure the engine is good though. If you could replace the exhaust with something better looking, repaint the tank to remove that massive Triumph logo, and remove the Scrambler 1200 lettering on the side, as well as get a better set of handlebars and mirrors, a better seat, and maybe even consider blacking out the silver heat shield and maybe even the other 2 silver pieces, then maybe you'd be onto something. It's like 20 different people designed individual components of the bike and then they submitted their item by the deadline, and never had a meeting about how the bike should look overall. It's almost like the theme is incongruous.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Interesting thoughts! Yeah some components are from other bikes which don't quite gel, the dash being one of them.

[@derekm6236]

Overpriced.

[@MV-XD2]

If a 1200cc bike didn’t have plenty of shove I’d be looking elsewhere immediately. It has a bigger engine than some small cars 😂 Forget any claims of off road ability. It’s a 1200cc scrambler so it’s purely a fashion thing. And as for the huge reduction in spec for a small price decrease… BMW chain and shaft drives used to be on the right with the exhaust on the left until they woke up and realised off-road riders were burning their trousers on the exhaust when manoeuvring the bike along with the bike resting on their hips.