Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC Test Ride

[@bebop2599]

Nice review, so went and rode both the XC and XE back to back in that order. Both great bikes. Definitely agree XC more suited to road. At 5ft11" I flat foot the XC and I’m on the balls of my feet with XE. Climbing on the XE felt like climbing on a horse, Im at that height to be able to ride both models but it’s unnerving with the XE if the ground is not flat. Any dips or hollows in the ground unsettled me when putting foot down, Brakes are very good but because of extra travel in front suspension on the XE, I felt front dipping more on hard breaking. Also on the XE I felt the chassis geometry on the road wanted to stand the bike up in faster turns, ever so slightly. The knee angle is nearly 90’ on both bikes, so makes for a comfy ride. The torque is ok, not blistering blurring fast. I definitely liked the high up riding. Almost felt like you were in a Range Rover. I noticed both bikes allowed me to pull away from stand still in second gear effortlessly. I tried some gravel tracks cruising in 3rd, its was easy, suspension good on both bikes. With a skinnier front wheel, on the asphalt I did notice some slight tracking in groves on the tarmac as expected. Dash is nice. Bike has premium feel for sure. I was concerned with exhaust heat on right leg, its seemed alright. Already have keyless ignition and love it.

[@Fernando90054]

It seems that you really appreciate the bikes. I didn’t ride tested the XE, only the XC and it was beyond good. Enough power for what I can use. Nice sound from the stock pipes… I think that I wouldn’t need to change that very soon. And normally I always have a nit pic with stock mirrors on my new bike but I liked this ones a lot. Black, not intrusive, perfect. They fit really well with the classic scrambler look of the bike. The only negative point is that when cornering on the asphalt, had very poor feedback from the front tyre…can’t win them all, I imagine. I’m not looking for the perfect bike, but the lean sensitive abs and TC that is present on the XE model should be at least an option on the XC.

[@BikerSatoshi]

Good review Phil. I really want one! Test road one and loved it!

[@raymorris952]

Don't want to rub it in, but I can flat foot it, no problems, 5.11 30 inside leg, feels low and light compared to my Tiger 800, and much lighter than my scrambler. My only dislikes are, I wish it didn't have the TFT, would look much better with Twin clock's, but I get that you can't have all that Tec without it, Exhaust heat as you mentioned, the shields are not good enough, I have a Zard on my scrambler, never felt any heat of it, so it can be done, Triumph cheaping out on that, Keyless thing, not a fan , But none of this would Stop me buying one, Nice review Phil, Maybe one day we will bump into each other at Washington.

[@Phil480]

Damn you and your legs hahaha! Yes, if you spot me say hello. I suppose they could do a cheaper version without the TFT and other features, like they have with the Street Triple S and Tiger XR models

[@8BillyRay]

I had the 865 scrambler and had a two into one exhaust made that ran under the right footpeg.Everyone liked it said if Triumph made one like that they would buy one.

[@RedfordBaron]

Marvellous review Sir i can just see you on one soon i can't keep off mine i love it

[@gligachaz5047]

Great review. I can't see the point of a keyless bike myself, it seems to make things unnecessarily complicated.

[@outsidethewirevet]

Super review, I wish dealers here in the States would offer test rides.

[@Phil480]

I really don't get that. Surely it's a great way to boost sales. I know most of the time I've come back off a test ride, I've wanted to buy one. Someone from Canada recently told me that at their bike exhibitions, they don't even allow people to sit on the bikes!

[@raymorris952]

Hi Phil, I test ride this exact bike from Washington yesterday, Bloddy loved it, I really want one, Night and day different from the air oil cooled scrambler. Just better in every way.

[@Chips690]

Just the review of the XC I've been looking for! I tried the low seat and did feel a bit of a difference, I'm 5-9. I've seen some dealers have fitted a V&H 2 into 1 exhaust from the Street Scrambler, it looks and sounds great but doesn't fit flat against the bike which puts me off!

[@Phil480]

Ahh, interesting that the Street V&H fits, will have to see what that looks like.

[@Chips690]

Phil480 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaKqo2esd7N3nNU

[@kevintaylor9330]

The bike equivalent of the Chelsea tractor. lol. Those exhausts. With you on that one. Should've been 2 into 1. Looks like it pulls all right though and I do like the dash. Not a fan of the looks of any of the Triumph range except the Thunderbird Storm but that's just me. Each to their own and all that. Test riding a Storm 2moro hopefully weather permitting. They don't allow test rides in wet or damp conditions unfortunately so fingers crossed for blue skies. First comment. Whoo. lol.

[@paulhartwell8460]

Phil; if you put the key under the seat to operate the bike; how do you open the seat again to remove it as the key will be locked under the seat? Great review as usual.

[@Phil480]

Ah yes, I should have explained that better. You don't keep the key under the seat, you just take the seat off, hold the key near the reader and start the bike. Then put the key back in your pocket. But yes that is a good point, you could quite easily lock the key under the seat if you are not careful

[@HippoDrones]

Fantastic review Phil. When will manufacturers start putting reachable sidestands on bikes (the 765 is actually ok mind... or was until I fitted rearsets doh). As for the keyless ignition, it looks like Triumph have come up with a solution to the problem that didn't exist until manufacturers took away our keys.... which is awesome... although unneeded, and possibly a cost they could have spent on the phone holder under the seat hahaha... and then given the bike a proper key. I wonder if it is cheaper for them to go keyless? I also wonder what the insurance bump will be on a bike with keyless ignition, even if it does have an off switch? It is a lovely looking bike though, that is for sure! :-)

[@borkarms]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Great Highway Review.what was the cruising speed- 120kmph? Hows the seat? Can the bike used for touring? Can it do 1000kms on fast expressways?

[@cavscout62]

I actually like the way the exhaust looks, reminds me of the Scramblers of my childhood. I absolutely HATE my Speed Triple and this looks like a good replacement for it.😎

[@1990-t1j]

Why do you hate your Speed Triple?

[@sharifela7993]

I’m 6’2 and probably won’t do any off road riding so which model is best?

[@Phil480]

The XC would be best as that is a more road focused machine.

[@1990-t1j]

I would be very wary of having any bike with a keyless ignition. They fail. I also wish it had a 19'' front wheel. How many people are going to take it offroad? I agree with you about the exhaust. I'd rather have an Indian FTR1200 base model, and that exhaust is an eyesore.

[@saddle8bag]

They don't have a top box for it yet nor a decent sized windscreen for the cooler weather. I think they're missing the ball there. Aside from those, it has or make most of the goodies I'd want. I only have a 29" inseam and it's acceptable height wise for me. Wife hated the passenger accommodations though.

[@Phil480]

Yes, it doesn't look like there is much going for it passenger wise. I''m sure soon enough the likes of Givi and Dart will have some decent aftermarket options for it.

[@OldManTony]

I love keyless ignition on my car. The key fob lives permanently in my trouser pocket, di I’m ready to go at a moment’s notice.

[@1990-t1j]

Okay until it goes wrong.

[@DUKEBLADE]

Nice review man!

[@Phil480]

Thank you, your Dukeness :) How are things going down there in Spain?

[@DUKEBLADE]

@@Phil480 Very well pal, thanks!

[@krc1972]

Nice review Phil, just got mine last week, first ride on Saturday in the rain with a pillion and handled it really well although a bit cramped with two 6ft 15 stoners!!! couldnt fault the suspension. How is that screen at higher speeds?

[@Phil480]

Seemed fine to me, I had no trouble with wind resistance at higher speeds. I think the small screen works well. On the Tiger I always find that the bigger screen on that produces buffeting or too much wind noise.

[@georgeblumenthal7938]

So you are going for a ride on back country roads, curves and twisties. Do you take the 1200 XC or a Tiger 900 GT?

[@Phil480]

Ooh, that's a good one. Both would be good choices but I think I'd take the XC for the fun factor.

[@georgeblumenthal7938]

@@Phil480 I'm going to test ride both next week. I like them both, and Arrow has new exhaust cans for 1200XC. I would decat it too.

[@LondonSteveLee]

If you need a key to get under the seat and to use the nearfield mode as your fob battery is flat - how do you get the key back? Won't you need a second key on your person?

[@Phil480]

As far as I know, you only need to put the key under the seat to start the bike, it doesn't have to stay there whilst you ride it. So you would take the seat off, place the key, start the engine, remove the key, put the seat back and ride off. The more I read about this keyless technology, the less I like it haha. It seems to be more trouble than it's worth.

[@annysyusciandika879]

Is seat comfort for passenger?

[@tinks43]

Looks awesome! When are you upgrading? 🤣

[@Phil480]

I might be able to afford one next year

[@c.g.c2067]

I'm 5' 5" and was wondering if the lower seat coupled to a slight rotation of the handlebar to lower it slightly would work

[@justinrodney4535]

I’m 5’6” and own this bike and love it. I can’t go flat footed with both feet simultaneously but can be ob the balls of both feet at a stop or one foot down. I had considered lowering in when I first bought it but once I started riding it decided not to. I love this machine and would buy it again any day of the week and twice each weekend day, but I will say the exhaust can get hot and if you are going slow you will feel it so just be prepared.

[@c.g.c2067]

@@justinrodney4535 ye, the design of the exhaust for all scramblers on one hand deliveres a strong connotation, but on the other a lot of heat... not so good if you live in hot countries as I do.

[@heythere6983]

how would you compare the speed twin vs this one in terms of street handling overall? which do you prefer?

[@Phil480]

Hard to say as they are both handle very well at the same time of being comfortable. For the road I'd say the Speed Twin has the edge. Would still pick the Scrambler over the Speed Twin though just based on the other features.

[@heythere6983]

@@Phil480 Thanks Phil, yea I suppose at that level of machinery, its the individual charm of the bikes that set them apart. Thanks!

[@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

Good test ride mate, interesting bike. Yes those mufflers are hideous... bike designers seem to think big is good in the muffler world lately, contrary to what most actual bikers think! I could tell that handled well, and interesting discussion on it's off-road abilities. I still think the bike I have is the perfect compromise for the country I ride, but I must say the Tenere 700 has got my attention, as it's barely a few kilos heavier than my CB!! RSM8.

[@Phil480]

I think it's more that they have to make them that big to dampen the sound enough to please Euro 4 specification. I'm thinking of either getting a 125-250cc enduro purely for green laning, or possibly something along the lines of Tenere or CB for a bit more of an all-rounder.

[@Sonnybee01]

Check out Stuart Fillingham KZbin site. He replaced the chain and sprockets on his T100

[@Phil480]

I think I am subscribed to him, will check. Done the chain and sprockets on Saturday, it went well once I'd got the front sprocket nut off.

[@Flaming360Spider]

Im 5"5 so I should be able to put my feet on the ground right mate cheers.

[@joshpecker4352]

That's great I was getting worried because I'm 5'6

[@chuckmatses6803]

Josh Pecker Hi, ah, at 5’5”, there’s no way to touch ground on this machine. I’m 5’7”, and can just handle the XC. I have the rear shocks at the minimum preload. Forget about the XE, no way.

[@cscutler]

I'm 5' 8" I cant wait to sit on one.

[@Phil480]

Enjoy! I'm still tempted by one in future.

[@markkulyas2418]

Keyless is stupid, j want my key in my bike not in my pocket. I have a keyless bike.