Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC - Escape to the Country

[@flyingspeedtriple]

Thanks for the vid and agree with you on many of your musings. Coming from a Tiger 800, I now own the Scrambler XE - had it about a month (1200 miles). After test riding both the XC and XE I decided I was going to buy the XC - it was more manageable and just as capable in my opinion for my use (road use / commuting etc). However, with the accessories I wanted (heated grips, hand guards, pannier and luggage rack), the XE on a PCP deal was cheaper than the XC! So I got the XE! I haven't regretted it! It is an awesome bike and unlike my Tiger 800 I cant stop riding it as you can see from the mileage i've done. The Tiger is a good bike and was more practical with its luggage capability, but with a pannier and a roll bag on the luggage rack, the XE suits my needs ...... and wants!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, that sounds like a great deal. There is no denying how good both bikes are. If I didn’t already own a Tiger it might have felt differently.

[@The1KovacsAttila1]

I have the similar background: previous bike was a Tiger 800. Last year I test-rode the new Tiger 900 GT Pro, then the Scrambler XC, and a Honda AT 1100. Fell in love with the XC, ended up buying an XE because the dealer gave me a very generous discount on the XE, which landed at the price of the XC. If the dealer wouldn’t have given me such a good price advantage, now I would have the green XC.

[@flyingspeedtriple]

@@The1KovacsAttila1 Me too! Exactly! I would have had the green one as well.

[@BikerSatoshi]

Good vid. I went for the green XC in the end and absolutely love it!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, that green is a lovely colourway

[@derspeed5796]

Thank for another great review. I love my Street Scrambler. I added just about every accessory except the V&H exhaust, because like most, I think the OE exhaust looks incredible. I am going to modify the sound though.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, maybe an x-pipe then?

[@user-vb4gv5gy9r]

nearly bought a Tiger 800XC...but this has nailed it!...starts conversations every time,...does all the usual jobs ...and you always ride home smiling!!!

[@mancavemoto]

Glad you're enjoying it. Ride Safe!

[@timholt8141]

I really loved riding the 900 Scrambler a couple of years ago although I found it a bit cramped. This XC version looks a lot like the 900 but a bit bigger and keeps that lovely deep sounding exhaust note. Cant wait to have a go on one.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, this bike solves that problem if you are taller

[@sebastienlafreniere]

I love my xc and drive it all summer. Really love my choice. And to be honest I did not drive it offroad yet. Was a bit nervous to be honest. Thanks for the review...

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Sebastian, give it a go on something simple to start

[@jonathancraig8677]

Another happy XC (in black) owner, who being a taller guy with a T100 was looking for more grunt, height and better brakes. I've bought the decat but have not yet had it fitted. Test rode both XE and XC and agree completely with your comments. Good unbiased view for anyone considering these bikes.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Jonathan, I've decatted a street scrambler and than sounded ace. I can only imagine how good the 1200 sounds with it

[@unparalleledtwin901]

Great stuff Tony, we share very similar views on the Scram 1200's, I talk about some of these points in MotoBobs XC vs XE vid, almost to the word! Nice to see some coverage for the little sibling. Absolutely loving mine, for me, it feels like a bike I could travel the world on, has the capability, whilst holding onto the heritage and modern retro styling. I was debating a Street Scrambler, but the ground clearance, rear brake caliper positioning, and overall size is what swayed me towards the XC. Torque is sublime on these 1200 engines, smiles for miles dude!

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, great minds and all that. I haven’t had a chance to watch your video yet, so I’ll go check it out.

[@daveholland5205]

Unparalleled Twin 8

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Nice review Tony...it's a great bike, and I'd be proud to own one. But after the initial excitement about the bike when it was released , I realised I wasn't so keen on some of the aesthetics, exhaust etc.. maybe one day when there are some good used ones!. I think the biggest problem is there are SO many great bikes out there now! Cheers, Steve

[@mancavemoto]

True Steve, it’s hard to buy a bad bike these days, it’s all down to personal preference. I feel the same, the bike just push my buttons aesthetically.

[@s.crambling3795]

Reat review. Glad to hear your +ve thoughts on the 900. I certainly don't regret buying one, and it rips Australian dirt roads just fine.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, both great bikes. I hear people complaning that the 1200 is too big for them, but don't seem to consider the 900. Yes the 1200 is faster and has more tech, but in the real world you can still have loads of fun on the 900

[@funguseater40]

Best review/comparison I have seen and you share my thoughts on the XC. I have ridden both versions too. However, In the end I went for the Ténéré 700 as I could not resist the low price tag. A great Dakar style bike for greenlaning in the UK! Thanks 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers appreciate that. I've been trying to get on a Tenere 700 for a while. Sat on one at EICMA last year an really liked it. Right up my alley

[@funguseater40]

@@mancavemoto not sure where you are mate, but Webb's @ Peterborough will have a demo from next week. Demo's seem to be trickling in...would you consider doing a review of T7 that would be great 😃👍

[@Kaegis]

1200XC & a Tenere 700 in the garage is the perfect bike combo!

[@TommyNitro]

I think I would still prefer the desert sled. Much lighter and my first impression of modern capable scramblers. But those Triumphs are beautiful.

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Well stated “musings”. Tend to agree the XC would fit my liking better than the XE. That exhaust was serious. BTW those camera shots from the bike were top notch. Very well edited also. Informative & interesting video. 👍🏼 👏👏👏 😎 🇺🇸

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Bradley, much appreciated

[@owenfarmer4197]

Another great balanced insight thanks

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Owen

[@markjacobs6294]

I've gotten my XE into some situations that I must have OffPro mode. The XC not being able to shut everything off to get full wheel spin is a deal breaker for me. If you only ride gravel or smooth dirt tracks the XC is the bike to get due to the lower stance.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep

[@mst1269]

i believe you can turn off TC completely off.

[@bobz1736]

Excellent video. Love your stuff. I too have a Tiger 800 XCx here in Thailand and have loved every minute of the 4+ years I've owned it. 😀

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Bobby

[@karlosh9286]

"if they see anytime off the pavement at all" . This is exactly my thought on expensive, new, big, heavy, high up scramblers. The majority will only be going on the road , where the height is going to make them more top heavy for not much point. Out of the "modern classics", I'd rather have a Street Twin, Speed Twin or Thruxton for the road. If they are taken off road, 200 Kg of bike sounds a lot to pick up. Different bike, I had a ride of a CB500X and CB500R. The high up suspension made the X feel wobbly , and vague in corners. The CB500R was pretty good. I guess some people like riding high up suspension on the road, I don't :)

[@mancavemoto]

Yep 'horses for courses' I'd rather keep my Tiger for touring and get a small trail bike for the dirt. But if you only have one bike and image is important to you, this bike makes sense

[@oso_nomada]

I ride the shit out of my XE off road. Getting high thumbs up and “hell yeah” from riders on the trail on smaller 250/400 proper dirt bikes. I’m 6’2” 260lbs and can handle the bike properly without any worrisome effort.

[@oso_nomada]

XE ALL DAY. Every day. I have had mine for 11 months and just clocked 12,000 miles...not kilometers. Hot temps, windy days, down into the 20s F, pouring torrential rain, dirt and dusty roads, sloppy PNW clay and mud, gravel and rocky trails...not one problem. I appreciate the reviews you someone that had a bike for a few hours or days, but 12,000 miles in less than a year and two set of tires...the XE IS BEAST...I mean, BEST.

[@mancavemoto]

Oh there is no doubt that the XE is a great bike, I wasn't suggesting the XC is a better bike, the point I was trying to make is that it will be enough for a lot of riders and maybe a better choice for some. You are obviously using the bike to its full potential which is good to hear. Enjoy and ride safe!

[@pixiesful]

Excellent review.. I brought the XC and i love it. What was even better about your video is that I live in the area you shot it in. Perhaps you could let me know which Green lanes you used. I have used ones in Blackmore end / Rotten end / Shalford and Bardfield. I didn't recognise the ones you went down. Anyway .. Thanks good job.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Nicolas, the lanesfeatured in this video are very close to Andrewsfield.

[@pixiesful]

@@mancavemoto Thanks very much. I'll go and have a look.

[@tinks43]

Definitely a kool bike & the standard exhaust sounds great 😀

[@mancavemoto]

I have to admit, It does sound good

[@saddle8bag]

I'm not tall, but my knees like the legroom on it. They have issues with riding for extended periods on bikes that require tighter leg angles. I wish someone made aftermarket shock springs for this that would allow it to be lowered by an inch or so. Could always drop the clamps on the forks an inch, but without the shorter shocks it would probably bugger up the handling. And with 7 in of travel, it's got more than I'll ever need. Aside from a dirt bike, not sure I've ever owned one with more than 5 in.

[@mancavemoto]

I'm sure it wouldn't take much to find a decent way of lowering it. I think you can fit the footegs from a Tiger that are a little lower (to deal with the leg bend) but I might be wrong about that.

[@saddle8bag]

@@mancavemoto I think you misunderstood. My legs are crunched up too much on my Thruxton. I love it, but I think I could ride this Scrambler XC a lot further as the seat to peg distance is much more relaxed. The Scrambler is just too tall. I did see that someone made a gizmo that effectively extends the swingarm and allows the shock to attach at the rear. It lowers the bike by changing the angle of the shock. Makes me worry about the side loading out on the shocks though. I'd rather just find a set of lowering springs.

[@mancavemoto]

@@saddle8bag Ah right you didn’t mention the Thruxton in your first comment. Shorter rear shocks and dropping the fork legs are a good solution.

[@saddle8bag]

@@mancavemoto Yeah, cause it's not just a problem with the Thruxton, but with a lot of sporty bikes and standards that try to maximize ground clearance. In the past, that was a bigger deal to me too, but now I'd just prefer the legroom of the Scrambler.

[@Ruben-ni7zq]

I’d have the XE but my inseam simply won’t handle it… I just wish triumph fitted the IMU to the XC too….

[@michaelhayward7572]

Another good review. Subscribed.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@borkarms]

Honest Review.Thoroughly Enjoyed. Can this bike tour 1000kms a day on expressways? I think the only afvantage that the tiger has over this bike is pillion comfort and More luggage carrying capability. Am i Right?

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, sure if your butt is up to it 😂 yep you’re right and a screen of course

[@borkarms]

@@mancavemoto Thanks.👍👍

[@lawdayl]

Love my XC, handles well on road and fire trails here in Oz. Only thing I will change is the seat. After 1-2 hours its like sitting on a plank of wood! Corbin make a great looking alternative. Triumph dealer included the heated grips as part of purchase. XE is a nice bike but I struggled to reach the ground and Im average height. It sounds like the suspension needed to be set up for you on that bike, mine has none of those problems and just grips the road.

[@mancavemoto]

As I mentioned, I think the problems were more related to the tyres rather than the suspension

[@lawdayl]

Sorry, just watched this review again, missed that first time round :)

[@baricho4771]

Both beautiful bikes.. but for sure the XC is probably more practical.. realistically how many of us would actually use 250mm of suspension ?

[@XC-ol9db]

Great video! Keep up the good work. Great bike by the way!

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, sadly not my bike, its gone back to Triumph

[@danebrewer10]

I've ridden both, for me, the XE was the one to have, both seats are way too hard, the fly screen is definitely needed, the xc has slightly stiffer suspension, the XE felt like it handled small bumps better without being squashy and soft 🤔...... The sound and the torque however 😳🤯

[@mancavemoto]

Yep its ‘horse for courses’ but both great performers

[@TheTrailHammer]

I like these practical vids. Does the XE express any further cool factor in your opinion? Im worried about the extra seat hieght in everyday use.

[@mancavemoto]

Personally I don’t think the XE is any cooler, but then I’m not a fan of gold forks on this kind of bike. If you’re worried about the height the XC is a better choice (or maybe the Street Scrambler?)

[@TheTrailHammer]

@@mancavemoto im 5-11ish Ride a DR650 otherwise. More curious if the XE just feels any heavier up top than XC.

[@roadtramppaul1981]

How tall are you. I'm 5.11 32" leg. How did you find seat height

[@mancavemoto]

I’m 5.10 with a 32 inside leg, no problem with the seat height

[@roadtramppaul1981]

@@mancavemoto thank you

[@thomastometich6767]

Do you believe that either the XE or XC is better offroad than the Tiger?

[@mancavemoto]

When the going gets tough, then yes I think the XE with its greater ground clearance and lower weight may have an advantage. Obviously, a lot is down to the rider. I've seen people take Tigers where I would never take a dirtbike....

[@thomastometich6767]

@@mancavemoto thank you

[@OldManTony]

It looks like a nice bike, but for me, I might just wait for the Tiger 800 replacement!

[@mancavemoto]

That does look interesting, I’m keen to try the new Africa Twin too

[@michaeljkasnter]

Tire pressure is the most important thing to have perfect on motorcycle

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, although obviously only one of the things

[@PeterGuitarSound]

As usual, great video man !

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Pierre

[@simongoddard8490]

Did try one, nice bike but just too expensive. If only they did one without all the riding modes and other electronic guff at a sub 9k price.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep agree

[@jblue1299]

No place for luggage on muffler side ?!?

[@mancavemoto]

Not from Triumph no, but I think I have seen someone produce an offset rack for that side. That's why I think it's not as practical as it could be. I personally think its a shame Triumph stayed with the high pipe, largely perhaps for heritage reasons.?

[@jblue1299]

Views from the Man Cave , I think this bike and the xe are gonna produce loser sales results for Triumph....

[@Britishshooter]

@@mancavemoto Agree with you. Actually I found out there is a low pipe for it www.massmoto.it/prodotto/impianto-completo-2in1-passaggio-basso-tromb-inox-retro-triumph-scrambler-1200-xc-xe/

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Fainting and fawning? LOL!

[@mancavemoto]

Ha! Sorry John not aimed at you, just unfortunate timing in the edit lol ;)

[@1990-t1j]

Good review. Not a fan of these two bikes, anyway. I reckon my old Buell Ulysses would match them.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, yes possibly, the Ulysses was ahead of its time really

[@youkilledmyduck187]

The xc the xe the xe the xc😤🤦