Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC vs Triumph Speed Twin 1200

[@FredWilbury]

Well I got my speed twin in 2019 for my 70th birthday still riding it and loving it 😊regards Fred

[@ben9l351]

the 900 or 1200. I am thinking 1200 bonneville I am 72

[@tecdive8045]

thanks for this video. Many reviewers might not think about comparing these two motorcycles, but have thought about purchasing one or the other, so I really appreciate this video

[@SquireSCA]

I can't believe how different the UK exhausts sounds compared to the US. Our 2022 bikes have the same muffler on the outside, but that dB killer insert in the end? Ours pull out with a bolt. Use a Torx T30 bit to unscrew the retaining bolt, and just like any aftermarket can, that insert comes right out. Also, our mufflers don't have CAT's in them like the Euro bikes have, so ours sound great, basically stock. I just got finished up with tuning mine with an X-Pipe, and between getting rid of all the ride by wire restrictions, a lot of ignition advance and refueling, and we are getting 103-104hp at the rear wheel... Effortless power wheelies in 2nd gear all day long... Tossed on some Ohlins shocks and K-Tech fork internals and springs with full adjustment caps, and its ready for a track day.

[@michaelcollins6826]

Great video I bought a intercepter 650 great bike but test rode a speedtwin. Traded intercepter for speedtwin that power fantastic

[@angelo_af]

Ahh. A man who appreciates a good mudguard. ❤️

[@dan-sc7fm]

That tarnish on the header pipes is just the impurities leaching out of the stainless steel. It can be polished back to a chrome like finish with fine steel wool and polish. But over time they will turn again. The nice thing about the speed twin is there are many upgradable aftermarket parts that you make the bike unique to your standards. It's a fun bike for the twisty roads with all that torque. It really is everything I wanted in a bike with a more classic look.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice feedback Dan, thanks for commenting :)

[@paulridgway5451]

Hi there (great video by the way)I traded my 19 plate speedmaster for a scrambler xc in the summer. and me and the misses love it .much more comfort than the speedmaster and glides over potholes like they aren't there, andi like the commanding position ,wouldn't swap it for a speedtwin, also cruise control is a bonus, this bike is definitely for us here in Norfolk, keep up the good work.....Shakie.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hi Paul, interesting comments, thanks for sharing your experience, yeah, the Scrambler is very nice, Alex

[@Fernando90054]

The scrambler is more a bike for my body size . I tested both and the scrambler suited me perfectly. The exhaust sound is deeper and the XC version is in the perfect height for my leg. It’s just a lovely pleasant ride👍🏻 Thanks for the video

[@pbofan]

I’ve been presuming the same thing when comparing these two bikes via stats and videos, but have yet to sit on either. I am 6’1”, how tall are you?

[@Fernando90054]

@@pbofanhi my friend, I’m 5ft /11” with 33 inches inside leg to the ground

[@pbofan]

Excellent, thank you, that gives me some great perspective. Sounds like it’d be a perfect fit for me as well.

[@WyreForestBiker]

The speed twin exhausts are not tarnished ! that is just browning from the heat . It can also be polished out if you wish

[@MadChalet]

I really enjoy your channel - it covers lots of details about vintage bikes, from auctions to overhauling, and does so without a lot of superficial flash ... very pleasant. Regarding these two 'modern' bikes, I have been lusting for them (and the new Speed Triple) since they were released. (I should say that I'm more of modern sport bike rider/owner, and that my appreciation for vintage bikes was instilled in college. Call it nostalgia.) I am surprised about the seeming naivete about modern bikes. For instance, plastics have been mainstream for decades (for better or worse), with the drive towards lighter weight (and reduced cost) as a central factor. For us folks who ride in the land of 100bhp and above, dropping down to RE's ~60bhp doesn't satisfy, so the Speed Twin's `90bhp is very appealing. Like you folks, I ride in all types of weather, and the 'abbreviated' fenders, while looking sharp, don't do the job. (Manufacturers could add fender extenders to their lists of accessories, though they can be found in the aftermarket.) Headlights is another area that is too often overlooked. I don't think I'm the only riding at night, and good lighting is essential for safety (both being seen and seeing where you're headed). It seems unavoidable that RE's low-cost bikes would become a benchmark for pricing. Is it justified to pay double for, say, a Speed Twin? Some of it's in the fit/finish, the higher spec parts (tubeless rims, Brembo calipers, much more powerful engine [what an engine!], liquid cooling) .... and I would like to think higher pay for workers. But alas, Triumphs, while designed at Hinckley, are more than likely all manufactured in Thailand and Brazil, countries with much lower pay rates (and I imagine overhead generally). I do suspect that a good portion of the savings in wages is going into white collar pockets, but Triumph has been putting visible effort into development in recent years, and I'm really appreciative.

[@AlchemistsTable]

I love this review because I want and will be buying the scrambler- but it's so easy to follow or watch videos that laud the praises of the model and I appreciate the way that you detailed the annoyances you had with it. It's still the bike for me because of the style of riding I want and the style of bike that I want- but this was a great video all the same!

[@andrewbecker3700]

I usually plan all the mods to my bikes before I buy them. Up front the Fenda Extenda and a tail tidy puts the license plate at the end of the fender has been 2 of the best simple mods on my '22 Speed Twin. With the Race-Tec rr tires on it, I never ride in the rain anyhow. I've got a set of Continental Conti-motion sport touring tires for it. I prefer medium hard compound that gives consistent feedback at all temps, lasts forever and is half the price of a dual compound race tire. Paid like $179 for the pair.

[@johnling2919]

Good balanced review-helpful, thanks. I’m trying to choose between an (other) ST, scrambler, and T120. I had an early ST when they first came out. Loved it. Had to sell it in 2020 as wasn’t riding it/moved house. Worst decision! Should’ve sold my GS instead! :-) they still haven’t sorted that rear mudguard I see-as I always say-the only way not to get covered in muck on an ST is to take the missus on the back… :-)

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

There's a company called Pyramid that do front mudguard extenders for about £20. You can get a ductail for the rear too.

[@aintnothinbutdablues]

I think you should try and compare the 900cc versions: Speed Twin 900 and Scrambler 900 Lighter, shorter, better sounding and more comfortable to ride!

[@Aquadug]

Depends, I'm 6,7 they are way to small for some, ended up on the XE as it's way more comfortable for me 😉 Different strokes for different folks ✌️

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

same problem with the hi pipes to cook your passenger.

[@da72ma]

I got the Xe and have back pain and knee pain… it is the perfect riding position for me… legs are not extended and seating position is upright with wide handlebars

[@Oggycrew]

What great vid. I test rode the interceptor. It’s nicely made but really, it is under powered. I went along the local bypass in Phuket. You would expect to at least shift a bit when you drop a cog and open her up. The interceptor doesn’t. For the same money as a new interceptor I bought a slightly used ST 900 and that does come alive. It’s got the later 65 bhp engine. Also it cost next to nothing to service the Bonnie but the RE is 4 times the price apparently. So for me it’s no contest. If you have around 5k burning a hole in your pocket the ST900 with a couple of thousands miles is going to be a better buying proposition that the RE and the ST1200

[@denizhanozkara]

i went for scrambler, 3 bikes in one. who wants a bit more revving, then should go for speedtwin. scrambler is for cruising and touring at low rev with torque.

[@jimfleming6623]

Can't believe the lack of proper mudguards. Not designed for the real world. Maybe it looked good on a computer screen but even in summer it rains.

[@logangodofcandy]

Have my 23 XC and it's almost the perfect bike. I just want more power on full throttle. Can't help but think I need another, faster bike, but no other bike does anything else that this one doesn't.

[@gerrypowell2748]

Nice to hear your view but never forget with tyre and suspension the way it is now it can transform any bike in its handling capabilities👌

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Most owners won't take them out in the wet so it's not going to be an issue. Those that do can fit extra protection easily enough. I'd rather take that Scrambler out in the wet that my covered in Chrome CB1100EX.

[@logangodofcandy]

The wet? Like when. It's raining? My XC handles just fine in the rain.

[@DJPTEXAS]

Great review, very comprehensive.....

[@arniet1]

I love the naked retros but a growing and pretty significant consideration for me in my late 50's now, not only do I want the low seat height and lighter bike, I also want the wind and rain protection and fuel economy for touring and commuting in what is for most of our year now in UK (save for the odd long warm summer!), wet and bloody miserable. So i may have to think about what is possibly my only current option....the Yamaha Tracer 700. 🥺 Or emigrate 🤣

[@AMPElec]

Guzzi v85 tt

[@rkr6237]

How do you get rain protection on a bike tho

[@rottweilerfun9520]

Nothing that a little Bella Corse windscreen can't handle. It's small , looks great , and punches way above its weight when it comes to keeping the wind and rain off of you.

[@logangodofcandy]

You talk like you're in your late 70s. I just wear plug in heated gear and don't worry about being wet.

[@toradog5719]

They're two different animals. I have the Speed Twin. It walks softly but carries a big stick. Very docile until you yank that throttle.

[@GB.49]

A pleasure listening to your experience riding the bikes, as well as your in depth experience about the bikes. A breath of fresh air!

[@LocoArt]

Would the speed twin 1200 be suitable for a rider who is 6'4"? If not, is there anything that could be adapted/changed onnthe bike to make it more suitable? Thanks

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

exactly. why not offer a 1200 with a seat 2"higher !

[@logangodofcandy]

They do. It's called the scrambler XE. Get a '23 model and have the best bike they've made to go off-road and it handles the road just fine.

[@LocoArt]

​@logangodofcandy I love the height of the scrambler but prefer the styling of the speed twin. Just wish it is was higher. It is such a small bike.

[@chr11sf]

Dave, just to add to your comment ref the speed twin and not really suitable for a pillion...I've done 12k miles in 14 months on my speed twin and 5k of it was 2 up! I'm 6ft 2 and our lass is 5ft 8....aye it's not a goldwing but it ain't too bad. Definitely needs more weather protection front and rear though from road cack....oh, and the radiator guard used to be fitted as standard until Triumph decided bizarrely to drop it on the 2021 and up models...

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey, thanks for sharing that experience, great to hear these stories from real owners :)

[@markwhitney19]

Hi great bikes, i got the first speed twin best bike i,ve had, always brings a smile to my face when i ride it also got the new tiger sport 660 and a great bike to just shows us that we can still make great bike in Britian still. great channel love watching it

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hi Mark, thanks for your nice comments :)

[@markwhitney19]

there always one person that make a silly comment most of the big four manufactures make bikes in other countries

[@ginoasci]

TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 1300XC. ALL DAY EVERYDAY THE WINNER LOVE THIS BIKE

[@spadaspares]

Well there goes the bias report. When you said it wasn't your cup of tea, that was the it for , I took the advice and had a cuppa

[@rickmancr]

The Speed Twin isn't £1000 less than the T120. According to the Triumph website, both are priced "from £11295".

[@frederickwoods5943]

I own a 2020 Speed Twin 1200cc and two 2012's; Bonneville SE and Thruxton, also a 2020 650 Interceptor (Royal Enfield). My two favorites are the Thruxton and the Interceptor. Least favorite is the Speed Twin due mostly to the snatchy throttle-by-wire which ruins the rideability in all but very aggressive style; it is also very uncomfortable for a taller rider. Too bad Triumph didn't make it more user friendly but it was cheap, barely $10,000; hoping to get most of my investment back on that one.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for sharing your observations Frederick!

[@1PercentRealtyVI]

So the power in the interceptor doesn’t feel lacking in relation?

[@Fr99763]

May I suggest you add Ducati spacers on your throttle. Job done in 10 minutes. Fits perfectly and your throttle will be ok. Costs a couple of euros. And if you feel you seat is not comfortable, why not go for the Crafton for instance. There are others as you wish Cheers

[@frederickwoods5943]

@@Fr99763 the spacers were the first item I added and yes, I put a Crafton Atalier seat on it at very low miles.

[@OscarSchneegans]

The shorter, younger guy likes the Speed Twin. The taller, older guy likes the Scrambler. Sounds like it's the Scrambler for me!

[@ChrisDavis333]

I don’t think I’ve heard anyone prefer the speed twin over the scrambler 1200’s yet. The bike generally seems to be well loved by everyone, especially owners of the bike. It has its problems like every bike, but for the most part most people tend to love it. You buy the scrambler because visually it does something for you that other bikes don’t do, and it’s highly capable, it’s virtually a classic triumph design but a modern adventure bike in capability. The new ones moved the cat to the rear, a slip on de-cats the bike now and they sound unbelievable. I personally think even stock they sound great. For me these bikes aren’t comparable, especially at the price point, you’re getting way more than $1,000 worth of bike with the scrambler. The ST appears to be a very bad value when stacked up against the scrambler.

[@killingtime8612]

Enjoyed the review. Watched at 1.5x speed. 👍

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Better front mudguard and rad cover would make a lot of difference. Gaiters and hugger would be good and with some thought could be changed to be used as an adventure tourer. TEC spares round Newcastle are designing and bringing out good stuff. I do however have questions about the gearbox after Stuart Fillinghams you tube videos.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Haven't seen Stuart's video, was there issues with the gearbox?

[@BUGBYTE_]

No, nobody wants to hear this. I bought a scrambler 1200 XC over the speed twin 1200 only because of cruise control. Maybe in the UK it ain't a problem but here in Texas I could be on the highway for a good hour and a half two hours and it's pretty nice to have. I know some people that love Royal Enfield, but it's a different bike altogether. The build quality of a Royal Enfield cannot be compared to a Triumph.

[@cliveomahoney4096]

The engine on the Speed Twin isn't High Torque, it's High Power, that it shares with the Thruxton.

[@english.ricardo]

Very cool to see this review. Congrats.

[@nigelcopestake3618]

Totally agree, I would buy two Royal Enfields 👍👍👍

[@tedcity5861]

i'd like to see you ride em at the same time.

[@rickstevens1479]

The way the seat looks at the back . Its smashed flat .. needs to be more like the classic trumpets ...it looks like someone stoled some padding...😎

[@beer3029]

I would have bought a Scrambler XE by now but ever since I owned a Multistrada with keyless ignition I will never own another motorcycle with it…..Triumph, put a keyed ignition on your motorcycles!

[@logangodofcandy]

I like my keyless XC.

[@sigberetta72]

@@beer3029 I believe the 2024 went back to key ignition

[@Ian-bq7gp]

A cross of the two bikes makes sense speed twin suspension, clocks and exhaust would be good plus the simpler electrics and price. The exhaust is going to change colour with the heat near the head and cat. Over 200c steel goes blue.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

I really do not like the electric Speedo, a simple anologue Speedo would be better as I can imagine the price of a new Speedo but the speedtwin clocks are really well done. Price is a lot next to the new Harley Sportster or the ftr1200 Indian makes these at least £1300 overpriced. The Yamaha tenere 700 is another over priced bike.

[@tomaszp614]

I know this little country lanes around Westerham 😁

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Yeah, you’re right!

[@robertpfister363]

With some more aggressive off-road tyres, this bike would be awesome! Is it possible to fit the off-road tyres?

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

I'm sure that would be easy Robert, the next model up is the XE which is more off road than than the XC, I'm sure there'll be a Scrambler expert on here that will fill us in :)

[@TriumphBeezaman]

Isn't the speed twin the HP motor ?

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

all analog displays have the digital with too small letters to see in sunlight or any shades on. All need to be 3 cm tall like Honda.

[@nigel274]

How anyone can think the Royal Enfield has enough power befuddles me. Ok to go shopping on I guess

[@rottweilerfun9520]

Agreed. I can run faster than the Royal Enfield.

[@user-fn1rb9ze6p]

Mite aswell just save the extra money and walk rite past the RE and take one of these triumphs, makes more sense to me 👍

[@dotdashdotdash]

I saw a new one a few weeks ago and it was already rusting in places

[@worldofameiso5491]

Ooh you’re so butch.

[@richardflood3058]

I have a RE INT650 and it's more than fast enough. Sure its a slow bike but it's gets up to 60 in the same time as my old BMW E46 M3 which is more than enough for the road

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

the scrambler x is lovely but 2 up riding with those pipes; has to be toasty ! They learned from the scrambler 400 to get the pipes down. ! wish all of them had bigger, fatter seat options.

[@tecdive8045]

Major mistake at 1:40 minutes: engine is ‘High Power’ - not “High Torque” as stated in the video

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thank you for your correction.

[@leonardoatx3]

Could you get on the scrambler the bonevile dual gauges, I HATE THE DIGITAL GAUGES !!!!

[@Justh4tguy]

I have a 71plate speed twin i think its too small im 5.11 and think im really cramped on it unfortunately, keep thinking on selling it which is a shame

[@brockett]

Mudguards. Yes. Why don't manufacturers fit them. Something to keep all the road filth off the front and back of the bike. Although TBH even after market huggers are far too small these days.

[@kiliano61]

some real beauties

[@ChrisDavis333]

Objectively speaking, you look about 100x cooler on the Scrambler. It’s not even close.

[@vyomparmar9261]

​@@ChrisDavis333 Triumph put the exhaust next to the leg to keep the rider from getting too cold

[@andrewbecker3700]

How did this devolve into a completely sub par Royal Enfield promo? The Speed Twin 900 is 10 times the bike any R.E. is. That's Triumphs entry level parallel twin. How you can even begin to compare those p.o.s. butt ugly old man bikes to ANY of the new Triumph twins is ridiculous.

[@hgm8337]

These bikes are for Dutchie at the bike shed,..

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

thats why you compare to the x; not xe or xc to a better comarieson. 2" lower; or 5 cm ,give or take. questionalble for 2 up riding on the scrambler temps.

[@logangodofcandy]

That's what boots are for.

[@trevorphillips3055]

Call that clean? You need TMF, looks like you were pretty close to him 😊

[@cleophusA]

Such a bunch of useless electronic junk just to ride a bike! "Rain mode?" I've got eyes, I know it's raining and I know how to handle a bike in the rain. I don't need a computer to ride the bike for me! How depressing...........

[@nigel274]

I ride a honda vfr 1200.....170 bhp....no electronic modes.....no problem

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

I ride a 147PS 1995 Triumph Daytona 1200 , zero electronics, not even a slipper clutch, love it to bits....BUT I like the extra electronics on modern bikes (as long as they are reliable). There are still plenty of no nonsense bikes out there to be purchased if you don't like this stuff. At the end of the day no one is making you buy it.

[@logangodofcandy]

Lots of new riders don't know how to work the clutch and throttle and just go full bore all day.

[@johnniepierson2675]

Why all the smoke

[@micmacinact]

That would be the warmer/hot exhaust gas condensing in the colder air temperature.

[@tonycamplin8607]

No doubt great bikes but so expensive when compared to the Royal Enfield range. As you said the REs are much better buy. Those mudguards are completely useless and just there for show, they offer no protection whatsoever to the bike or rider. Both bikes are obviously aimed at the wealthier owners who just want to use them on sunny weekends. Maybe I'm in a minority here but personally I don't think that such new machines have a place on your classic bikes channel. However each to his own.

[@thehowlingterror]

How can you get used to one hot leg over a period of time? To answer my own question, you don't. The Scrambler is a posing bike that can't really do off-road and not that good on road, which it fine as it's a handsome machine yet the Speed Twin is a decent road bike but lacks that little extra. Give it some better suspension to make it a really good road bike for B-road hooning. Tarnished pipes...Are you aware how bloody hot the gases are exiting the cylinders. This reviewer does not give me confidence.

[@bluesplayer59]

I think these bikes are made in Thailand 😕 I maybe wrong whatever I've never liked the look of these big Triumph twins . They look bloated .. maybe just me . I'd like to see a 650 twin ..the 72 650 always reminded me of a leopard . Sleek slim and quick .. these new ones are unattractive.. maybe just me .

[@tomjones8883]

High Power not High Torque motors

[@dawid5721]

Haha Ja nie jestem Bogdan ,😂 wyjebane mam w to 4 lata temu na skuterze jeździłem i w marcu godzinę na Harley Davidson 🤷

[@robertkollath8929]

Expensive? OK, a new harleydavidson will set you back $35000 US.

[@martinhancock5846]

Did this caveman just compare a himalayan with a triumph.then go on to show us the electronics of the triumph.back to the cave mate don't forget your club

[@flexywing]

Why would "she" have the 350 classic and "he" have the interceptor............. lol