Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE 1000 MILE RIDE REVIEW

[@markjacobs6294]

My 3500 mile review is this. It does everything. Yes everything. I've single tracked to freeway ridden it to blasting gravel roads at over 90mph. Shinko 804/805s made it come alive and it can still rip corners safely. Put on a backpack and go. No need for a 600lb GS or a 160hp KTM to have fun. Triumph has nailed it...again.

[@leeallen8840]

Do you have any issue with the heat from the exhaust on your leg? Also, are there any vibrations in the handlebars at motorway speeds? Thanks, Lee

[@markjacobs6294]

@@leeallen8840 I don't have it anymore. It was smooth at all speeds and the exhaust was only a bit warm. I got a KTM690EnduroR to have a lighter bike to connect trails. Scram is an awesome bike though.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

You don't need help setting up the suspension, just read the manual for typical damping settings and set it at that. if you are heavier than average add more damping and preload, lighter back it off a little. People are too afraid to adjust damping sometimes, wherever you put it it won't explode. It is worth spending a little time on that rear preload, add more (raising the rear ride height) the heavier you or you and your load is. Lovely bike, test rode one and its fantastic.

[@oso_nomada]

I’m at 4,000 awesome miles in 3 months and couldn’t be happier with it. I keep seeing suspension issue videos and I truly don’t understand the problem??! I’ve dialed mine in front and rear at 1,000 miles and left it?! I ride 80 miles a day...a combo of slab, country roads, city street and neighborhood...and she rides beautifully under my 6’2” 250lbs butt. My XE is the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned!

[@shooeetz]

Mondo Oso because not everyone is the same, not everyone weighs the same, not everyone’s daily roads are the same? Because the hype doesn’t match the reality when other bikes in the garage allow direct back-to-back comparison?

[@kagamine_rin0294]

@@shooeetz No shit sherlock. Hes just happy the bikes serving him well

[@Mitchwilmarth]

I’m a brand new motorcycle rider and I bought the Scrambler 1200 XC my 2nd month of riding! Traded in my 2018 Triumph Street Cup for the XC because of the rider position and the great riding feel on this bike! I’m a small dude too! 5’6” 30” inseem and I have no problems stopping this bike at intersections. Great review! I have the fog lights and Triumph bag on mine too and love it!

[@Britishshooter]

Suspension travel is 250mm on the XE. Nearly 10 inches. It is 200mm on the XC model.

[@markcowan1788]

Tec bike parts do a heavy bottom spring for the rear ohlins. Really easy to fit. I am 260lbs and bike rides like a dream.

[@flyingmulerider7166]

Good videos - I am picking up my 1200 XE tomorrow in Spokane, Washington. I live in Western Montana and looking forward to exploring the many USFS backroads! I will post some videos of my experience soon. Thanks

[@gavinhassett479]

Lucky man. I very nearly bought an XE with only 600 miles on it last weekend, after having an excellent test ride on the XC. That engine torque, transmission and sound is very satisfying. Very solid bikes.

[@BackDraftBikes]

AWESOME!!

[@martynlaverick3405]

Just bought one in the Uk and its a fabulous bike. Im 6ft 5 and it is a perfect fit. Only issue I have had is that the engine has cut out on me twice. Once on the motorway which wasn't good. Taking it back to the dealer to see if they can sort the issue.

[@remtolentino]

I experienced this and it seems to be w fueling

[@martynlaverick3405]

@@remtolentino It turned out to be a faulty ignition switch which killed the engine every time you hit a bump. Part replaced and no further issues. Hope you get yours sorted.

[@imopn]

Love the bike too and also love that Diesel like engine. I will just put custom exhausts on that route the pipes the more conventional way down, under and then back. Yes I know it won't look like a Scrambler anymore but honestly don't care. Just want the heat away from my legs. Might even alow me then to have two large paniers at the back

[@maxamillion4255]

Thank you for the review. I had a 2010 Triumph Thruxton and while it is a different bike all together, I loved it. This bike could be on my short list. At 6'2", 230, sitting on this at the dealer at least confirmed it fits. Now for a test ride.

[@paruco66]

Negative and annoying issues??? I can’t find any on my 1200 XC. My best bike so far and I enjoy every minute riding it. Triumph did an awesome job with this one & only serious scrambler.

[@olegs1594]

Thinking of getting one myself because Russian roads in any city would make an enduro trail in Germany. So sportbikes are for track or cafe hopping in these parts. Thanks for a great review, now I know what to expect. Fell in love with the bike after a test drive coming from the streetfighter scene. Glad to learn more about it from a pro. I hope the rear suspension will bear my 230 lbs and 6'2". Nice roads and blessed rides to you from Mother Russia =)

[@BackDraftBikes]

Go for it!

[@OAK_MTN]

Love the review, great to hear what someone from the Northeast has to say !

[@BackDraftBikes]

Much appreciated!

[@djwash]

Re: Service light - try to SET your DATE AND TIME, the light should turn off. I’m assuming you took the battery off. I’ve done exactly this, problem was solved with date and time set. If you just set the time, the light won’t go away.

[@dereksmith7770]

Yep did the same thing today on mine when i had the battery disconnected for fitting a tracker. service light on and the weird date in the display like you have, set the time and date and reset service normal and your done.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Hmm, I will have to try this. It shows a deficit not only in time but miles (as far as when service is due). Hopefully you are right!

[@fabiobertinipaes7122]

I love this bike... I have a Harley Davidson Softail Slim 2018 and I want to move on to scrambler 1200xe.

[@BrorMW]

Nice feedback. I feel that the glass(or plexi) at the instrument have gotten som scratches from what I can tell just wiping some dust or pollen away from it with my glove. First ride home from the dealer I saw the temp display aswell, but it dissapered after I got home. Asked the dealer about it when she was in for her first service and they told me to consult the manual. Didn't help. And I'm still waiting for their For the Ride technology. Other than that, awsome bike!

[@reinistraidas]

BTW, you can switch off the offroad or offroad pro modes by holding the mode button down for a second even while riding. It reverts back to road mode that way. But you can't engage these modes while rolling and it resets back to road after you've switched the ignition off. A bit of an annoyance.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Reinis Traidās wow awesome tip bro thank you!!

[@johnpadley9625]

Great presentation... What about older riders how do we read the numbers on the screen... Need larger text... I am 68 and love the XE... Great bike...

[@viggg1]

Hi BackDraft Bikes. If you want to reset service interval than you need cheap OBD II bluetooth ELM327 device e.g. from Aliexpress and TuneECU mobile app www.tuneecu.net/ - it cost around 12 euros. OBD II socket on your bike is under left side cover. Than you can use it like bike diagnostics for all common operations.

[@vignolonicolas]

Your video does help! The recap at the end is a great detail. Thanks. Have a nice ride.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Thanks Mate!

[@shooeetz]

Thanks for this nice review. I have a small beef with calling the suspension “fully adjustable”. That’s what the marketing onesheet says. High speed compression and rebound adjust is nowhere to be found on this bike. That is not a problem, until you need it, which more than a few people do. Otherwise I am with you on the rest of your assessment.

[@bigmankz]

Awesome honest review of the still awesome bike. Great job! As to service light. There are few options that will allow you to skip going to the dealer for resetting it: 1) There's Tune ECU app that will do that with certain OBD wireless connectors, 2) There's DealerTool cable that is a bit expensive and somewhat complicated in terms of installation on PC but it works. 3) I am not sure whether its available on Scrambler models but there's an option for manual restting of service interval for mileage and calendar on my 2018 Tiger 800 XCA. I assume something like that should be available for Scrambler as well. Of note, it seems that manual resetting option is not available for all Tigers as people told me that they don't have this setting in the menu. Perhaps the dealer has to upgrade the interface version or something like that. :) In any case this wrench light is very annoying. :) I also wish I had those tubeless wheels and front brake calipers available for my Tiger :) also this much travel would be awesome as well. :)

[@rockyescape8989]

i don't quite like modern ADV bikes because i prefer the classic looks. Is the seat comfortable for a pillion?

[@andrewthoupos6836]

I'm perplexed about the the ambient air temp display too - it's shown in the manual (top right of the side-panel using Chronos theme and top left using Quartz). It isn't there in reality though...yet you're asked to select whether you prefer ºC or ºF in the settings. My rear suspension was totally mis-dialled (unmatched between left and right) on delivery, but easily aligned to 'standard' road settings listed in the manual (as a starter) and so far, proving to provide excellent ride characteristics...at least on bumpy UK single-track lanes. Great review for comparing ownership thoughts!

[@BackDraftBikes]

Andrew Thoupos Reach our to triumph, they are taking care of me

[@Traci218]

I weight 165lbs have rear preload back out top of threads, bike feels really nice. Have correct amount of sag. Bike very much fun I buy another quality item

[@charliestoybox2099]

I’m the same weight. Zero preload in the shocks is correct for us. But the front, I had to add 10 turns of preload to get the correct sag. Big improvement.

[@guymathew1520]

Good review. Very interesting as I am seriously considering getting one. On my test ride I found the front very soft, lots of dive but the rear quite stiff. I'm 235 lbs so may see if I can get another test and actually set it up first...

[@martycech5844]

John Smith ... forks are easy to set up for anyone.

[@philuk2436]

Interesting feedback. You didn’t mention the heat from the exhaust as most reviewers seem to do. Not an issue for you?

[@djwash]

Phil UK in my case, the heat is higher when it’s in town in traffic. It’s like a big wave of heat coming off mostly the right side, but also left side. The fan comes on very quickly in traffic and it blows all the hot air up to rider.

[@oso_nomada]

On 90+ F days...the exhaust gets hot stuck at a light or traffic but it’s manageable.

[@BackDraftBikes]

I agree with the others - I don't notice it much unless in traffic, and it's not too bad. My old 865 scrambler was way worse! Ride Safe!

[@northeastpsychos]

You don’t need to go to the dealer to reset service reminder. It’s in the menu.

[@DJ-jp6xc]

I just ordered mine.

[@TS50ER]

Many people are complaining 'bout the heat from the exhausts; keep getting burnt, and heat issues. You haven't found this?

[@FlorianWerner]

Thanks for sharing your impressions on the bike. Much appreciated hearing from a bike owner vs a "pro" that has been invited to review the bike by the brand! Question: I like your black dresser bars (crash guards): where did you get them? I could only find the standard stainless steel ones, but like you I am not a big fan of having too many shiny items on my bike.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Those are factory my friend, on the XC. The bar end mirrors are from my bud at A and J Cycles of New york

[@telefonocompartido8515]

Hi, nicereviews!! Seen your other video with the Öhlins guy and still don't understand what you say about the suspension factory fitted for a 170 pound rider. In that video the expert says you should use 1/3 of travel when on the bike, and unforrtunately mistakes the 200 mm travel of the XC, with the 250 mm of the XE. That's 200/3= 67 mm for a 170 pound/77 kgs rider, but on the XE it would be 250/3= 83 mm indeed. Using the same weight/travel proportion it would result 250/200 x 170 = 212,5 pounds/96 kgs weight rider. Maybe I'm missng something, but I would much appreciate if you could explain this point, for I'm seriously thinking of buying that bike, coming from a Thruxton-R as you also did. Thanks

[@BackDraftBikes]

Yes, another viewer mentioned that as well. I maxed out the preload and it rides really nice now! I liked my R, but I am glad I switched, the XE is so much more fun! Think- power of the R, but you can go anywhere and you're not hunched over. Ride Safe!

[@remtolentino]

The heat from 180 exhaust didn’t bother you? Also did you have any issue w fueling at low speed? Keeps stalling with me.

[@carstenf279]

Thanks for info on the suspension. I just testrode one today - a greeeeeat ride - but it felt like a rocking horse which is a deal breaker for me. I have no experience with adjustable suspension - but I hope (I assume) it can be fixed. I am a 200lb dude ;-)

[@BackDraftBikes]

Carsten F It can be fixed very easily don’t be scared

[@andy3d1]

The heat from the exhaust ruins the bike for me. I love Southern California and it’s like riding a oven with the door open. Can’t put right leg down at traffic lights. I’ve owned 20 bikes over the last 25 years so have good idea of what engine heat should be.

[@gregbristowe3057]

250mm travel on xe, 200mm on xc

[@lydankomitchell8943]

Earned yourself a sub with the "1.21 Gigawatts"... enjoying the 1200 XE vids. Thanks!

[@BackDraftBikes]

Thanks for the sub! Great Scott

[@DDGreyduck]

Great video thanks! I am trying to decide if I want to get a leftover 2019 XE or wait to see if they update anything for 2020 model year.

[@jcmathis47]

Is the rear rack a Triumph rack? I am picking my 1200 XE up on Wednesday and would like to find a rear rack for it.

[@mojomanCH]

I test drove one today and absolutely LOVED it. But due to the exhaust, it seems you can only mount one pannier/bag. Did anyone find a luggage rack for this bike left AND right?

[@davidrawlingson5952]

Happy Trails do one

[@FenrisUlfven]

250 mm (9.8 in) travel if you have a XE. The XC has 200 mm travel

[@rediron44]

I was 170 pounds in high school, and ran track..LOL. At my best, I am 6' tall and 205. And in good shape.

[@SWFlowseeker]

Could you share what rear rack you are using above the taillight

[@BackDraftBikes]

That is the factory triumph rack, just painted it black. Ride safe!

[@dred311]

Where did you get that luggage rack? Like the mods you did.

[@matthewgifford9915]

What engine guard is that? Is it the OEM dresser bar powder coated black, or something else?

[@BackDraftBikes]

OEM, painted black. Sharp eye!

[@nate1776]

Definitely play with your suspension setup. Did you paint the luggage rack and the dresser bars? i haven't seen them black from triumph.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Nate Backer You must murder them out. Yes, I love black paint

[@stormedbyhippiesc3966]

Great and direct review, really like you thoughts on this bike. I considered this bike along the Ducati Desert Sled.

[@09591000]

and in second time, review awesome. Thanks

[@MrEroupe]

Do you ever miss your air cooled scrambler? I’m 6’1” and looking to buy my first road bike, I grew up riding dirt bikes so I like the tall upright feeling as well. I found a leftover air cooled scrambler for a little less than 8k. Is the XE really that much better then the air cooled version?

[@BackDraftBikes]

MrEroupe I’m sorry to say but they are totally different bikes. I really liked my old one, but it’s night and day different. It’s also 2x the cost!

[@kevincraig8257]

if I would have researched more I would have got this bike over the tiger 1200 but what the hell I still have a damn good bike yea the service light and reset is uncalled for ive heard you get a Triumph tool for the reset ?

[@BackDraftBikes]

Dealer updated the ECM when in for recall. NO MORE WRENCH and you can reset it now yourself!

[@sirehan1002]

I don't know why but i think an analog speedometer would look better on this bike

[@BackDraftBikes]

Agreed!

[@MrEroupe]

Are you going to put free spirit headers on?

[@timothyjohnson839]

Did you buy anything already black out did you get them powder coated? Also how is it holding up? Cheers

[@BackDraftBikes]

I painted them with an enamel paint. The bike is still going strong! I am due to post an updated video soon! Just have to finish the editing. Thanks!!

[@timothyjohnson839]

@@BackDraftBikes awesome thanks man. Looking forward to the next video

[@organicox80]

What about asbestos lagging around the hot exhaust?? I don't want my plastic rain pants melting if I buy one.

[@dmbassett]

bible basher you can decat the exhaust to solve the heat issue. Check out TEC Bikes youtube videos on it

[@organicox80]

@@dmbassett Thanks, jusst did

[@BackDraftBikes]

I am going to do this SOON. I melted a pair...stinking hot!

[@v3sinned]

Anyone else...wondered if an alligator might come up from the swamp anytime 😅

[@philbarrows2431]

now wouldn't that spice up the video.

[@djaboda]

Самый лучший мотоцикл в мире, мечта!

[@BackDraftBikes]

Спасибо вам большое 🏁😎

[@peterfallows6802]

What's under the seat ❔

[@BackDraftBikes]

There is a small storage compartment that is not water tight, doesn't close right, and really small. The ECU and a USB port are there as well

[@peterfallows6802]

@@BackDraftBikes - 📲so you wouldn't recommend using to charge your phone ❔

[@redcellrogue2824]

Great review!

[@CPUspeed]

Off topic but you did have a tiger... Looking at 2018 tiger 1200 xrt. Any thoughts on the new tiger? Love the scrambler btw I'm 6'4" very few bikes for us.

[@BackDraftBikes]

CPUspeed really awesome bikes, but I chose this one for the additional off road flavor and the classic looks. I don’t think you can go wrong with either😎

[@trevorjordan1787]

@@BackDraftBikes Hi I have both XRT for touring and the Scrambler XE for the general Sunday afternoon Blat. Look at getting the oil Air Filter and Arrow can for better ride/sound I see in the video the can is already added.

[@ColGadarby]

Wtf do you need ambient air temperature for ?

[@BackDraftBikes]

ColGadarby sometimes it’s useful in colder areas like where I am. Helps you keep aware of the critical 32f

[@pegbrady225]

Nice view of pond?

[@BackDraftBikes]

You know it!

[@vidablue734]

I’ve owned mine for a few years and I do love it. Your review it spot on in terms of the so called “Niggles”! It’s too hot, no Temp outside gage and service light goes in even after serviced by a super competent non triumph Mecanic. I need a bigger wind screen for more dual purposes! Check out Unit Garage out of italia! They make the best looking one available for this bike! Solid , direct review . Well done!

[@BackDraftBikes]

Thanks for the info!

[@alecseblonka2330]

Would you say that this bike could do crosscountry travelling?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

4.2 gallon tank. Average range. No wind blast protection. If you wanna run long trips, go with the new Africa Twin that's coming (now with cruise control).

[@stopper90004]

Problem solved Giant Loop, LLC Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladder - 3 Gallon www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7XHLQV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ccQNDbQ4E6RF5

[@Speedytrip]

Nice review. Have the tender springs replaced you’ll thank yourself :)

[@ThrillaPark]

Thoughts on long distance travel?

[@pscutrer]

Alex Trajano I like it! Upright, not hunched over. Stock seat is comfortable too

[@saddle8bag]

Torque isn't different than power. It's a component of power. And the silly engine torque numbers everyone loves to quote are meaningless. If you need more torque at the rear wheel to pull a fatty up a hill without bogging the engine, downshift. The thing that bugs me most about these bikes is that Triumph couldn't be bothered to create a touring windscreen or top box this thing. I mean why couldn't they at least make the Street Scrambler's top box fit? I think the suspension stuff is partly just going to take getting used to. It's very long to absorb impacts. It wouldn't make much sense to set it as firm as a sportbike, consequently, it's probably going to feel a little loosey goosey hustling it thru corners. On the other hand, my Thruxton ain't so great at hopping over logs. I'm looking to get the XC if Triumph will get off their duffs and make a couple accessories to make the damn thing practical for more than riding around the neighborhood.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Torque is the actual force, horsepower is how often and how long.

[@saddle8bag]

@@exothermal.sprocket Power is the rate at which energy is converted from fuel to forward motion. The power at the rear wheel is a combination of the torque and the rpm of the wheel. In first gear, you get a lot of torque and little rpm. In sixth gear, you get a lot of rpm and a little torque. The silly marketing number they quote you for torque is derived by simply taking the power at the rear wheel, multiplying it by 5252 and dividing by the engine rpm. You can do it at home yourself from any spec sheet. It's a crude way of measuring torque at the crank. It's completely meaningless as what propels us down the road is the wheels, not the crank. And the wheels are ALWAYS connected to the crank via a gearbox which changes the torque every time you shift.

[@slowandcurios]

Your camera could be pointed a tad lower, nice review

[@hindra8]

Is the seat comfortable for passanger?

[@BackDraftBikes]

Hindra Then yes actually not bad

[@hindra8]

Oh ok.. Thanks. soon i'll get this triumph too

[@Fernando90054]

For what I understood, you’ve got to be minimum 6 feet tall to seat and feel ok managing the bike weight comfortably or it is likely that you may not be capable to handle it properly and drop it on the ground. Is it fair to say? Thanks for your kind attention and for the nice review of personalized experience of owning this bike.

[@BackDraftBikes]

I would say that is a fair statement...there are some lowering options out there, and the suspension is adjustable if your on the lighter side (it will give you about an inch) But if I was shorter than 5'8" I would look elsewhere

[@mickeyparson9778]

Great reviews! What is your riding gear, I see a black jacket and riding pants, are they some kind of textile and what brand?

[@BackDraftBikes]

1960 Apache I have a rocket jacket on and triumph riding pants. The jacket is up for replacement, but for the price point it has served me very well

[@mickeyparson9778]

@@BackDraftBikes Yep with you on that, I have 2 Triumph jackets, a vented Rocket jacket that survived a crash unscathed, Triumph leather riding pants and summer Triumph gloves which I can't find anymore! Even when I started riding BMW's I still wore my Triumph stuff, BMW clothing is expensive and boring except their leather race suits. Is the jacket a textile type material or some kind of waxed denim?

[@carlostrujillo3854]

What is the seat height

[@BackdraftBBQ]

It depends on the suspension height setting. I think the typical is 33"

[@carlostrujillo3854]

@@BackdraftBBQ saw a video of a guy 5'9" and a guy 6'4" the taller guy fit perfect but the shorter guy had trouble this is gona limit the market...I'm a smaller rider I have had several bikes from super sports to dirt bikes but most bikes that have interested me where to tall for me...I am limited in selection...

[@VoIPPortland]

01:07 says A LOT. My first bike was a 1970 Honda 350 scrambler. If I got back on a bike after 15+ off of one, it would be this Triumph. Used to be a wreckless, careless maniac on a bike and one day my brain kicked in and said you are going to die soon dumbass. This would be something different, back to my more mellow self. AARP+ and wipeouts don't go together very well.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Fair! I agree

[@jackstrawfromwitchita5978]

my daughter says “annoying” alot also...

[@Zimmermann310]

1000 Mile is nothing, (long term ???) tell about after 30000 Miles.

[@MetalFacedGamer]

You comment comes across very "dickish". How about, nice 1000 miles, will you do a update at 3k miles? I'm interested in how it holds up. Boom easy.

[@Zimmermann310]

@@MetalFacedGamer Dickish is if someone call 1000 miles on a motorbike, long term. Long term is this for example. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqK2fmRnZdF3Y5Y But I guess your german is more worse than my english.

[@allistairneil8968]

A 1200cc bike is NOT a scrambler, least of all this behemoth. Sad.

[@jamiefrankland100]

Don't take advice from a Toyota Tundra owner.

[@BackDraftBikes]

I agree. Fortunately the bank owns mine 🙃

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Triumph and BMW need to take a page out of the Ducati controls/switches/display book. Simple is better, full access and control is better. Britain is a land of nanny-state and it shows.