Featured Another Test Ride

OK, it's not really a contender for the Tiger replacement but I fancied a test ride anyway so why not?

So here is the Scrambler 1200 XE and my thoughts on it.



First off, there’s no question that this is a cool looking bike. Iv'e always liked the Scrambler look and this has to be one of the best examples out there. Second thing to note is that this is a big bike, you really feel high off the ground on this one - I'm a shrinking 5' 10" and can just get both toes down. This felt a bit daunting at first as I can flat foot the Tiger and obviously the Bonneville, but I would imagine you could get used to it.

The Scrambler 1200 XC is probably a better fit height wise for me, but misses out on the XE's beefier, longer travel suspension, stretched wheelbase and wider bars. Once up there though it is one comfortable bike to ride, despite the rather firm seat. I was out for about an hour and a half and at no point felt any discomfort at all, in fact, the Bonneville felt slightly cramped on the way home. I would say the combination of the wide bars and the seat to peg distance is damn near perfect for me plus you get a good view from up there!



I'm not a great fan of key-less ignition on a bike (just keep it simple) and this is the first time I've tried it. Once activated by the fob, I assume that it stays "on" as long as the fob is in your pocket and you can start and stop the engine with the rocker switch and then turn the instrument display off with another press. It all works well but why do you then need the key to unlock the plastic screw in fuel filler cap that's hidden under the nice chrome Monza job?

Another slight gripe is that while I was putting a smidge of fuel in I didn't realise that the actually filler hole in the tank is not centered on the filler cap resulting in a nice petrol shower for the tank and my gloves.

On the road it is smooth, taut and turns surprisingly fast into the bends for such a tall bike and it is very controlled over bumps and irregularities in the road. The gearbox is super slick and there is not a hint of throttle snatchiness and as you would expect there is bags of torque for low down power. I mainly stuck to twisty B roads and rode it mainly in third and fourth gears but it pulls like a train out of bends in fourth and overtakes are no issue for it.




The light sensitive colour display is simple in appearance and very easy to read. A retro TFT screen that manages to almost look like a fancy watch! There are some nice touches - the tank is scalloped to take the front forks at full lock (not dented as it looks in some pictures) and there is a nice stainless steel strap recessed into the top of the tank.




It might not be a Tiger replacement for me - you could sit on it all day but it lacks any protection at all - but I can see it as a definite possibility for a Bonneville substitute!

On the way, I passed through the village of Southwick and ended up in the middle of their D Day anniversary celebrations - perfect photo opportunity.

 

More of the D Day vehicles.

 

BMW F900XR possibly on Tuesday if they reply to my email!

 

Would love to mate but Destination Triumph haven't got one at the moment. They sold both naughtily during the lockdown!

 

The XC in the showroom was that colour - had a quick check on the seat height and it would suit me better.

 

Daniel! I never even noticed that my Rninet tank was ausgekehlt!