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.
Nice one @steve lovatt But never fear, once lockdown is over and you can get those full englishes down you the seat height/suspension shouldn’t be a problem
Great write up, Steve... Concerning the D-day armada... Too bad, you did not have the color-scheme of @heartlander ‘s Scrambler XC... And I agree: It is an absolutely gorgeous looking bike!
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.
Nice write up, but that is one fugly looking bike. Tank pre-dented is the least of its problems. Looks like it's been jacked up by someone at home, and that exhaust is just awful, but always thought that of scramblers. Made a similar looking exhaust on a kx250 with a dt175 engine using a bit of car Flexi and a cherry bomb !!!
Hey Ron, my NineT also has a ‚predentified‘ tank! BUT today, I learned a new word from @steve lovatt : SCALLOPED (the German word is much less seafoody, but pretty posh anyway: ausgekehlt! Nothing beats fancy handiwork...
Nice write up, just one thing to note. The fuel cap can be left unlocked so you don`t need the key to refuel, I leave mine unlocked all the time unless outside at b+b etc. And I have never got wet refueling, must be the angle of the dangle?
Great review with good info and nice photos. But I still don't get why Triumph invest money in developing such a bike, is there really a market for it? If you are 5' 10" and struggle to get your feet down sounds plain wrong design wise. But maybe i'm missing the whole point of the bike.
I like the wire rims for tubeless tyres. Having to worry about punctures is my main gripe with my Tiger 955i. (Which I bought because Bonnevilles and the like were too small for me Superhans)
Yep, I learn something new on this forum every day! Some of those things are more useful than others. Another terrific review and photos, @steve lovatt. Yep, I think you should look into writing reviews for a print or online moto mag. Unless you're properly retired and want to stay that way, that is. Thanks for sharing illustrated reviews on the bikes you test ride. Keep 'em coming!
