Here Are The Things I Love And Hate About My New Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC! 

Beautiful bike, great vid!! Just walked into my local dealer yesterday. They had a new 2020 XE in the Cobalt Blue. Marked down to $12,999 and it sure made me think about it.

I've been on my 2019 Scrambler 1200XC since early June of 2020 (it was a press fleet bike that I picked-up with 1850 miles on it, a full manufacturer's warranty, and at 2/3 of the MSRP). I'll see 12k miles on it this month (I put 400/week on my Triumph just in commuting). You may find that every four weeks or so you'll start to get an annoying icon illuminating on your TFT that says the key fob is out of range, prompting you to change the CR2032 in the fob. I've found that if I turn the fob off when I get off the bike (hold the button until the light goes red), you'll get much, much more battery life in the fob. Additionally, Triumph seems to frown upon riders doing their own maintenance. When I hit the 10k mark I got the bright orange service icon illuminated on the TFT. I dutifully performed my 10k service only to find that there is no way to extinguish the icon without taking the bike to a dealer that may or may not charge you a fee just to clear the icon (it's big, orange, and annoying). I found a Bluetooth OBDII reader on Amazon (BAFX3127 less than $30) and an app for my Android phone (TuneECU $12) that not only allows me to clear my own lights, but it also allows me to trouble shoot and diagnose everything touched by electricity on the motorcycle. Counting the time to plug the OBDII reader into the bike (behind the left-side access panel) and link to my phone, it took less than four minutes to clear the service icon. No more expensive trips to the dealer to get a light cleared (it's a 300 mile round trip to the dealer where I purchased the bike from my home in southern California's Mojave desert). I should note that I'm not affiliated with the OBDII reader or app in any way shape or form, I just found them helpful, and you may as well. In any event, I really love my Scrambler thus far, and anticipate a long, happy relationship with it and I hope you have the same experience with yours.

Wow what a beautiful ride. I know what you mean about ride time. I too just purchased a new bike and am in Denver wishing that Winter would let Spring return. Have fun on it.

Defender and Triumph Scrambler - good taste my man! That’s my current 2 vehicle garage too! We’re also in good company - 2 of the vehicles used by the baddies in the new Bond film! (And what could be cooler than that!) safe travels!

It's a great bike for sure! If you ever want to get rid of some serious excess heat off that pipe then I'd recommend ditching the downpipe section for a de-cat version (immediately gets temps down in the leg area) and maybe a smaller silencer with a freer flowing baffle. It will sound beautiful! (and also knock out maybe 4-5bhp more) TEC in the UK do one and have a video on YT of it being fitted that's well worth checking out. Look forward to more of your thoughts on this ace bike!

Aesthetically, the tank’s pinch-weld is well worth the production costs it takes to hide it; well done! It’s a shame that Triumph doesn’t similarly honor that feature on their other “retro-classic” models.

Very likable review, thanks a lot. I bought my XC on Christmas Eve, during a "short stopover" at the Triumph-dealer 😊I just wanted to drink an Espresso... In March I'll get my Scrambler. Best Regards from Switzerland 👍

Nice one on the intro - I feel your pain. I'm in NZ, and the second you get a new bike it rains for a month of weekends LOL.

Excellent. Really great info and thanks for a few laughs.

That really is a beautiful bike. Great review. I ride a Tiger and am more into long distance riding, but dang, that would be a beauty to hop around town on. Your final comment on the jacket is spot on. You need leather on that machine! Enjoy!

I love everything about my Triumph Scrambler XC. However the stock tires Metzeler Tourance are definitely not the best choice for this particular bike. My field report Michelin Anakee Adventure tires on my Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC: After today's moderate but winding on road tour (75 km) with the new tires, I can only confirm my first impression from 08.09.2020. The tire is made as for the Scrambler 1200 XC and transforms it, so my naturally subjective feeling, in a real handling miracle in comparison with the factory tires Tourance of Metzeler. The curve surfing goes virtually as if by itself. The Scrambler 1200 XC now goes through S-curves as if on rails. It literally falls when turning into the curve and can be steered just as easily back out and into the following curve. Thus, cornering/curving with the Scrambler is even more fun with the Anakees. The grip of the tire is just awesome. However, I did not want to take any unnecessary risks on the first ride with the new tires and sailed rather moderately through the curves. There is still room for more lean angle, which was today at max. 31 °. Since I am a self-confessed nice weather driver 🌤, I can unfortunately make no statement about the adhesion on wet roads 😉. About the durability or mileage I will report at a later time. Conclusion: Highly recommended for the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC (for my taste). I am simply thrilled ☺️.

I’m thinking about this bike big time… I’m 6’3”… really like the XC…loving the 90 horsepower… Don’t need the super off road XE… great review… I’ve been a Triumph guy for years… I’m going to put a Zard down pipe on mine…(adds horse power and looks unique) I’m not going in the bush on it… And I’m going to put 1966 Triumph “stock bars” on mine… Bitchen old school scrambler bars… I dig em… wrangler bars..!! Good job… I’ve been hoping for a XC review… you now have my subscription!

All I'm picturing for the rear brake setup bloopers is the blooper reel after Rush Hour when Chris Tucker is trying to order food on the airplane. "Gefilte Fish!"

This bike color and all - brown seat - is my dream bike !

After 53'000Km I still love my xc. Gat a ZART Exhaust last Sommer, what a different. 👍😀🏍

Congratulations on the new partnership!

Got a xe version nearly 2 yrs ago and love it. People always look at t and comment on it. It needs a tail tidy as the back end doesn't look great and keep your eye on the brushed aluminium as mine pitted even though it is garaged and blow dried!!! Besides that its a brilliant bike and does everything.

I'd love to see more Motorcycle reviews. I really appreciate this one specifically . I'm really interested in triumph

Great vid, the most wanted bike for me now, just wandering how the pipe underneath the thigh feels like

I think any Triumph next to a Harley wins no matter what the model. Nice bike, nice vid!

Picked mine up late last year for just over $10k. I'm 6'5, and wanted a taller street bike, and the XC delivers. And as you said, it sure looks good doing it.

Hey guys, great video. I review Triumph motorcycles and I loved the Scrambler 1200 series. Have to disagree about the key though, I had a failure during a review ride! not a great first impression. Found out that there is a bypass method that got me home and that these keys have to be turned off or they drain the battery. I'll take the good ole fashioned turn key ;) . Other than that, fine bike and I'd own one if my garage wasn't full.

I had a couple of BMW R2100Cs. One had BBS alloys and one had spoke wheels like that. It is a clever design.

Now that is what a scrambler looks like, stunning yet elegantly simple. Nice ride Roman.

I love the bike and your vids and I love that you used the peg to dismount, I've had to do the same for many years. Many years being the operative phrase. Also based upon my own experiance, maybe you shouldn't have burned that blunt before describing the rear brake.

Great review. Im looking at this and the 900. I will never forget what the rear brake specs for this bike are. Thank you.

Love the tubeless wheels and that is the best place for your phone. I am riding so don't even try to get a hold of me. Not a big fan of flat paint. I would also clean up the rear by moving the plate and blinker lights. Overall I think this is an awesome bike, but I would probably opt for the XE myself. Biggest issue for me is the fact that the nearest Triumph dealer is about 100 miles away.

Great video as always !What are the riding boots you are wearing?

Now after watching and listening to Roman's opinions, I have to agree with this findings. He owns it, I only wish I did, BUT,..... he's correct, well maybe for whatever kind of rear brakes that 'cycle does have :) Enjoy the ride Roman,. I'm pretty sure you'll get some good riding weather and leathers, very soon.

Wow that’s a handsome bike sir. Congrats! Definitely would like one myself. 😎👍🏻 🏍️

Seems like for many Harley riders, their first words out of their mouth is a slight at other bikes. That is why I never park next to a Harley...I waive to them...but I rather not hear their put downs. To me the Speed Twin in the prettiest bike on the market, but I do think the mufflers need to be Stainless Steel and not the two tone things that they are..Speed Twin's stock exhaust is a let down. But Triumph would love to sell the aftermarket Vance and Hines exhaust and CNC brake reservoir...something Triumphs and Harleys have in common

I ride a 2010 900 Scrambler and would love a new 1200. My 1996 BMW R100GS had the same type of rims on it. Good to see Truimph catch up😁 What boots are you using? They look pretty good.

Great colour combo, green tank/brown leather seat.

I agree that bike is an absolute stunner.

Very cool video !!!

This color is Queen Green (she had a Range Rover with this same colour). Amazing big fun bike for old guys.

Gorgeous bike 😍

This is the bike I would own BUT....I was blessed with a 30 inch inseam despite being 5 11. Love not only the look but its actually walks the walk. Cool review!

Weird thing about motorcycle styling, and I'm a person who last rode motorcycles in the early 90s. Waxing poetic about the beauty of scrambler-style motorcycles is like saying a VW beetle is very artful. It seems odd calling it beautiful. No, I love the bike, too! It looks a lot like a 70s Honda CB. If I get back into riding someday. I might get one, though, so thanks for the review.

Thanks for the rear brake specs! LOL

I rode the 900 efi through WVU and Kentucky all day for two days without a cell phone or go’s just seeing roads and going for it and as for comfortable for what it is I wouldn’t of wanted anything else I rode backroads in Kentucky I never knew existed it was super fun. Get yourself a hammock tent set up and turn your phone off you won’t regret it

Thanks for the good review mate and I have the exactly same helmet as you have ;-)

Great looking bike: Plastic brake fluid reservoirs are normal for Brembo brake systems. Both my Ducati’s have them and after 15 years of steady riding no problem. If you are going to swap them out, I you are going to swap the reservoir out, I would go to clear plastic, easier to see the fluid level. Pricey. JSOG6

Hold the key fob button a bit longer and you turn it off (LED turns red) so it can’t be scanned and cloned. It is a security feature. Don’t think it has anything to do with the battery level.

It's a beautiful machine. I've sat on them at the dealership and had some serious thoughts. Didn't realize Roman rides. Cool! And about fuel capacity these days: all motorcycle manufacturers need to knock it off with the downsizing of tanks and give us our range back!! If we don't want the fuel weight, we WON'T FILL THE TANK ALL THE WAY UP. Simple as that.

Great bike and I got one, the XE ..

No problem using the Scrambler as a touring bike! I put soft luggage on it and off I go. I also did the Saddle Sore 1000 mile ride on it.

It looks small for a 1200. Pipes sound good. I had a guy make me up a set of pipes like those for my 1982 Triumph Tiger Trail 750.

I know what you mean with the weather, hello from the 4 corners

Bad ass bike - not sure the neon green jacket is complementary:)

With 6.2 you should ride the XE. It's technically even better than the XC (cornering optimized ABS, more wheel travel) and a phantastic sitting position for your size.

They have a low pipe kit for the scramble which really makes it look good. Personally HATE the high pipe look, don’t want the dang things so close to my legs.

How’s the heat coming off the exhaust by your leg?

Nice sunglasses, where did you get them?

What size is that rear disc again 🤣👆 Great review 👍 😎

Ive got 3k on my XE. Number one thing I dislike is the off road mode. You have to come to a complete stop to change into the mode. And it does not start in the mode when you shut the bike off. This as been problematic when camping with the bike and I forget to turn off all the “safety features”. Other than that the bike is fantastic! Maybe there will be a tune or something that can override that safety in the future.

@ TFLbike If you could only chose one, This Scrambler or the Desert Sled which would it be and why? They're both similar with the Triumph having a bit more hp...

You forgot the basics! What's it like to service (ease of), for the home mechanic? Or if you're not a home mechanic how expensive is it to service? The side stand to me from my experience looks very good for uneven ground as it swings well forward of vertical. (I only mention as my ducati scrambler one was very similar (brilliant), Himalayan one (not so good). Comfort for longer distance rides-how is the riding position and seat? Accessories availability options & pricing especially a screen, perhaps main stand, pannier rack or C bow mounting for soft luggage? Lights (any good at night?). Is it easy enough to remove the chain for cleaning in kerosine after those dusty trails (does it have a link)??Are the controls straight forward to operate & easy to use? Do you have all the information you might want-fuel gauge-clock-trip counters X 2-gear indicator-ambient temp gauge-compass.

What brand are those Sunglasses?? Nice

Could you review your gear? Looking for a new helmet and that one looks nice!

They really are beautiful bikes.

what about heat from high pipe?

My experience as a Triumph Bonneville owner is everyone loves to look at it. I have never had a Harley owner put it down for being a European bike. They get this almost drooling look at it. Some Harley owners hide and watch it go by. The thing that I would do over is buy a British Customs exhaust system immediately. That exhaust system makes the newer Bonnevilles sound like the British bikes of old. Take care. Vaughn

Colours of that bike..."Shut up and take my money!!!"😍👍😉

Who doesn't want to be like (alive) Steve McQueen 🤷‍♂️

Did you switch the 690 for this?

Do you want to buy a bunch of older bikes too and keep them for a while, like a BMW GS or so. Great work though Roman.

TFL try to get your hands on a 2022 Indian FTR 1200

love everything about my XE but the blinker button... it's as much work hitting it as hitting a bulls eye

When is Andre doing a towing test with it?

Theres one here at the dealer. I like it but not the price

Its the Dogs Balls ;-0

It is a rumble beautiful multipurpose , modern classic, good looking, scrambler style of bike! There are things that could be bettered. Like for the price , it could bring from stock the leaning cornering abs, to mention one aspect that has to be improved, because it is a safety feature, and in fact, the XE model, is too tall for my taste and I hate the golden front forks on it. The XC is the right version of this bike for me. The absence of braided lines for the breaks is another Fawlty option from Triumph here. It doesn’t comply with the premium level of the general materials used in it. This two defects made me rethink the purchase of the bike for the indicated price, that is high. That’s why I ended choosing an R Nine T scrambler instead ✌️✌️

This is the only review where they brought up the Bobber .

Speaking words of wisdom . . . .

Could have skipped the brake disk diameter specs. Not many care about that. Nice purchase, happy riding!

I could see this machine as my 2nd bike. Second bike? asks the wife...Anyway, I agree around town..perfect. As you mentioned fuel range keeps you in town. There is little wind protection, so I might need something larger than a fly screen for the super slab but then the scrambler vibe is gone :(

Jamás podría manejar una moto así ya que mido 1,66 🤷‍♂️. Por ese motivo debo inclinarme hacia la Triump street scrambler, de 900cc.

4 gallon fuel tank with a 120 mile range ? That's pretty harsh 30 MPG . You must be a speed demon! 😎

Roman (I think we’re pretty close in age), I love cycles too and have two. In some strange way the over powering infatuation (and yes the bright green yellow heavy equipment operator jacket definitely alarmed me) will mysteriously evaporate in a few months, not sure how but it will. Hope you enjoy it throughly but know your limits, maybe short rides on level ground until the infatuation melts away.

I think the mobile phone storage location has been well considered. It’s illegal, not to mention very dangerous to be compelled to use your phone when you’re riding. So it gets locked away, fantastic ! It may save not just your life, but other peoples lives too. It’s a good thing.

Ive been beating the piss out of my 2019 XE for two years and 19,XXX miles. Instead of swapping the completely useable and perfectly working master cylinder, just add some brush breakers? Factory on the XE. The stock Tourances are complete garbage...THATS something to complain about 😆 I swapped those bean counter approved rubber for TrailAttack3 after 5k on the Tourances. Fantastic tire but a 90/10 road/off ratio...I’m running Dunlop TrailMax Mission (considered a 50/50) for the last 3k and they’re amazing. If you think you might take the less traveled road, then the Trailmax (MADE IN USA) is the way to go!! As for the exhaust...I’m already reading comments about the exhaust 😆 Look, it’s a High pipe exhaust, my dog knew the day I brought the bike home that the exhaust would be hot...soooooooo, if it’s a concern only AFTER sitting on the bike and not a common sense realization that the exhaust might be hot under your leg as you approach the damn thing, then maybe y’all need to look into the Yamaha Bolt “scrambler” 😆 Yes, it’s a heavy bike for what Triumph designed it for...but it works. The Scrambler 1200 is quick, will wheelie without hesitation in nearly every gear, it’s comfortable, the ergos are perfect ( at least for ME), the bike is a BEAST! Aside from the terrible terrible terrible surging idle...a Booster Plug will Help (not fix) a lot! Definitely recommend it, the Scrambler 1200 is amazing! You know what, there’s so much more...I’m gonna make an update video for my XE! Ride on!!! 🤘🏾

Nice bike!!! Yes please matching leathers would top it off.....although colour coordination with men maybe not, .still making my mind up Ducati, Triumph , Norton , or maybe a brand for each day, so many awesome bikes around these days, thinking if I wait for finer weather, I see Harley Davidson have electric bikes now “LiveWire” they call em....what were they thinking. Electric motorbikes..hell no

I have owned all harley's and just bought the XE version. In love

Lol just when I was going to applaud you for wearing bright colors. I saw my Dad wipe out on his bike cause someone didn't see him on the highway. He never rode again. I always wear bright colors if im on anything but a car on the road now. I'll take not what my Dad went through over a bit of needing to be cool to the Harley idiots thankyou very much. Ok it doesn't have to be bright yellow but its defiantly going to have some bright colors and for sure reflectors on my jacket and helmet. Every little bit you can do to keep the idiots who shouldn't have licenses from hurting you is ok in my book. 😅 So wear that amour and your helmet people. I got my Starwars helmet build in process. I got a helmet with a hidden visor and now I just need to find a professional to paint it with some reflectors as part of ye scheme.

I wish those plastic reservoirs were actually cheap. While they may look cheap, nothing on a Triumph is inexpensive.

I just wish they would have kept manufacturing in England,

One of the few bikes tall people don't look like praying mantis on. Try "twin piston" next time 😀

I still have my bell 1966 helmet(like paul newman wore is grand prix).

Nice, but it looks really small

I like the overall look of the bike. The screen is amazing. Clever spokes but so ugly. Too much money for what it is. How hot is the exhaust on your legs?

Why did you get it if you didn't like the price ?

Harley's dont even come close in terms of cool factor compared to triumph, call me bias but damb its a good lookin bike 😏👍🇬🇧

Triumph but a cheap plastic reservoir on all their bikes, in the hope that new buyers will go through the options list and upgrade everything.

sweet

I would think them spokes could get easily damaged 🤔

What’s next beard and mustache? lol 😆

Wow

No Triumph owner has ever had envy over a Harley Davidson. Triumph is universally recognoised as a super cool brand. Harleys are synonymous with old, fat hilbillys and most people would be embarrased to admit that they like them.

Very nice bike! Loving the motorcycle content. #gomotorcycling