Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE Review: The Best Scrambler Money Can Buy? 

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My experience with sport mode: Drove around in rain mode/road mode for 3 weeks after getting bike Stopped at light, figured I'd try sport mode Light goes green I immediately wheelie,nearly vertical, and let off the throttle Bike slams back down and my visor pops up Didn't crash Pulled over, shat a brick, and rode home Love my scrambler to this day!

I have 30,000km on my 1200xe 2022. It’s the perfect adventure bike if you don’t like adv styling on other bikes. I’m 6’2 and it’s perfect for tall riders. The power is awesome, the exhaust isn’t that hot and is actually nice when it’s below 20c because it warms you up. The worst part of the bike is that $500 key fob that tells you it’s out of battery then will last another 10,000km. I hate key fobs on bikes.

Timbo! Great video, and kudos to Rob for allowing a non-bearded presenter on the channel. Very inclusive. 👍

Good to see you again Tim. Missed the delivery and content on your channel. Well done again both, great review. 👍

i test rode one of these, i really liked it and i could flat foot it too, i went for the Speed Twin 1200 (my first bike!) as that was more my style and the lower seat height gave me more confidence. would love one of these as a second bike one day!

Good review. Although, when you state that the 1200XC is there in case you "got no intention of going off-road", I think that's selling the XC short. I agree that the XC is a better option if you're riding more on the road, but it is VERY capable off-road. I've said it multiple times, but if the XE didn't exist, the XC would be viewed as a beast of a Scrambler, with 8" of suspension travel, a 21" front wheel, and everything else. The XE seems to kick the XC aside for off-roading in most reviewers eyes, but I believe this is an assumed "bigger is better" mindset. There's something to be said about a slightly lower seat, and shorter wheelbase when making slow, technical maneuvers, no matter your height. Keep up the great content!

Has Rob's channel finally grown to the point that he can hire Tim full-time?? That would be awesome

Nice review and i was happy to see that you weren't riding it in full Moto X gear. I'd get one in a heartbeat, even though it would be used 99% of the time on the road.

To me, this is an ADV bike, does everything with style.

I’ve had my 1200 XE a year now, ride dual sport and Naked Sports and there is literally no other bike I want than my XE. It does everything well…30mph gravel, 60mph country twisties, commuting, and interstate jumps. I sold my ZH2 to stay under 120mph :) for long term safety and the only other bike I might ever want would be a Ducati Streetfighter V4s someday maybe?? But I’m really happy with my XE as my one bike to rule them all.

Enjoyed a day on/off road with the xc more than I thought I would. Riding my 900 is not quite the same now.

Must say, Triumphs sure do sound amazing

You must really like this bike, Bob - isn't it the second glowing review you've given it? I have a 22 plate XE goldline which I love. At 6' 5" (1.96m) I can easily flat foot it both sides. I found the stock seat uncomfortable so got Viking Seats to reupholster it which has made it great for 300+ mile days and has given it a bit more height. I've put 11,500+ miles on it since it arrived in March this year and have taken it all over UK and through the Alps and it's been brilliant throughout. It's great fun to ride, I can get as much luggage as I need on it and I plan more long distance trips on it. There's no getting away from the fact that even being a Euro 5 model the exhaust sometimes gets a bit warm on my right leg but it's not a problem for me - shouldn't we expect an exhaust to get hot?! I've done a little cautious light off-roading on it and TBH I would not want to be trying to pick it up solo if (when!) I drop it. The Baja Orange paint is fantastic and, for me, the bike in this colour scheme oozes Steve McQueen California cool (YMMV!). The keyless fob seems a bit of a gimmick to me.

I’ve got a 32” inseam. Seats at 34.5” Lowered mine 2”, 1 with the Tec Flank rear springs and dropping forks in triple tree, 1 with a seat. With riding boots it’s perfect and I’m flat footed. Also had a catless header on the bench before I picked up the bike. Then opened up the intake. Hard to state the next thought without an expletive. It’s awesome, favorite bike ever. If you’re into 2 lanes, logging roads and fire trails, this is the schnitzel. High quality motorcycle with looks, guts and lineage. Highly recommended.

Great presentation. Thanks

Since i got my own, theres no place in my heart to other bike, except the limited Bond Edition, Also the Steve McQueen ed. The best bike i ever owned in years!

Excellent video, thanks for sharing. Cheers

To anyone concerned about the heat from the exhaust, there are three ways I would tackle it. 1) buy some cheap fibre tape exhaust wrap, wrap under the heat shields already there and you will barely notice it and costs about £20. 2) remove the catalytic converter, several companies will do this, like TEC in the UK. 3) get the hot section of exhaust ceramic coated. It’s not a deal breaker.

I miss my 1200 XC tremendously ! I never should’ve traded it in ! I did get an R1250GS, but I will get another scrambler to park next to it

Part ex’d my SpeedTwin for one of these. Loved the ST however this is a more planted ride. It has more road presence. A safer ride. It’s a better bike I believe.

I sat on one yesterday, I’m 5’11” and was on tiptoes. I had a T120 and it felt like a lifted one of those.

Before I picked up this ‘20 XE I had a catless header on the bench and knew I could drop the suspension 1” and the seat 1”. I’m 5’-10” with a 32” inseam. Done all that plus a TEC Flank 2-1 exhaust (shaved 10#) and their booster plug. Improved intake flow by removing snorkel and adding a more free flowing air filter. Made all the difference in the world, both rideability and exhaust note. More balls as well. I’ve installed a short baffle. Sound is awesome… perfect…hard to describe without using an expletive. Phenomenal machine. On 2 wheels most of my 63 years. Although an ‘08 CVO Dyna is a hoot and a half, this is my favorite motorcycle. Should also mention, my 4th Triumph. Dunlop Trailmax Missions seem to be the schnitzel. Two lane black tops, gravel logging roads and fire trails. Scramble On Here’s an example. Mine’s a bit louder and is white w/green stripe. Brown seat and swapped out mirrors for TEC bikes bar end mounted in brushed aluminum. Looks as good as it rides and sounds. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vxHLQ3yEd14.html

What green jacket are you wearing? Good review!

Nice Review buddy.Triumph Scrambler is worth for money motorcycles.i like it

Looking forward to the next 6monthly podcast too guys😂😂👍

People want something with unique character that has real capability, great power and is beautiful - someone builds it and then people complain that it is not for the average rider. No kidding. Suzuki still makes motorcycles as far as I know - very affordable. As for the weight it is about 90 lbs lighter than 1200 BMW GS and you can see where you are going because it is not cluttered with plastic everywhere. I have customized mine with Unit Garage panniers, frame mounted windscreen and mini fairing and it is freaking amazing off road and I have ridden 600 miles in a day on the stock seat without issues. I wear real MX boots so I don't notice the heat much. Everywhere I go people ask me about this motorcycle and everyone loves it. I have been riding for 45 years and started on dirt bikes. I have had a dozen motorcycles this is my favorite motorcycle ever. It does everything pretty well. It is not for beginners. You have to really know how to ride and you need to be in good physical condition to ride this bike hard. If a big, capable, powerful, great looking bike is not what you are into, then OK.

Nice review. If I had room, this would be my 3d bike.

my favourite bike out there

Is like you read my mind, I want to change my speeedmaster with this one, tomorrow going for test👌I'm 6'3" and I think will suit me best...

With that exhaust it may be ok for the UK climate, but it'll be unbearable in hotter mediterranean summer (especially for the passenger). I really like the Triumph scramblers, but the muffler position is what makes me stick to my Africa Twin.

Front end looks like the XRS900 especially the front light

The Euro 5 model is 5 kg heavier than the Euro 4. With a light exhaust system the bike feels nimble and very manageable.

Yay Tim. And yay Bob.

This is a very succinct review without too much fluff; covered all the important facts- just what I look for in a bike review. Thank you! (Although this bike isn’t for me)

It’s at least the best looking one. Unfortunately it’s eye watering expensive here in NL…

But for the 80s casio instrument possibly

500+ lbs of tall, top heavy bike. Sounds like a real handful for all but the most experienced off road riders. At low speed on uneven terrain a tall heavy bike is going to give the unaware a lot of practice picking the damn thing up. So avoid the really nasty stuff and enjoy its great styling and agile performance. I learned to ride on a BSA 650 Firebird Scrambler and love the classic lean shape of this Triumph.

For this price? I Think yes is the best. I love my 1200xe.

The weight ? Men used to scramble 1200 c.c. full size Harleys and Indians, yes off road. Then again they didn't have green hair, wear skinny jeans, and stop to drink a latte.

I am very surprised that you don’t cover the important default of such motorcycle. It’s the heating from the right side that is huge!!! I personally love this bike but this heating is not possible and should be mentioned as an information. Except if Triumph made a big change regarding this aspect? From the video we still see the same exhausts…very nice but known for burning the right leg. I tested it so I can confirm…

Top-heavy. I like the colour but for 800 extra! Does orange paint cost a lot, or something? I think I prefer the Ducati Scrambler 1100. Lighter. And it doesn't have a 21'' front wheel.

I guess the DeserX could be considered retro to a certain extend

Definitely my bike

I am an enchanter. There are some who call me…Tim? 👍🇨🇦🤪

I test rode one of these thinking I was going to buy it immediately. Unfortunately I found it too uncomfortable, too tall and too top heavy. I was also disappointed with the performance considering it's a 1200. I still love the looks but it isn't for me.

I would go with the EC version. I think it hits the sweet spot for the reality of how this style of bike is used. Yes. These bikes are capable. But. There is just no way I personally could spend over ten grand on a sweet bike and risk dumping it off road. You are going down off road. You just have to decide the speed you feel comfortable crashing 😄😄😄

I found the xc to be too tall (I'm 5'10") and far too top heavy. And I was really eyeing this bike :(

Ah, ya it’s obviously the best, as nothing comes close, especially those silly adventure bikes.

When will we get you two on camera at the same time for some top bants? This bike is too big for me, even if I had the funds. :D

Love your vids! To cater to your US audience would you be able to start adding the measurements like weight in lbs and distance in miles? It would save those of us who don’t know the conversions from googling how much 230kg is in lbs. You’re awesome, keep it up!

This is Urban Rider not Motobob 😅 I’m confused

Is this suitable for tall riders ?

Unfortunately they are not launching the XE in India😢

Am I missing something with his initial confusion getting the key out of the ignition? Is that not how every bike key works?

What about the heat from the exhaust? It's a major flaw, that you didn't even mention. Useless review just stating the specs, it's all written on manufacturer's website.

There were more orange bikes in the 70s than there are now

I had one - not very comfy on long trips and impossible to stand up and ride for any length of time (due to the pipes) - lovely styling and great sound - great for posing about on and short trips on Sunday but don't be fooled - it's not a long distance adventure bike for on/off road

are you related to toby kebell

Ya you basically just recited the specs and features.

The sponsor adds are spoiler your high standard reviews sadly. We all understand the money is needed, but not during the review

Second here

Eh? That isn't Bob, that is that bloke Tim from that channel that sells m/c clothing (that one in London). What happened to Bob? Has he hired a 'man'?

Not a scrambler and not a motobob. 😉

It’s beautiful but too tall and heavy for most and the exhaust burns your leg

Where the fuck is Rob?

A 1200cc bike is not a scrambler, it's a fashion statement and that's about all these are.

First here

Scrambler? Don't make me laugh!

Not if it weighs 500 pounds.

Great vid until you shoved a second paid promotion for the expensive and much over advertised Car Vertical in at the end! Don’t care how much they want to waste my time with insisting you spend many minutes promoting them but I’m seriously bored and I don’t care how many countries their history comes from they’re more expensive than the default UK standard HPI check that tells you everything you need to know on any British Reg bike (or car)! Like your style but hate the paid promotion overkill!

What a waste of an engine..

BTW Cardo sucks, worse communication system I have had so far.

Not very smart test rider , black helmet , a want to be out law biker with a black helmet . Insurance Company s have proven that white helmet s or Florent green or Florent orange are involved in the least amount of accidents and black helmet s are involved in the most accidents

7:32 what bike has a key that is not locked? like it ain't 1960 anymore.

I really REALLY like this bike, and sorely would consider it, right now, BUT....the thing weighs almost 550 pounds....! Who the hell wants to ride a scrambler THAT heavy..? And I thought the Ducait Desert Sled was heavy. But it is over 100 pounds lighter, ...ONE...HUNDRED....POUNDS LIGHTER. Such a shame. A 'heavy pig' scrambler is NOT a scrambler....but a PIG. Truly a damn shame. I really like everything about this bike BUT the weight just KILLS the purchase. Really a shame.