True adventure: Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE reviewed

Triumph’s Bonneville-based family of models has proved a big hit with riders in recent years, with an ever-expanding range taking in all manner of variants.

With adventure-style bikes still ruling the roost in terms of sales in the UK and beyond, it made sense, therefore, for the Hinckley, Leics, firm to produce this Scrambler 1200 XE.

The objective was a well-specced, retro-looking, scrambler-style road bike with true off-road capabilities.

Have they achieved it?

Well, it certainly looks the part, with that sculpted high-level twin exhaust, the seamless tank with brushed-aluminium Monza-style filler cap and stainless steel strap.

My XE model also came with hand-guards with an aluminium brace, gold forks and silver bars, with black anodised risers and clamp.

The folding foot controls are adjustable and the XE has a longer swingarm than its more road-oriented sibling the XC.

The spoked wheels, with a 21in on the front, let you know this is a serious dirt bike.

Jump on board that classic bench seat and you’re struck by the classy looking full-colour TFT screen.

There are layout design options and you can even personalise it so the start-up screen displays your name.

The XE has no less than six ride modes, which adjust the throttle response, ABS and traction control.

Off-road Pro mode turns off the ABS and TC completely.

All of these are easily toggled through via the joystick on the left-hand control.

Capable: Scrambler 1200 XE
(Image: Fraser Addecott)

This bike features cornering ABS and cornering traction control, which take into the account the lean angle of the bike.

All the switches, by the way, are backlit with a soft LED glow – nice touch.

With the keyless fob in your pocket hit the start button, turn on the heated grips if it’s chilly, and fire up your GoPro and Google-powered satnav – provided you have the accessory fitted Bluetooth module.

Distinctive: 1200cc motor and high-level twin exhaust

The motor is the excellent liquid-cooled, high-power Bonneville 1200cc unit, tuned to give plenty of low-down and mid-range torque.

Open the ride-by-wire throttle though, and there’s oodles of power, too, as you flick through the gears via the super-smooth torque-assist clutch.

Triumph worked with Ohlins to produce fully adjustable twin-spring rear shocks, with a massive 250mm of wheel travel.

Combined with the Showa forks and Metzler Tourance tyres, they provide superb handling both on and off-road..

Braking is via class-leading Brembo M50 four-pot calipers and twin 320mm discs – and is finger light and precise, and backed up by the perfect amount of engine braking.

On the road, the Scrambler XE performs like Triumph’s superb Thruxton.

Take it on the dirt and, for a 1200, you’ll be surprised by just how light, poised, capable – and fun – it is.