When Triumph Motorcycles pulled off their usual trick of making the second-generation of a particular model infinitely better than the outgoing model – in this case, the Scrambler 1200 – South African riders were drooling at the thought of a retro adventure bike that had the off- road chops to go with the style, for aren’t we one of the few countries in the world where you can properly exercise your adventure bikes?
The Scrambler 1200 arrived, and it was as good as everyone said it was, if not better. Triumph had no problem selling whatever number of units it brought into SA, for the not-inconsiderable but still acceptable price of R240,000. Then Triumph UK brought in a new pricing structure that lifted the Scrambler 1200 just too high for the local market – up to R280-290,000. Cue end of imports.
When Triumph UK queried why there were no orders for the Scrambler 1200, they were informed of the pricing issue. To their credit, they looked at the price and agreed to a more market-relevant price for South Africa. And that’s why we once again have the glory that is the Scrambler 1200 in the country.
There are two models available: the Scrambler 1200 X and 1200 XE, costing R230,000 and R260,000 respectively, and the differences are significant.
The first thing you notice is the height of the models. The 1200 X has a seat height of 820mm, while the 1200 XE’s seat is 870mm, giving it a much more purposeful stance, although shorter riders will appreciate the height of the 1200 X.
The 1200 X has non-adjustable Marzocchi suspension front and rear and the brake calipers up front are two-piston Nissins acting on 310mm discs. The 1200 XE gets fully adjustable Marzocchi suspension at both ends, along with four-piston Brembos acting on 320mm discs. Both bikes run on 21/17-inch rims front/rear.
In addition, the 1200 XE has 70mm wider handlebars and slightly increased rake and trail which, along with the increased suspension travel, gives a 45mm longer wheelbase. They have different instruments and switchgear, and the XE comes with additional off-road riding modes.
Interestingly, Triumph SA is bringing both models in with the tank finished in plain black. The reason for this is that, even though there are various custom paint jobs available from the factory – and the 1200 X pictured has one such paint job – they do add hugely to the price, whereas Triumph SA can paint the tank in whatever colour scheme you like for a much better price. In effect, you are buying a blank canvas upon which to stamp your personality. There is currently a particularly beautiful 1200 XE sitting on the floor at the Johannesburg showroom with a custom paint job. It has my name on it, but only if I win the lottery!
As these aren’t new models, they don’t necessarily warrant a repeat road test – there are plenty of reviews online, including this one (Classic Adventure: Riding the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE) from 2019, when the model first arrived. Having said that, renewing acquaintance with what is one of my favourite Triumph models ever brought out the enthusiast in me, which means I simply can’t resist telling you all about it.
It occurs to me that Triumph, more than other manufacturers, is defined, to an unusual degree, by its engines. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that there have been, for many years, only two configurations – the three-cylinder and the parallel twin, both of which are iconic and traditional configurations for the brand. Only lately have they been joined by the single-cylinder 400 models.
The 1200cc parallel twin that has been in existence since 2016 has, in my humble opinion, become one of the great motorcycle engines of all time. The original Triumph 500cc parallel twin from 1938 changed the face of motorcycling, at least within the British motorcycle industry and, while perhaps the modern 900/1200cc Triumph parallel twin engine cannot claim such lofty achievements, it is still a remarkable and desirable piece of engineering.
It propels you along on a wave of creamy smooth power and torque, the soundtrack is sonorous and musical, it’s attractive visually and it can turn its hand to any application you care to mention, excelling in all of them. It is such an easy engine to live with and in the Scrambler chassis, it is hard to think of an engine that would suit the bike better.
Being a taller rider, I appreciated the extra height of the 1200 XE and also the overall appearance, which the extra height enhances. That extra height also completely changes the riding experience. The 1200 X is by no means inferior but, despite being identical mechanically, it feels different to ride and will find favour with shorter riders, even if the lack of ground clearance will give it a slight handicap off-road.
On the road, both are brilliant. The riding position is near-perfect and the performance so readily accessible that it is easy to let the inner hooligan out and go far too fast everywhere! Conversely, there is so much torque that it is also easy to not be in a hurry and still enjoy the ride to a ridiculous degree. Steering and handling are beyond reproach and either suspension set-up soaks up our bad roads with aplomb. Likewise, both brake setups give expected stability and performance.
And then we come to overall quality which, as is usual for Triumph, is second-to-none. There is very little plastic anywhere and plenty of brushed aluminium. The high-mounted exhaust gave no excessive heat problems in the cool air of a Highveld winter although, despite the extensive heat-shielding, your right inner thigh might get a little warm in the heat of summer. But I don’t remember it being a deal-breaker from my last test of the model.
The only criticism that hardcore adventure riders might have, is the relatively small 15-litre petrol tank which could give rise to a bit of range anxiety when in the middle of nowhere but, for general use, it’s not a problem.
I have been accused in the past of being over-enthusiastic about Triumph products, but I simply can’t find fault in any meaningful sense. Subjectively, I find them aesthetically beautiful and beautifully made; the performance is everything I want and nothing I don’t need; the quality justifies the price, as do the equipment levels. In the grand scheme of things, R230-260,000 is a lot of money, but it is a price I would willingly pay for a bike that ticks every box that is important to me.
For the record, the 1200 XE as tested had optional extra-cost engine crash protection, the high-mounted front mudguard and small LED indicators.
Triumph Scrambler 1200:
For more information on the motorcycles featured in this article, click on the links below…
