Talk me down off the ledge! (Triumph 1200XE Scrambler)

[motorcyclegordy]

It seems like every three or four years I get the itch to sell my current big ADV bike. Sometimes it’s from a brilliant marketing campaign, a need for more speed etc.

Having owned a v-Strom 1000, versys 1000, KTM 1190 Adventure, BMW, S 1000 XR and my current ride, the S-10, I’ve tried a few. The S-10, to me, incorporates the best attributes of all of the aforementioned bikes.
Unfortunately/fortunately I’ve come across the triumph 1200 XE. Probably one of the nicest looking ADV bikes I’ve ever seen. Now I am debating selling the S10 (which I never thought I would do)and or selling something else to get one of these 1200s xe’s.
The only difference between this time, and the other times is that I am pausing to reflect on what is driving this desire to purchase the triumph. Likely, the only way I would pull the trigger is if I can get a last year‘s model for a really good deal, this may or may not happen anyways. I am patient and I am willing to wait for another year or so.
Would love to get feedback from anyone who has experience with the triumph 1200 XE. I am aware of the differences between the XE and the XC and the new X that has replaced the XC. If I was to get one, it would definitely be the XE.
Thanks

 

[bimota]

welcome

how come you joined 3 years ago and this is your first thread

rob

 

[thughes317]

We had a member go Triumph, didn't keep it very long.

Story here: https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/triumph-tiger-1200-gen4-2022.33427/

 

[Cycledude]

If you can afford it Buy what you like.

 

[Sierra1]

Welcome, from Texas. Sounds like you've thought it through, and your mind has already been made up. "I" would stick with the Tenere for what it's worth.

 

[JT3NSB]

Gordy, I sold My Triumph Explorer for my current S10. Couldn’t wait to be rid of the Triumph. When running well, it’s a hell of a machine. Mine had electrical gremlins. We couldn’t chase them out. Many times I was stuck in remote places, power cycling the bike and waiting for it to reset so I could get home. I had zero confidence in the thing. With The S10, I never have to be concerned with reliability. Just my .02

 

[Fordf350]

how come you joined 3 years ago and this is your first thread

He said he was a patient man. It’s nice not to be in a hurry.

 

[scott123007]

He is talking about the Scrambler 1200, NOT the Explorer. Completely different animal, and very well liked by all who have ridden it. Ask Checkswrecks about the differences.

 

[motorcyclegordy]

Gordy, I sold My Triumph Explorer for my current S10. Couldn’t wait to be rid of the Triumph. When running well, it’s a hell of a machine. Mine had electrical gremlins. We couldn’t chase them out. Many times I was stuck in remote places, power cycling the bike and waiting for it to reset so I could get home. I had zero confidence in the thing. With The S10, I never have to be concerned with reliability. Just my .02

Definitely one of the reasons I went with the S-10 was the reliability and lack of chain maintenance.

 

[Checkswrecks]

[Thread moved to Other Bikes sub-forum]

We had a member go Triumph, didn't keep it very long.

Story here: https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/triumph-tiger-1200-gen4-2022.33427/

That was me and the big GTPro was one of the few bikes I've ever bought, gave a chance, and truly disliked.
But as Scott writes below, it's a completely different bike than the Scrambler 12 XE.

He is talking about the Scrambler 1200, NOT the Explorer. Completely different animal, and very well liked by all who have ridden it. Ask Checkswrecks about the differences.

When Romney Cycles had the Camp-N-Ride last year they were able to get the Triumph factory truck to come allow us test rides. (It's back this year too.) Some of us rode certain models over and over and over. Dirt_Dad, me, and others really got to like this bike. As with the Guzzi V85TT I eventually bought, the XE and XC absolutely are a blast in tight corners.
Make SURE you understand and are OK with how the traction control feature is turned off. The TCS on gravel is overly restrictive. (I may've possibly perhaps gone on a road that wasn't part of the official test route.) I had the ABS kick in once on a test ride and was glad it did. I really liked the digital gauges.

When I was then looking to replace the brand friggin new Tiger 1200 GTPro the XE was therefore a leading contender. The things that shot it down were (1) my lady did not like riding on the back and considered it to be too loud.
This was the biggie and if not for her I may've gotten it. Obviously may not apply to others.
(2) small tank so not much range and fly screens don't offer much wind protection. Definitely a bruiser, not a cruiser.
(3) I don't want another chain bike.

Other than those:
If you haven't found this thread already: https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/triumph-1200-scrambler.1291096/
Some owners have been having problems with the Triumph no-key fob.
Real skid plates can be hard to come by.

 

[EricV]

The two bikes don't do the same things. If you want a naked scrambler play bike, sure go for it. (I currently ride a Yamaha XSR700)

But realize you're not tossing some gear in the pannier and taking a weekend trip. You're not hopping on the Interstate and riding to a RTE a few hundred miles away. You're not out on a ride, seeing that gravel/dirt two track and going, hell yeah, I'm going to explore that!

Instead you'll be thinking, "If I had the S10, I'd just ride down that and see where it went. Maybe some other day." And thinking about that trip to the next state or states away but remembering how the scrambler sucks at interstate speeds with the extra wind and fatigue, short range seat, etc. Yeah, I'll just take the car to visit my friends.

OTOH, the S10 can do everything the scrambler can do, plus everything else. What it's not, is a 400 lb bike. (Oh wait, neither is that pig of a Triumph at 507 lbs)

Remember, every Triumph owner needs a second bike too. You need something to ride when the Triumph is stuck in the shop waiting for parts or repairs.

 

[Andylaser]

Just sold my S10 after 10 years. Anvil like reliability and an honest reliable machine. Fancied something lighter and a little more nimble so got an Intrerceptor which will be lightly scramblerised.

 

[audiowize]

The Triumph scrambler would be awesome as a second bike along with a Tenere. I would not want to accrue major mileage on one though, as the seat is a horrendous creation and wind protection is non existent. A friend I ride with frequently has a scrambler and a Bonneville and the key drives him completely nuts, but I doubt he'd ever sell either bike.

 

[motorcyclegordy]

[Thread moved to Other Bikes sub-forum]


That was me and the big GTPro was one of the few bikes I've ever bought, gave a chance, and truly disliked.
But as Scott writes below, it's a completely different bike than the Scrambler 12 XE.

When Romney Cycles had the Camp-N-Ride last year they were able to get the Triumph factory truck to come allow us test rides. (It's back this year too.) Some of us rode certain models over and over and over. Dirt_Dad, me, and others really got to like this bike. As with the Guzzi V85TT I eventually bought, the XE and XC absolutely are a blast in tight corners.
Make SURE you understand and are OK with how the traction control feature is turned off. The TCS on gravel is overly restrictive. (I may've possibly perhaps gone on a road that wasn't part of the official test route.) I had the ABS kick in once on a test ride and was glad it did. I really liked the digital gauges.

When I was then looking to replace the brand friggin new Tiger 1200 GTPro the XE was therefore a leading contender. The things that shot it down were (1) my lady did not like riding on the back and considered it to be too loud.
This was the biggie and if not for her I may've gotten it. Obviously may not apply to others.
(2) small tank so not much range and fly screens don't offer much wind protection. Definitely a bruiser, not a cruiser.
(3) I don't want another chain bike.

Other than those:
If you haven't found this thread already: https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/triumph-1200-scrambler.1291096/
Some owners have been having problems with the Triumph no-key fob.
Real skid plates can be hard to come by.

Great info, thank you. I’m pretty sure for the 24 model year. They’ve gone back to a regular key definitely the touring windscreen would be almost I believe unit garage makes a touring windscreen and a small side fairing that is colour coated to each bike. That is the exact colour I would like in the picture above it just looks amazing.

 

[scott123007]

You're not out on a ride, seeing that gravel/dirt two track and going, hell yeah, I'm going to explore that!
Instead you'll be thinking, "If I had the S10, I'd just ride down that and see where it went.

Where in the world did you come up with that idea? That's one of the Scrambler's stronger advantages.

 

[EnnK]

Just recently I was in the same boat as OP in the sense that I was also looking to swap my S10 for something more exciting. However, after doing many test rides on a number of alternatives I have come to a conclusion that there is no other bike that would be as comfortable for my body in long multi-day rides than Super Tenere. Versys 1000 came very close, but the gear lever position is terrible and can not be adjusted. On Tracer 9 GT+ I am too cramped and it has too hard suspension, Triumph triples are too buzzy for my palms, GS is simply too expensive and unreliable, the same goes for KTM and Ducati.
So I have decided that I will invest into the ST instead. Just had the ECU flashed at a local dyno shop, the first impression riding home is that the bike became a completely different animal (a sudden winter came back here, so I can't ride it more). I will also install steel-braided brakelines for better front braking and swap the clutch slavecylinder to make the clutch lever more ligther. Short of quickshifter, these will bring S10 closer to the more modern bikes out there for some more years to come.

 

[EricV]

Where in the world did you come up with that idea? That's one of the Scrambler's stronger advantages.

By owning a Super Tenere for 150k and having other bikes. The Scrambler is like a VStrom, it wants to fool you that it can do more than it really can, but both are just street bikes that are styled for a 'look'. It's just my read on it, don't let it bother you. All my bikes have been tools to take me places. Even the scooters. The XSR700 in the garage now is the first toy bike I've owned.

 

[scott123007]

By owning a Super Tenere for 150k and having other bikes. The Scrambler is like a VStrom, it wants to fool you that it can do more than it really can, but both are just street bikes that are styled for a 'look'. It's just my read on it, don't let it bother you. All my bikes have been tools to take me places. Even the scooters. The XSR700 in the garage now is the first toy bike I've owned.

Lol, you're talking to me like I just joined this forum. I have read your posts for years and know you are well rounded when it comes to all things motorcycle. I was just surprised at your comment about the Triumph, because you obviously haven't ridden one. And, just for the record, I took my VStrom 1000 everywhere I took my last two S-10's, so there's that.

 

[EricV]

Lol, you're talking to me like I just joined this forum. I have read your posts for years and know you are well rounded when it comes to all things motorcycle. I was just surprised at your comment about the Triumph, because you obviously haven't ridden one. And, just for the record, I took my VStrom 1000 everywhere I took my last two S-10's, so there's that.

You're right, I've never ridden the Triumph. Not my cuppa. I had a '09 650 VStrom too for a couple of years. Never really liked it. Granted the newer ones have improvements. It didn't help that I had the Super Ten at the same time. The VStrom was a back up/loaner bike for guests. I rode the 1000 that a friend had fully pimped out and it didn't give me a warm fuzzy either. Sort of like why did you spend all this money on extras when you could have just bought a Super Ten and gotten shaft drive too?

When I look at the Scrambler, It's just a naked standard. I wanted a play bike, but reliable. And that price point is silly high, for me. I also find it odd that I keep seeing different weights, all on the Triumph website. One said 507 lbs, another 453 lbs. How many Scrambler models are there?

What it looks like is an attractive bike that's got some nice features and is fun to ride. But I suspect more show up at bike nites than lonely two tracks.

 

[magic]

Triumph has a 900 scrambler and a 1200 scrambler with a couple variations of each. The green one pictured above looks like a 1200. Other than some isolated electrical problems, they are pretty solid bikes.