The modern classic for all occasions
I'll be honest with you, I really want to own one of these! I'm a huge fan of the Triumph modern classics range and believe that the Bonneville base has produced some of the finest looking bikes currently on the market. There's something for everyone, with the base model Street Twin for those with a limited budget, or perhaps just looking for something stripped back and simple, to the laid back Bobber and the performance orientated Speed Twin.
With a wealth of readily available OEM accessories it's never been easier to customise your bike, all without affecting your warranty.
Personally, I love the Scrambler look, taking me back to images of Steve McQueen looking effortlessly cool. Triumph offer two Scrambler models: the 900cc Street Scrambler, and the bigger 1200cc Scrambler 1200, offered in the more road-biased XC variant, or the serious off-road XE.
My choice would be the XC, sitting slightly lower than the XE model, without sacrificing much in the way of ability. And it's the all-round ability that I love about this bike, it can really do anything. Off-road, city riding, touring, you name it, she's ready. With the typical Triumph geometry she's still flickable, despite tipping the scales at a little over 200kg, making town riding a breeze. There's optional luggage available, built to the highest quality that you expect from Triumph, so it's a practical bike, ready for riding to the office everyday.
The dual purpose tyres might not be the absolute best for serious off-roading, but they are good enough and offer ample traction even in the wettest, muddiest conditions, and when you're ready to hit the open road, the Metzeler Tourance tyre's are ready for mile munching.
The higher specced XE model comes as standard with heated grips and hand guards (optional on the XC), which if you couple them with the optional touring screen turns this bike into an ultra capable tourer. The torquey 1200cc engine with 6 speed transmission are happy to sit on the highway for many a mile, and with the 10,000 mile (16,000km) service intervals, running costs are kept sensible.
I only had a limited amount of time with the bike, and instantly fell in love. If I had the budget I would have bought one, but I instead settled for the baby brother Street Scrambler. The tech is lovely and easy to use, from the keyless ignition to the TFT display, which is crystal clear, easy to use, and customisable to your own tastes.
For all the pro's there are few cons: the exhaust is HOT. I'm not sure if it's engine related, or heat shield, but you will get a warm right leg, which oddly enough is not the case on the Street Scrambler.
If you're a shorter rider, then the bike might just be too big. With a seat height of 840mm (50mm higher than the Street Scrambler) you will definitely need some long legs to get your feet on the floor. I'm 6'4" tall (193cm) and I could get both feet on the floor, however I am at the tall end of the spectrum!
In summary, the Scrambler 1200 is a lovely piece of kit, loaded with tech, and a silky smooth engine that will pull from low revs in all gears thanks to the abundance of torque. She'll definitely put a smile on your face, and of everyone you pass thanks her looks, but also sumptuous twin cylinder engine note from those high pipes.
SPECS
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Type Liquid-cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel-twin
Capacity 1200 cc
Max Power EC 90PS/ 89bhp (66.2kW) @7,400rpm
Max Torque EC 110 Nm @ 3950 rpm
Gearbox 6-speed
CHASSIS
Frame Tubular steel with aluminium cradle
Swingarm Twin-sided, aluminium
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Width Handlebars 840 mm
Height Without Mirror 1200 mm
Seat Height 840 mm
Wheelbase 1530 mm
Dry Weight 205 kg
Tank Capacity 16 L
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel Consumption 4.9 l/100km (58 MPG)
CO2 Figures EURO 4 Standard: 113g/km
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