Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
2026 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE: 90 hp scrambler, 1200 twin, 230 kg, Showa and Öhlins, €17,195. Full specs, press reviews and rivals.
At a glance
The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is a scrambler with a 21-inch front wheel and 250 mm of suspension travel, powered by a 1,200 cc, 90 hp parallel twin, which gets a Showa fork and Öhlins shocks for 2026. Priced at €17,195 (€17,795 in two-tone colours), it is the most off-road-focused version of the Scrambler 1200 range, above the Scrambler 1200 X. Reviewers praise its engine, comfort and genuine off-road ability, but note its 230 kg weight, tall 870 mm seat, lack of wind protection and road-biased original tyres.
World press review
Meta-score
8 sources
Press ratings
Still as enjoyable and capable off-road, Marzocchi suspension just as plush as the previous Showa and Öhlins set-up; weight that is hard to hide on technical terrain.
Still a formidable off-roader despite the switch to Marzocchi and a lower US price; very plush suspension on the road; no wind protection.
Superb engine, looks and sound, switchable electronics, Showa and Öhlins suspension comfortable without being spongy; exhaust heat, disappointing stock tyres, high centre of gravity and standing position hampered by the right-hand header.
Engine without weak points, remarkable electronics and brakes, very much at ease off-road; pitching when riding hard on the road.
An aesthete's bike, effective on the road and off it, precise Stylema calipers, firm and effective suspension; higher price, no wind protection and a passenger seat for occasional use only.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No scored review of the 2026 model year has been published: the numeric scores cover the 2024 XE, from the same generation (same engine, frame, brakes and electronics) but fitted with Marzocchi suspension. MCN rates it 4/5, Bennetts BikeSocial 4/5 and Motorcycle.com 91.25/100; the meta-score of 84/100 is calculated from these three scores. Visordown, RevZilla Common Tread, Moto.it and Le Repaire des Motards tested the 2024 XE without a numeric score. Only 1000PS has tested the 2026 XE with Showa and Öhlins suspension, without a score: it finds it comfortable without being spongy.
What reviewers like: a torquey, characterful twin, a great sound and looks, genuine off-road ability (MCN, BikeSocial, Visordown, RevZilla), very comfortable suspension, precise Brembo Stylema brakes and comprehensive, switchable electronics. For BikeSocial, nothing on the market really comes close.
What they criticise: a 230 kg weight that is hard to hide on technical terrain (Visordown, Motorcycle.com), a tall, firm seat (MCN, BikeSocial), no wind protection (RevZilla, Le Repaire des Motards), road-biased original tyres (1000PS, Le Repaire des Motards), exhaust heat and a standing position hampered by the right-hand header (1000PS), and a high price.
Key quotes
"As a machine that can do so much and look so good in the process, the 1200 XE is a mighty machine."
"If you want the biggest, baddest Scrambler on the market with true off-road potential then look no further than the new XE."
"Triumph’s Scrambler 1200 line continues to be the real deal with the XE capable of true off-road adventure and the X more approachable than ever."
"The Scrambler 1200 XE is basically what it always was; the most authentic-looking modern classic you can buy."
"The combination of fully adjustable Öhlins shocks at the rear and a Showa fork at the front delivers plenty of comfort without feeling spongy."
"That said, if you are looking for a Scrambler/Modern Classic that is at ease on the road but also off-road short of the extreme, the XE is for you."
"Swapping the Öhlins suspension for Marzocchi is therefore no handicap, especially if you are not aiming for competition-level enduro."
Pros
- Torquey, characterful 1200 twin
- Genuine off-road ability (21-inch wheel, 250 mm of travel)
- Fully adjustable Showa and Öhlins suspension
- Precise Brembo Stylema brakes
- Comprehensive, switchable electronics, standard cruise control
- Style and finish
Cons
- 230 kg weight and high centre of gravity
- Tall seat (870 mm)
- No wind protection
- Original tyres too road-biased for off-road use
- Exhaust heat and standing position hampered by the right-hand header
- €17,195 price
Our review
What is the 2026 Scrambler 1200 XE?
The Scrambler 1200 XE is the most adventurous version of Triumph’s Scrambler family, part of the Modern Classics range. The current generation dates from the 2024 model year. For 2026, Triumph replaces the Marzocchi suspension with a 47 mm Showa BP-SFF upside-down fork and twin Öhlins shocks with twin springs, all fully adjustable, and adds two colour schemes with an “XE” graphic and gold pinstripes. Engine, frame, geometry, weight and electronics are unchanged.
The Scrambler 1200 X is a separate, more road-oriented and more accessible model: 170 mm suspension travel, axial Nissin calipers, an 820 mm seat and 228 kg wet. It remains in the French range from €14,995.
How much does it cost?
Triumph France lists the 2026 Scrambler 1200 XE at €17,195 in Sapphire Black and €17,795 in Matt Khaki Green / Matt Crystal White or Silver Ice / Phantom Black. There is a single version, with no A2 variant: the bike requires a full A licence. The 2024 XE with Marzocchi suspension is still offered as a “previous model year” from €16,495. In the United States, the 2026 XE starts at $16,595.
How good is the engine?
The 1,200 cc parallel twin (97.6 x 80 mm), with a single overhead camshaft, 8 valves and a 270° firing order, makes 90 hp (66.2 kW) at 7,300 rpm and 110 Nm at 4,500 rpm according to the spec sheet; Triumph’s presentation text puts peak torque at 4,250 rpm. It has a single 50 mm throttle body and a high-level exhaust on the right-hand side, ending in two stacked brushed stainless-steel outlets. The gearbox has six speeds, with an assist clutch and chain final drive.
The foreign press is unanimous: MCN calls it “an absolute gem”, BikeSocial finds it even better than before and Moto.it finds no weak point. MCN finds throttle response a little abrupt in Sport mode, and 1000PS points out that so much torque calls for finesse on loose surfaces.
How does it ride?
The tubular steel frame is paired with a long aluminium swingarm, a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheel, fitted with tubeless Metzeler Tourance tyres (Michelin Anakee Wild approved). The suspension offers 250 mm of travel at each end. Braking combines twin 320 mm discs and radial Brembo Stylema calipers at the front, a 255 mm disc and a Nissin caliper at the rear.
Only 1000PS has tested the 2026 model year: it finds the Showa and Öhlins pairing comfortable without being spongy, but notes a high centre of gravity, slow changes of direction and a limited steering lock. On the 2024 XE, MCN, BikeSocial and Moto.it noted suspension that dives and pitches when riding hard on the road, while praising its compliance off-road.
What equipment does it have?
The XE offers six riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road, Rider and the XE-only Off-Road Pro, which fully disables ABS and traction control). An IMU manages cornering ABS and traction control. Cruise control is standard, as are full LED lighting, the colour TFT dash, the joystick control, the under-seat USB socket, the sump guard and hand guards. My Triumph connectivity requires an optional Bluetooth module. There is no quickshifter.
Who is it for?
The XE is aimed at riders who want a modern classic that can tackle real trails, not just look the part. Its 870 mm seat, 230 kg and complete lack of wind protection suit riders comfortable with a big bike, on back roads and tracks rather than motorways.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Triumph quotes 4.4 L/100 km, giving a range of about 340 km from the 15-litre tank; BikeSocial recorded 4.6 L/100 km on its test of the 2024 XE. Oil changes come every 16,000 km or every year, valve clearance checks every 32,000 km. The warranty is 2 years with unlimited mileage.
Recalls
No recall affects the 2024-2026 Scrambler 1200 XE (NHTSA, RappelConso).
Specifications
| Displacement | 1200 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 90 hp (66.2 kW) @ 7,300 rpm |
| Torque | 110 Nm @ 4,500 rpm (Triumph spec sheet; 4,250 rpm in the presentation text) |
| Weight | 230 kg (wet) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.56 |
| Seat height | 870 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15 L |
| Fuel consumption | 4.4 L/100 km (Triumph figure) — CO2: 109 g/km according to Triumph France, 105 g/km according to the press kit |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 16,000 km or 1 year — Valves: check every 32,000 km (Triumph owner's manual) |
| Engine type | Parallel twin with 270° firing order, 4-stroke, SOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, assist clutch |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €17,195 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 97,6 x 80 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Fuel system | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection, ride-by-wire, single 50 mm throttle body |
| Valve train | SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Max power RPM | 7300 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 4500 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Tubular steel with steel cradles, twin-sided aluminium swingarm |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 26.9 ° |
| Trail | 129 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1570 mm |
| Front suspension | 47 mm Showa BP-SFF upside-down fork, adjustable preload, compression and rebound, 250 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Twin Öhlins piggyback shocks with twin springs, adjustable preload, compression and rebound, 250 mm travel |
| Front brake | Dual 320 mm floating discs, Brembo Stylema M4.30 four-piston radial monobloc calipers, Brembo radial master cylinder |
| Rear brake | Single 255 mm disc, Nissin single-piston floating caliper |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 150/70 R17 |
| ABS system | Cornering ABS (IMU), fully switchable in Off-Road Pro mode |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road, Off-Road Pro, Rider |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Quickshifter | No |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Dashboard | Colour TFT, two themes and three layouts |
| Connectivity | My Triumph (phone, music, turn-by-turn navigation) with optional Bluetooth module |
| Other features | IMU (cornering ABS and traction control), Off-Road Pro mode disabling ABS and traction control, Ride-by-wire throttle, Backlit switchgear and 5-way joystick, Full LED lighting with daytime running light, Under-seat USB socket, Aluminium sump guard and hand guards |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Scrambler: upright, wide adjustable handlebar |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | None (no screen), standard hand guards |
| Payload | 210 kg |
The Scrambler 1200 XE puts the rider upright behind a handlebar 65 mm wider than the Scrambler 1200 X’s, adjustable thanks to reversible risers and a removable 10 mm spacer. The footpegs are wide, with removable rubbers, and the brake pedal is adjustable. The seat stands at 870 mm: BikeSocial finds it too tall for some and MCN finds it firm. There is no wind protection, as noted by RevZilla and Le Repaire des Motards, which finds the riding position very pleasant but the passenger seat only good for occasional use. Standing up, 1000PS is hampered by the right-hand exhaust header, which forces an asymmetric posture. Maximum payload is 210 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
4.6 L/100 km (Bennetts BikeSocial reading on its test of the 2024 XE)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~340 km (calculated from Triumph's figure: 15 L tank / 4.4 L/100 km)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 16,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 32,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 32,000 km |
| Chain | Lubricate every 300 km; wear checked at every service (DID 525 chain) |
Warranty
2 years / Unlimited mileage
Triumph’s owner’s manual specifies a first service at 1,000 km or 6 months, then an oil and filter change every 16,000 km or every year (10W40 or 10W50 oil, 3.4 litres). The air filter is replaced every 16,000 km, more often in dusty use; the fuel filter, spark plugs and valve clearance check come every 32,000 km. Coolant is changed every 3 years and brake fluid every 2 years. The drive chain is lubricated every 300 km and the spokes are checked regularly. Triumph France’s warranty is 2 years with unlimited mileage, with optional 1- or 2-year extensions.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE | €17,195 | 90 hp (66.2 kW) @ 7,300 rpm | 230 kg (wet) |
| BMW R 12 G/S2026 | €17,660 | 109 hp | 229 kg (wet) |
| Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin2026 | €14,999 | 102 hp | 231 kg (kerb) |
| Moto Guzzi V85 TT2026 | €13,600 | 80 hp | 230 kg (kerb, 90% fuel) |
| Ducati DesertX2027 | €17,490 | 110 hp | 209 kg (kerb, without fuel) |
Generations
- Scrambler 1200 XE (1re génération)2019 – 2023
1,200 cc · 90 hp · 110 Nm · 207 kg (dry)
Launch of the Scrambler 1200 with a 21-inch front wheel in XC and XE versions; the XE gets a 47 mm Showa fork and Öhlins shocks (250 mm of travel), Brembo M50 calipers and an IMU; Euro 5 update in 2021.
- Scrambler 1200 XE (2e génération)2024 – today
1,200 cc · 90 hp · 110 Nm · 230 kg (road-ready)
The X replaces the XC; the XE switches to fully adjustable Marzocchi suspension, Brembo Stylema calipers, a single 50 mm throttle body and Euro 5+, and loses keyless ignition; for 2026 it gets a 47 mm Showa fork and twin-spring Öhlins shocks.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrambler 1200 XE (1re génération)2019 – 2023 Launch of the Scrambler 1200 with a 21-inch front wheel in XC and XE versions; the XE gets a 47 mm Showa fork and Öhlins shocks (250 mm of travel), Brembo M50 calipers and an IMU; Euro 5 update in 2021. | 1,200 cc | 90 hp | 110 Nm | 207 kg dry |
| Scrambler 1200 XE (2e génération)2024 – today The X replaces the XC; the XE switches to fully adjustable Marzocchi suspension, Brembo Stylema calipers, a single 50 mm throttle body and Euro 5+, and loses keyless ignition; for 2026 it gets a 47 mm Showa fork and twin-spring Öhlins shocks. | 1,200 cc | 90 hp | 110 Nm | 230 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
No known recalls for this model.