Triumph’s Scrambler 1200 has been a bit of a flagship model for Triumph’s Modern Classics range since it was introduced in 2019. High profile special editions themed around James Bond and Steve McQueen have given the model a certain kudos over the years. They look great, and are among the most authentic retros on the market today, but if you were to throw some criticism at them it is that they are physically large and heavy machines, which may well have proved a turn off for some riders.
Triumph have addressed this for the 2024 update, making the entry level model lower and easier to ride. It gets a new name, changing from XC to X, while the higher-specced 1200 XE gets a little bit more extreme. Both get a light makeover, new switchgear and a host of new accessories.
Both models get a revised motor designed to meet the latest emissions laws. With bigger throttle bodies and new headers among the changes brought in to not only make the bikes cleaner, but easier to ride too. Power and torque figures (90bhp and 110Nm) are claimed to be the same as the outgoing models, but with better delivery characteristics. Peak power comes in at 7,000rpm with a better spread of low down power, while peak torque now comes in at just 4,250rpm, with a flatter torque curve throughout.
We recently tested the Scrambler 1200 XC for our YouTube channel and while we were very impressed we certainly acknowledged that it is a big motorcycle. The X addresses this and even though it retains a 21” spoked front wheel (and relatively long travel suspension) the seat height has dropped by 20mm and is now 820mm, with a thinner accessory seat available to take it down a further 25mm). It also gets an updated electronics package over the outgoing XC, with five riding modes and cornering ABS as standard.
Where the XE is still tuned more for off-road riding, the X is aimed at riders who plan on sticking to the asphalt, albeit with some light dirt potential and the classic scrambler styling.
Suspension is new and comes from Italian company Marzocchi. The set-up is more road biased, with narrower handlebars, a shorter swingarm than the XE and Metzeler Karoo Street rubber wrapped around the spoked wheels, which are side laced to allow the use of tubeless tyres.
Like the XE, the styling changes for 2024 include new lights and side panels and, overall, Triumph’s designers have tried to go for a more stripped back look. One of the things we were most impressed by when we tested the outgoing XC was the sheer quality of the components and finishes and, even though the X will cost £800 less than the model it replaces, this looks still to be the case with the update models with little details like the brushed aluminium Monza fuel cap and aluminium number boards continuing to give it a really premium feel. There are three colour options: grey, black or red and the 2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200X will cost £11,895.
The XE benefits from taller Marzocchi suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes (the X runs Nissins), off-road style adjustable ergonomics, an 870mm seat height and the ability to run Michelin Anakee Wild tyres as an approved option. There’s also the option of a vibrant ‘Baja Orange’ paint job, although if that’s too funky there’s the option of a couple of black alternatives. It costs £13,295, although many owners will probably load up their Scrambler 1200s with some of the 70+ accessories developed for the new machines, including a new 35 litre tail pack and a tall touring screen, which are both new for 2024.
