2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC/XE

Adventure-worthy components packaged in classic scrambler styling.

2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XCTriumph

Triumph’s Scrambler 1200 XC and XE models try to plant a foot in two separate moto worlds, and they mostly succeed. By looks alone, you’d peg these as classically styled casual scrambler rigs, but dig deeper—and take a gander at the price tag—and you’ll wonder if maybe they’re meant more for the hardcore adventure crowd. Both the 1200 XC and XE carry the same identically tuned 1,200cc parallel-twin engine and are made to handle street scenarios as well as off-road adventure, and both pack top-shelf components, including triple-disc Brembo brakes, Showa forks, and Öhlins shocks, tubeless wire-spoked 21- and 17-inch wheels, LED lighting, electronic rider aids, and a TFT display that is Bluetooth and GoPro camera enabled. Of the two, the XC model is a more pavement-minded all-rounder while the up-spec XE brings better off-road capability with longer-travel suspension, cornering traction control, and an Off-Road Pro riding mode.

2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XETriumph

2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Reviews, Comparisons, And Competition

The Scramblers live up to their billing for the most part too; on our First Ride, we felt the “suspension action of both models is phenomenal for a scrambler-type motorcycle and excellent if you put them in the adventure segment.” The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and XE fit into the same pool as the BMW R nineT Scrambler, Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, and Indian FTR 1200, among others, but with their varying levels of on- and off-road performance, the XC and XE might just be the most versatile of the bunch.

2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XETriumph

2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Updates For 2020

2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XCTriumph

For 2020, Triumph rolled out a specially outfitted, limited run Bond Edition Scrambler (MSRP: $18,500), but that’s already sold out, and there haven’t been any major updates to either the regular XC or XE model this year.

2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XETriumph

2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC/XE Claimed Specifications

Price $14,000–$15,400
Engine Liquid-cooled, SOHC parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement 1,200cc
Bore x Stroke 97.6 x 80.0mm
Horsepower 88.8 hp @ 7,400 rpm
Torque 81.1 lb.-ft. @ 3,950 rpm
Transmission 6-speed
Final Drive Chain
Seat Height 33.1 in./34.2 in.
Rake 25.8°/26.9°
Trail 4.8 in./5.1 in.
Front Suspension 45mm (XC)/47mm (XE) inverted fork, fully adjustable; 7.9-in. (XC)/9.8-in. (XE) travel
Rear Suspension Twin coilover adjustable shocks; 7.9-in (XC)/9.8-in. (XE) travel
Front Tire 90/90-21
Rear Tire 150/70-17
Wheelbase 60.2 in./61.8 in.
Fuel Capacity 4.2 gal.
Wet Weight 452 lb./456 lb.