2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC/XE

[Hugh Janus]

2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC (Triumph /)

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 XE (Triumph /)

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 XE (Triumph /)

2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Updates For 2020

2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC (Triumph /)

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 XE (Triumph /)

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.

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