Editor’s pick July 2025 | Hipster goals with a Triumph Scrambler

Reviews Editor Dan Trent writes…

”It’s just two years this month since I passed my bike test and, somewhat improbably, I’ve ridden something north of 60 bikes in this time in the name of work. I know I’m lucky in that and you’d think it might have helped me refine my tastes and perhaps be ready to plant my flag on a particular style of bike, or even take the plunge and buy one of my own. In fact, I’m just as uncertain as to what kind of motorcyclist I am as I was when I started out. Other than to say ‘enthusiastic’, that is.
“But what would I buy, if it came to it? Well. Maybe I’m in denial and I have to accept ‘ageing hipster wannabe’ is in fact my biking tribe. Because a Triumph Scrambler of some description would be pretty high on the list. The Bonneville-based 900 was one of the first press bikes I borrowed and it made me feel like Steve McQueen. The idealised ‘King of Cool’ Steve McQueen, rather than the somewhat less attractive reality that has seemingly come to light since.

“Anyway, I thought that was good but then I tried the 1200 version. This is a much more serious machine – basically a modern adventure bike in retro clothing given it has proper suspension and brakes, more power and all the electronics and conveniences you’d need. I’ve tried both the more road-orientated X version and the full-on XE, the latter with all the bells, whistles and long-travel suspension.
“Head says the X is the one, given realistically the Scrambler is too fancy a bike to be riding off road anyway, and it’s got the style without the scary seat height and top-heavy low-speed intimidation of the burlier XE. But pride says if you’re going to have a scrambler why go for the half-fat version? If only there were a happy medium between the two…

“Wait, there was? Indeed so! Before the 2025 model year updates the range comprised the XE and XC, the latter with most of the XE’s stature and image. But 200mm of suspension travel rather than the 250mm of the XC, and a slightly lower seat as a result. Enough to look ‘more Scrambler’ than the X. But – I’m thinking – just that bit less scary to manhandle at lower speeds. I’m speculating but I think the X has been made deliberately lower so as not to steal the XE’s thunder. Dumbed down would be putting it a bit strongly. But it does feel it’s talking the talk rather than walking the walk. There’s also the fact that although the X gets the more sophisticated cornering ABS and traction control Triumph quietly downgraded the suspension to slightly more basic Marzocchi kit over the Showa forks and glitzy Ohlins rear shocks, the brakes also downgraded from the XC’s Brembos to perfectly decent but less fancy Nissins. Which I think I’d happily take over the electronic upgrades.

“I also prefer the plainer colours of the pre-2025 bikes, the stripes and graphics on the new ones not quite suiting the retro vibe. XEs remain the dominant choice in the Autotrader listings, and it takes a little more hunting to find an XC that fits the bill. But there are a few, and if hardly what you’d call cheap all of them usefully under the 12 grand or so a brand-new X would cost. But with that Goldilocks ‘just right’ blend of looks and usability, and the fancier trim bits into the bargain. Win-win. Ageing wannabe hipster it is, I guess.”
Search for a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC on Autotrader