FEATURE - 2021 TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 1200 - JUST BIKES

FEATURE - 2021 Triumph Scrambler 1200

While some other models in Triumph’s Bonneville family have received major changes for 2021, the Scrambler XC and XE get only a couple of adjustments for the model year, but one of them will be particularly welcomed.

2021 Scrambler 1200 XC/XE highlights

Euro 5 compliant 1200cc twin with lower emissions
New exhaust system with improved heat distribution

Since it was added to the Modern Classics range for 2019, the Scrambler 1200 has proven to be one of the most popular Bonneville spin-offs. No mere styling exercise, capability was built into the Scrambler from the outset, with its ruggedness, performance and reliability proven in several off-road events.

The Scrambler gets its own specific tuning for the Bonneville-based 1200cc parallel twin, and like the rest of the Bonneville range for 2021, the Scrambler – in XC and XE trim – is now Euro 5-compliant. Listed outputs remain unchanged at 66kW at 7250rpm and 110Nm at 4500rpm. It apparently does use a little more fuel, though.

Complementing the Euro 5 engine, the exhaust system has been updated, too, offering better heat distribution thanks to a repositioned catalytic converter and reconfigured header geometry, so no more toasty right thigh!

The engine and exhaust upgrade are the only mechanical changes for 2021, but it’s worth noting that, unlike some other models in the Modern Classic family, the MY21 Scramblers have increased in weight by 6kg each. Price has risen slightly, too, due to the extra precious metals required to get the exhaust Euro 5 complied.

As with past years, the MY21 1200 XC is the milder of the two Scrambler offerings, with the 1200 XE a more serious off-road proposition.

A 47mm Showa front end and Ohlins rear end are common to both the XC and XE, as is a ride-by-wire throttle, Brembo M50 brake calipers, Akront side-lace spoke wheels (21-inch front, 17-inch rear), customisable TFT instrument display, cruise control, adjustable handlebar and pegs, keyless ignition, USB charge port and LED lighting all round.

The differences are in areas like the suspension travel (200mm on the XC, 250mm on the XE), available riding modes (five on the XC, six on the XE) and the addition of cornering ABS and cornering traction control on the XE.

Visually defining the XE against the XC are handguards, Brembo levers and gold-finished forks, as well as a longer swingarm, increasing the wheelbase from 1530mm to 1570mm.

Colour options on both models include Sapphire Black, Cobalt Blue with Jet Black stripe and Matte Khaki Green with Jet Black stripe.