This is the model that could become Triumph’s bestseller. Its inspiration comes from Triumph’s California desert racers of the mid-1960s, a time when the Meriden factory reached its sales peak.

The Hinckley Triumph factory’s all-new 2019 Scrambler 1200 is a serious off-roader. To prove the point Triumph has even entered one in this month’s Baja 1000 desert race to show its potential.

For 2019 there are two Scrambler 1200 models, the base XC and a higher-spec XE. Both are powered by  a new version of the 1200cc parallel twin, tuned for 66.2kW at 7400rpm and 110Nm at 3950rpm to slide between the less powerful Bonneville T120 and the sportier Thruxton in the firm’s line-up. The engine bolted into the usual tubular-steel frame, but with a new aluminium swingarm and some surprisingly serious suspension. There are two rear Öhlins piggyback shocks, a Showa upside-down front fork and Brembo M50 Monobloc brakes.

Its release now also confirms that the Bonneville range is the backbone of Triumph’s sales strategy. Apart from the Tiger 1200 and 800, and the Speed and Street Triple roadsters, everything in Triumph’s range is now spun off the Bonnie platform. From cruisers like the Speedmaster and Bobber, through nakedbikes, retros and cafe racers, the Bonneville is everywhere. Now the Scrambler extends the parallel-twin to serious off-road use.

Whereas those earlier Triumph Scrambler models were basically restyled roadbikes to portray off-road ability, the Scrambler 1200 really has what it takes.

The differences

One model, two versions

There are differences in suspension spec. The XE gets a 47mm fork with 250mm of travel compared to the XC’s 45mm/200mm. The XE has a 32mm longer aluminium swingarm, again helping increase the suspension travel. Both versions have side-laced wire spoked wheels, 21-inch at the front and a 17-inch rear, with 90/90-21 and 150/70-17 tyres.

Both models have multiple riding modes but the XE gets a sixth ‘off-road-pro’ mode that disables the ABS and traction control. The XE also has cornering ABS and cornering traction control. Both get  a new TFT instrument pack, keyless ignition and cruise control.

While both bikes share the same styling, the XE has hand guards,  heated grips and gold-coloured forks. It also gets two-tone paintwork.

Dozens of accessories include two inspiration kits that pre-package options. There is a full range of clothing for both male and female riders.

by Ben Purvis & Hamish Cooper