2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X and XE

In the 1960s, Triumph’s high-piped TR6C Trophy epitomized the scrambler category—it was essentially a road-going motorcycle remixed for some light off-roading. But if you wanted a truly capable one, a real desert sled, you had to build it yourself. At no small cost. In 2024, ready-made scramblers, endowed with the romance of the originals and built with true off-road-capable components (not just out-of-the-way high pipes) can be bought off the showroom floor. In 2019, Triumph took the scrambler formula to the extreme with its new Scrambler 1200s. Maybe too extreme considering both the XC and XE models’ radical performance—and associated tall seat heights—made them a nonstarter for riders looking for an approachable ride.

For 2024, the big news is that Triumph has further differentiated both models, keeping the XE model’s up-spec, high-performance off-road bent, while making the X model both more affordable and more approachable, lowering the seat height and the level of spec—and dropping the “C” in the model name. In fact, both the X and XE models are less expensive than the 2023 versions. It’s not too often you can say that about updated models, is it? Both versions use a reworked version of Triumph’s SOHC 1200cc twin—good for a claimed 89 hp at 7000 rpm and 81.1 lb.-ft. of torque at 4250 rpm—and they look nearly identical. Until you take a closer look. And that’s where things get interesting.

The 2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X starts at $13,595—$1150 less than the 2023 XC that it replaces. It uses a nonadjustable Marzocchi inverted fork and preload-adjustable piggyback shocks with 6.7 inches of travel (1.2 inches less than the outgoing XC). The result is the seat height is decreased by 0.8 inch—to a reasonable 32.3 inches. Despite its lower price, the X has five ride modes and uses a Continental IMU to manage ABS and traction control. Nissin axial calipers with 310mm dual front discs and a single Nissin caliper and 255mm disc further differentiate the X from the up-spec XE. An LCD/TFT display gets the job done, though isn’t as flashy as the TFT unit on the XE.

The 1200 XE, the higher-spec, more off-road-worthy model, starts at $15,295—$900 less than the 2023 version. In place of the Showa fork and Öhlins shocks on the previous model, the new XE uses fully adjustable Marzocchi units with 9.8 inches of travel front and rear. Of note, the 45mm fork has hydraulic bump stops for increased bottoming resistance, while the new shocks use dual springs with three spring rates. Up-spec Brembo Stylema Monoblocks and larger 320mm discs up front further distinguish the XE model. For added stability off-road, it has more relaxed geometry and a 32mm-longer swingarm than the X. It also benefits from an additional Off-Road Pro ride mode, wider handlebars, a full TFT dash, cruise control, and backlit switch cube buttons.