Triumph’s off-road-ready retros are back for 2024—or rather, the Triumph Scrambler 1200XE is back for next year, along with the new Triumph Scrambler X. Once again, the XE model is the higher-spec machine, more adventurous, and the X model is a more approachable model with a lower price tag.
Both bikes come with the Bonneville 1200 engine. For 2024, they get a new 50 mm throttle body and new headers, which is supposed to result in a better torque spread through the upper rev range, from 5,000 rpm and up. The 2024 models hit peak power of 89 hp at 7,000 rpm, and peak torque of 81 lb-ft comes at 4,250 rpm. Both of these numbers are lower than before. A torque assist clutch is also standard for 2024, and the gearbox is a six-speed. As before, Triumph’s liquid-cooled parallel twin comes with impressive 10,000 mile intervals for major servicing (or every 12 months, whichever comes first).
The Scrambler 1200 models are very similar, and a non-rider could probably never tell the difference between them, as they both come with flashy paint and basically the same chassis, and the same engine. If you’re sticking to the street, the X model is going to be less money and slightly less weight, and comes with a lower seat height as well. Photo: Triumph
Both bikes have classic scrambler features such as one-piece bench seats, and spoked wheels with aluminum rims (including an off-road capable 21-inch front). These are functional features, not just styling cues, as they make the bikes better-suited for off-road riding. Flashy paint is standard, of course, and premium fit-and-finish.
The X and XE model both come with cornering-sensitive ABS and traction control, able to keep you planted no matter the lean angle, thanks to an IMU that was built with help from Continental. The X has five rider modes built-in, which come with varying levels of safety intervention and throttle response (Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road, Rider Configurable). This is higher-spec electronica than the previous XC model, which the X replaces.
The XE has these modes and a sixth, Off-Road Pro, is designed “to allow the experienced rider complete uninterrupted control for the most challenging off-road riding.” Or so says Triumph.
Both bikes have tubular steel frames with aluminum swingarms; the X is a tad shorter, for better street handling. Both bikes have 3.96-gallon fuel tanks. Both machines run on Metzeler tires; the X gets Karoo Street tires, and the XE gets Tourances as stock (Triumph recommends Michelin Anakee Wild tires if you want to flog the machine off-road).
Breaking down these bikes further, model by model:
2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
Here’s the XE with a high-mount fender (an accessory) and the standard low-mount. Triumph aims this bike at riders who want to tackle off-road more aggressively. Photo: Triumph
The XE gets Brembo Stylema radial monobloc calipers mated to dual floating 320 mm discs. There’s a single-piston Nissin caliper in back working with a 256 mm disc.
The suspension comes from Marzocchi; the 45 mm fork is fully adjustable, with 9.8 inches of wheel travel. The twin rear shocks have the same travel. They come with piggyback reservoir, and they are also fully adjustable. The XE has a 34.3-inch seat height thanks to its more off-road capable suspension.
Other features include full-color, customizable TFT gauges, with a choice of two different layouts, and then further choices of which information is displayed. Triumph even offers a personalized startup screen. Brushed aluminum fenders come standard. The handlebars come with built-in adjustments for height, and foot controls are adjustable.
Wet weight for the XE is 507 lb.
2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X
The Scrambler 1200 X might not be as high-spec as the XE, but it’s a very similar bike with a lot to like. The lower seat height (32.28 inches) may be preferable to many customers, and if they want to go even lower, an accessory seat will get them a 31.29-inch seat height.
The X is made to be easier to ride, and easier to buy, but it still comes with a 21-inch front wheel, cartridge fork and a comprehensive electronics package. Photo: Triumph
The X comes with Marzocchi suspension as well, including a non-adjustable cartridge fork with 6.7 inches of wheel travel and a preload-adjustable shock with the same wheel travel. Dual 310 mm discs are standard front brakes, with Nissin two-piston axial calipers and the same rear brake as the XE. It gets painted fenders, instead of the brushed aluminum units on the XE. And where the XE comes with a full TFT display, the X gets a hybrid LCD/TFT display, which still can be connected to your phone for turn-by-turn nav, music playback and Bluetooth phone control.
Wet weight for the X is 502 lb.
While Triumph kept the retro styling, even the twin-shock rear end has been carefully tuned to provide off-road capability. Photo: Triumph
The bottom line
If you’re sold on either model, know that each bike comes in a choice of three colors. The XE is available in “Phantom Black & Storm Grey, which features red accents, the bold new Baja Orange & Phantom Black, or ever-popular Sapphire Black.” The X “is available in rich Carnival Red, cool Ash Grey, or classic Sapphire Black.” Those are Triumph’s names, not ours . . .
Pricing starts at $13,595 for the X model in the US (Canadians, you pay $14,795 MSRP). The XE’s pricing starts at $15,295 US (Canadians, your MSRP is $16,595). You can place orders immediately, with deliveries in February of 2024.
Should you want to trick out your machine, Triumph says it also has more than 70 accessories coming for these bikes, including heated grips, a tall touring screen, high-mount front fender, stainless steel crash bars, and a racked luggage system with almost 27-gallon capacity.
