Scrambler 1200 Owners - What should I know?

[CarlS]

Jeremy at Baxter Cycle told me to check the free play on the clutch. I have 2" Rox Risers on the bike and with full right steering lock there was virtually no free play. I adjusted the bar and the set the free play to about 3-5mm. Shifting is now solid from 1st to second, even with the slightest upward press on the shifter. Problem appears solved.

I want to thank everyone for jumping in with suggestions... J/K.

Thank you very much for updating us with the solution. Glad you got the problem solved and that that it was an easy fix.

 

[scr1200xc]

I am happy to try to answer any questions or give my opinions if anyone is curious.

Good choice on the scrambler. I picked up the first XC to hit my nearest Triumph dealer last March. I'm just under 5,000 miles and I absolutely love it. I am wondering what you think about the Triumph fog lights other than it being lame that the high beams turn them off. I want to get a set because I ride in the evening more than I should and we have a tone of deer where I love. I'm hoping they help illuminate the sides of the road. If they weren't so outrageously expensive I would have already bought them.

 

[Dr Joe]

Good choice on the scrambler. I picked up the first XC to hit my nearest Triumph dealer last March. I'm just under 5,000 miles and I absolutely love it. I am wondering what you think about the Triumph fog lights other than it being lame that the high beams turn them off. I want to get a set because I ride in the evening more than I should and we have a tone of deer where I love. I'm hoping they help illuminate the sides of the road. If they weren't so outrageously expensive I would have already bought them.

I am going to be an expensive resource for you. I love the fog lights. I don't ride much at night, just once in a while. In the daytime and dusk, you can't see them of course, but I assume and hope that they make my bike more visible to oncoming traffic. However, at night they totally and brilliantly illuminate the ground between the bike front tire and the bottom of where the headlights begin their illumination. Just like fog lights should. I love that expanded illuminated view and the switch is perfectly integrated into the grip and there is an icon that turns on the dash. You should make a list of everything that you might possibly want on the bike, and contact Jeremy at Baxter Cycle. He seems to have a solution for everything.

I am almost embarrassed to say that I just made a deal on an XE, so I will own both and XE and an XC. Before you send the white coat guys to get me, eventually they will reside in different states. So, yes. I also love that bike.

 

[CarlS]

I agree with Dr Joe about the fog lights. I do s lot of riding in the back country and sometimes after dark. Theyu certainly help me spot critters at the sides of the road.

 

[Dr Joe]

BTW, I had to remove the ROX risers, as they again caused issues with the handlebar wiring and the bike would not start (again) after I adjusted the Sag.

 

[MplsRider]

Hi Dr Joe, thank you for starting this thread. I am just a bit north of you and share your same height and weight (also all muscle of course /s).
I am weighing the XE vs XC. I also plan to do very little off road riding. If I was going to go that direction I would go with a smaller CC bike.
I love how tall the XE feels, but do you think you made the right call going with the XC as a Long Fellow?

 

[Dr Joe]

Hi Dr Joe, thank you for starting this thread. I am just a bit north of you and share your same height and weight (also all muscle of course /s).
I am weighing the XE vs XC. I also plan to do very little off road riding. If I was going to go that direction I would go with a smaller CC bike.
I love how tall the XE feels, but do you think you made the right call going with the XC as a Long Fellow?

I don't know if you read that or even if I mentioned it in this post but I now on both an XC and an XE. I am working on making a YouTube video right now differentiating the two bikes. That is definitely a tough call. Frankly, now that I have adjusted the bike suspension and I removed the 2in Rox risers, I do find that the XC leans me forward a bit, so I am leaning on my hands more. Not bad at all, better than almost any bike except the XE... as I do feel a bit more upright on the XE. However, that upright position catches more wind but this is not really a great bike for long Interstate travel where that does seem more noticeable. Also, there is no Center stand for the XE. However, I did get the bobbins put in and bought a lift for the rear so that's only a minor issue. Bottom line, I think I am slightly more comfortable on the XE, however I think price, availability and accessories are just as important in making that decision.

 

[Mike R]

A centre stand has just become available

Scrambler 1200 Centre Stand

Please keep us posted.

www.triumphtalk.com

Mike

 

[MplsRider]

I don't know if you read that or even if I mentioned it in this post but I now on both an XC and an XE. I am working on making a YouTube video right now differentiating the two bikes. That is definitely a tough call. Frankly, now that I have adjusted the bike suspension and I removed the 2in Rox risers, I do find that the XC leans me forward a bit, so I am leaning on my hands more. Not bad at all, better than almost any bike except the XE... as I do feel a bit more upright on the XE. However, that upright position catches more wind but this is not really a great bike for long Interstate travel where that does seem more noticeable. Also, there is no Center stand for the XE. However, I did get the bobbins put in and bought a lift for the rear so that's only a minor issue. Bottom line, I think I am slightly more comfortable on the XE, however I think price, availability and accessories are just as important in making that decision.

Center stand would be nice.
I wonder if you would have purchased an XC after the fact if you would have purchased the XE first? I guess since the seat is flat i could scoot as far back as needed on the XC so it should be fine.

 

[Dr Joe]

Center stand would be nice.
I wonder if you would have purchased an XC after the fact if you would have purchased the XE first? I guess since the seat is flat i could scoot as far back as needed on the XC so it should be fine.

I got a great deal when I purchased the XC, plus it had the Escape package which had a lot of the equipment I like. However, equipment being equal, and price not being a concern, I would have gone with the XE. It is scooting back on the seat which causes me to Lean Forward on the handlebars. If I scooted up and sit where a normal sized person would sat that is no issue at all. I find the riding position on the XC is better for higher speed traveling, less bugs and wind, but for scooting around town I slightly prefer the XE. You can't go wrong with either bike. Before you buy, you should contact Baxter cycle - Jeremy. I know they deliver bikes, and he just bought 6 XE and XC from Triumph and got some sort of a discount that he would likely pass along. Get it soon. It's a short season!

 

[MplsRider]

I know the smart short term money thing for me to do would be to buy a 2019 Duc Scrambler 1100 here locally that has 250 miles and was purchased by a guy that didn't like it. It's for sale for $8k, but it feels very small and they detuned that beautiful 1100DS engine a bit for emissions reasons.

 

[Dr Joe]

I know the smart short term money thing for me to do would be to buy a 2019 Duc Scrambler 1100 here locally that has 250 miles and was purchased by a guy that didn't like it. It's for sale for $8k, but it feels very small and they detuned that beautiful 1100DS engine a bit for emissions reasons.

Yes. But then you run the risk of being the guy who bought a bike he doesn't like. I sat on a desert sled because the dealer would not allow test drives and it was definitely a lot smaller then the triumph. I looked at and rode a bunch of bikes before i bought and the Triumph Scrambler 1200 was the most expensive. But it just fit me better... not even close. Most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. I require a bench seat. I've never found a bike with a dedicated sitting position that didn't feel cramped. Also, I remember watching a YouTube video where three reviewers Road 3 scramblers. The Ducati, a BMW, and the triumph. All three rated the triumph as best all around. I'm sure you've seen some of the many videos reviewing this bike and comparing it to other scrambler. Whatever you get... enjoy the ride.

 

[MplsRider]

Thanks Dr Joe and others. I made the plunge here on Saturday and picked up the last white XE at a really good dealership in Monticello Mn. Found some great back roads to ride back from the dealership. This is the first time I have owned a bike with bells and whistles like cruise control, traction control and even ABS. I like all three.
The motor is one of my favorites that I have ever had a chance to ride (and I have a problem changing bikes a lot). I love the suspension and riding position too.
My only regret is trading in my 09 Multistrada 1100S (had 8200 miles and everything sorted included recent maintenance and tires). Going in I really wanted to continue to be a one bike one/one scooter person, but I just might call the dealership when they open on Tuesday am to see if I can buy back my Multi. Love both bikes for different reasons.
Looking forward to exploring the corners of this area this summer and fall and once this virus is treatable or a vaccine exists getting out West with it. Might make a trip the UP in late August.

 

[Mike R]

Thanks Dr Joe and others. I made the plunge here on Saturday and picked up the last white XE at a really good dealership in Monticello Mn. Found some great back roads to ride back from the dealership. This is the first time I have owned a bike with bells and whistles like cruise control, traction control and even ABS. I like all three.
The motor is one of my favorites that I have ever had a chance to ride (and I have a problem changing bikes a lot). I love the suspension and riding position too.
My only regret is trading in my 09 Multistrada 1100S (had 8200 miles and everything sorted included recent maintenance and tires). Going in I really wanted to continue to be a one bike one/one scooter person, but I just might call the dealership when they open on Tuesday am to see if I can buy back my Multi. Love both bikes for different reasons.
Looking forward to exploring the corners of this area this summer and fall and once this virus is treatable or a vaccine exists getting out West with it. Might make a trip the UP in late August.

Congratulations on your new bike but I understand what you mean about letting an old friend go. I suppose that is why so many motorcyclist have a small (or not so small) collection

I think you need to post a picture

Mike

 

[MplsRider]

Congratulations on your new bike but I understand what you mean about letting an old friend go. I suppose that is why so many motorcyclist have a small (or not so small) collection

I think you need to post a picture

MikeView attachment 47942

Thank you and I will get a photo up. Nice accessories on your XE. Is that an aftermarket seat? Also where was this photo taken?

 

[Mike R]

Thank you and I will get a photo up. Nice accessories on your XE. Is that an aftermarket seat? Also where was this photo taken?

No it's not an aftermarket seat....the hump at the back is a tail bag.

The picture was taken at the Leed's Pals Memorial (in the UK the Pal's were battalions raised in a local area at the beginning of the First World War. The idea was that friends, work colleagues and relations could serve together. Many towns such as Accrington, Bradford, Chorley, Sheffield etc raised such battalions. Although they trained and served together, they were also killed together. The Pal's Battalions were devastated on the 1st day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916.) between Pateley Bridge and Masham in North Yorkshire, UK

Mike

 

[Rocky]

Interesting bit of history

 

[MplsRider]

No it's not an aftermarket seat....the hump at the back is a tail bag.

The picture was taken at the Leed's Pals Memorial (in the UK the Pal's were battalions raised in a local area at the beginning of the First World War. The idea was that friends, work colleagues and relations could serve together. Many towns such as Accrington, Bradford, Chorley, Sheffield etc raised such battalions. Although they trained and served together, they were also killed together. The Pal's Battalions were devastated on the 1st day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916.) between Pateley Bridge and Masham in North Yorkshire, UK

Mike

Thank you for the background on this. Just read a little more about the Battle of the Somme.
Looks like the memorial is in a beautiful nature preserve. cheers!

 

[Dr Joe]

Thank you for the background on this. Just read a little more about the Battle of the Somme.
Looks like the memorial is in a beautiful nature preserve. cheers!

Yes. I belive that the 1st day was the bloodiest in WWI with nealy 20,000 allied soldiers dead in the 1st few hours. Brits really miscalculated that one. More died in WW1 than in WWII. In many ways, WWII was just the end of WWI after a 20 year hiatus.

So, you made the plunge! So did I in a way. I traded my XC on Saturday for a slightly used 2020 Bonneville T120 Ace. In may ways that is a downgrade. The bike is a bit small for me, but that makes it easier to toss around. Also, I had the XC decked out with a bunch of Triumph accessories (side bag, heated grips, grip protectors, fog lights, TPMS, and more), I'd go on but it makes me sad and a bit sick. However, my Bonnie had a bunch of upgrades done (de-cat X pipe, exhaust, cruise, heated grips, suspension and more). Overall I paid in to get basically an inferior bike. I only did it because I decided that I just liked the XE better than the XC (especially after I took off the handlebar risers) and keeping both was just redundant (even though they are really different bikes from the rider position point of view). Anyway, I already miss my beautiful XC. The only way to get over that, will riding my XE! The pic of my XE is at Baxter Cycle, and the Bonnie is on my driveway after a bath. I bought it clean, but after 70 mile drive home, in 90+ degree F weather in Iowa, the bike and I were covered in bug blood.

I miss (almost) every bike I ever sold, so I get your desire to get your Multistrada back. Hell, who can live with only one bike? We just need more hours in a day and more good weather days in a year to ride them all.

Best luck with your XE. I think you made a great choice. Ride safe and maybe we can meet up sometime. I used to live in MN, my wifes whole family is from there, and I have a son who lives there so we get up there quite often.

joe

 

[Greyfell]

The T120 Ace is a very nice looking bike!