Triumph Motorcycles made us wait for the new range of its go-anywhere Scrambler lineup after announcing its updated Bonneville lineup earlier this year, but the wait is now over and we've got all the details on these stylish yet rugged machines. Let's take a closer look.
Breaking cover first were the new Scrambler 1200s along with the limited edition Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen. Pricing is yet to be finalised by Triumph Motorcycles New Zealand but we expect the new 1200 Scramblers to arrive in the coming months.
Triumph has followed on from the work on the Bonneville family and given the Scrambler 1200 XC and 1200XE an update for the coming year.
As with the rest of the modern classic range, Euro5 emissions have been met by the Scrambler’s 1200cc parallel-twin engine without the loss of power. Power for the new bikes is claimed at 110Nm at a low 4,500rpm and 90PS at 7,250rpm.
Like the Bonnevilles, the Scrambler also gets a low inertia crank and a high compression cylinder head, plus a dedicated Scrambler tune, specifically developed to give the perfect balance of power and torque delivery for both road and off-road riding, the result is incredible torque from low down right through the rev range.
As part of the Euro5 update, the Scrambler’s exhaust has been tweaked with the result not only helping get the Euro5 stamp of approval but also giving better the twin high-level exhaust system improved heat distribution.
The suspension and braking combos remain the same Öhlins and Brembo units with the suspension being fully adjustable and the brakes being Brembo’s monstrous M50 calipers up front.
Packed with state-of-the-art technology and rider aids, the new Scrambler 1200 XC and XE continue to show Triumph’s dedication to giving their bikes the best available electronics.
Both models feature the full-colour TFT instruments with two different design themes, each with three display layout options, allowing the rider to alter the amount of information shown, according to their preferences. As before, the TFT start-up sequence can also be personalised with the rider’s name.
The new Scrambler 1200 is also pre-enabled for the accessory-fit My Triumph connectivity system. This allows the rider to access phone calls, operate music, use turn-by-turn navigation and manage a Go-Pro through the handlebar controls and TFT interface.
Connecting the rider and the engine is Triumph’s latest generation ride-by-wire which enables the use of six riding modes – Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road, Off-Road Pro (available on the XE only) and Rider-Configurable. The riding modes can be selected while on the move (with the exception of the Off-Road and Off-Road Pro modes) and adjust throttle response, traction control and ABS settings for optimum performance in all riding conditions.
The Scrambler 1200 XE also features optimised-cornering ABS and optimised-cornering traction control both of which automatically adapts the level of intervention to maintain the optimum ride, at any lean angle.
Additional high specification rider-focused technology, standard on both of the 2021 Scrambler 1200 models, includes torque-assist clutch, cruise control, keyless ignition, under-seat USB charging socket and the internal wiring ready to plug in the accessory fit heated grips, which have 3 modes and are accessed through a really intuitive button built into the left grip.
Triumph hasn't forgotten its popular 900cc Scramblers in the latest update, with the Street Scrambler getting the same updates as the Bonneville T100 in the engine department as well as its own special edition model for the 2021 model year.
Pricing for the Street Scrambler range has been confirmed as starting at $18,990 with the bikes set to arrive over the next couple of months.
Visually the 2021 model Street Scramblers have had a refresh with a new side panel with an aluminium number board, new brushed aluminium throttle body finishers, heel guard and headlight brackets, adventure-oriented leather and textile seat material.
Likewise, the engine has also seen a range of updates which, like the 1200s, focus on achieving Euro5 homologation without losing any power.
Power is claimed at 64.1bhp at 7250rpm with torque a solid 80Nm at a low 3250rpm.
The Street Scrambler also gets its own special edition for 2021 in the form of the Sandstorm Edition.
The Street Scrambler Sandstorm limited edition celebrates the Triumph Scrambler heritage in the desert rides in the USA and only 775 will be produced.
The Sandstorm takes the latest generation Street Scrambler, and adds a unique and contemporary Sandstorm Edition paint scheme and more rugged style and detailing, with a host of premium accessories fitted as standard.
Visually, the Sandstorm Edition stands out with its custom paint scheme that incorporates Triumph’s Matt Storm Grey and Ironstone colours on the tank in a unique new tri-tone style, with a Matt Storm Grey factory-fitted high-level front mudguard fitted as standard as well.
The Sandstorm also features the premium Triumph accessory tail tidy as standard, incorporating a compact LED tail light and number plate light plus a heavy-duty aluminium sump guard, headlight grille with subtle Triumph branding and protective rubber knee pads on the tank.
All of these are factory-fitted accessories that come as standard on the Sandstorm limited edition but can be bought from the expansive accessories catalogue.