Triumph's custom build off- Triumph Originals - is back for 2026

Dust off those high exhaust pipes and find a good set of knobby tyres! Triumph Motorcycles has officially pulled the covers off the 2026 edition of its global custom bike challenge, Triumph Originals. This year, seven countries are going head-to-head to build the ultimate time-capsule Scrambler.

If there is one bike in the modern classic world that practically begs to be customized, it’s the Triumph Scrambler. Born out of the 1960s "desert sled" culture when riders threw on high pipes and knobby tires to tackle the dirt, the platform has a rich history. Now, Triumph is tapping back into that competitive spirit.

For 2026, the brief handed down to the teams is simple yet incredibly challenging: "Time Capsule." Teams from seven countries—the UK, US, Spain, France, Italy, China, and Canada—have each teamed up with a top-tier local custom workshop. The mission? Pick a momentous decade from the Scrambler’s past and build a completely bespoke, one-off machine that captures the style and attitude of that era.

"This motorcycle started out as a model made by riders, built through personal tweaks and ingenuity, and that same spirit of customisation still sits right at its heart today," says Triumph’s Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud.

The finished builds will be revealed over the winter, where an expert panel and a public vote will combine to crown the ultimate winner in Spring 2026. You can track the progress and behind-the-scenes action directly on the Triumph website.

The Modern Scrambler Lineup: Which Platform Would You Pick?

While there are no Kiwi builders taking part in this year's edition of Triumph Originals, that isn't going to stop us from fantasising about the possibilities while we wait to see what wild custom creations the global workshops come up with. So here's a reminder of the stellar five-bike Scrambler stable Triumph currently offers:

• Scrambler 400 X: The accessible gateway into the family. It pairs a punchy, lightweight single-cylinder 400cc engine with long-travel suspension and a commanding riding position. Perfect for around-town darting and light trail work.

• Scrambler 400 XC: Building on the 400 platform, the XC steps things up with a more rugged stance, additional protective parts and tubeless spoked wheels.

• Bonneville Scrambler 900: The quintessential urban classic. Driven by a high-torque 900cc twin engine pumping out that unmistakable British twin bark, it rolls on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoked wheels for effortless style.

• Bonneville Scrambler 1200 X: Big-bore performance made accessible. It features the torque-rich 1200cc Bonneville engine and a highly approachable 820mm seat height (which drops down to 795mm with the accessory low seat).

• Bonneville Scrambler 1200 XE: The heavy-hitter. Built to conquer serious off-road terrain, the XE boasts a dedicated Scrambler engine tune, premium finishes, and a dirt-ready 21-inch front wheel.

With eras ranging from Steve McQueen's 1960s desert sleds to modern 2020s big-screen stunt bikes to choose from, the builders have their work cut out for them.

Which era do you think the teams should target, and which Scrambler platform would you choose for a custom build? If it were us, it'd be hard to look past the sharp new lines of the Scrambler 900 as the starting point of our custom journey... that is if we had anywhere near the skillset or talent these builders are sure to show off.

Stay tuned for more updates as Triumph Motorcycles releases them.