Triumph Scrambler 1200 Confirmed for New Zealand

TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 1200 REDEFINES CATEGORY 

Triumph Motorcycles partners with GoPro and Google for motorcycle world firsts debuting on the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 - due in New Zealand dealers in late-January 2019.  

Triumph motorcycles can be credited with popularising the modern scrambler class of motorcycles, thanks to their Bonneville Scrambler models which first appeared in the 2006 model year. 

While the bikes have always offered more off-road ability over the traditional Bonneville range, they have never really been particularly well suited for aggressive off-road adventures. That all changes next year, when the new Scrambler 1200 model arrives in dealerships. 

The Scrambler 1200 utilises the 1200cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine platform used by the Bonneville and Thruxton 1200, but unlike those bikes, the Scrambler’s High Power engine features its own dedicated tune to produce 66.2kW just 100rpm before redline at 7,400rpm backed by a stump-pulling 110Nm of torque from 3,950rpm. That’s 37.5% more than Triumph’s current scrambler offering, the Street Twin based Street Scrambler. 

Unlike the Street Scrambler, the Scrambler 1200 truly offers a capable motorcycle for both on the road, and well off it thanks to a host of technological upgrades. While the Street Scrambler, offers decent gravel road performance, the Scrambler 1200 ups the ante with better, suspension, more ground clearance, and a world first motorcycle integrated GoPro control system plus Triumph’s first turn-by-turn navigation system (which was developed in partnership with Google) and Bluetooth phone and music operation.  

The GoPro controls require an accessory, while the navigation can be accessed via a dedicated Triumph App for iOS and Android devices which links in with the bike itself and displays navigation data on the bike’s TFT dashboard. 

Both models also feature Triumph’s keyless ignition system as standard, meaning riders can spend more time riding and not fumbling around in pockets for keys. 

But it is in the handling department that the Scrambler 1200 truly sets itself apart. An aluminium swingarm connects to the traditional frame, while twin Ohlins rear shock absorbers maintain the heritage scrambler look while also providing ample suspension adjustment. Up front, Showa 45mm USD forks are adjustable and offer 200mm of travel in the base XC model, while the more off-road oriented XE model features 47mm forks and a further 50mm of travel.  

Both models feature Brembo M50 monoblock brake calipers, which may be overkill for off-road, but will ensure ample stopping power on the road. Plus it is of course backed by switchable ABS, Traction control and up to six rider modes for the ride by wire throttle. The latter should ensure riders have the perfect response from the engine for any given situation. 

Indicative pricing puts the new Scrambler 1200 at the high end of the Bonneville range, with Triumph New Zealand general manager, Leigh Beckhaus, indicating that pricing will be “in the mid to high $20,000 range.”