Triumph Scrambler 1200 X in the Rally Test

Riding a motorcycle is much more than just a mode of transportation for many of us. It embodies passion, adventure, and freedom all in one. And when it comes to bikes that encapsulate these feelings, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X is right at the top of the list. From the moment it arrives in the garage or at a meetup, it stands out from the crowd. But how does it perform in real-world use? During the Balkan Rally, which took us over 2,500 kilometers through 5 countries, it faced one of its toughest tests. What we experienced goes far beyond the first glance.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 X immediately gives a sense of grandeur upon first mounting. With its 228 kilograms (weighed, fully fueled) and the wide seat, it instantly feels like a heavy, serious motorcycle. The wide handlebars give the feeling of holding the scepter of an empire, exuding confidence. This seating position is particularly comfortable for taller riders, as the upper body remains upright and the wide handlebars provide ample control.

What stands out immediately is the 1200 cc parallel-twin engine. With 90 hp at 7000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm, there is enough power to confidently handle steep sections and fast highway stretches. The engine, equipped with a 270-degree crankshaft, delivers a distinctive sound and gives the feeling of riding a real machine – not a sterile everyday bike.

However, with so much power, balance must be maintained. One point I had to note after the first few kilometers was the seat. In my opinion, it is a bit too soft, which becomes noticeable especially on longer rides. The seating position itself is excellent, but comfort suffers when sitting in the saddle for several hours. A firmer seat would have provided more long-distance comfort here.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 X is not just a mechanical beast but also comes with a range of electronic aids. This includes the lean-angle dependent ABS, which provides extra safety in corners. On paper, this all sounds great, but in practice, on the poor roads of the Balkans, the ABS proved to be a bit too conservatively tuned. Especially on slippery asphalt, the system had the unpleasant habit of intervening prematurely, thus disturbing the riding feel in tight corners or before roundabouts.

Carlos, our video man who was also with us, confirmed this experience. He found that the ABS regulation acted too defensively on slippery surfaces and sometimes caused unusual braking maneuvers. Especially for a bike that is also meant to be used on such demanding routes, a more suitable tuning of the system would have been desirable. On good asphalt, however, there were no problems – here the ABS performs cleanly and allows enough leeway for controlled braking maneuvers.

The traction control, on the other hand, was convincing in every situation. Whether on wet roads, in tight switchbacks, or on loose gravel tracks – the electronics work reliably and ensure that rear-wheel traction remains predictable at all times. Especially at high lean angles, the traction control conveys a high level of safety, which is worth its weight in gold on demanding mountain roads like those in the Durmitor National Park.

One of the biggest challenges during the Balkan Rally was the long highway stretches during the journey to and from the event. Here it becomes evident that the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X excels in many areas but also has its weaknesses. Carlos, who privately rides a Scrambler 900, quickly noted that the absence of cruise control on a bike in this price range is a drawback. Cruise control would have provided more comfort on long stretches, allowing the throttle hand to relax – especially at constant speeds of 130 to 140 km/h.

Another issue at these speeds is the vibrations. At speeds over 130 km/h, noticeable vibrations occur in the arms, which can become uncomfortable on long rides. While the engine has an impressive character, these vibrations significantly reduce the riding pleasure on the highway. Especially compared to more modern touring machines or adventure bikes, which avoid such issues through sophisticated engine mounts or balancing techniques, Triumph could improve in this area.

When it comes to handling, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X delivers mixed results. The stable geometry of the chassis provides a very secure feeling, especially on long straights or at high speeds. However, on twisty roads, such as those we encountered in abundance during the Balkan Rally, it became apparent that the machine is not among the most agile. Particularly on the tight hairpin roads along the Adriatic coast, the Scrambler felt rather sluggish, partly due to the heavily worn tires. The squared-off, worn tires noticeably affected the handling, making the bike feel more cumbersome than it likely would on fresh rubber. The bike doesn't naturally fall into the radius but always requires some pressure on the handlebars. Some riders liked that!

As for the suspension setup, the 1200 X does a solid job. Up front, a 45 mm Marzocchi USD fork with 170 mm of travel provides decent damping, while at the rear, twin shocks with also 170 mm of travel ensure sufficient stability. Although these components are no longer fully adjustable, they proved to be well-prepared for most situations on the varied terrains of the Balkans.

A true highlight of the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X is the engine. With 1200 cc and 90 hp, the twin-cylinder provides ample thrust in every situation. Especially in tight corners and during twisty road rides, the engine impresses with its charismatic power curve. Whether at low revs or in the higher power range, the engine offers a pleasantly linear torque and responds instantly to every twist of the throttle. This makes the bike a real pleasure on twisty roads, especially when accelerating out of tight hairpins.

Another advantage of the engine is its robustness. Despite the strenuous conditions during the rally – be it dusty terrain, high temperatures, or long highway rides – the engine showed no weaknesses. On the contrary, it constantly brought a smile to the riders' faces, especially when accelerating out of corners after a long straight or an ascent.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 X is often labeled as a "stylish retro bike," a motorcycle primarily suited for short rides or Sunday café outings. However, during the Balkan Rally, it impressively demonstrated that it is capable of much more. Loaded with luggage and over thousands of kilometers, the machine proved to be a great touring motorcycle. Despite its cool looks, it remained confident and comfortable even on long stretches. The design was not just for show - it also proved itself in practice. Especially on the final kilometers into the Bay of Kotor, as we descended the impressive hairpins, it showed how confidently it handles even challenging terrain.

Even when fully loaded, the Scrambler held its own. The wide handlebars and stable geometry ensured that it was easy to maneuver even in slow passages, such as narrow villages or traffic situations. Another plus is the USB Type-C port on the display unit, which is extremely useful on longer tours for charging smartphones or other devices.

It cannot be denied that the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X is also an absolute highlight in terms of looks. With its mix of retro elements and modern accents, it catches the eye – whether among motorcycle enthusiasts or car drivers. During the rally, it also drew attention among a circle of Ferraris and Porsches. The Triumph brand is a name that resonates even outside the motorcycle world, and the design of the Scrambler underscores this positive reputation.

Camera colleague Carlos, who privately rides a Scrambler 900, found the lines of the 900 to be a bit more coherent. He particularly liked the flat motocross-like look of the 900 better, while the 1200 X appears a bit too modern for his taste. The headlight and the overall smoother design do not excite him as much as the rougher, more uncompromising look of the smaller sister. But in the end, that's a matter of taste!

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 X impressively demonstrated during the Balkan Rally that it is more than just a stylish retro bike. Its charismatic engine, stable geometry, and good everyday usability make it a serious motorcycle that is also suitable for long tours. On the other hand, there are some weaknesses – the defensive ABS, vibrations at high speeds, and the lack of cruise control – that slightly tarnish the overall impression.

But one thing is certain: The Scrambler 1200 X is an emotional motorcycle that convinces with its character and looks. For riders looking for a strong, reliable, and visually appealing bike that can do more than just look good, it is an interesting option.

The Balkan Rally is not your ordinary motorcycle tour; it's a blend of adventure, retro charm, and exclusive indulgence. Originally designed for vintage automobiles, the event has opened its doors over the years to classic motorcycles and retro bikes. The starting signal traditionally sounds in Budapest, from where participants travel along picturesque routes through the Balkans to the coast in the Kotor region. The organizers focus on the highest comfort – each stage ends in selected, luxurious hotels. Accompanied by an espresso-mobile and evening champagne and wine tastings, the rally offers a stylish framework program that promotes exchange with automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts. But that's not all: during the daily stages, participants must determine their arrival time by solving puzzles and mastering photo challenges. Driving too fast or too slow results in penalty points – it's all about the perfect balance. Despite the rally's automobile-oriented focus, motorcyclists feel welcome in the group, as the relaxed atmosphere and diverse tasks make the rally a unique experience that goes far beyond an ordinary tour. The Balkan Rally will once again feature new routes and challenges in 2025 – an event that should be on every retro and motorcycle lover's bucket list.

Here more information about the rally.

The entire crew opted for cool retro-style clothing from Held for the trip. Particularly noteworthy are the Sirmione Gore Tex Sneaker and the stylish leather jacket Jester.

For all motorcycles, we used the same luggage solution: the Legend Gear tail bag from SW-Motech. This versatile bag was easy to attach, compact, and affordable. It survived almost 3,000 km on eight different bikes under the harshest weather conditions!

Before the rally, we generously waterproofed our gear with PROTEX Spray from MOTOREX. During the rally, we used the handy and refillable mini chain spray cans from MOTOREX.

Communication worked perfectly this time. The entire team was connected via Cardo Packtalk devices. The batteries lasted all day, the devices were completely waterproof, and the sound quality was excellent. The combination of "navigation instructions," "music," and "communication" ran smoothly, and even occasional phone calls did not disrupt the system. An absolute recommendation for group adventures!

The entire team used the HJC V10 helmet, which scores with various design options and matched our machines perfectly. The high wearing comfort was particularly appreciated on the long tour.

For navigation, we used the race management's roadbooks but tried to trace the route as accurately as possible with Calimoto. Due to the weather, we took the fastest route via the highway for the outbound and return journeys. Those who want to follow the tour in good weather should set the sliders on Calimoto to "twisty." Here is the link to the rough route.

• Amelie
• Mex
• Poky
• Philipp
• Carlos
• Marcel
• Wolfgang Weiß
• Micha
• Nils