2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Spied
High performance Scrambler models spotted during testing
Triumph was recently spotted testing two new Scrambler prototypes equipped with what looks to be the 1200cc Bonneville engine. Besides having a larger engine, the new 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 looks to be more off-road capable than the 900cc Street Scrambler (which also explains why Triumph added “Street” to the bike’s name).
While Triumph’s 1200cc and 900cc Twins look almost identical, we presume the test bikes are using the larger engine because of the presence of dual front brake discs typically reserved for more powerful motorcycles. The test bikes are also equipped with radial-mount Brembo calipers, instead of the Nissins found on most of the other Bonneville family models except the Thruxton 1200R. This may also suggest the engine uses the Thruxton’s high-power tuning instead of the high-torque tune used on the other 1200cc models.
The two test bikes also have noticeably longer suspension than the smaller Scrambler. The dual rear remote reservoir Öhlins shocks are equipped with second helper springs, leading to a new cast aluminum swingarm. The long fork also appears to have a longer rake angle leading to a 21-inch front wheel.
There are some visual differences between the two test bikes, though it’s hard to tell if this indicates two separate versions or if Triumph is merely testing different parts. The bike pictured above has knobbier tires, frame sliders and what looks like a metal bar mounted at the bottom frame, perhaps as a makeshift sump guard. The bike pictured below with the rider in a standing position has an actual bash plate and different-looking hand guards.
Neither motorcycle has a front fender, but judging from the look of the bike, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a motocross-style high-mounted fender instead of one that hugs the tire.
We expect the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 will debut at this fall’s motorcycle shows, either at the Intermot show in October or EICMA in November. Check back here on Motorcycle.com with more information as it becomes available in the months ahead.
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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I really like the concept of these modern "scrambles" that will do a
bit of everything - with modern suspension technology there is
absolutely no reason for adv bikes to have huge seat height due to so
much suspension travel - we are not riding supercross! Low, long flat
seat makes it easy to load up with luggage and climb on. Wish the wet
weight is under 180kg, like a better version of SR400 for adventure
riding.
If they're trying to make the Scrambler more off roadish why a larger, heavier engine? I would think nimbleness and lightness would be more important than power, especially considering the 900cc motor was far from under powered. I think the only thing the old Street Scrambler needed if they wanted to make it a better off-road bike was a better suspension, better ground clearance, a proper bash plate and slightly better brakes. I think a bigger engine was probably not on anyone's list of suggested improvements.
More power is rarely a bad thing, but lightweight, high torque, high ground clearance, and long suspension travel are what make a dirt bike a dirt bike.
Also, I'd like to see one of the modern builders of scrambler type bikes incorporate one of the old high range/low range selectable gear boxes like they used to put on dual sport bikes. That might make these street bikes that want to be dirt bikes a bit more useful when you get into the mud and sand.