VOL. 56 ISSUE 3 JANUARY 22, 2019 P85
together, and offers a dirt-friendly throttle map. Switch-
ing modes on the move is a simple business—just
close the throttle, press the M-button on the left bar,
then pull in the clutch to confirm the swap. Worth not-
ing you must also hold in the clutch lever to start the
Scramblers, even in neutral, though the clutch action
is extremely light, denoting the presence of Triumph's
so-called "slip assist" design.
That's their version of a slipper clutch, though with
more engine braking left in than is usual with one of
those, which means that on winding country roads
where you can hold third gear for miles on end, you only
rarely do more than caress the front brake lever occasionally to slow
for a tighter turn.
Just concentrate on swinging from one side to another through
a series of turns, and the inherent engine braking will slow you just
sufficiently to keep up turn speed to the desired degree. The same
six-speed gearbox fitted to the T120/Thruxton is retained here
with unchanged ratios, with an impeccable gearshift. So light and
smooth, yet precise, it's undoubtedly Triumph's best yet, and is
literally beyond criticism, with clutchless upward changes a mat-
(Left) Ohlins
handles off-road
duties on the XE
and are well up to
the task. (Top right)
Super bike stoppers
for a scrambler?
Yes, please! (Right)
Fit and finish is
brilliant with the
new scramblers.
The XC seat is good for an hour or so
but can feel a bit hard after that.
