RIDE REVIEW I 2024 TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 1200 X & 1200 XE
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So long as you're not
in a hurry, the X is
happy in the dirt.
different: The XE's is beefier.
From a distance, I found
the easiest way to distinguish
between the two models is the
XE's gold versus the X's black
upper fork tubes, and the XE's
brushed-aluminum swingarm
with matching silver front and
rear fenders versus the X's
swingarm and fenders in black.
They also have unique color
options, but both models can be
had in classic Sapphire black.
HOW THEY
COMPARE
Swing a leg over the X right after
riding the XE, and you'll imme-
diately notice that the X feels
much smaller in size because
of its significantly lower seat
height and narrower handlebars.
The X's instrument unit also
looks different. It's smaller and
isn't quite as handsome as the
XE's but, like the XE's, is simple
to decipher. So, without ques
-
tion, there is a noticeably differ-
ent feel between the two bikes.
However, both bikes still
perform similarly on the tarmac.
Triumph recently invited the me
-
dia to ride the X and XE, spend-
ing one day on the road and the
next almost entirely on the dirt,
giving us plenty of time to get to
know each bike. Overall, on the
road, they both handle well, but
the X inspires more confidence
on the twisties, at least for me,
because it sits lower to the
ground than the XE, feels less
top-heavy, and doesn't require
as much coercion to initiate the
corners. Once leaned in, the X's
front end feels a bit more plant
-
ed and stable, as well, but you'll
drag the footpegs more often on
the X than you will with the XE.
In case you're wondering, they
roll on 21-inch front and 17-inch
rear wheels.
The X's suspension also
feels nice and plush, notice
-
ably plusher than the XE's. The
X's ride is pleasant at slower
speeds, but when the tempo
picks up or when the road gets
rough, the XE's stiffer fork and
shocks stand out by doing a bet
-
ter job of soaking it all in. Still,
the X's non-adjustable suspen-
sion is set up from the factory
