Even with the same 1200cc, the ride is completely different! Comparing the Triumph SCRAMBLER 1200 XE and BONNEVILLE T120

The SCRAMBLER 1200 XE and BONNEVILLE T120 are iconic classic models representing Triumph.

While both are equipped with a 1200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, their output characteristics and chassis configurations differ. When actually riding them back-to-back, I felt a clear difference in their ride quality.

This time, I test-rode each for about a month. I will introduce the unique personalities of these two bikes that I felt while riding through city streets, highways, and winding roads.

Even in the same 1200cc class, the ride is completely different once you get on them. I compared the BONNEVILLE T120 and SCRAMBLER 1200 XE for a month each.

The SCRAMBLER rides nimbly through the city, while the T120 rides with thick torque

First, what I felt in the city was the difference in character when opening the throttle.

With the SCRAMBLER 1200 XE, I was impressed by its nimbleness; when changing lanes or opening the throttle to match the flow of traffic, it would dart forward instantly.

Although it is a large bike, once you start moving, its handling is brisk, and it responds honestly to your inputs. It gives you the feeling of wanting to actively maneuver the bike even in the city.

On the other hand, the BONNEVILLE T120 allows you to feel thick torque from the low RPM range.

Because it moves forward powerfully and leisurely without needing to open the throttle wide, I was able to enjoy a somewhat relaxed ride in the city.

Even though they are equipped with engines in the same 1200cc class, there is a difference: the SCRAMBLER offers nimbleness, while the T120 offers a sense of relaxed torque.

The BONNEVILLE T120 I test-rode this time. It features a classic style and is equipped with a 1200cc engine with low, thick torque.

This is the SCRAMBLER 1200 XE. A bike with an impressive scrambler style and a 21-inch front wheel.

Acceleration on the highway is more powerful on the SCRAMBLER 1200 XE

On the highway, the difference in acceleration between the two bikes was felt even more clearly.

Of course, the T120 does not feel lacking when merging onto highways or overtaking. If you open the throttle, it accelerates firmly and pulls powerfully up to sufficient speeds.

However, when switching to the SCRAMBLER 1200 XE, the acceleration felt even more powerful.

In situations like merging or overtaking, there is a sensation of the bike being pushed forward the moment you open the throttle, and the speed builds up more sharply.

This is not to say that the T120's performance is lacking, but rather my impression after actually comparing the two.

If you want to actively enjoy acceleration even on the highway, the SCRAMBLER 1200 XE is for you. If you want to cruise with ease while feeling thick torque, I felt the BONNEVILLE T120 is a better fit.

The T120 has thick torque from low RPMs, moving forward leisurely without needing to open the throttle wide.

The SCRAMBLER 1200 XE darts forward when you open the throttle. It's fun to be able to ride nimbly even in the city.

The exhaust sound also has its own personality

Each of the two bikes has its own personality in terms of exhaust sound.

The BONNEVILLE T120 has an impressive low, thick sound. It has a presence from the moment it idles, and you can fully enjoy the atmosphere typical of a classic bike.

On the other hand, the SCRAMBLER 1200 XE's exhaust sound felt relatively quiet compared to the T120.

Preferences for sound vary from person to person, but for those who want to enjoy their bike in a relaxed manner, including the exhaust note, the T120's sound might feel more pleasant.

An OLD TRIUMPH T120 and the current T120. When lined up like this, you can see the "BONNEVILLE-ness" that has been passed down through the ages. The sound is one of those things.

The SCRAMBLER 1200 XE is equipped with an up-style exhaust. Compared to the T120, the sound is relatively quiet.

The T120 is overwhelmingly easier for foot reach and handling

For me, at 173cm tall, there was a significant difference in foot reach.

The SCRAMBLER 1200 XE has a high seat height, and even with both feet down, only my toes touch the ground. At traffic lights, on slopes, or when pushing the bike, I have to be a bit careful.

Depending on where I parked the bike, I found myself paying attention to where I put my feet and the tilt of the bike.

In contrast, the BONNEVILLE T120 has a low seat height, and both feet touch the ground firmly.

Not only is there peace of mind when stopped, but the ease of handling is also overwhelmingly better with the T120. Even when getting off the bike to push it, I don't have to be unnecessarily tense.

However, I didn't feel a big difference between the two bikes in terms of fatigue after long rides.

If you value peace of mind regarding foot reach and handling, the T120 is the one. If you want to enjoy the feeling of maneuvering the bike, including some instability, the SCRAMBLER is the impression I got.

The T120 has a lower seat height, and both feet touch the ground firmly. Because of that peace of mind, I was able to ride with mental ease even in the city.

身長173cmの私の場合、SCRAMBLER 1200 XEは両足のつま先がつく程度
Photo by HIKARU

The SCRAMBLER style appeals to off-road bike lovers

Design is entirely a matter of preference, but as someone who originally loves off-road bikes, the style of the SCRAMBLER 1200 XE looked very attractive to me.

Features like the up-exhaust and long suspension, the scrambler-like style, just looking at it lifts my spirits.

Actually, during the test ride, I even entered a light forest road for a bit.

However, due to the poor foot reach, I felt more scared than I expected, and I decided to turn back after riding for a few hundred meters.

I felt that to enjoy full-scale off-roading, in addition to the size and weight of the bike, a certain level of skill is also required.

If you mainly ride on paved roads and occasionally take detours onto unpaved roads, I think you can fully enjoy the unique personality of the SCRAMBLER.

オフロードバイク好きの私には、このスクランブラースタイルがたまらない！
Photo by HIKARU

I'm concerned about the heat from the up-exhaust while waiting at traffic lights in summer

With the SCRAMBLER 1200 XE, one thing that concerned me a little in the summer was the heat exhaust.

Due to the up-exhaust, I feel heat around my legs while stopped, such as at traffic lights. On particularly hot days, it was a bit bothersome when sitting still.

That said, once you start riding, the heat isn't that noticeable.

It's not so "hot that I can't ride it," but it seems that in exchange for the scrambler-like style, you have to accept a certain amount of heat.

While waiting at traffic lights in the summer, heat from the up-exhaust is transmitted to the leg area, but it's not noticeable once you start riding.

On the other hand, this is the T120. The design around the engine, which reminds one of a carburetor, is interesting. In places like this, I feel the classic charm typical of a Bonneville.

Even with the same 1200cc, the fun is different

Although the SCRAMBLER 1200 XE and BONNEVILLE T120 are in the same 1200cc class from Triumph, they were two bikes with different charms: the fun of nimble maneuvering and the fun of a relaxed experience.

What I felt after actually comparing them this time is the interesting nature of each personality, which you can't understand from specs and style alone.

I was more strongly attracted to the SCRAMBLER 1200 XE, but the T120 also had a comfort that made me want to ride with my shoulders relaxed.

Even with the same 1200cc class Triumph, once you start riding, they show you a completely different face.

That is exactly what was most interesting about comparing these two bikes.

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The SCRAMBLER 1200 XE with the fun of nimble maneuvering, and the BONNEVILLE T120 with the fun of a relaxed experience. Both are bikes where you can fully enjoy the fun of riding.