Today's rumour: Two Triumph Scrambler 1200s?

A COUPLE of months ago the first spy shots of Triumph’s upcoming Scrambler 1200 emerged – revealing a high-spec machine bearing all the hallmarks of a range-topper.

As well as its tall suspension, high-mounted twin exhausts on the right hand side and retro detailing, the spied bike sported a host of high-end components. Radial Brembo brakes, Ohlins USD forks and matching Ohlins twin shocks at the back, with remote reservoirs dual springs, all add up to an inevitably hefty price.

But we’ve heard that the spied machine was only one version of the upcoming Scrambler 1200. The other is will share the same 1200cc engine – as used on the Bonneville T120 and Thruxton – but cut back on the bolt-on jewellery.

Although it will share the same general appearance and tall stance, the second version is likely to use cheaper, right-way-up forks, less exotic brakes and simpler rear shocks.

The rumour makes a lot of sense. Triumph has already taken precisely the same approach with the Thruxton and Thruxton R. The ‘R’ uses Ohlins suspension and radial Brembos, while the basic Thruxton has more retro-looking KYB right-way-up forks and shocks from the same brand, allied to axially-mounted Nissin 2-pot brake calipers.

That means there are three ranks of Bonnie-based cafe racer. At the very bottom lies the 900cc Street Cup, then there’s the 1200cc Thruxton and finally the range-topping Thruxton R. As we understand it, the Scrambler range is set to follow the same pattern. There’s already the entry-level bike, the mild, 900cc Street Scrambler, and spy shots have shown what appears to be the range-topping, Ohlins-suspended 1200 – presumably to be called the Scrambler R. That leaves a gap in the middle for the simpler 1200cc bike that’s we’re now hearing word of.