Triumph Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition looming

Limited to just 1000 examples globally, the 2021 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition headlines a modest update to the British brand's Scrambler 1200 line-up.

The 2021 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE will land in dealerships from June, and now feature cleaner-running, Euro 5 compliant 1200cc parallel-twin engines, along with a redesigned exhaust system.

While the changes required to meet Euro 5 emissions standards haven't resulted in any drop in peak power or output, those peaks now occur at different points in the rev range, with the new models producing 89hp at 7250rpm (down from 7400rpm) and 110Nm at 4500rpm (up from 3950rpm).

The exhaust system has been thoroughly updated too and is said to offer improved heat distribution.

Triumph says fuel economy has actually improved marginally, at 4.6L/100km versus 4.9L/100km for the predecessor, while the colour schemes have also been tweaked for 2021, with both the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE available in Cobalt Blue & Jet Black, Sapphire Black, or Matt Khaki Green & Jet Black.

Dry weight is up slightly, from 205kg to 211kg, which is largely a reflection of the changes made to the exhaust system (and catalytic converter) required to meet the more stringent Euro 5 standard.

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The big news regarding the 2021 Scrambler 1200 range is the arrival of the Triumph Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition, which builds on the higher-spec and more off-road-focussed XE variant with an exclusive paint scheme and a number of premium factory accessories fitted as standard.

The special-edition model pays homage to the Triumph TR6 ridden by Steve McQueen in the epic 1963 WWII movie, The Great Escape. The movie, which details the escape efforts of Allied troops held in a German POW camp, culminates in McQueen jumping the TR6 over a barbed wire fence.

While McQueen was an accomplished rider and racer himself, and performed all the other motorcycle stunts in the film, the jump was actually performed by American stuntman, Bud Ekins.

The 2021 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition will come with an individually numbered and billet-machined handlebar clamp and a certificate of authenticity, the latter with printed signatures from Triumph Motorcycles CEO Nick Bloor and Steve McQueen's son, Chad McQueen.

The bike has striking Competition Green guards and tank, the latter with brushed foil knee pads, hand-painted gold line work, gold heritage tank logo, Monza aluminium fuel cap, brushed stainless steel tank strap, and Steve McQueen Edition tank graphic.

Factory-fitted accessories include an aluminium radiator guard, a Triumph-branded brown seat, and engine crash bars.

While local pricing is yet to be announced for the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 range, in Britain the Steve McQueen Edition commands a £1000 (approximately $1800) premium.

Here in Australia, the current Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and XE are priced from $22,500 ride away and $23,990 ride away respectively, with the new models expected to attract a modest price increase.

Triumph's modern Scrambler first appeared in 2006, but the Scrambler 1200 XC and XE didn't appear until 2018, the pair building on the success of the lower-capacity 2016 Triumph Street Scrambler.

They've struck a chord with markets around the world, too. Triumph says it's produced over 10,000 examples of its Scrambler, which has found favour with customisers and those who simply want a fun and easy-to-ride retro machine with genuine off-road ability.

A tribute to Triumph's first production 'scramblers', or off-road machines, the T120-TT and TR6 SC, today's Scrambler 1200s blend an upright riding position and signature styling cues like a high-level twin exhaust, a bench seat and laced wheels, with cutting-edge technology. Standard features include a customisable TFT screen with optional Bluetooth connectivity, multiple ride modes (five on the XC, six on the XE), LED lighting, electronic cruise control, keyless starting, heated grips, and an underseat USB charging socket.

While both models feature a Showa inverted front fork and twin Öhlins rear shocks, along with Brembo M50 radial-mount front brake calipers, the dearer Scrambler 1200 XE also comes with Cornering ABS and traction control, an extra Off-Road Pro ride mode, adjustable footpegs, long-travel suspension travel (an extra 50mm front and rear), a slightly longer swingarm, and a wider (and adjustable) handlebar, which all contribute to enhanced off-road performance.

Standard fitment Metzeler Tourance tyres can be swapped to the optional Pirelli Scorpion Rally hoops for better off-road performance, while there are over 70 genuine factory accessories available for the Triumph Scrambler 1200.

The new 2021 Triumph Scrambler 1200 range follows on from updates to the wider 2021 Triumph Bonneville family.