Thornton Hundred’s Supermoto Scrambler…
The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is the factory scrambler we were waiting for — a machine that backs up its retro aesthetics with real on/off-road performance:
“On the road it can be calm, refined and give you the thrill of a sportsbike, but its ability to be a scrambler in more than just name is impressive. A serious off-road tool, the Triumph is an adventure bike that just happens to look like a retro.” —MCN
The 1200cc liquid-cooled, 270° crank-angle parallel twin puts down 89 horsepower and 81 pound-feet of torque, and the top-of-the-line XE model has long-travel 47mm Showa forks and Öhlins fully adjustable twin piggy-back shocks with 200mm of wheel travel. We first saw one of these machines in action at the 2019 Deus Swank Rally with a female rider onboard, and it absolutely walloped the motocross and enduro portions of the course!
Fast forward to 2021, and one of Thornton Hundred’s returning customers had a vision for their 2021 Scrambler 1200 XE: something nimble and agile, modified for twisty back-road ripping. A supermoto! Jody and team whipped up a custom exhaust, carbon mudguards, and a host of TH-developed parts to complement the 17-inch supermoto wheels and tires. The result is a British-built supermoto that’s a hoot to ride:
“Super agile, something that can really handle well compared to the stock bike. The build is also lighter than the stock bike and has more power due to the exhaust airways breathing better.”
Below, Jody from Thornton Hundred Motorcycles gives us the full story on the build.
TH Supermoto Scrambler: Builder Interview
What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
2021 Scrambler 1200 XE.
• How did the idea for a Scrambler 1200 supermoto come about?
This build was for a returning customer who wanted to scratch an itch with a Scrambler. They wanted something that was nimble and agile. And admittedly, he’s already tested the build and put it to good use. We’ve had some good weather here, so the customer took it to a bike meet down at Brewpoint one evening, so it’s great to see the build out and about.
• What custom work was carried out?
Hand painted, custom exhaust, carbon fibre mudguards, ground-up developed TH parts.
• What’s the riding experience like compared to the stock machine?
Super agile, something that can really handle well compared to the stock bike. The build is also lighter than the stock bike and has more power due to the exhaust airways breathing better.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
TH Supermoto Scrambler XE 1200.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
Definitely the exhaust. Can’t say it wasn’t a pain in the ass to do, but it came out so well. This build is the forefront of our scrambler builds really defining a British Built Supermoto, we take pride in our design and ingenuity so it’s great to see it all achieved here!
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I’m a big fan of some of ThorntonHundred’s builds, and this thing looks really cool, but there’s a lot they’re not saying here. The stock bike has a 21″ front, and I want to see the attitude change that occurred with sticking a 17″ on the front. There aren’t any straight side-pics, so I’m dubious in that regard. Further, the undertail exhaust looks spectacular, but you can’t tell me the stock rear suspension setup simply had enough room to cram two mufflers under the fender when that wasn’t in the original design. This is a cool looking bike, but I wanna know the actual details, not, “oh, we decided to just stick a VMax motor on the CRF150,” or “we thought shaft drive was needed on the BMW S1000RR,” and then just give us some pics with no real details. Cool, but if you really want to bring your fans along in your build you’d do well to give us the pertinent details. Cuz, I look at this and see design compromises to the dirt capability. And, I’m not talking about going to street tires and a 17″ front, I’m talking about how they did or didn’t accommodate the front wheel change and whether the rear shocks were either shortened and/or also limited in travel.
Totally agree with you.
I guess, “nimble and agile” are relative here. I’d like to know, how much it weighs. It must be close to twice as heavy as your typical Supermoto. It has to be about the heaviest Supermoto on the planet. So, as Supermotos go, it can’t be, “nimble and agile”. And, I’m kind of confused by the article. Is it a Supermoto or is it a scrambler? It is a nice looking bike and I’m sure it’s fun to ride. But, the build just doesn’t make any sense to me.
And the Michelin, Breitling and Castrol logos, along with the numbers, give it a real poser feel.
Agreed 100%.
I hear you on all that. By definition a supermoto is a dirtbike with street-size wheels and tires. Then you have bikes like the Ducati Hypermotard, and KTM’s 950SM and 990SMT. Point is, it makes sense to take Triumph’s Scrambler and try and streetify it. You end up with something akin to the above bikes: upright, dirt-oriented ergonomics, and more ground clearance and suspension travel than necessary for street. True supermoto? No. But definitely in line with the above bikes, and they all have “motard/moto” in the name.
I wish there were some details on the 17inch front wheel. Really interested in the setup and how realistic it is at a local mechanic. Cool looking bike though for sure.
What a fantastic breakdown of the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE! The blend of retro style and modern performance really stands out. I appreciate how you highlighted its versatility for both street and off-road riding. Can’t wait to see how it performs in the upcoming events!