BikeBound Photographer Roberto Garagarza’s Scrambler 1200 XE…
For 2019, Triumph unveiled the Scrambler 1200, which soon proved itself to be much more than a scrambler in name alone. For once, a factory had designed and produced a scrambler-style bike with actual off-road chops. This is especially true of the XE model, which boasts long-travel Marzocchi suspension (9.8″ front and rear), a longer swingarm, and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which enables optimized cornering ABS and traction control.
While it’s no motocrosser, the 88-bhp 1200 XE can handle highway travel, twisty tarmac, and off-road excursions like an adventure bike…but with a retro style that outshines any ADV on the market.
“The XE…is not only an excellent on-road bike but also a solid off-road performer for, again, a large 1200cc twin Scrambler motorcycle with dual-shock suspension that weighs over 500 pounds and delivers approximately 80-plus horsepower, which is something I never thought I would ever say.” –Cycle News
Today we’re thrilled to showcase the Scrambler XE “dream machine” of our friend and photographer Roberto Garagarza (@roga______/). If you’ve ever enjoyed our coverage of The Bike Shed Show, KICKBACK, the Malle Mile, or the Normandy Beach Race, then you have Roberto to thank for his light-wrangling prowess.
For Roberto, who’s from Mexico and now lives in London, this XE has proved the perfect two-wheeled travel companion for adventures all over the UK and the Continent.
“I’ve taken it across Europe, through Scotland, Wales, France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, and Luxembourg, and the journey keeps going. Next up: Switzerland and Italy. For me, it’s all about the ride, the people I meet, and the stories I get to capture along the way.”
Of course, somewhere along the way, Roberto caught the itch to customize his big British beast, giving it more of a vintage look. This long-legged Trumpet now sports a lowered Zard exhaust, custom mirrors / handguards / lights / indicators / grille, a custom seat from Tom Hurley of Hurley Custom Seats, and a full paint job courtesy of Valkyrie Paintworks.
Roberto has aptly christened the bike “Yax Muuk,” which means “Green Pig” in Mayan — a nod to his Mexican heritage and the bestial, go-anywhere nature of the big Scrambler. For Roberto, it’s a machine capable of running just about any road he comes across: “green lanes, mountain passes, muddy tracks, dual carriageways, and endless backroads.”
Unlike a run-of-the-mill ADV bike, however, the Yax Muuk draws attention wherever it goes, making friends along the way.
“Scramblers just have so much more character than most adventure bikes. I always get someone coming to chat up at the petrol garages or when it’s parked, and that’s half the fun of riding one.”
Well said, Roberto! Below you’ll find our full interview and more shots from the man himself. Be sure to follow Roberto on Instagram (@roga______/) to keep up with this adventures!
Custom Triumph Scrambler XE: Rider Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
I’m a photographer from Mexico, now living in London. I’ve been riding bikes for over 10 years, and finally got my dream machine: the Triumph Scrambler XE.
Since then, I’ve taken it across Europe, through Scotland, Wales, France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, and Luxembourg, and the journey keeps going. Next up: Switzerland and Italy. For me, it’s all about the ride, the people I meet, and the stories I get to capture along the way.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.
• Why was this bike built?
Personal project.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
It’s been a collaboration. Inspired by rusty vintage machines.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
- Lowered Zard Exhaust pipes
- Full paint job by Valkyrie Paintworks
- Custom seat by Tom Hurley
- Custom mirrors, handguards, lights, indicators, and grill
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Yax Muuk. (It means “Green Pig” in Mayan.)
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
I’ve ridden my Scrambler XE through all sorts of roads, green lanes, mountain passes, muddy tracks, dual carriageways, and endless backroads, though most of my riding has been on-road.
There’s enough grunt for me and it sounds awesome. The bike has never really let me down. It’s not the most comfortable for really long hauls, but I usually stop every few hours to stretch, so it balances out. It’s been super reliable, and it handles great in the rain.
For luggage I keep it simple — a couple of waterproof bags strapped to the back with bungees and a small tank bag, which turned out to be all I needed (even though I always overpack).
And of course, part of why I love it is the look. Scramblers just have so much more character than most adventure bikes. I always get someone coming to chat up at the petrol garages or when it’s parked, and that’s half the fun of riding one.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The sounds of that Zard exhaust and the paintjob. For sure!!!
• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Triumph Mexico
Valkyrie Paintshop
Tom Hurley Custom seats
Follow the Owner / Photographer / Workshops
Rider / Photographer:
Web: www.robertogaragarza.com
Instagram: @roga______/
Workshops:
Paint: valkyriepaintworks.co.uk (@valkyriepaintworks)
Seat: www.tom-hurley.com (@hurleycustomseats)
