Plug-n-Play: Scrambler 1200 Custom “MotoKit” from Crooked Motorcycles…
In terms of modern production scramblers, nothing really matches the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE. While most bikes of this genre are little more than stylistic exercises, the big 1200cc Trumpet boasts remarkable off-road prowess thanks to beefy Showa (front) / Öhlins (rear) suspension that offers 250mm (~9.8″) of front and rear travel — more than a modern Africa Twin or BMW GS!
Combine those long legs with an 89-bhp / 81 lb-ft “High-Torque” parallel-twin engine from the Bonneville series, and you’ve got one hell of a retro-style weapon.
“The Triumph is just a hoot to ride. The balance is impeccable and with the punch of that 90 bhp motor below, you rapidly find yourself going very fast, very quickly and loving every second.” –Adventure Bike Rider
The model has also proven itself as a ready platform for customization, as attested by the wealth of Scrambler 1200 customs we’ve featured since the bike debuted in 2019. That said, many owners of a premium-grade model like this one are wary of making too many modifications on their own…and validly so. Unless you’re a skilled mechanic and/or fabricator — or have one at your beck and call — it can be intimidating to customize a modern bike on your own, especially given their array of electronics.
That’s where a team like Crooked Motorcycles comes in. Based near the German Alps, the workshop consists of friends Jakob and Dominikus, who got their start in 2018 as 23-year-old “young guns” building custom bikes with a focus on precision craftsmanship. Fast forward to today, and they’ve accomplished an incredible amount…and widened their focus slightly to include plug-n-play customization kits.
“By last year, we had built over 80 custom bikes based on vintage models and shipped them to 16 countries around the world. Since this year, we have shifted our focus to new vehicles and are now developing unique one-off conversions as well as exclusive MotoKits that are easy for every customer to convert with plug-and-play functionality.”
Kits like these give an owner the satisfaction of modifying their own bike, but with a proven blueprint and pre-fabricated components to ensure the bike remains as functional and dependable as ever.
Last year, the Crooked boys teamed up with Triumph and built a white “Alps Edition” Scrambler 1200 — a prime on/off road machine for the mountain roads around their home in Southern Germany. More than that, they developed a whole MotoKit so owners could convert their own bikes in a similar style, inspired by old Dakar bikes and consisting of several off-road/travel-focused parts the market was lacking.
Now they’re back with another moto-kitted “Crooked Alps Edition 1200” — this time in black. Highlights include a fiberglass front mask that covers the speedometer, high front fender to ward off dirt and mud, radiator / engine / chain guards, and their Alps Edition Seat System, which allows the user to transition from a solo saddle with various luggage racks to a two-up seat in just minutes — trick!
Other highlights include fork guards, fiberglass rear fender with integrated taillight, Hitchcock Motorcycles exhaust, and of course the custom paint. The result? One sleek black weapon of a Scrambler XE, perfect for the twisty roads and trails of the Alps…or just about anywhere else on the planet. Even better, Scrambler 1200 owners can purchase most of these parts together or as part of a full “MotoKit.”
Kits like these are one of most requested items we come across in the custom moto space, and we’re excited to see a high-quality shop like Crooked Motorcycles producing them for various Triumph models. We look forward to seeing more from this hard-charging, wheelie-happy crew.
Below is our full interview with Dominikus from Crooked Motorcycles. You can follow them on most platforms at @ridecrooked and check out their custom Triumph parts here.
Triumph Scrambler 1200 MotoKit: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
We founded Crooked Motorcycles in Memmingen, southern Germany, on the edge of the Alps, with the aim of combining classic motorcycle technology with contemporary design principles. My friend and business partner Jakob and I were 23 years old at the time and were definitely the young guns on the scene. It was clear from the outset that we didn’t want mass production, but rather custom-built bikes where every detail—from the frame conversion to the electrical system—was created with precision craftsmanship.
Our first projects were simple café racer conversion kits—for example, an old Honda CB450 that we rescued from a circle of friends and completely reinterpreted. We love reducing things to the essentials without compromising on quality or style. Simplicity is the key to brilliance. Over time, our standards and range grew. We built bikes that combined classic lines with modern possibilities – from minimalist café racers to robust scramblers.
By last year, we had built over 80 custom bikes based on vintage models and shipped them to 16 countries around the world. Since this year, we have shifted our focus to new vehicles and are now developing unique one-off conversions as well as exclusive MotoKits that are easy for every customer to convert with plug-and-play functionality.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
It’s a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE from 2024.
• Why was this bike built?
We teamed up with Triumph in the beginning of the year and the Scrambler was always a bike we dreamed of. It’s just a great bike to ride on and off-road — we did a lot of things with this bike including some long wheelie sessions in the mountains with snow.
This white Crooked Alps Edition 1200 was the start in the beginning of 2025, and now a second client reached out and ordered a black version for his adventures.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
We started with our first Alps Edition to develop an exclusive MotoKit out of it. The Scrambler was the perfect base and we missed some really off-road/travel focused parts on the market for this bike.
Focus was on a cool front mask, which covers up the speedo, and a big high front fender which really holds dirt away.
The second major piece was the seat system. We developed the Alps Edition Seat System, which allows you to change the look of the seat in minutes with the possibility to ride with one seat and a luggage rack or with a two-seater. Influenced by the old Dakar bikes.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
Fiberglass front mask, high front fender, USD covers, custom paint, Crooked Alps Edition Seat System, fiberglass rear fender including rear light, Hitchcock Exhaust, Alps Edition mudguard and chainguard.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Crooked Alps Edition 1200.
• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?
Stock Triumph Scrambler 1200.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
It’s hell of a fun bike.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
To develop a complete Plug-n-Play Kit out of it, which creates the possibility for every rider out there to transform his Scrambler in minutes!
• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Our Crooked Team <3
Follow the Builder
Web: www.crookedmotorcycles.com
Instagram: @ridecrooked
YouTube: @ridecrooked
TikTok: @ridecrooked
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