After pulling back the curtain to officially reveal their new Scrambler 1200, Triumph announced their return to the historic Baja 1000 desert endurance race with the Scrambler 1200 XE, piloted by stuntman and experienced off-road and desert racer Ernie Vigil.

Triumph played an important role at the beginning of the scrambler scene in the 1960s, with the leading performance bikes of the day. Stripped back bodywork and pipes inspired the very first dedicated production scramblers. Riders like Steve McQueen took to the desert and rode in the International Six Days Enduro, and Bud Ekins raced in the legendary Big Bear and Baja 1000. According to Triumph, the Bonneville T120TT, Bonneville 120c and TR6c and SC “were the ‘real’ desert sleds, fueling the scrambler scene. The new generation 1200 XE takes this historic bloodline to the next level.”

About The Motorcycle

Ernie will be riding an almost-standard specification Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE with the high fender kit option. The new model represents a first for dual-purpose capability in the Scrambler category, delivering modern performance and features fused with iconic Scrambler DNA.

Having completed a rigorous testing regime prior to launch, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is ready to take on the Baja 1000 with a few selected adaptions for this extreme racing challenge.

Key Baja 1000 Race Changes Include:

– Engine protection bars
– Extended sump guard
– Removed front and rear turn indicators
– Removed pillion pegs
– Race exhaust system and tune
– Additional Race-specification lighting

About The Rider

Supported by a passionate team of enthusiasts from within Triumph pulling together to make the race build happen early in the lifecycle of the vehicle, Ernie Vigil will be the chosen rider to put a mostly stock Scrambler 1200 XE to the test.

Ernie is a highly capable off-road rider, who is a stunt rider as well as racer. He has over 15 1st place finishes and is a veteran of the Baja 1000 course, having ridden it previously during the Mexican 1000 on a Triumph Tiger 800.

Vigil is looking forward to taking part in the open motorcycle class on the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE and added “I am so excited to get the chance to not only take on the Baja 1000, but also to be the first racer to take Triumph’s next generation Scrambler back to desert racing where it all began.”

For details and specs on the newly-unveiled Triumph Scrambler 1200 click here.