Triumph nailed the brief with the Scrambler 1200. The motorcycling press lauded the Brits’ ability to combine premium offroad functionality into a modern retro package. Reviewers praised its prowess both on and off the road, and owner forums are overflowing with personal accounts of positive experiences. In short, the Triumph modern classic has been embraced as a capable, stylish, and versatile Scrambler by pretty much everyone who’s thrown a leg over one.
With the range-topping Scrambler 1200 XE, the Brits took things a step further. Boasting a raft of performance-oriented upgrades it’s even more capable off-road than the standard edition. These changes do of course demand a higher spend, but by all accounts, it’s well worth it.
The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE features increased ground clearance thanks to a taller front end. The engine benefits from bespoke fuel mapping and a unique intake and exhaust setup. The electronics offer additional off-road focused modes that allow both the ABS and traction control to be switched off. The suspension uses higher spec, fully adjustable Marzocchi components as do the brakes which come courtesy of Brembo. Even the XE’s dimensions differ from the standard model with a longer swingarm and chassis to further aid riders in off-road conditions. All of these features combined with the bike’s already excellent standard equipment make the 1200XE the best-equipped and most capable Scrambler in today’s modern retro motorcycle segment.
So how do you go about improving an already outstanding motorcycle? For the crew at Spain’s Tamarit Motorcycles, they recently got the chance to find out when a customer presented them with his Scrambler 1200XE for their latest project, the ‘155 Martющa’.
Martin, the owner of this highly desirable 1200 XE, is a German expat residing in Marbella, a resort city on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. After acquiring his Scrambler 1200 XE, Martin had no interest in testing its offroad capabilities. Marbella is known for being an epicenter of luxury. So instead, Martin wanted his Scrambler to look the part as it cruised the city’s opulent Puerto Banús and Golden Mile shopping and dining districts.
Choosing which workshop to task with the job was an easy one. As Europe’s most prolific custom Triumph workshop, and being conveniently located in Martin’s country of residence, he reached out to the crew at Tamarit motorcycles.
As per Martin’s brief, what sets this bike apart from a stock 1200 XE is its high-end styling. The color palette alone speaks volumes with a stone blue base layer accentuated with lavish gold leaf details. Chrome, nickel, and brass plating have all been utilized here to achieve an upmarket look and there are well-thought-out design details scattered throughout the bike.
No bike is complete without a seat that complements its overall look, and the 2 piece saddle on this build is a true showstopper. Crafted with elegance in mind, the seat features camel-colored leather side leather. While comfort took a backseat in favor of aesthetics, it’s a choice that perfectly aligns with the bike’s intended purpose – this is a machine built to turn heads, not for long-haul commutes.
The front of this Scrambler 1200 XE wears a Tamarit Sahara fender and bespoke fork protectors, all painted to match Martющa’s sleek color scheme. A headlight grille adds a layer of rugged charm, while classic mirrors bolster the retro feel. At the rear, the styling tweaks continue with a custom rear fender, tiny rear light, and a turn signal-equipped elimination kit. The Scrambler’s exhaust system is another of Tamarits’s in-house creations. Featuring a 2 into 1 setup with a high-mount muffler and purposeful heat shield it’s a striking blend of form and function. Brass-plated rims further enhance the bike’s extravagant look, and the engine emblems, also brass-plated, are the icing on the cake.
Despite being essentially stock in its performance, one of the most labor-intensive parts of this project involved the engine. At what was sure to be a huge expense, the bike’s original black engine was replaced with a brand-new one from the factory. Tamarit then painstakingly painted it gray to better match the bike’s new look.
As with all of Tamarit’s builds, which now total more than 170, this Scrambler 1200 XE adheres to strict European homologation laws so it can be ridden legally throughout the continent. Once again Tamarit has shown us why they are considered one of the best Triumph modifiers the world over. Now Martin, the proud owner of 155 Martющa, is cruising the scenic roads of Marbella, where his bike is sure to be turning plenty of enviable heads.
