Is Triumph’s Latest Scrambler Simply the Best (and Best-Looking) Yet?

The brand is significantly boosting a whole bunch of its bikes, headlined by this many-splendored multi-surface marauder.

Rear section of a black and silver Triumph Scrambler 900 motorcycle showing exhaust pipes, rear wheel, and seat.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published 13 hours ago

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Updated 6 hours ago

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As the longtime owner of a Triumph Bonneville T100, I am quite familiar with just how beautifully the brand executes its Modern Classics.

Naturally, I can’t help but be excited by the brand’s big news: major upgrades to three already impressive retro-styled bikes, the Scrambler 900, Bonneville Bobber and Bonneville Speedmaster.

Matte gray and yellow Triumph Scrambler 900 motorcycle with dual exhaust pipes on a rocky terrain. — Not to worry, the new Scrambler 900’s light aesthetic updates do not touch those iconic high-riding exhaust pipes.

Triumph will also be updating a number of other models, including the Bonneville T100, T120, T120 Black, and Scrambler 1200 XE.

But the bike getting the biggest boost is that sweet, sweet Scrambler 900, so let’s focus on that one right now, shall we?

Performance driven

While this bike is already styled to be an object of desire, I dare say the new paint schemes — Mineral Grey, Matt Khaki Green and Urban Grey, laid on top of a more refined chassis — are its most dazzling yet.

That said, the big updates are what we as riders actually need, performance-focused ones.

Person wearing a black helmet and tan jacket riding a gray and orange Triumph motorcycle on a dirt road with rocky cliffs in the background. — With the right technique, you can have at least as much fun ripping around off the beaten path as riding tarmac.

The most notable are upgraded Showa suspension (with 120mm of travel front and rear) and responsive radial brakes delivering improved stopping power no matter the surface.

The bike also gets a boost from lightweight aluminum rims and a couple of key handling helpers: lean-sensitive Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control.

Close-up of a yellow and black Schwalbe 900 motorcycle rear suspension and tire with dirt on the parts. — The rear suspension features a Showa twin (RSU), with external reservoirs, adjustable preload and 120mm of travel.

Those aren’t the only capabilities tapping into modern tech without interrupting the throwback aesthetic, however.

The new 900 also has a modern LCD multi-function instrument cluster with an integrated color TFT screen, not to mention full, safety-enhancing LED lighting.

Strong foundation

All these upgrades serve to boost what was a pretty damn good bike to begin with, of course.

After all, the beating heart is a thumping 900cc parallel twin engine making 64.1 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and max torque of 80Nm at 3,250 rpm.

Motorcyclist wearing a black helmet and beige jacket riding a black and yellow Triumph motorcycle on a dirt hill. — The upgraded suspension and brakes, plus Traction Control, should help you stay upright on sketchy terrain.

That fierce beast becomes a bit friendlier mated to a 5-speed gearbox featuring a slip and assist clutch that helps make every shift smooth and secure.

While many off-road-ready bikes can intimidate with their height and weight, this bike is decidedly approachable, courtesy of a seat height of just 30.8 inches and a wet weight of 487 pounds.

Yellow and gray Triumph Scrambler motorcycle parked on rocky terrain with dual exhaust pipes. — While the Matt Khaki Green paint scheme is my personal favorite, this Mineral Grey one is sure to turn a lot of heads.

It’s worth noting that this Goldilocks option actually sits in the middle of Triumph’s range, with two in the Scrambler 400 class and two Scrambler 1200 class available on either side of it.

There is only one Scrambler 900, however. When a bike looks this good and rides this well, who needs another?

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Triumph Scrambler 900 is available now in Mineral Grey, Matt Khaki Green and Urban Grey, starting at $12,395.

Matte green and black Triumph Scrambler 900 motorcycle with gold front forks and dual exhaust pipes.

2026 Triumph Scrambler 900

Starts at $12,395

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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