Triumph updates the Scrambler 900 for 2026 with an upgraded chassis, new tech, and revised styling. But has it lost its retro appeal?
Triumph Motorcycles is gearing up for a busy season. Earlier this week, the historic British marque announced its intention to release 29 new motorcycles over the next six months—starting with updates to their uber-popular Bonneville range of modern classics.
The Triumph Bonneville T100, T120, T120 Black, Scrambler 1200 XE, Bobber, and Speedmaster have all been refreshed for 2026 with a handful of styling and tech updates. But none so much as the Triumph Scrambler 900.
Although it’s visually similar to its predecessor, the 2026 Triumph Scrambler 900 is almost an all-new machine, sporting a slew of stealthy, yet significant, upgrades. But is it a better motorcycle? Yes… on paper, at least.
The changes start with the Scrambler 900’s rolling chassis. It features a redesigned steel frame with an aluminum swingarm, while trading its unbranded suspension components for Showa items. 43 mm upside-down forks sit up front, with a pair of piggyback shocks, adjustable for preload, propping up the rear.
The aluminum swingarm and burly Showa parts echo the design of the Scrambler 900’s big brother, the Scrambler 1200—right down to the guards that protect the rear fork springs. And although there’s still just 120 mm of travel at both ends, the whole package feels more suited to light off-road excursions than it did before.
The front brake gets a bump by way of a 320 mm disc and a radial four-piston caliper. Lightweight 19F/17R aluminum rims complete the setup, offering a weight saving over the older steel hoops. That said, the new Scrambler 900 only weighs two kilos less now, tipping the scales at 221 kg [487 lbs].
Triumph has left the Scrambler 900’s engine alone—which is just fine. The 900 cc mill makes a respectable 64.1 hp at 7,250 rpm and 80 Nm at 3,250 rpm, with a 270° crank that makes it peppy and responsive. Where the 900 does take a step forward is in its electronics package.
The previous ABS and traction control package is now lean-sensitive, and the bike comes with three electronic rider modes—including an off-road mode that disables the rear ABS. The combination LCD and TFT dash is new, and comes with Bluetooth connectivity for comms, music, and turn-by-turn navigation. There’s a USB-C charging port too, and cruise control is available as a dealer-fitted accessory.
Triumph has modernized the Scrambler 900’s styling by nipping and tucking every inch of it. The fuel tank has a more angular silhouette and sports a new filler cap, and the side panels, brushed aluminum throttle body covers, and new heel guards are all sharper. The fenders are skinnier than before, the LED headlight is attached to a new retro-inspired aluminum bracket, and the turn signals and taillight are all slimmer.
The rest of the Scrambler 900’s hard parts are mostly black, with the aluminum finish on the swingarm offering contrast. The exhaust is still a high-mounted two-into-two affair, but it’s an all-new design—from the reverse cone mufflers to the two-tone heat shields. Other changes include wider handlebars and a leaner seat.
Again, there’s clear influence from the Scrambler 1200 in the Scrambler 900’s updated aesthetics, but there are also shades of the entry-level Scrambler 400 X. Even though there are plenty of nice details, the whole thing feels decidedly more contemporary, right down to the color and graphic options. And that’s the part that has us unconvinced.
Scores of riders have been enamored with the Scrambler since the first iteration of it debuted in 2006, but its biggest selling point has always been its vintage vibe. As Triumph adds more modern tech and styling to the Scrambler 900, that timeless retro appeal is slowly being eroded.
If you’ve ridden the Scrambler 900, you’ll know what a hoot it is—and the changes that Triumph has made will no doubt make it even better. But will it capture the hearts and minds of existing Scrambler fans, or will it cut a new niche among riders who want a little more modern than classic from their motorcycles? Only time will tell.
Source: Triumph Motorcycles
