It is one of the most incredible audio and visual experiences on the planet, the sheer electronic music intensity of the Monegros Desert Festival, held each year in Spain. But when the desert falls quiet once more and the last raver finds their way home, this is also one of the world’s most naturally beautiful and diverse landscapes. Inspired by the Monegros, the team of Triumph aficionados at Tamarit Motorcycles wanted to build a bike to give those who love a weekend escape the best of both worlds. And this is it, a brand new Triumph 1200 Scrambler XE, complete with a factory four-year warranty, that has been transformed into a stunning desert sled and named for the terrain it is intended to conquer.
This motorcycle comes about as part of a shift in direction for the Tamarit outfit, who have found a new way to complement their range of incredible custom motorcycles. Having built more than a hundred of the coolest Triumphs you’re ever likely to see, and with no plan on slowing down, the Alicante outfit is now offering three limited-run production machines, known as their ‘Moto Series’. Each is based on a new model Triumph, comes complete with full factory backing and warranty, and will be delivered to your door. Fifty each of the Scrambler, Cafe Racer and Desert Sled will be built and for us, it was love at first sight when we laid our eyes on Monegros.
“Unlimited freedom for the nonconformists, those who don’t want to choose between the countryside or the city. They want both, and even a desert. A challenging adventure to enjoy every day,” is how the team describe the bike, or more simply she is “The queen of the desert!” Being an enhanced production motorcycle, there are some basic facts and figures you’ll want to know straight away. The price to secure you’re limited run machine of just one out of fifty, is €26,400 and as stated that retains the full factory warranty. The motorcycle also retains its full Euro 5 compliance, ensuring registration is a breeze.
Ordering a Moto Series motorcycle from Tamarit also takes on a new form, rather than the traditional method of phone calls and factory visits, you simply go online and use the configurator on their website to choose your bike and payment plan. You also get to select the number you have on the side plates and a name to be added to the side of the engine. Delivery time is then just 2-4 weeks in Spain and 5-7 weeks for customers in the rest of Europe and the United States. For those outside of those areas, you’ll need to contact the company directly. And of course, it all starts with a new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.
The visual transformation is obvious and there is a beautiful mix of form and function. Starting at the very front of the bike, a new and improved set of fork protectors are added and provide vital defence against stone and sand from destroying your Ohlins stanchions. The factory front fender that runs tight to the tyre is also ditched and in its place bolts a much more fitting high mount item, with the sort of off-road chops you’d expect from such a bike. The excellent LED headlight offers great night vision and is now protected by a tough metal grille.
Above the headlight, the team have added a front cowl, which really adds to the aggressive vibe of the bike, and paired up with those bark busters, the head-on view emits an imposing presence. This is only further enhanced by the all-important crash bars, which are about as comprehensive as you are ever likely to find. Not only do they protect the front and sides of the engine, and rider’s legs, should you have a spill, but an extra loop acts like a bull bar and shields the lower tree and forks. One of Tamarit’s off the shelf parts then joins the party, in the form of the Patagonia sump guard.
Serving not only style but providing the rider’s leg with added shielding from the exhaust, is the very cool number board that replaces the right-hand side cover, while the factory part is employed on the left. To finish out the back end of the bike, a sturdy chain guard is another Tamarit part and then the rear fender is a new design for the Scrambler, which works with a tail tidy to keep the backside looking spot on. As is always the way with a Tamarit build, you get one hell of a beautiful seat, and grip enhancing material is part of the package.
The paint too is first class and the colour combination truly speaks to the bike’s purpose, the olive green and white are all business, while the additions of orange and gold give a serious piece of pop for when you’re parked up at the cafe. And we shouldn’t forget, that the foundation of this machine is brilliant, only enhanced by the new Ohlins shocks and Brembo brakes.
The engine is the famous Triumph 1200cc twin with 5bhp more thanks to the full Tamarit exhaust, and quality tubeless alloy wheels in 21 and 17 inches are built for the job! With adventure bikes all the rage at the moment, the Spanish outfit has added a worthy custom to the mix, one they believe is a perfect fusion of style and performance.