Triumph Motorcycles has launched its 2026 Originals global custom motorcycle challenge, inviting the public to vote on seven uniquely transformed Scrambler builds from teams across Canada, China, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the United States. This annual competition celebrates creativity and craftsmanship within the motorcycle community, and voting is now live through September 22 on Triumph’s official website.

The competition theme this year centers on the “Time Capsule” concept, asking custom shops to reinterpret Scrambler heritage through different eras and cultural perspectives. Each team partnered with hand-selected custom workshops to push the boundaries of what a Scrambler can become while honoring the model’s storied past.

The Competing Builds

The Canadian entry reimagines the authentic spirit of original Scramblers by blending 1960s styling with the aesthetics and charm of legendary desert racing motorcycles from the 1980s and 1990s. This build emphasizes the raw, functional character that made Scramblers iconic for adventure seekers.

China’s BVL leverages the country’s advanced manufacturing expertise to create a distinctive Scrambler 900 interpretation. The build combines industrial precision with traditional craftsmanship, infusing the machine with the adventurous spirit of the 1980s era.

France’s collaboration with renowned custom builder FCR Original produced the Scrambler 1200 XE “Red Dust,” heavily modified to blend 1960s Scrambler elements with modern sensibilities. This build represents a respectful nod to the past without being locked into historical limitation.

Italy’s entry draws design inspiration from the TF 250-E’s aggressive off-road styling, incorporating its purposeful character into the Scrambler’s chassis. The result is a machine that balances distinctive modern aesthetics with scrambler DNA.

Spain’s custom build was designed to be ridden daily and enjoyed by owners who embrace the adventurous spirit of the Pacific Northwest landscape. This philosophy prioritizes practicality and genuine usability over pure show value.

The UK’s concept strips back to the Scrambler’s core identity from the 1960s and 1970s: raw, functional, and honest. Rather than celebrating any single iconic model, this build captures the universal spirit of all Scramblers and their role in real-world adventure.

The United States entry prioritizes elegance, exclusivity, and heritage through a dual-era concept that unites the past and present in a single machine. This philosophy bridges vintage character with contemporary appeal.

What This Means for Motorcycle Enthusiasts

international motorcycle builders workshop
Photo by Zach Zook

The competition offers valuable insight into current trends within the custom motorcycle scene. While custom motorcycle culture continues to evolve, builders are increasingly focused on blending historical authenticity with modern functionality rather than creating purely retro machines.

For buyers considering their own Scrambler purchase or exploring customization options, these builds serve as inspiration for what’s possible within the Triumph ecosystem. Each entry demonstrates that a Scrambler can be tailored to reflect personal values, whether that’s minimalist design, adventure-focused capability, or luxury heritage.

The seven competing motorcycles represent different approaches to the same blank canvas. Some teams prioritized lightweight, purpose-built simplicity, while others embraced modern manufacturing techniques and contemporary design language. This variety shows that the Scrambler platform supports diverse creative visions.

How to Vote and What Comes Next

Public voting is the final stage of the competition, making your voice count in determining which build earns recognition as Triumph’s most original custom of 2026. Casting a vote requires visiting Triumph’s dedicated voting hub on their website.

The deadline for voting is September 22. Winners will be announced following the close of voting, with recognition given to the builds that capture the judges’ and public’s imagination.

Beyond the competition itself, the Originals challenge represents Triumph’s commitment to nurturing community creativity around its iconic Scrambler model. Watching how different regions approach the same theme reveals cultural attitudes toward motorcycle design and adventure.

Whether you’re a potential Scrambler owner exploring customization possibilities, an enthusiast interested in premium motorcycle culture, or simply curious about where motorcycle design is headed, the 2026 Originals competition offers compelling perspectives. Taking time to review all seven builds before voting closes gives you a comprehensive view of contemporary custom motorcycle possibilities.