Triumph Scrambler 400X Review: Scramble In Speed

It is powered by the same 398cc engine that we’ve seen on the Speed 400

• With 40PS and 37.5Nm on tap, the Scrambler has just enough to take on bad roads
• Despite weighing a hefty 185kg, the Scrambler 400X doesn’t really feel that way at all
• The bike’s narrow profile makes it easy for shorter riders to flat floot as well

Triumph Scramblers have a storied history, beginning with the Scrambler 1200 and followed by the Scrambler 900. The Scrambler 1200, in particular, garnered attention for its robust torque and off-road capabilities, almost on par with the Tiger 800. All of this was packaged in a breathtaking design. 

However, these capabilities required an experienced hand to fully exploit, making it less beginner-friendly. That's where the Scrambler 400X comes in, offering off-road prowess at a more affordable price point. If you’ve been considering something rugged in this space and are a bit too impatient to wait for the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, here’s if you should go for the Scrambler 400X instead. Scrambler 400X’s competitors include the KTM 390 Adventure, Royal Enfield Himalayan, and Bajaj Dominar 400.

Triumph Scrambler 400X: Design

The Triumph Scrambler 400X embodies classic scrambler aesthetics, featuring a braced handlebar with knuckle guards, side plates, and vertically stacked twin-exit upswept exhausts. The overall design exudes a premium feel, including the switchgear.

The Scrambler 400X is equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster, offering essential information such as remaining range, gear position, speed, and fuel level, along with indicator lights. It includes all-LED lighting, switchable traction control, and a Bosch dual-channel ABS system exclusive to the Scrambler 400X. 

Additionally, it features an engine immobilizer and a standard USB-C port. Triumph offers various luggage options, windshields, and accessories, all backed by a two-year warranty.

Triumph Scrambler 400X: Engine

Powering the Scrambler 400X is a newly minted 398.15cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing 40PS at 8000rpm and 37.5Nm at 6500rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission with a slip-and-assist clutch. Impressively, the service interval is set at 16,000km, and it boasts a claimed mileage of 28.3 kmpl.

Triumph emphasizes that a substantial portion of the torque, exceeding 30Nm out of 37.5Nm, becomes accessible from a low 3000rpm. This translates to a noticeable surge in speed when riding the bike, thanks to the ample torque.

During testing on Bajaj's Chakan test track, the Scrambler 400X reached a speed of 160kmph according to the speedometer. At this velocity, it exhibited impressive smoothness and stability. With a long straight road, it could potentially reach 175kmph, putting it in the same league as the KTM 390 Duke. While it's not as aggressively tuned, the Scrambler 400X provides an exhilarating and engaging ride, thanks to its agility and dynamic handling.

Triumph Scrambler 400X: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The bike is constructed on a hybrid spine/perimeter tubular steel frame with a bolt-on rear subframe. It's equipped with a 43mm inverted Big Piston Fork in the front and a gas-charged mono shock with a remote reservoir in the rear, offering 150mm of wheel travel. The Scrambler 400X features a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, made of aluminum alloy and fitted with Metzeler Karoo Street tyres in the international model, and MRF Zapper Curve block-pattern units in the India-specific version. 

Braking is handled by a 300mm front disc with a radial caliper and a 230mm rear disc, both manufactured by ByBre. The motorcycle retains the 13-liter fuel tank capacity of the Speed 400 but offers a taller seat at 835mm, with a kerb weight of 185kg, 6kg heavier than the international-spec model.

Triumph has also adjusted the suspension on the Scrambler 400X to accommodate the extra weight, resulting in a firmer ride compared to the Speed 400. While the Speed was known for its plush ride quality, the Scrambler offers a more rugged experience, particularly on uneven roads.

Triumph Scrambler 400X: Dimensions

Despite what the spec sheet might suggest, the Scrambler 400X still feels extremely nimble between the legs and it still packs a lot to have a fair bit of fun up the twistiness. Be it off-roading or cornering the bike up twistiness, the bike definitely does pack a lot and we had plenty of fun putting it through its paces. 

Triumph Scrambler 400X: Price

The Scrambler 400X will set you back by Rs 2.63 lakh, ex-showroom. 

Verdict 

Triumph has priced the Scrambler 400 X at Rs 2.63 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi, making it just Rs 30,000 more expensive than the Speed 400. Considering the additional off-road capabilities it offers, the premium over the Speed 400 seems justified. For riders looking to explore off-road terrain or take extended tours, choosing the Scrambler 400 X over the Speed 400 is a logical choice.