The latest pair of models to roll off Triumph’s production lines might arguably be the most hyped bikes the brand has built to date. I’m talking about the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400 X, the Bajaj-powered twins that recently landed on our shores.
I was lucky enough to have been given the chance to take one of them out for a spin, and I chose the trail-ready Scrambler. One weekend was all I had with it, but it was enough to tell me everything I needed to know about the bike. Is it just another entry-level two-wheeler, or is it worth the hype?
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Styling
Like most Triumph bikes, the Scrambler 400 X bears the brand’s signature retro styling. And true to its name, this one does look like the Scrambler 900 and 1200’s smaller sibling.
The 400 X doesn’t have the high-positioned tailpipes, but the steel plate on the side and even the seat design—which we’ll talk more about later—also look similar to that of the Scrambler 900. The tank’s paintjob also just screams Triumph to me.
Overall the look works excellently for me. It’s a pair of spoke wheels with knobbies away from becoming a bona fide scrambler bike. That’s what aftermarket upgrades are for, right?
The saddle
The Scrambler 400 X may be an entry-level bike, but its seat can be a bit unforgiving. It’s listed at 835mm high, which to newbie riders who aren’t that tall, will be challenging to straddle. I myself and 5’5” and I can’t flat-foot the Scrambler.
Not that it’s a chore, though, because the bike is pretty lightweight at just 179kg. Having to lean on one side and stand on just one foot each time you come to a stop is pretty easy.
As far as comfort goes, it’s also pretty good. The seat has decent cushioning that even for one whole day of riding, my butt didn’t hurt. That also says a lot about the riding position on the Scrambler 400 X.
Another thing I’d like to point out is the pilion seat—it’s now decent. In the Scrambler 900, it was just an afterthought. Here, backrides would actually be okay. It’s not the most comfortable pillion seat in the segment, but it’s a far cry from what its bigger sibling had to offer.
Engine performance
Most people’s questions would probably come out right about now. See, the Scrambler 400 X is powered by a 39.5hp, 37.5Nm 398cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder powerplant. Some are reluctant because it’s “just a single-cylinder.”
First of all, most bikes in this segment and at this price point are single-cylinders. Secondly, it’s so much better than some of you might think.
The unit I got was fresh out of the box—it had less than 100km on it, if I recall correctly, so that meant it was well within the break-in period. Unlike the last a-little-too-new Triumph I tested, this one ran smoothly. I probably wouldn’t have guessed that the engine oil had never been changed if it weren’t for the odometer reading.
There’s decent power from a standstill to get you to highway speeds, though it doesn’t quite jump off the line as quick as similar-displacement bikes might. Which is okay, because this bike wasn’t meant to be stupidly fast. It’s also more than capable of cruising at 100kph on the expressway, which is of utmost importance for those who wish to take this on long rides. It won’t feel like you’re pushing the engine too hard.
As for fuel economy, I got about 25km/L during my time with the Scrambler 400 X. I was riding it hard, so I wasn’t surprised that I got so-so numbers. I’m sure that with a more relaxed rider, though, those figures will easily go up.
Ride and handling
Let me get this out of the way first—I wasn’t able to take the Triumph Scrambler 400 X on the trail. There weren’t any near me, and I simply did not have the time to do so during the weekend that I had it. Nevertheless, I had no questions about its off-road capabilities, especially since other international media like RevZilla have gone far off the beaten path with it and ran into no issues whatsoever despite running it stock. And I mean far, like Himalayas far.
On the road, it cruises with ease. As I said earlier, the riding position is quite comfortable, and the bike’s high stance actually gives a sense of confidence to the rider. No need to worry about most road imperfections, and you’ll know there’s no chance of you scraping on any speed bumps.
It corners well, too. I wasn’t expecting it to, if I’m being honest, but it did. It also helped that those Metzeler Karoo Street tires provided good grip through twisties. Granted, it won’t be the fastest bike through Marilaque, but it sure is such a fun bike to throw around.
Extra features
This thing’s pretty loaded considering its price tag. It’s got switchable ABS and traction control at the rear, so experienced riders will be able to do some hooning on the dirt. There’s a nice digital panel here, too, with a fuel-consumption gauge and a gear indicator. The analog speedometer that’s paired with this panel is also a nice touch.
The Scrambler 400 X also comes standard with accessories including the headlight and hand guards. A crash guard, some aux lights, and probably some saddle bags and I think you’re all set with this one.
Verdict
The Scrambler 400 X isn’t the most powerful or most loaded bike in its segment, but it’s easily one of the most exciting models Triumph has built in a while. As good as this bike is, though, Triumph has its work cut out for it. The Scrambler 400 X is an excellent proposition, but with other options like the all-new CFMoto 450MT and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 available in the market, it might not be easy to sway potential bike buyers.
The one thing that this bike truly holds against those competitors? It’s a legit scrambler. It’s easier to use and much less intimidating than a full-on adventure bike. It’s not a hardcore off-roader—it’s basically an everyday rider, and that’s something most people with P339,000-or-so budgets are looking for.
SPECS: Triumph Scrambler 400 X 2024
Price: P339,000
Engine: 398cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power: 39.5hp @ 8,000rpm
Torque: 37.5Nm @ 6,500rpm
Wet weight: 179kg
Seat height: 835mm (32.8 inches)
Fuel-tank capacity: 13 liters
Score: 9.5/10
More photos of the Triumph Scrambler 400 X 2024:
