Scramblers — Regular motorcycles turned into grass-churning, pebble-pelting machines meant to win ‘Scramble’ races. What originated in the 20th century in jolly old England, paved the path for modern motocross and adventure motorcycles. Yet, scramblers continue to exist, albeit with more sophistication, and the Triumph Scrambler 400 X is the latest one from the brand that introduced the world to factory-made scramblers.
Looks Like A Scrambler
Just like the original scramblers, the 400 X is based on its road-going sibling – the Street 400 but with some changes. For starters, the headlight is the same, but is now hidden behind the headlight grille. Even the 13-litre tank has been unchanged, but comes with grips to hold the bike better between your legs.
Other visual changes on the Scrambler include a 19/17-inch wheel setup with dual-purpose tyres, a bigger front disc brake and taller suspension. And of course, in the khaki green shade, it undoubtedly looks like a Triumph Scrambler.
But Does Scrambler 400 X Feel Like One?
The moment I perched on the 835 mm seat, the 400 X felt nothing like the Speed. Its tall, wide handlebar and the position of the footpegs lended a commanding riding posture, teasing the inner hooligan in me. And I gave in.
So, Does It Actually Ride Like a Scrambler?
The 398.15cc motor has oodles of low-end torque, and for the 400 X, Triumph has gone down a tooth in the front sprocket. So the Scrambler serves all the grunt on the platter. Going fast? Yes, the Triumph can handle that. Technical trails? Oh, I enjoyed it even more. At the slow speeds, the engine felt tame and compliant, until I became a bit zealous with my right wrist. In fact, the ride-by-wire is so well calibrated especially at low speeds that it almost felt like a telepathic experience.
And that engine felt all the more enjoyable because of the chassis. Be it sitting or standing, the bike felt perfect for my 5’11 frame. The suspension could handle almost anything it was faced with. From undulations to pebbles and big rocks, the chassis absorbed everything and didn’t let my body take the brunt of it. The faster I rode, the easier the bike felt. But going fast on the Scrambler brings out the chink in its armour – brakes.
For a motorcycle that tempts to ride harder and faster, the brakes could have been sharper and with better progression. Despite the 20 mm larger rotor, the front brake lever felt spongy, and lacked progression, hampering the experience. That said, it doesn’t lack stopping power. Plus, the dual-channel ABS and traction control will have your back… should you choose to not disengage them. But the actual fun starts once the electronics are turned off.
Can The Triumph Scrambler 400 X Scramble?
The Triumph Scrambler 400 X demands Rs 30,000 more over the Speed 400, and for that, it offers more versatility. The additional money gets you a motorcycle with which not only can you hoon around in the city, but also do some highway jaunts and venture beyond the beaten path.
Between the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400 X, the latter has better road presence and come on, it looks better too, at least to my eyes. And with the ADV-style beak and the flyscreen, there’s nothing as handsome in this segment.
The Scrambler 400 X is a bike that can be great tool for someone who has decided to learn the ropes of off-roading, and at the same time, be a fun, engaging machine who has had experience with big ADVs.
Also Read: Triumph Speed 400 Review: Instant Classic
