Triumph Scrambler 400 X Offroad Experience - Mayur Mahanta
Photography by MototripperCo
Retouched on Adobe Lightroom, Resized using Adobe Photoshop AI
Retouched on Adobe Lightroom, Resized using Adobe Photoshop AI
Introducing the Triumph Scrambler 400 X - an exhilarating motorcycle designed to accelerate on both the asphalt and the rugged off-road terrain. In this space, we embark on an exploration of the Scrambler's off-road prowess, focusing on the incredible experiences it offers beyond the confines of conventional roads.
The Scrambler is a masterful blend of both worlds, providing riders the opportunity to cruise down highways and tackle winding corners with ease. However, it's crucial to understand that while this motorcycle excels on the road, it isn't meant to rival the performance of a sports bike. Similarly, off-road adventures are well within reach, but it's not a hardcore off-roading or enduro machine. Scramblers, in essence, have evolved from street motorcycles, with strategic customization to enhance their off-road capabilities.
The Triumph Scrambler 400 X is no exception to this philosophy. Although its engine specifications mirror those of the Speed 400, the Scrambler 400 X boasts significant enhancements that transform the riding experience. Notable improvements include increased suspension travel (both front and rear), a longer wheelbase, elevated ground clearance, a taller seat height, a larger front disc, a more sturdy tyre setup, and a 19-inch alloy wheel in the front. Beyond these changes, the Scrambler 400 X introduces a new main frame, a wider handlebar, and a distinctive upswept double-barrel exhaust that not only sounds robust but adds to its overall appeal.
How does the Scrambler 400 X ride? While it accelerates gracefully and cruises comfortably between 100-115 kph, it's the off-road experience where this motorcycle truly shines. While on the road, the brakes may seem slightly less responsive, but they provide good feedback when riding off-road. I should mention that I appreciated the engine braking capability in the S400X; its smoothness contributes to the overall ride quality.
The inclusion of an off-road mode, allowing you to deactivate rear ABS and traction control, provides you with the confidence to fully exploit the Scrambler 400 X's capabilities. I made slight adjustments to the handlebars to suit my height, creating a more optimal off-roading position. Also, removed the rubber grips from the footpegs. The position while saddling is spot on. The standard tank grip enhances confidence, particularly when riding on loose terrain. The bike's overall geometry, combined with excellent grip and responsive handling, enables you to navigate tight corners and tricky situations with ease.
The thoughtful design, including offroad-friendly handlebars along with barboots, offroad footpegs with easy-to-remove peg rubbers, offroad rear brake pedal, and a slightly tall yet slim, comfortable seat that facilitates ground reach for most riders, enhances the joy of off-roading.
Triumph has taken this off-road commitment to the next level by incorporating a headlight grill, bash plate, radiator grill, knuckle guards, and a grabrail that ensures easy recovery after a fall. The USD big piston front forks and rear monoshock perform admirably on rough terrain, and the slip-and-assist clutch, coupled with well-positioned gear levers, makes gear changes seamless, even with off-road boots.
Is the riding experience true to the Scrambler feel? In the true spirit of a Scrambler, the Scrambler 400 X is not built for extreme offroad or track racing, but rather for those who crave the freedom to explore the open road, conquer twisty paths, and take on challenging and uneven surfaces with style and grace. When it comes to these things, the Scrambler 400 X totally nails it by hitting all the right marks with a dash of class.
Are spoke wheels missing from the setup? The debate between spokes and alloys for off-road riding often divides opinions. Still, the Scrambler 400 X's high-quality alloy wheels prove more than capable of handling rugged conditions.
Personally, I prefer to stick with alloys, as it eliminates the worry of punctures that can arise from using spokes. Drawing from my past years of experience riding both alloys and spokes off-road, I can confidently say that alloys have made significant advancements and are well-suited for both on and off-road riding today.
Personally, I prefer to stick with alloys, as it eliminates the worry of punctures that can arise from using spokes. Drawing from my past years of experience riding both alloys and spokes off-road, I can confidently say that alloys have made significant advancements and are well-suited for both on and off-road riding today.
What's the coolest thing about the Scrambler 400 X? The standout feature of the Scrambler 400 X is its impressive 16,000 km service interval, a testament to Triumph's confidence in the bike's quality and reliability. This service interval speaks volumes about the motorcycle's dependability.
What can be better? In the realm of potential improvements, the Scrambler 400 X could benefit from a better set of dual-purpose tyres. Switching to an aftermarket set of performance tyres (of preferred road/offroad ratio) can enhance both the tarmac as well as off-road experience significantly. Additionally, a 12V socket, instead of USB charging, would be a convenient addition, offering compatibility with various tire inflators and helping riders stay prepared during tours and off-road ventures.
Priced at Rs. 2.63 lakhs ex-showroom, the Scrambler 400 X is a versatile motorcycle that encapsulates style, build quality and reliability. It's the ideal companion for daily commutes, weekend rides, occasional long tours, casual off-roading, and soft trail adventures. Triumph's array of official accessories further allows riders to personalize their Scrambler, ensuring it truly becomes an extension of their own unique personality. After all, Scramblers are meant to be personalized, and the Scrambler 400 X offers the canvas for this personalization.
TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 400 X - SPECIFICATION
Source - www.triumphmotorcycles.in
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Type - Liquid-cooled, 4 valve, DOHC, single-cylinder
Capacity - 398.15 cc
Bore - 89.0 mm
Stroke - 64.0 mm
Compression - 12:1
Max Power EC - 40 PS / 39.5 bhp (29.4 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
Max Torque EC - 37.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
System - Bosch electronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control
Exhaust - Stainless twin-skin header system with stainless steel silencer
Final Drive - X-ring chain
Clutch - Wet, multi-plate, slip
Gearbox - 6 speed
CHASSIS
Frame - Hybrid spine/perimeter, tubular steel, bolt-on rear subframe
Swingarm - Twin-sided, cast aluminium alloy
Front Wheel - Cast aluminium alloy 10 spoke, 19 x 2.5 in
Rear Wheel - Cast aluminium alloy 10 spoke, 17 x 3.5 in
Front Tyre - 100/90-19
Rear Tyre - 140/80-17
Front Suspension - 43mm upside down Big Piston forks. 150mm wheel travel
Rear Suspension - Gas monoshock RSU with external reservoir and pre-load adjustment. 150mm wheel travel
Front Brakes - 320mm fixed disc, four-piston radial caliper, ABS
Rear Brakes - 230mm fixed disc, ByBreTM single piston floating caliper, ABS
Instrument Display and Functions - Analogue speedometer with integrated multi-function LCD screen
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Width Handlebars - 901 mm
Height Without Mirror - 1169 mm
Seat Height - 835 mm
Wheelbase - 1418 mm
Rake - 23.2 º
Trail - 108 mm
Tank Capacity - 13 L
Wet Weight - 185 kg
