Feels like a real one...
Yes, it’s made in India. But the new is every bit a ‘proper’ Triumph Scrambler 400 X
Triumph have got the most important bit right with their new entry-level Scrambler X. At 398cc the single-cylinder motor is way smaller than anything else in their range, and it’s a bike developed and built in conjunction with Indian firm Bajaj. But crucially it looks, feels and rides just how you expect a modern Triumph to. The Scrambler 400 X and its road-focused twin, the Speed 400 (see January issue), possess typical Triumph style, robustness and quality of finish. These aren’t pretend tiddlers luring riders by using the tank badge. They’re real. As the dirty half of the new 400 duo, the Scrambler features increased suspension travel and a reasonable 150mm of wheel movement. It gives the bike a soft, usable feel while still offering ample support to make sure back-road scratching is a smile-fest. This is a fun motorcycle to bob around on.
It does lose out to the Speed 400 in terms of outright cornering prowess, as the chassis changes are far more substantial than the spec sheet suggests; what you get in appearance and stature, you lose in feedback, feel and precision. The flip side is a docile manner and accessible feel, plus a riding position that’s impressively spacious with a nicely-positioned rider triangle (and the two-piece seat is surprisingly comfortable, too).
And of course the 400 X is more than capable of a green lane or a fire road. Don’t think that you’ll be able to tackle anything even remotely gnarly, though – despite its 19in front wheel, dual-purpose Metzeler tyres and those wide ’bars, the Triumph is not the most poised machine off-road, offering little feel and feedback on the dirty stuff. The front will walk across ruts and softer surfaces if you aren’t paying close attention. But you can tell all this from its appearance. It’s a Scrambler for occasional gravel track exploration, not a hardcore enduro tool.
Compared to the Speed, it’s got a larger brake disc on its bigger front wheel, but Triumph have used a softer brake pad which reduces the initial bite and feel. When asked about it, Triumph say it’s for better feel off-road, especially as there’s no off-road-specific ABS. It’s a shame – how many Scramblers will actually see any muck? Anyway. There’s not a lot wrong with the new single-cylinder motor, which from 3000rpm upwards is incredibly punchy with a broad spread of torque, and peaks just shy of 40bhp. It’s a useful motor: it has enough flexibility to pretty much make first gear redundant, and it will happily pull in the higher gears too, with a surprisingly throaty and pleasing soundtrack from the Scrambler-specific pipe. And the gearbox is incredibly sweet and crisp going up or down.
However, this feisty, fruity motor also has quite a sharp response from its ride-by-wire throttle, which is especially evident in the lower gears. And although the gearbox is slick, the Scrambler would benefit from longer gearing – it’s more than capable of cruising but does get quite vibey at motorway speeds, with 70mph bringing 6000rpm on the small LCD tacho. Standard-fit bits include traction control, switchable ABS and a USB-C charging socket. Nice, but more important is the level of finish and air of quality – you sense this bike is made by the same folk who build the Scrambler 1200. Price is £5599. Royal Enfield’s rival Scram 411 is cheaper at £4849, though isn’t as refined as the new 400 X; Enfield’s also-new Himalayan 450 is in the Triumph’s ballpark at £5750, and is less blingy but more rugged. Husqvarna have new Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401s at £5599, and they boast adjustable suspension, a TFT dash with connectivity, and more power and torque too – but they haven’t the Scrambler’s classy air. Triumph have created a small-capacity bike with the essence and DNA of their larger bikes – and that’s why they’ll be a success.