5 things you need to know about…

…the Scrambler 400 X, Triumph’s first stab at a small-capacity bike

1 IT OOZES QUALITY

The 400 X looks more like a five-figure high-capacity Scrambler than a budget, A2-compliant machine. A chunky tank with thick paint, long-travel suspension and 19in front wheel give it that imposing style. Handguards, a headlight grille, sump guard and a two-exit exhaust are standard fitment, as are the quality Metzeler Karoo street tyres. It’s all neatly tied together with the attention to detail we’ve come to love from modern Triumphs.

2 ALL THE RIGHT DIMENSIONS

Some sub-500cc machines feel a bit like, well, toys. But the Scrambler 400 X doesn’t, echoing a similar sense of presence as its larger-capacity siblings. With 150mm of travel, the 835mm seat height means the riding position is impressively spacious with a nicely-positioned rider triangle. There’s more than enough room for long arms and legs, and the two-piece seat unit is comfortable. And at 179kg ready to roll, it still feels agile.

3 IT HANDLES LIKE A TRUE SCRAMBLER

…Which is both good and bad. The suspension offers ample support to scratch some back roads with enough poise to bring some serious smiles, but does have a softer, more docile feel to it in terms of its sheer agility – especially through the non-adjustable front forks. There’s a lot of dive through the front end too, even though the stopping power from the single four-piston caliper isn’t the strongest or most responsive.

4 BUZZY, BUT GOOD FUN

The new single-cylinder 398cc engine is fun, especially from 3000rpm upwards. It will happily pull in higher gears too, and the Scrambler-specific exhaust is surprisingly throaty. But it means the sharp response from the ride-by-wire throttle connection is quite evident, especially in lower gears. The gearbox is incredibly sweet and crisp but it would benefit from longer gearing as it does get quite vibey at motorway speeds – sitting above 6000rpm at 70mph.

5 IT’S NOT REALLY A PROPER OFF-ROADER

The throttle connection off-road is very sharp even in the dry, especially at slower speeds on loose gravel. It’s frustrating, as although it comes with a 19in front wheel, dual-purpose Metzeler tyres, longer-travel suspension and long, wide ’bars, it offers little feel and feedback. It’s more than capable of a green lane or fire road, but it’s not built to tackle anything remotely gnarly, and the front will walk across ruts and softer surfaces if you aren’t paying close attention.