FIRST RIDE TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 400 X
…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 happi
