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2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Review: The off-roader you were looking for?

2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Review: The off-roader you were looking for?

Hindustan Times2 days ago
The 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC looks smashing in the new yellow paint scheme, while the new fly screen and raised mudguard give it a more authentic off-road appearance 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: What's New?
The changes are largely cosmetic with the same chassis, engine and bodywork as the X. There's a new body-coloured fly screen and a raised front mudguard for a more authentic off-road look. Triumph has also added an aluminium sump guard and belly pan as standard, for better off-road protection. There are three new colours - Racing Yellow, Vanilla White, and Storm Grey. Needless to say, it's the yellow that stands out, shining bright on a gloomy day.
Also Read : Triumph Scrambler 400 XC launched at ₹ 2.94 lakh. Check what's new
The round headlamp with the LED DRL and mesh guard has been carried over. The fuel tank, two-piece seat, double-barrel exhaust, and the LED taillight are all the same as well. There's no change in the ride height at 835 mm, which may seem tall, but the bike's slender frame makes it manageable for shorter riders. The new components have added more weight, and the Scrambler 400 XC is about 5 kg heavier than the 400 X. The new cross-spoke rims are about 1.1 kg heavier than the alloys. The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC comes equipped with tubeless cross-spoke wheels, which are fully imported and built by Excel Wheels, the same OEM that makes wheels for the larger Scrambler 1200 and Tiger 1200 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: What's Different?
The alloy wheels on the 400 X have made way for the new tubeless aluminium cross-spokes on the XC. These are made by the same manufacturer, Excel Wheels, which makes wheels for the larger Scrambler 1200 and Tiger 1200 in Triumph's stable. The new tubeless cross-spoke wheels come in the same sizes - a 19-inch unit up front and a 17-inch unit at the rear - and offer the same reliability as alloys, but with fewer chances of damaging the rim when going off-road.
The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC is also the fourth made-in-India motorcycle to get tubeless spoked wheels after the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure, and Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350. The 398 cc single-cylinder remains the same and continues to be super-tractable and effortless to ride on the Scrambler 400 XC 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: Performance
The Scrambler 400 X was always likeable, and performance remains familiar despite the marginal increase in weight on the XC. The 398 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor develops the same 39.5 bhp and 37.5 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. This is a lovely and tractable motor, and quite predictable when you want to go fast. Power delivery is seamless across the rev range, and the bike is quick when it comes to reaching triple-digit speeds. There is a mild buzz around the 6,500 rpm mark, but that's easy to overlook.
The tractable nature makes it a breeze at low speeds, especially when going through off-road trails. If you hesitated hitting the dirt patch on the Scrambler X, the new 400 XC will automatically feel more confident. It's bolder and livelier on rough trails, and at 190 kg (kerb), it feels nimble enough to just stand on the pegs and explore the terrain. Compared to adventure tourers, the XC is friendlier without having to fully compromise on the off-road ability.
The limitation comes from the suspension travel, which at 150 mm is the same as the 400 X. Many found the travel too short for going off-road, especially at the front, which feels unfriendly when you land on the ground after a big jump. On the flip side, you don't have to worry about bending the wheel anymore, with more impact absorption coming from the new cross-spoke wheels. The tubeless wheels are also easy to fix in case of a puncture, making them apt for trails, as much as long distances. The bike uses the same MRF Zapper Kurve dual-purpose tyres as seen on the Scrambler X, offering decent grip on tarmac and muddy terrain. The new Scrambler 400 XC is about 5 kg heavier than the Scrambler 400 X, but there's little change in handling dynamics or manoeuvrability. The bike remains nimble and predictable around a corner 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: Ride Quality, Handling & Braking
The ride quality feels familiar, and the new XC strikes the right balance between quick and comfortable. The wide handlebar gives you the sense of riding a 'big" bike, while the taller stance makes it more accommodating for larger riders than the Speed 400. The bench-style seat will keep you comfortable, but I've found a little over two hours to be the ideal time on the saddle between breaks.
The USD front forks and a monoshock at the rear do a good job of making this a quick motorcycle to commute on. The bike feels nimble to handle, and it's largely a point-and-shoot affair. The predictability only helps to flow into corners, and for most riders, the setup will work brilliantly. It's not lightning quick and doesn't need to be for all intents and purposes.
The bike uses a 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc with organic brake pads, same as the 400 X. Braking feels progressive with a slightly spongy feel on the front lever. While this feels good enough during off-roading, we'd like a sharper bite at higher speeds on the highway. The sintered brake pads from the Speed 400 are an easy fix. I also feel it's better to adapt to the sharper brakes when going off-road than to lose precious stopping distance in case of emergency braking on the highway. Triumph also says it is developing more durable brake pads for the Scrambler 400 range, which will be rolled out later. For more off-road control, you get switchable rear ABS and traction control, which make this a fun machine to play with.
Also Read : Triumph Scrambler 400 XC tubeless spoke wheels prices revealed The tubeless cross-spoke wheels are not covered under warranty and are only covered for manufacturing defects for Scrambler 400 X owners Can you retrofit cross-spokes on the Triumph Scrambler 400 X?
For the existing Scrambler 400 X, this has been a major question. Technically, yes. However, here's the catch. The cross-spoke wheels aren't homologated in India, and the full import makes them quite expensive to buy separately. The front wheel costs ₹ 34,876, while the rear wheel costs ₹ 36,875. That's a hefty ₹ 72,000 or about 1/4th of the bike's cost.
The Triumph service centre will install these wheels for you on your Scrambler 400 X. But do remember, swapping the alloys for these will void your warranty, irrespective of where you get them from. Moreover, the cross-spoke wheels are only covered for manufacturing defects. So, while it is possible to swap the alloys for cross-spoke wheels, it will be an expensive change. The 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC commands a ₹ 27,000 premium over the Scrambler 400 X, which feels justified given the tubeless spoke wheels and other enhancements 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: Verdict
The delta between the Scrambler 400 X and XC is about ₹ 27,000, which feels fair for the additional equipment. It's a fun but expensive machine with a very specific improvement. At ₹ 2.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Scrambler 400 XC sits closer to the new KTM 390 Adventure X Plus (Rs. 3.03 lakh) and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 ( ₹ 2.83 lakh - 2.98 lakh), which bring more versatility for similar pricing. But the scrambler is a different flavour, and the nimble nature will make you feel a lot more confident in your skills. Go take a test ride.
First Published Date: 15 Jul 2025, 10:00 am IST
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Triumph Scrambler 400 XC vs RE Himalayan 450: Which adv motorcycle will you pick
Triumph Scrambler 400 XC vs RE Himalayan 450: Which adv motorcycle will you pick

Hindustan Times

time8 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Triumph Scrambler 400 XC vs RE Himalayan 450: Which adv motorcycle will you pick

The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC retails for ₹2.94 lakh (ex-showroom), whereas the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 begins at a slightly lower price of ₹2.85 lakh and climbs up to ₹2.98 lakh based on the variant. Check Offers In India's rapidly expanding adventure touring market, two motorcycles have made a big impression on fans seeking reasonably priced, capable ADVs with real go-anywhere ability—the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Though both are in the sub ₹ 3 lakh range, they appeal to different riding styles and aspirations. One skews towards retro scrambler style with city sophistication, the other unapologetically designed for tackling high passes and rough trails. Here's how the two match up in design, mechanics, features and value. Triumph Scrambler 400 XC vs RE Himalayan 450: Design The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC is designed to make eyes with its neo-retro design aesthetic. It gets a high exhaust mount, chiseled tank with signature Triumph branding, and cross-spoke wheels that give it a true scrambler stance. Its clean rear end, upright handlebar, and relatively thin profile give it a compact, agile feel that makes it well-suited for city rides and light off-road excursions. But its 835 mm seat height may be a problem for short riders, and the 13-litre fuel tank restricts it from long-distance touring. The other side of the coin is that the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 feels like an out-and-out ADV with a tall and commanding presence. Its robust fuel tank can hold up to 17 litres of fuel, giving it an extended riding range for highway adventures or remote expeditions. The adjustable seat height, ranging from 825 mm to 845 mm, allows for greater flexibility depending on rider preference. Further, it has 230 mm of ground clearance far surpassing the 195 mm of the Triumph and making it better placed to handle harsh, uneven ground. Still, with its 196 kg kerb weight and slightly more top-heavy mass distribution, it requires a little more at low speeds and in close off-road environments. Also Read : 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Review: The off-roader you were looking for? Triumph Scrambler 400 XC vs RE Himalayan 450: Specs They both have a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine fitted with 6-speed gearboxes. The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC features a 399 cc engine with 40 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm. The power delivery is smooth and progressive, well-suited for riders looking for a refined and tractable experience on mixed surfaces. Its performance is punchy enough for spirited city rides and light trails, but it doesn't quite match the bottom-end grunt of its rival. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, on the other hand, gets an over-square 452 cc Sherpa engine that makes the same 40 horsepower but with a torque-abundant personality—producing 40 Nm at a lower 5,500 rpm. The low-end torque over this low-revving gives the Himalayan an edge for slow-speed technical riding, especially when dealing with rocks, gravel, or steep hills. Its engine character is almost tailored for adventure touring, offering lots of pull even in low revs without having to shift gears repeatedly. Also watch: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 First Look: Check what it offers Triumph Scrambler 400 XC vs RE Himalayan 450: Hardware The suspension configuration of these two bikes lays bare their philosophy. The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC features a USD fork at front and monoshock rear, with the same 150 mm of travel. The shorter 1,418 mm wheelbase certainly helps with agility and manageability on the street and light trail rides. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels are wrapped in dual-purpose tyres and mounted on cross-spoke rims that support tubeless use. While the Scrambler is capable on uneven surfaces, it's not designed for hardcore off-roading. By contrast, the Himalayan 450 is clearly the more rugged option. It gets a long-travel suspension system with 200 mm of travel at both ends, enabling it to soak up ruts, rocks, and potholes with ease. The bike also uses a larger 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel—again, cross-spoked for off-road durability. The higher ground clearance and longer wheelbase of 1,510 mm contribute to better high-speed stability and off-road composure, though at the cost of some agility in tight urban conditions. Triumph Scrambler 400 XC vs RE Himalayan 450: Features Where Triumph has chosen to keep things minimal, the Himalayan 450 leans into a more tech-focused approach. The Scrambler 400 XC comes equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster that includes a vertically mounted analogue tachometer and a digital display for basic readouts. Riders get access to switchable ABS and a basic traction control system, but the motorcycle misses out on more advanced aids like ride modes, navigation, or a TFT screen. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, meanwhile, offers a modern, round TFT display with Google Maps-based navigation built in. It also features two riding modes—Power and Eco—that vary throttle response to match the road or trail. The user interface is simple and weighted toward everyday practicality, particularly for riders who cover large distances or use in-dash navigation. For all its tough image, the Himalayan has a cleaner and more useful electronics package than the Scrambler. Triumph Scrambler 400 XC vs RE Himalayan 450: Price The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC retails for ₹ 2.94 lakh (ex-showroom), whereas the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 begins at a slightly lower price of ₹ 2.85 lakh and climbs up to ₹ 2.98 lakh based on the variant. On paper, the Himalayan has more value in terms of equipment, off-road gear, and features for the rider. It introduces navigation, riding modes, an increased fuel tank capacity, and increased travel suspension—all of which improve its touring potential. The Scrambler, though, sacrifices functionality features in favor of a luxury brand experience. It might lack in tech, but it boasts the Triumph brand, classic styling, and upscale ride quality that lifestyle buyers crave. For buyers who value day-to-day useability, appearance, and brand prestige over outright touring capability, the Scrambler is right on par. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date: 17 Jul 2025, 09:52 am IST

Triumph Scrambler 400 XC deliveries begin in India
Triumph Scrambler 400 XC deliveries begin in India

Hindustan Times

time2 days ago

  • Hindustan Times

Triumph Scrambler 400 XC deliveries begin in India

Triumph Scrambler 400 XC gets a few upgrades over the standard 400 X. (Youtube/ Crazy on Roads) Check Offers Triumph India has commenced deliveries of the Scrambler 400 XC in the Indian market. The Scrambler 400 XC is the new flagship 400 cc motorcycle in the brand's lineup. It sits above the Scrambler 400 X, which has found many takers in our country. What is the price of the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC? Triumph Scrambler 400 XC costs ₹ 2,94,147 ex-showroom. When compared, the Scrambler 400 X is priced at ₹ 2,67,352 ex-showroom. What is different with the Scrambler 400 XC when compared to the Scrambler 400 X? The Scrambler 400 XC features a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, both equipped with spoke rims. However, thanks to the cross-spoke design, these wheels are tubeless—offering a combination of durability and convenience. Additionally, the motorcycle now comes standard with a sump and engine guard for added protection. A tall windscreen is included to reduce windblast for the rider, while tank pads not only enhance the bike's visual appeal but also provide better grip for the rider's knees. Apart from this, there is also a high-mounted front mudguard to complete that off-road look. The 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC commands a ₹ 27,000 premium over the Scrambler 400 X, which feels justified given the tubeless spoke wheels and other enhancements Can existing Scrambler 400 X owners upgrade to tubeless spoked rims? The tubeless cross-spoke wheels for the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC are priced at ₹ 34,876 for the front and ₹ 36,875 for the rear, bringing the total to nearly ₹ 72,000 for the complete set. While these wheels promise improved durability and off-road performance, the upgrade comes at a steep cost. Triumph offers a warranty solely for manufacturing defects on these wheels—damage from bends or impacts isn't covered. Additionally, replacing the standard alloy wheels with these imported cross-spoke units will void the vehicle's warranty. Also Read : 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Review: The off-roader you were looking for? These wheels are not produced locally and are instead fully imported, which significantly contributes to their high price. The same OEM also supplies similar tubeless spoke wheels for Triumph's larger models, including the Tiger 900 Rally Pro and Scrambler 1200 X. For those considering a new purchase, opting for the Scrambler 400 XC may be more practical, as it costs just ₹ 27,000 more than the 400 X and comes equipped with these wheels. However, current Scrambler 400 X owners have little alternative but to stick with the stock setup. What are the colour options of the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC? Triumph Scrambler 400 XC is offered in three colour schemes - Racing Yellow, Storm Grey and Vanilla White. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date: 15 Jul 2025, 10:58 am IST

2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Review: The off-roader you were looking for?
2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Review: The off-roader you were looking for?

Hindustan Times

time2 days ago

  • Hindustan Times

2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Review: The off-roader you were looking for?

The 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC looks smashing in the new yellow paint scheme, while the new fly screen and raised mudguard give it a more authentic off-road appearance 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: What's New? The changes are largely cosmetic with the same chassis, engine and bodywork as the X. There's a new body-coloured fly screen and a raised front mudguard for a more authentic off-road look. Triumph has also added an aluminium sump guard and belly pan as standard, for better off-road protection. There are three new colours - Racing Yellow, Vanilla White, and Storm Grey. Needless to say, it's the yellow that stands out, shining bright on a gloomy day. Also Read : Triumph Scrambler 400 XC launched at ₹ 2.94 lakh. Check what's new The round headlamp with the LED DRL and mesh guard has been carried over. The fuel tank, two-piece seat, double-barrel exhaust, and the LED taillight are all the same as well. There's no change in the ride height at 835 mm, which may seem tall, but the bike's slender frame makes it manageable for shorter riders. The new components have added more weight, and the Scrambler 400 XC is about 5 kg heavier than the 400 X. The new cross-spoke rims are about 1.1 kg heavier than the alloys. The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC comes equipped with tubeless cross-spoke wheels, which are fully imported and built by Excel Wheels, the same OEM that makes wheels for the larger Scrambler 1200 and Tiger 1200 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: What's Different? The alloy wheels on the 400 X have made way for the new tubeless aluminium cross-spokes on the XC. These are made by the same manufacturer, Excel Wheels, which makes wheels for the larger Scrambler 1200 and Tiger 1200 in Triumph's stable. The new tubeless cross-spoke wheels come in the same sizes - a 19-inch unit up front and a 17-inch unit at the rear - and offer the same reliability as alloys, but with fewer chances of damaging the rim when going off-road. The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC is also the fourth made-in-India motorcycle to get tubeless spoked wheels after the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure, and Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350. The 398 cc single-cylinder remains the same and continues to be super-tractable and effortless to ride on the Scrambler 400 XC 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: Performance The Scrambler 400 X was always likeable, and performance remains familiar despite the marginal increase in weight on the XC. The 398 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor develops the same 39.5 bhp and 37.5 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. This is a lovely and tractable motor, and quite predictable when you want to go fast. Power delivery is seamless across the rev range, and the bike is quick when it comes to reaching triple-digit speeds. There is a mild buzz around the 6,500 rpm mark, but that's easy to overlook. The tractable nature makes it a breeze at low speeds, especially when going through off-road trails. If you hesitated hitting the dirt patch on the Scrambler X, the new 400 XC will automatically feel more confident. It's bolder and livelier on rough trails, and at 190 kg (kerb), it feels nimble enough to just stand on the pegs and explore the terrain. Compared to adventure tourers, the XC is friendlier without having to fully compromise on the off-road ability. The limitation comes from the suspension travel, which at 150 mm is the same as the 400 X. Many found the travel too short for going off-road, especially at the front, which feels unfriendly when you land on the ground after a big jump. On the flip side, you don't have to worry about bending the wheel anymore, with more impact absorption coming from the new cross-spoke wheels. The tubeless wheels are also easy to fix in case of a puncture, making them apt for trails, as much as long distances. The bike uses the same MRF Zapper Kurve dual-purpose tyres as seen on the Scrambler X, offering decent grip on tarmac and muddy terrain. The new Scrambler 400 XC is about 5 kg heavier than the Scrambler 400 X, but there's little change in handling dynamics or manoeuvrability. The bike remains nimble and predictable around a corner 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: Ride Quality, Handling & Braking The ride quality feels familiar, and the new XC strikes the right balance between quick and comfortable. The wide handlebar gives you the sense of riding a 'big" bike, while the taller stance makes it more accommodating for larger riders than the Speed 400. The bench-style seat will keep you comfortable, but I've found a little over two hours to be the ideal time on the saddle between breaks. The USD front forks and a monoshock at the rear do a good job of making this a quick motorcycle to commute on. The bike feels nimble to handle, and it's largely a point-and-shoot affair. The predictability only helps to flow into corners, and for most riders, the setup will work brilliantly. It's not lightning quick and doesn't need to be for all intents and purposes. The bike uses a 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc with organic brake pads, same as the 400 X. Braking feels progressive with a slightly spongy feel on the front lever. While this feels good enough during off-roading, we'd like a sharper bite at higher speeds on the highway. The sintered brake pads from the Speed 400 are an easy fix. I also feel it's better to adapt to the sharper brakes when going off-road than to lose precious stopping distance in case of emergency braking on the highway. Triumph also says it is developing more durable brake pads for the Scrambler 400 range, which will be rolled out later. For more off-road control, you get switchable rear ABS and traction control, which make this a fun machine to play with. Also Read : Triumph Scrambler 400 XC tubeless spoke wheels prices revealed The tubeless cross-spoke wheels are not covered under warranty and are only covered for manufacturing defects for Scrambler 400 X owners Can you retrofit cross-spokes on the Triumph Scrambler 400 X? For the existing Scrambler 400 X, this has been a major question. Technically, yes. However, here's the catch. The cross-spoke wheels aren't homologated in India, and the full import makes them quite expensive to buy separately. The front wheel costs ₹ 34,876, while the rear wheel costs ₹ 36,875. That's a hefty ₹ 72,000 or about 1/4th of the bike's cost. The Triumph service centre will install these wheels for you on your Scrambler 400 X. But do remember, swapping the alloys for these will void your warranty, irrespective of where you get them from. Moreover, the cross-spoke wheels are only covered for manufacturing defects. So, while it is possible to swap the alloys for cross-spoke wheels, it will be an expensive change. The 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC commands a ₹ 27,000 premium over the Scrambler 400 X, which feels justified given the tubeless spoke wheels and other enhancements 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: Verdict The delta between the Scrambler 400 X and XC is about ₹ 27,000, which feels fair for the additional equipment. It's a fun but expensive machine with a very specific improvement. At ₹ 2.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Scrambler 400 XC sits closer to the new KTM 390 Adventure X Plus (Rs. 3.03 lakh) and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 ( ₹ 2.83 lakh - 2.98 lakh), which bring more versatility for similar pricing. But the scrambler is a different flavour, and the nimble nature will make you feel a lot more confident in your skills. Go take a test ride. First Published Date: 15 Jul 2025, 10:00 am IST

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