Has Triumph hit the mark for ADV enthusiasts in India?
TLDR: The Triumph Scrambler 400 X is a 398cc single with 40 PS, 179 kg wet weight, and a top speed around 160 km/h. I rode it across Goa and through the Western Ghats into Karnataka. It handles well on tarmac and holds its own on gravel. Build quality is a step above anything at this price point. My mate Dom liked it so much he bought one. Here’s what I found.
I picked up the Scrambler 400 X from the Triumph showroom in Porvorim and pointed it south through Goa, then east into the Western Ghats towards Karnataka. Tight mountain roads, broken tarmac, a stretch of gravel, and the usual cast of cows and lorries.
I’ve been riding Royal Enfields in India for eight years. The Triumph felt different from the first turn of the key.
First impressions
The Scrambler 400 X looks tough. High front mudguard, wide bars, long travel suspension.
It also feels expensive. After eight years on Royal Enfields, the difference in fit and finish hit me immediately. No rattles. No cheap plastics. Cables neatly routed.
Throwing a leg over, the riding position is natural. The 835mm seat height is manageable for most riders while giving enough clearance for rough tracks.
On the road
At low speeds, the balance is excellent. Light clutch, smooth throttle. I didn’t stall it once in three days, which is more than I can say for most test rides.
On tarmac, it handles potholes without flinching. The 19-inch front wheel and well-tuned chassis make it corner with agility that surprised me on the Ghats switchbacks.
Highway cruising at 100-120 km/h is comfortable. The bike sits there happily all day.
Top speed is around 160 km/h. I didn’t push it there. The sweet spot is 80-100 km/h on the twisty stuff, where the chassis really earns its money.
Off road
The Scrambler holds its own on gravel tracks, loose stones and rough paths. The Showa suspension handles bumps well and the bike stays stable.
It’s not a dirt bike. But for backroads, forest trails and the kind of broken surfaces you find everywhere in India, it’s more than capable.
Engine and performance
The 398cc single-cylinder is smooth, torquey and full of character. Peak torque arrives early, which is what you want when you’re standing on the pegs on a gravel track.
Throttle response is crisp. Gear changes are slick through the 6-speed box. I didn’t find a flat spot or a jerky transition in three days of trying.
Fuel economy sits around 30-35 km/l with mixed riding. Even in Goa’s stop-start traffic, the heat management kept things comfortable.
Triumph Scrambler 400 X specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 398cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled |
| Power | 40 PS @ 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 37.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Weight (wet) | 179 kg |
| Seat height | 835 mm |
| Front wheel | 19-inch |
| Rear wheel | 17-inch |
| Suspension travel | 150 mm front / 150 mm rear |
| Fuel tank | 13 litres |
| Top speed | ~160 km/h |
| Price | ~₹2.63 lakh India / ~£5,500 UK |
Technology
ABS is switchable for off-road riding. Traction control can be turned off too. The digital display is crisp and readable in direct sunlight. Full LED lighting. Quality mirrors that actually stay clear at speed.
What it doesn’t have: ride modes, Bluetooth navigation, or a quickshifter. If you need nav on the dash, you’ll have to mount your phone.
Optional accessories include crash bars, luggage racks and a sump guard. If you’re planning serious adventures, the crash bars and sump guard are worth fitting from day one.
How it compares
The Scrambler sits between a true ADV bike and a daily scrambler. Here’s where it lands against the obvious competition.
| Scrambler 400 X | RE Scram 411 | KTM 390 Adventure | Honda CB500X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 40 PS | 24.3 HP | 43 HP | 47 HP |
| Weight | 179 kg | 199 kg | 177 kg | 199 kg |
| Fuel tank | 13L | 15L | 14.5L | 17.7L |
| Build quality | Excellent | Adequate | Good | Good |
| Off-road | Light to moderate | Light to moderate | Moderate | Light |
| Price (India) | ₹2.63L | ₹2.15L | ₹3.37L | N/A |
The Scrambler has a smoother engine and better build quality than the RE Scram 411, and it’s 20 kg lighter. The KTM 390 Adventure has more power but doesn’t feel as well put together.
For day rides, gravel tracks and backroad exploring, the Triumph sits in a spot the others don’t quite reach.
The small fuel tank
The 13-litre tank is the Scrambler’s biggest limitation. At 30-35 km/l, that’s roughly 400-450 km range. Fine for day rides. Not ideal for remote touring where fuel stations are 100+ km apart.
If you’re planning long-distance trips in the Himalayas or Rajasthan, factor in a jerry can or plan your fuel stops carefully.
My verdict
Dom and I rode this bike for three days across Goa and the Ghats. By the end of day one, Dom had decided to buy one as his daily ride. I can’t blame him. I nearly offered to arm-wrestle him for first dibs.
For new riders, it’s a brilliant first adventure bike. For experienced riders, it’s a lightweight companion for the days when you don’t want to haul 200 kg of Royal Enfield around.
My rating: 8.5/10. The small tank and lack of wind protection stop it from being a touring machine. For everything else at this price, I haven’t ridden better.
I run guided motorcycle tours through the Indian Himalayas every summer. See the routes and dates here.
FAQs about the Triumph Scrambler 400 X
What is the top speed of the Triumph Scrambler 400 X?
Around 160 km/h, depending on rider weight and conditions. Comfortable cruising sits at 100-120 km/h. It doesn’t feel strained at highway speeds the way some 400cc bikes do.
How much does the Triumph Scrambler 400 X weigh?
179 kg wet. That’s 20 kg lighter than a Royal Enfield Himalayan and it shows. The bike feels nimble at low speeds and easy to manoeuvre in tight spots.
What is the seat height of the Triumph Scrambler 400 X?
835 mm. Similar to the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (825 mm). Manageable for most riders, but if you’re under 5’6″, sit on one first.
Is the Triumph Scrambler 400 X good for beginners?
Yes. Lightweight, smooth power delivery, forgiving handling. The 40 PS won’t overwhelm a new rider but there’s enough to grow into. It’s one of the better first adventure bikes on the market.
Is the Scrambler 400 X good off-road?
Good for gravel tracks, forest trails and rough roads. Not built for hardcore enduro or deep sand. The 150 mm suspension travel is adequate for light to moderate off-road, but less than dedicated ADV bikes like the Himalayan (200 mm).
How much does the Triumph Scrambler 400 X cost?
Around ₹2.63 lakh in India (ex-showroom). Around £5,500 in the UK. That puts it between the Royal Enfield Scram 411 and the KTM 390 Adventure.
Can you tour on the Scrambler 400 X?
Day trips and short tours, yes. The seat is comfortable and the engine is relaxed at highway speeds. For multi-day touring, the 13-litre tank and lack of wind protection become limiting factors. Add a small screen and luggage rack if you’re planning longer rides.