Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Review: Style Over Substance

The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC is a more off-road-ready version of the Scrambler 400X that made its entry into the sub-500 cc segment of motorcycles in India two years back. Accompanied by its roadster sibling, the Speed 400, the Scrambler 400X has been one of my favourite motorcycles for what it has to offer. Comfortable, spacious, punchy, premium, and proportionate, are some of the words I would use to describe this motorcycle. And now, Triumph has rolled out an XC version of the motorcycle, which, according to the brand, is more off-road-ready and capable to take on terrain when the road ends. So, how different is the XC from the standard Scrambler 400 XC? And knowing that the XC badge in Triumph product range usually stands for a more capable variant of a specific model, is it the same in this case? Read on to find out.

What’s New?

The Scrambler 400 XC maintains the same silhouette as the Scrambler 400 X, barring some changes in design and cycle parts. It features a tall beak that is accompanied by a tall body-coloured windscreen, tank pads, adjustable levers, and an aluminium sump guard. The seat upholstery is finished in black instead of brown, and the rear subframe is also painted in black instead of silver, like on the Scrambler 400 X. The exhaust muffler has been given a matte black finish unlike the full steel look on the 400 X. Lastly, the motorcycle is available in three fresh colour options of Racing Yellow, Vanilla White and Storm Grey.

Also Read: Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Launched

In terms of cycle parts, the biggest and most significant change is to the wheels, which are now cross-spoke tubeless rims. The wheel size and configuration remain the same at 19-17 inch and are shod with the same MRF Zapper Kurve tyres. Additionally, for the front wheel, since the centre hub of the cross-spoke wheel is smaller than that of the alloy, Triumph had to opt for the brake rotor from the Speed 400. Considering the nature and purpose of the motorcycle, Triumph says the brake pads continue to be of the organic type.

Notably, the Scrambler 400 XC is heavier by five kilograms compared to the standard model which weighs 190 kg. One of the main contributing factors for the weight are the cross-spoke rims which are 1.1 kg heavier than the alloy wheels.

What’s same?

Everything barring the wheels in terms of cycle parts remains the same. The motorcycle continues to feature 43 mm USD Big Piston setup at the front and a gas-charged preload adjustable monoshock at the rear, both with 150 mm of travel, same as the Scrambler 400 X. The brake rotor sizes are the same, with the same organic brake pads. And while there are no changes to the chassis or the spring rate or damping of the suspension, the 400 XC offers the same ride quality and agility as the standard 400 X. The only bit that is marginally different is bit of cushioning that comes from the spoke wheels as they are said to contribute a bit in absorbing road undulations slightly better.

The riding triangle continues to be the same, offering an upright and commanding stance. The single-piece handlebar is nice and wide, the seat height continues to be at 835 mm and the footpeg positioning slightly rear-set, same as the scrambler 400 X. The motorcycle is easy to manoeuvre, filter through traffic, nimble and well-balanced. The additional five-kilogram increase in weight doesn’t feel that significant but it is present and might be felt more when hitting the trails.

Also Read: Triumph Scrambler 400 X vs Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: What’s Different?

The setup remains the same for the powertrain as well. The Scrambler 400 XC is powered by the same 398 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC motor that does duty on the Scrambler 400 X. Power output is the same at 39.5 bhp and 37.5 Nm mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. Expect a marginal drop in acceleration and top speed figures due to the added weight.

Retrofitting Components on Scrambler 400 X

Triumph has priced the Scrambler 400 XC at Rs 2.94 lakh, ex-showroom, which is a premium of Rs 27,000 over the cost of the Scrambler 400 X priced at Rs 2.67 lakh, ex-showroom. Now, if you already own a Scrambler 400 X and wish to upgrade with the cycle parts of the XC, you will need to consider shelling out a lot of money along with a compromise.

Also Read: Triumph Reveals Prices For Scrambler 400 XC's Tubeless Spoke Wheels

And it is specifically the wheels that are being referred here, as the cost of purchasing the cross-spoke wheels are Rs 34,876 for the front and Rs 36,875 for the rear, which add up to Rs 71,751. Additionally, you will have to consider swapping in the Speed 400’s front brake rotor and the ABS cable, and not to forget the installation charges for carrying out the work. So, just for the wheel upgrade, you are looking at an approximate cost in the ballpark of Rs 80-85,000. More importantly, Triumph does not recommend the wheel swap, but at the same time is offering the spares to do so. And as for the compromise, with the wheel change, the warranty of the entire motorcycle will become void despite of getting the work done at an authorised Triumph dealership.

Verdict

To sum up things, if you have been planning to purchase the Scrambler 400X which is a great bike by itself, and don’t mind spending the additional premium for the XC variant, it is a good deal to consider as a direct buy. The motorcycle definitely looks more attractive, and the wire-spoke wheels are a nice addition to the package along with the other bits.

However, considering upgrading your Scrambler 400X with the components of the XC, it is strongly recommended to avoid as the benefits do not justify the cost and the loss of warranty cover. You could consider installing the adjustable lever and aluminium sump guard as they are functional and useful. The Scrambler 400XC then, is not a real upgrade offering better suspension, or more off-road capability, and in the larger scheme of things, is an upgrade which doesn't quite justify the XC name it commands.