2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X review | Substance and style in the sub-400cc A2 class

Triumph’s first foray into the small-capacity A2 sector is nothing short of impressive, with the arrival of their road-biased Speed 400, alongside their more rugged Scrambler 400 X.

But with this new 398cc engine and chassis platform Triumph aren’t only trying to break into new markets and entice younger riders, but they wanted to create a small capacity machine that has the feel, essence, and quality of their larger capacity range – and with the Scrambler 400 X, they have most certainly succeeded in that.

It may appear similar to the Speed 400 at a glance, but there are quite a few vast differences between the two dynamically, such as an altered chassis with adjusted geometry, longer travel suspension, a longer wheelbase, a larger, 19” front wheel, dual-purpose Metzeler Karoo tyres, larger discs with different brake pads and a little more weight too, tipping the scales 9kg heavier than the Speed 400 at 179kg ready to roll.

The seat height has also been raised by 45mm, which works with the wider handlebars to create an incredibly spacious cockpit, big enough to accommodate just about any size of rider. For smaller riders (or if reach to the ground is an issue for you) the difference in height is very noticeable and the 400 X’s centre of gravity does feel higher up.

Everything about it oozes style though; it has the same impressive finish as the Speed 400 but with additional goodies such as handguards, headlight grill, sump guard, a different style exhaust and even a handlebar brace with a Triumph branded pad, which is a nice touch. From afar, it could easily be mistaken for the larger capacity Scramblers in Triumph’s range, with an almost identical silhouette and stance that is only slightly condensed.

However, where the Scrambler 400 X outperforms the Speed 400 in terms of its appearance and stature, it does lose out dynamically – but this will only truly be noticeable back-to-back as it still handles to a reasonable level, especially in terms of mechanical feedback and grip. The Scrambler 400 X is still a capable machine for the road and will handle the odd green lane but take into account that it doesn’t feel too confidence inspiring to truly go nuts off-road.

The new 398cc motor is the same as the Speed 400 with slightly different gearing – although this is to combat the different rear tyre size, rather than to alter the drive. This is a bit frustrating as although it’s fun to thrash, the throttle is still quite sharp, and the gearing is short and it’s buzzy at high speeds.

As a small capacity version of Triumph’s well-selling Scrambler range, the 400 X does tick all of the right boxes in terms of its size, appearance and its stature. However, it’s not quite as refined in its ride as it’s road-biased sibling, nor is it particularly capable off-road.

Once you've read this expert launch report, why not head to our Triumph Scrambler 400 X deep dive review to see what we thought after trying it on UK roads over hundreds of miles?

For a scrambler motorbike with a reasonable level of suspension travel, the 400 X performs admirably. There’s 150mm of ground clearance and the suspension does offer an ample amount of support to scratch some back roads, although it does have a softer, more docile feel to it in terms of its sheer agility.

Sure, it’s still more than up to the job of having fun but it does lose out compared the to Speed 400 in its cornering prowess, as the chassis changes are far more substantial than a spec sheet would lead you to suggest and what you get in appearance and stature, you lose in feedback, feel and precision. On the flipside, the riding position is impressively spacious with a nicely-positioned rider triangle for an upright position, while the two-piece seat unit is surprisingly comfortable.

The same goes for the stopping power as even though the 400 X has bigger discs for the bigger front wheel and extra weight, Triumph have actually equipped it with a softer brake pad that has really heavily reduced the initial bite and feel, which is a shame. When asked about the change they maintained it was for better feel off-road, especially as there’s no off-road specific ABS – either all on, or all off.

Talking of which, although the Scrambler comes equipped with at least some of the makings that should make it handy for riding off-road such as a 19” front wheel, dual purpose tyres, longer travel suspension with 150mm of travel front and rear and those long, wide ‘bars, the Scambler isn’t the most poised machine off-road, offering little feel and feedback on the dirty stuff.

The 400 X is more than capable of a green lane or a fire road, but it’s not built to tackle anything even remotely gnarly, and the front will walk across ruts and softer surfaces if you aren’t paying close attention.

Where experienced riders will rejoice in having an off-road mode that switches everything off in one simple swoop, it would’ve been more beneficial to have front ABS still connected for newer riders.

Housing the same new single cylinder 398cc engine as the Speed, it does have the same quirks, albeit trying to cater for a different style. It’s a fun little motor, especially from 3,000rpm upwards as it’s incredibly punchy in its deliver of power with a broad spread of torque. It will happily pull in the higher gears too, with an accompanying purr from the Scrambler-specific exhaust that is surprisingly throaty.

However, being quite a feisty, fruity motor in its nature means that the sharp response from the ride-by-wire throttle connection is quite evident, especially in the lower gears – so much so that first gear isn’t even needed to pull away. Although the gearbox is incredibly sweet and crisp both up and down the box, the Speed 400 would benefit from longer gearing, as even though the Speed 400 is more than capable of cruising it does get quite vibey at motorway speeds too, sitting at over 6000rpm at 70mph.

Off-road, the throttle connection is very sharp even in the dry, especially at slower speeds on loose gravel.

Although we can’t comment on the reliability just yet, with 10,000 mile (or one year) service intervals Triumph are confident in their new platform, while Bajaj have a reputation for building bulletproof machines.

In terms of the build quality, the finish on the Scrambler 400 X is absolutely outstanding, especially when you consider the price point.

At £5,599, the Scrambler 400 X is priced reasonably well, although Royal Enfield’s Scram 411 comes in at £4,849, especially as it comes with spoked wheels as standard. However, it does have a basic set-up in terms of tech and components, alongside a lot more weight.

Closer to the Triumph is Husqvarna’s new Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401s are £5,599, which are equipped with adjustable suspension, traction control, a TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity and more power and torque too, while BMW’s adventure styled G310GS starts at £5,890.

If you can forgive Triumph for not fitting the Scrambler 400 X with a set of wire wheels (cast alloy only), then it has a reasonable level of equipment.

Long travel suspension (with 150mm of travel at both ends), wide ‘bars, handguards, and a bashplate all add to that Scrambler look, while the 19” and 17” wheels house an impressive set of Metzeler Karoo street tyres.

As standard you get full LED lighting, and a part, LCD dash part analogue dash set-up which shows a reasonable amount of information, including a fuel gauge and gear indicator. There’s a USB-C charging port too. Like with the Speed 400 the traction control is switchable to be on and off, while the Scrambler 400 X has an off-road setting that allows for the Abs to be switched off both front and rear.

There’s a whole host of official accessories too, which covers everything from extra protection to screens and hard luggage.