Triumph’s relationship with scramblers goes back decades, and the brand clearly knows how to mix retro charm with modern usability. The Scrambler 400 XC sits exactly in that space. A more expensive, more rugged-looking upgrade to the standard Scrambler 400 X. But the big question is simple: beyond the cosmetic drama, is this XC actually more capable?
Let’s break it down.
Design and equipment
The first thing you notice is how much more serious and purposeful the XC looks. The new colour palette, especially the yellow, instantly gives it that old-school dirt-bike vibe. The colour-coded flyscreen, high-mounted front fender, and the cross-spoke wheels complete the retro-scrambler aesthetic.
These wheels are the headline upgrade. You now get:
- 19-inch spoked front wheel (tubeless)
- 17-inch spoked rear wheel (tubeless)
- Aluminium sump guard & crash protection
- Off-road ABS mode
- Switchable traction control
- Adjustable brake and clutch levers
- Slightly higher seat and overall height
It looks more muscular, more authentic, and has the stance of a motorcycle built to be thrashed around a trail.
Engine and performance
Mechanically, nothing changes and that’s not a complaint. The 398cc single continues with:
- 40 PS
- 37.5 Nm
- 6-speed gearbox with slip & assist clutch
- Ride-by-wire throttle
The engine still revs the same, sounds the same, and pulls the same. Smooth low-end torque, a strong mid-range and a 9,200 rpm redline, everything that made the Scrambler 400 good continues unchanged.
Top speed? Again identical at 145 kmph.
Even the suspension travel remains the same at 150 mm front and rear. So if you were expecting a long-travel transformation, that’s not what the XC is about.
Ride and handling
Here’s where things get interesting. The XC feels like a tougher motorcycle because of the spoked wheels, aluminium protection parts, and the higher stance — but in real-world riding, the difference isn’t dramatic.
Spoke wheels give you:
- More durability if you hit a pothole or rock hard
- Better absorption over broken terrain
- The confidence to push a little harder off-road
But unless your riding conditions are consistently rough, the experience isn’t night-and-day compared to the alloy-wheel Scrambler 400 X. The tyres are the same, the suspension is the same, and the bike’s fundamental ride balance remains unchanged, comfortable, predictable and enjoyable.
That said, this 400cc Triumph platform is inherently friendly. It’s easy to ride, easy to manoeuvre, and feels at home both in the city and on weekend trails.
Capability
The XC is not significantly more capable off-road than the standard Scrambler 400.
Yes, the wheels are stronger. Yes, the bike can take more abuse. And yes, off-road ABS and switchable traction control are great additions. But the bike does not suddenly become a full-fledged adventure machine.
If you want longer travel, a different tyre profile, or dramatic capability improvements, that’s not what Triumph has done here.
This is more of a confidence upgrade, not a hardware transformation.
Practicality and comfort
One of the highlights of the Triumph Scrambler lineup is its practicality. Compared to the Speed 400:
- The seating space is better
- The ergonomics are friendlier for bigger riders
- Two-up comfort is noticeably improved
- Road presence is significantly stronger
The XC, in particular, looks premium and stands out effortlessly. And the yellow shade? An easy 10/10 for road presence.
Final verdict: should you buy the Scrambler 400 XC?
If you want the best-looking version of Triumph’s 400 platform, get the XC.
If you ride on terrible roads often, get the XC.
If you want a tougher set of wheels that can survive real-world abuse, get the XC.
But if you’re expecting a motorcycle that suddenly becomes much more capable off-road, this isn’t that bike.
The Scrambler 400 XC is essentially the same lovely motorcycle, now dressed in a more rugged, more desirable outfit, with wheels that can take a beating and features that add convenience and safety.
Also read: Triumph Daytona 660 – First Ride Review
