Triumph Scrambler 400X Review 600 Miles What I have learned so far

[@knackeredrovers]

I’ve had mine since April. Absolutely love it to bits. I’m 55, and have been riding nearly 40 years now. Had literally dozens of bikes, from 49 to 1000cc. It’s easily my favourite. I agree with pretty much everything you have said. The 15 tooth sprocket makes a worthwhile difference, and unless you’re regularly using it on unmade roads I’d say it’s probably the single best value for money upgrade you can do. I have a few accessories: QuadLock, rear rack, tail tidy, bullet indicators, alloy sump guard and the factory screen. You won’t be disappointed with the fit of the factory screen. My only disagreement with your comments is with regard to the headlight. On a moonless night, on an unlit road, it’s shocking. So bright where it’s putting the light, but inky black cutoffs to the sides which make corners a leap of faith. The centre dip pattern means that oncoming traffic is always flashing me unless it’s adjusted down to the point where main beam makes no difference. The other nighttime issue I have is that the instrument backlight is bright enough to momentarily ruin your night vision when you glance at the speedo, and I can find no way to adjust it. It’s a shame, because a late night blast around the lanes after work in the summertime is one of my favourite pastimes. Still, the rest of the package more than makes up for the headlight issue for me, and I’m sure that the aftermarket will be offering a solution by the time next summer rolls around.

[@bankruptpensioner]

There you go, this simply confirms the 400X is a great bike ❤

[@Robsventures]

Thanks so much for this brilliant video. Makes such a refreshing change to have someone who knows what they are talking about , no nonsense, or flappy entertainment nonsense. And covers off all key info, you present brilliantly, thank you

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks, Rob for the great comment. It's much appreciated. It inspires me to make more content. Much appreciated.👍

[@olddirtbiker5088]

I changed to a 15 tooth sprocket last week and used your excellent video to get me through the install. Haven't had it up to highway speed but liked the improvement on a brief ride up to 3rd gear on my dirt road. It's about 37 pounds lighter than the new 450 Himalayan at the same HP. Great bike all around!

[@prathameshpatil6295]

Hey Is there any improvement in cruising speeds and top speed of the machine post sprocket change

[@bankruptpensioner]

well done 👍. And super glad that the video helped. Easy job if you can follow the instructions 👍

[@slyfox186]

Great review thanks. I've owned my Speed 400 for three months, and it's just had its first 600-mile service. Here’s my experience so far: After picking it up new, I noticed an oil leak, which the dealer traced back to some engine case bolts. They tightened them up which fixed it, more recently, I spotted another leak, this time from the front sprocket countershaft. That was fixed under warranty with a seal replacement. I also had issues with the instrument display. It developed condensation with a cloudy, oily appearance under the screen. The first replacement display was actually worse, now on the third display which seems okay so far. Triumph dealership handled all of these repairs under warranty without any hassle. I genuinely love riding this bike-it’s an absolute blast. That said, I have some concerns about its reliability, especially when the two year warranty expires. I’m considering extending it but it’s an extra 400 pounds for an additional two years.

[@bankruptpensioner]

I was going to say well done, but looks like you have had a few problems / niggles. I haven't heard this before with the speen 400 or the 400X. At least the dealer is looking after you and hope this is the last of the rough road. Let us know how it goes in a month or two 👍

[@slyfox186]

Yes, not a great experience on a brand new bike. I would advise any 400 owner to check for an oil leak - just run a finger under the engine (Mine wasn't bad enough to leave a puddle on the floor) Hopefully I'll be all good going forward.

[@SyedVengeance]

18:55 😂😂 I'm 28 and I just got the bike 2 days ago. Been smiling everytime I'm riding it. Coming from a Yamaha XSR155, this was the upgrade I needed after a year of riding. Thank you for making these contents, I've pretty much watched all the triumph scrambler 400x videos you've uploaded over the months until I finally decided to get the bike recently. Ride safe and greetings from the other side of the world, Singapore!

[@bankruptpensioner]

Well done young man, you've made a great choice. I suspect you're going to have lots and lots of fun on this bike. I assume that the sprocket on the front is the 14 two standard sprocket. Leave it a month or two and then consider the very cheap upgrade to a 15 tooth sprocket. You'll notice a massive difference in how it rides in the corners in the freedom you get using more of the gearbox. I'm really pleased for you and I wish I was 28 again.😆

[@SyedVengeance]

@@bankruptpensioner Thank you sir 🙏 I started to join in a small community of the Triumph 400 series from where I am, and they too have suggested to look into changing the sprocket size in time to come (quite sure some of them have seen your videos too haha). So that's definitely in the small list of things I wish to change eventually. Haha! Age is just a number, but passion keeps you forever young 😝

[@robertvaughn1575]

Great info, thanks. Buying one tomorrow cheers

[@bankruptpensioner]

Well done Robert, you should now have your 400x. First thoughts???

[@andulasis6283]

Can’t wait to get mine! Will be my first bike ever. Lovely review, thanks for that :)

[@bankruptpensioner]

I think, you are going to have a wonderful time on your new and first bike. Get riding it with the 14 tooth sprocket on the front and after a month or two consider upgrading to the 15th tooth sprocket. This simple change, which is relatively cheap, will make a world of difference to your ride. You've got a great journey ahead of you, well done.👍

[@andulasis6283]

@ yes thank you so much! I thought about getting the 15th sprocket right away based on your recommendation :)

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@andulasis6283 go for it, you'll notice the difference straight away👍

[@davebruley7445]

Very informative video, I also have a 400X and have the high front mudguard, screen and aluminium sump guard fitted, looks great. I would mention the weight of the bike, 180kg, makes it easy to manoeuvre when you're off the bike especially on my gravel drive. I haven't changed my front sprocket so far and don't find it too much of a problem but I do see the benefit. Most of my riding is on the Suffolk A and B roads and this bike for me is just perfect. If I was doing lots of long journeys and motorway riding then I would probably go for something bigger, but I don't. The 400X is a great fun bike and I am very pleased with mine.

[@bankruptpensioner]

hi Dave, good point on the weight. I should include that on coming bikes to the channel. I do have a fender extender which I need to fit before the bad weather comes. But, I do like the sound of the high mudguard - they do look great and appropriate for the style of bike. I should look into that change 👍. Pity we don't live close, you could then take a ride on my 15 tooth. I did find with the 14 tooth that I was setting off in second. I too live in a flat place (mostly) and setting off in 2nd with the 14 tooth sort of helped 👍

[@gordonyoung3668]

I am enjoying the Scrambler, I bought mine for my commute but I will be going further afield on this machine. A very informative video, I find the lights to be fine and have a 15 tooth sprocket ready to fit, still got my Legacy of course.

[@nepaliboka3950]

Best information on triumph 400x so far. Hands on view. I am 84% sure on buying one, but not for UK. Altho I live here. I'd be buying one for Nepal. So lots of off road. How do yiu think it will on unmade mud n stone roads.??

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi, I think it is going to be just as good on mud and stones as the next bike. Possibly better. Depending on the terrain, sticking with the original 14-tooth front sprocket may be advantageous.

[@nepaliboka3950]

@bankruptpensioner thank you. I am not understand the thing about 14 tooth n 15 tooth sprocket. What is the difference??

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@nepaliboka3950 OK - with the standard 14, gears 1 2 and 3 run out of steam/power/torque. So, within a short space, you have to change to 2nd, then 3rd, etc and find yourself only doing 20mph. Also, you always end up in 6th gear when cruising at more than 35mph. By replacing the 14 with a 15 tooth, this stretches the gear changes - as the ratios between the primary and main sprockets is changes. It is raised. Therefore, you spend more time in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear (which is better). Also, when you are always in 6th gear, you are now riding in 4th, 5th, and 6th more. You are now riding at 50mph in 4th, 60mph in 5th, 6th, all the way to the top. Does this make sense?

[@d3dennis]

Hi mate, what a great video. Thank you. Im very sure that this is gonne be my first bike now. Trying on at the dealership in Norway next week. Cheap autumn prices.. Thanks again

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks ever so Dennis 👍. I think you will find the 400X to be a great bike. And even better with the 15th tooth sprocket 👍

[@GedandMichele]

A great summary Richard.I haven't done the 15t upgrade yet but agree with everything you've said there.Get that tail tidy done 😉

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks for the comment Gen 👍. I shall have to look at that tail tidy. The standard does nothing special to be fair so may as well have a tail tidy 😆

[@johnritson3023]

Very useful and informative thanks.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks john, glad it helps 👍

[@MrKajakhaj]

Had my 400x for 6 months and done 3000 miles - and I like it and agree with your comments. Regarding the tires, I wonder how so many reviewers can have an opinion on these only after riding at the launch in Valencia on completely new tires. Actually, reviews should be done on bikes after first service, so both the engine and the tires have been worn into a more realistic state for what the bike will be in the long term. BR, Henning Hansen / Denmark

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Hennig, thanks for the comment. pleanty of miles on your bike which is great and I assume no issues. It's a good point you make on these reviewers who are on new tyres at a launch. Yes, another good point in that reviews should be done after the first service. 👍

[@MrKajakhaj]

@@bankruptpensioner Actually, I had a few isues. The front disc brake had to be replaced because it began to brake unevenly, and also the horn was replaced after it stopped working for the second time. Replaced at no cost on my part. BTW: I understand that at a press launch there will be new machines with no mileage, and that's fine for a first impression review.

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@MrKajakhaj That is interesting - actually, I am finding that the front disk is pulsing slightly thought my handlebar. I need to get this checked whilst still under warranty 👍

[@stumpytkd1774]

I have the scrambler 400 which I purchased in Thailand for 179000 baht which equates to 4000 UK pounds it's a great bike I very recently changed the front sprocket wow what a difference it has transformed the bike I'm off on a tour this week from Chiang Rai in the north of Thailand to Hua In about a 2000 km round trip the bike is so much more comfortable at 60 to 75 mph than before he sprocket change like you I highly recommend this mod it may be a bit early to say but I seem to be getting more mpg as well keep up the good and very informative videos greetings from thailand

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hey Stumpy, i wish i was coming with you on your tour 👍. What a great ride you will have. You are right, the 15 upgrade is exactly what was needed for the 400x. Make the gears stretch that little bit further making riding much more enjoyable. No idea why Triumph put a 14 tooth on the bike. Have a great and safe tour. Let us know how the 400x handled the tour 👍

[@davidemms5176]

HI Richard, informative video thanks, i was put off buying due to no centre stand for essential chain maintenance however Tec bike parts can supply a CNC Alloy chain adj block with rear paddock stand bobbins included ,£59.99 which you would have to factor in the cost of a rear paddock stand as well ! but would solve the problem, so may be light at the end of the tunnel.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi David, don't let the chain be any issues to your choice of purchase. I use the spray lube about every 300 miles, probably less miles with the wet weather coming however it's easy enough to spray. Alternatively, a scottoiler would resolve all. The TEC products are great so some of their stuff would help 👍. I have found that the chain is not stretching - that said i don;t go popping wheelies or anything like that. So, the chain appears to be of good quality and as such, adjustment is few and far. Go look at my video on replacing the front sprocket. I will put a link below, as this shows how easy it is to adjust the chain on a centre stand. Excuse the crudity of the video, it was intended to go back to the 1980's when tools were limited and no torque wrenches etc 😆. The point is, it is easy to asjust the chain accurately on the side stand. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIvWeXaCgNh6icU

[@alienbiker5036]

well informed video had mine 3 weeks has my second bike and i think it will be a keeper

[@bankruptpensioner]

Exactly, for those who are fortunate, it makes a great second bike 👍. For me, it will keep me going through the winter 👍

[@bankruptpensioner]

Exactly, for those who are fortunate, it makes a great second bike 👍. For me, it will keep me going through the winter 👍

[@regregor]

Great and honest review! Mine have all the Triumphs accessories. Very happy with the bike.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Gregor, thanks for the comment. I am trying to be fair and honest 👍. Definetly a great bike and I am tempted to go to Europe on it 😆

[@ChaitanyaNaidu-w4v]

Hey, i recently got the bike and was curious with the running in process you followed? Any tips?

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi, just follow the guide in the owners manual. That's what I did and all is good. After 1000 miles, then open her up fully 👍

[@donatasmaselis]

Hello, I bought the Speed 400 model early in the spring, and I ordered it back in January without even trying it, only based on KZbin reviews. Due to a lack of time, I haven't had much opportunity to ride it, but I’ve covered 3,000 km. It’s a good bike, but there are quite a few drawbacks, especially the speedometer’s inaccuracy, which is the most annoying. If you’re riding at 120 km/h, the actual speed is just a bit over 100 km/h. Vibration is definitely noticeable at higher speeds, and the mirrors blur - you can’t see anything. Recently, I’ve also been having issues with starting the bike. You can ride for 100 km, but when you stop and turn it off, it won’t start again, and the starter doesn’t engage at all. I’ve had to ask people to help push the bike a few times, and once, I had to push it myself. I called the Triumph service center, and they said it’s likely a battery issue, possibly a factory defect. Now I’ve bought a Yuasa battery, and I’ll try installing it to see if the problem persists. I hope everything will be fine. It’s frustrating that a new bike already needs repairs... But despite all that, I love my Barracuda :))

[@bankruptpensioner]

That is an interesting story. Take it back to the dealer and get them to sort out the rpoblems. I agree, the speed is very conservative on Triumph's. I have raised this point before and stated the clocks should show the correct speed. So, think about it this way.........it the clocks show 120, and you are doing 100, then over a year, the clocks will show 12'000 when the bike has only done 10'000. This is a major problem 😬

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Have you found any metal in your oil yet as there are numerous reports of the timing chain causing wear and metal finishing up in the oil. Some seem to have even had to have an engine change. Keep an eye on it Richard it seems a common complaint.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Ian, I have heard this too. So, the plan is, in a couple of weeks, do an oil change and have a look at what's in it. I assume the tensioners are failing allowing the chain to rash against the side. If that was the case, I would have thought one would here the chain slapping all over. You remember the days in the 80's with the Jap bikes with cam chains that made the engine sound like a sack of hammers. I would have thought one would be able to hear it. I might start the bike up later and get a bar on the engine and to my ear - see if I can hear anything 👍

[@Tmagri4]

Nice review. However, I disagree with you about the side stand. The side stand needs to be about 1/2 inch shorter. I have found many times where I cannot park the bike comfortably because the ground is not level. I had trouble recently trying to park the bike on the side of a road. However, because of the pitch of the road, the bike did not lean enough to park it.

[@bankruptpensioner]

I read your comment yesterday. Threw the thought away, then stewed on the thought for the past 24 hours. The conclussion to the shorter stand - you are correct! Yes, on occasion, I have experienced similar. Yes, you are right. Half an inch would make a positive difference 👍

[@blacksquirrel4008]

I agree. I usually put a widening plate under my bikes’ side stands as live in the country but I can’t with this one. Any kind of slope I worry about it blowing over.

[@SkysaxonDragonslayer]

My only complaints about it are the missing center stand and the lack of possibilities to fit panniers… I‘m in the process to sell my HD Sportster 1200 and get something lighter which can do 2up touring and tend more to the RE Classic 350 - even knowing they are not really comparable…

[@bankruptpensioner]

You are right Sky, but I think the hangers for the pannier will come soon. And the missing side stand is a fashion from the manufacturers which is a bummer. I had the HNTR 350 a year or so ago. 26HP. A great bike and two up was great fun. The main reason its a great bike is........You get time to enjoy the view much more 👍. The bigger and faster bikes simply bring a view of the tarmac. Less is more 👍 Go for the Classic ❤

[@SubodhSinghRathore]

Watching you from Lahthua, Gaya - District, State - Bihar, india 😊❤

[@bankruptpensioner]

I wish I was there ❤

[@SubodhSinghRathore]

@@bankruptpensioner welcome 🤗 #BodhGaya #Gaya #Bihar famous for Buddha. Bodh Gaya is a town in Bihar, India that is famous for being the birthplace of Buddhism and the site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Mahabodhi Temple Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Mahabodhi Temple, the Vajrasana platform, and the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple is a 50-meter high temple built in the 5th or 6th centuries. The Vajrasana is the platform where Buddha sat and meditated. The Bodhi Tree is the giant tree where Buddha spent his first week and attained enlightenment.

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@SubodhSinghRathore I want to be there 😆

[@petersaulnier3526]

good video thanks ,, do you know if under the bike there is a place to mount a center-stand? maybe the exhaust system is in the way,,?

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Peter, I don't think there is provision for a centre stand. i have just had a look and the exhaust is well and truely taking up the space. Best idea, paddock stand. Bobbin kit is below but, the axle comes in two versions of which the link below is for the hollow axle. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/286020991027?fits=UKM_Make%3ATriumph%7CUKM_Model%3AScrambler&_skw=triumph+scrambler+400x+paddock+stand&itmmeta=01J9XDKF6SPC8KH4768VFFQTD4&hash=item42982df833:g:U4IAAOSwxK5mxbw3&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAABAHoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKmJCdjx4AQ60gC3BqGZskOe8bKSEHZ1rBSAcWSXQ7ypRcNfN4ZiPayNkZxMMn2llRC97bK6DCSh89fmCDW10aOwg3bhzSvxXDg3CUGvONhd5bJrQsX9DpD2rfx6t6AXEP%2BJwruouUyFmXqO5DckNyM6FrkuPXk7uBFIU2QwTDvDJOTUF173SGhF75DsjVr9c6HCedmsMe%2BlYJe7Zbb6ZACYps9ZP1z9KS%2BH8Ec7Y3YTeaKbscvEKDZ%2F6t%2BF9cPlt5VmoepFk%2BJkaduZJfwEhVxglLN16tBksLRvgTz1chR6QxQFThjIGE%2BdGH9YeCtOzWg%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8Dzza3PZA

[@christiantollefsen6504]

I sold mine after 2 months. This was my only bike. For me at 6 feet my bum was sore after 70-80km. It’s no room to move around. And you slide against the tank all the time. That was the negative. I could never go 300km with this. The speed 400 its better for me. On that one you can move around. I think the scrambler 400 it’s a good second bike though🙂

[@bankruptpensioner]

That's really interesting Christian. On the long day for me, I was fine. I do think the speed does allow you to move around more and that helps control the pain as the miles rack up. Good point 👍

[@siurdna]

my tested 400 shakes and vibrates like crazy at idle

[@bankruptpensioner]

That is interesting. Did you try another 400 just to confirm the first was at fault?

[@Tmagri4]

It must be a problem with the bike you tested. Mine is no problem at idle. At this point they have made many thousands of these bikes and I don’t think vibration while idle is a commonly reported problem.

[@michaelosborne4944]

you don't get the kawasaki KLR 650 in Europe, as we do in the USA which is now fuel injected, not a big seller but can be had for around 5000 pounds or less new with the equivalent HP as the Triumph

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Michael, the KLR650 is a great bike and would be perfect over in EU with fuel injection. Just looked at new price $7200 or there abouts. Great price for a great bike 👍

[@tonypyatt6556]

Servicing intervals is 10,000 miles or 12 months which ever comes the sooner

[@bankruptpensioner]

Good point Tony, you are right 👍

[@jeffmorson6982]

i believe your warranty is void if you change the sprocket.

[@bankruptpensioner]

You might be right Jeff. I need to check with the dealer. I will confirm 👍

[@bankruptpensioner]

You might be right Jeff. I need to check with the dealer. I will confirm 👍

[@beamerstearoom5657]

I would like to disable the limiter! Yuck

[@bankruptpensioner]

It's there for a reason :) but would be interesting to see what happens over 9500 rpm :)

[@beamerstearoom5657]

The problem I have is sometimes you NEED a down shift. I first experienced this on a Buell Blast. Geared

[@beamerstearoom5657]

Was t finished there. Geared the blast down as I went to pass a car, limiter kicked in and almost caused me a head-on, an I I had no power to evade properly. It was really scary. That was years ago, (as if mentioning a Buell blast doesn’t date it🤣) but it’s still very on my mind when the Scram did it to me on the off ramp.

[@nickaxe771]

Gee think your used price is crazy low....cant be many for sale used. You say the chain is solid.....are you saying its to tight????

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Nick, so.....second hand. I always offer 10% of the asking price and this was accepted. So, it sort of sets the scene for the value I guess. Chain, solid in contruction, not tight. It seems very strong for the bike and as such, I suspect that adjustment will not be needed on a regular basis - that said, i am not pulling wheelies on it 😆

[@JdmNudman]

luxrul included, I firmly assert that unless one possesses the requisite skills, differentiating variations in the sack's appearance or metallic elements is an unachievable task.