TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 400X Review | Can it handle the highway?

[@shiznit4x4]

Regarding the slippery pegs: the rubber covers can be removed in seconds to reveal the spikes on the pegs.

[@Aitch412]

Had mine a wee while now, love it... as regards off road capability, gravel/cinder tracks only... leave the muddy bits alone the tyres won't cope... this said, as a road bike its fantastic.. and a bargain for the money... enjoy.....👍😎

[@FXSTB]

YEEEEEES! So happy to see you out riding and reviewing again. Good job, cool bike. Wish I could give you 2 thumbs up.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate, it was nice to finally find the time to ride again 😎Boy do I miss it 🏍️

[@keep1hunnid]

Thank you for the review! And I agree with you about the looks, definitely best looking bike I have seen in the price range. P.S. It is legal to lane split in California

[@udayshome1793]

One of the overlooked characteristic of a Scrambler that I personally think enhances it's adventure cred is the ability to turn the headlight beams with the handlebar. To me, this can be a lifesaver at night, in unknown roads, giving you much quicker reactions times than a set of headlights that fixed to the chassis.

[@kwakithailand]

Are you implying, that practically almost all bike designers til mid '80s knew more about bike riding then the youngsters these days?

[@udayshome1793]

@@kwakithailand haha, don't shoot.

[@kwakithailand]

@@udayshome1793 both concepts do have their benefits, though 🤷

[@lachy1709]

Love Triumph/Yamaha Balcatta, they're always great there. Also like how while the triumph looks more expensive on paper than some of the similar models by other manufacturers it comes with a lot of 'extras' in that price, so by the time you add all that on to the other models the prices are very comparable. Honestly its a toss up for me between this and the Honda CL500, Honda's parallel twin is very tempting for the highways but the Triumph does seem more offroad capable (and looks slightly nicer in my opinion). I think it's just going to come down to availability and the test rides when I'm ready to upgrade.

[@skiphalbakken6499]

Zack and Spurge road these to the Himalayas in a video. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a great one to watch. Great video mate.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

I'll check it out!

[@straightup1234]

Nice review solid , great bike looks nice retro & built well. Hope u do more reviews if u can in the future 👍👏👏

[@chroniclesofsolid]

That’s the plan 👍

[@davidc1961utube]

When trying to determine the off road, or at least off pavement potential, I would love to know two things. 1- How does it behave at low revs? Does it have the tractor factor that is so useful on the trails? 2 - Is the first part of the suspension travel plush? Does it feel like it has progressive rate springs? How is the compression and rebound damping? Lots of street oriented bike favor a linear response to load, whereas I find a more progressive response better in the dirt. Cheers, and a speedy recovery to ya!

[@harshaldesign]

I own one I'll try to answer these. 1. Very forgiving at low revs. You can climb hills in 3rd and 4th gears. 2nd for low speed climbs. 1st gear is too short though. 2. Don't know about the technical details of the front suspension but it feels progressive. It's not too soft, the bike doesn't dive much at all while braking. But on broken tarmac, potholes and speed bumps, it soaks in quite well. I have handled 50 km of bad roads at a stretch without having to brake much and without feeling tired at the end. The suspension setup is my favourite thing in this bike.

[@davidc1961utube]

@@harshaldesign Thanks!

[@AsmodeusT]

I'm not a fan of the display either. I don’t like the half and half, but I did wonder why they didn't go for an analog rev counter and digital speedo. The best part of an analog read out is seeing that needle pop up and down with the revs in my humble opinion. This is the first video of your's I have ever seen. I see from other messages that you have not been reviewing much lately. I must say buddy, you're a natural. I had no idea you didn't do this day in and day out. I'm going to subscribe and turn the notifications on in the hope you get out reviewing bikes and having fun as much as your heart desires! 10/10.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate and welcome aboard. More reviews are planned as life permits 👍

[@davidcauchi2837]

thanks for the bike review; I think it will make a fun off road bike, pending the skills of the rider! I am a big fan of Scramblers as they were the first of the off road bikes that lead to Adventure Bikes.... you have very good wet weather rider skills.... David....Adelaide....Triumph Scrambler 1200X

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Cheers Dave, got to get myself a day with the 1200 at some point 😎

[@davidcauchi2837]

@@chroniclesofsolid I think you will enjoy it! I would let you test mine but I am in Adelaide...LOL....

[@stretcht7]

I had a look at one in Rockingham and thought that triumph had really put a great bike together, and for the price, it's really good value.

[@peteralbares5114]

Nice fit and finish!

[@ericweber1969]

Filtering is now legal in a few more states in the USA, thank goodness! I live in Arizona, we made filtering at stoplights legal last year. Also legal in Utah and Colorado, and a few other states are looking to make these changes as well. Excellent video!

[@aurigacap8584]

Ace review as usual : just what a potential buyer needs. It's a good all rounder, but not the only one. Remember your brief review of the Fantic Caballero 500 Rally a couple of years ago? Well I bought one recently, downsizing from a BMW 650 (800cc twin) gs. Its lower weight (162.7 kg fully fuelled), stronger engine (10% more torque) and all round quality, especially the suspension, got my vote over the Triumph. Within 2 weeks, after fitting a compact, but effective, MRA screen and panniers, I rode it 2000km from the UK to Italy. As you predicted, it has what it takes to be a capable adventure lightweight: low vibe cruising on motorways at 110kph, plenty left for in gear overtaking, enough grunt to cope comfortably with a 2000m alpine pass laden, a suspension/saddle combination without numb b.m after 7 hours, particularly impressive on potholed b roads. Even though the seat's a bit high for my 1m73, the lack of weight (40kg less than my old BMW) means my 70 year old legs can manage even on tip toe. The Triumph and the AJS 450 may be the new boys on the block, but the Fantic is an impressive package....and significantly lighter than both.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Sounds like a great trip 😎 And let’s not forget the Fantic is a looker as well 🙂

[@aurigacap8584]

@@chroniclesofsolid ...a trip I did 12x on the bmw - lucky to have family in both countries and the time these days. My point is that a decent 500cc single can cut it - comfortably - and with far less weight than a bigger tourer. Try keeping a 200kg machine upright on one 70 year old leg, if you are stuck behind a car on an uphill bend. And it need not be from one of the bigger boys, like Triumph and Royal Enfield (sorry, not AJS!). The Fantic is worth more than its image as a week end fun bike and merits serious, objective comparison. Time for me to shut up!

[@MrThemneboss]

​@@aurigacap8584Oh Gosh, and I thought I finally made a choice... I've just obtained my A2 licence and I'm looking to buy my first bike. I've been looking at Honda CL500 and Triumph 400x, but now thanks to your comment I found out about Fantic Caballero 500. Thus, yet again, I'm indecisive because all 3 bikes look amazing and have very positive reviews about them. Could you, as an experienced rider, help me choose the "right" one? I will mostly drive the bike through the city, with occasional very light off-road (nature escape). Also, I do travel from Grenoble to Turin every now and then so it would be nice if I could comfortably do it on that bike.

[@radamson1]

When I was a kid I had a 500 Norten single. My friends and I thought it was huge! Other than an occasional 650 Bonnivile or 1000 Sporster it was the biggest thing around. Now my 500 Rebel is considered a beginner bike!

[@logangodofcandy]

Back before government made power from small engines illegal.

[@alidohorizonte]

Awesome review. One of the best I`ve seen around.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks 👍

[@steveh7823]

Looks like a good bike, maybe those engine vibes at 110 kph are due to newness of the demo bike? The speedo is a big miss for me, which is strange since Triumph normally do something interesting with the instruments. I heard people say it's difficult to see the RPM at a glance and the indicator warning light is too dim in daylight.

[@harshaldesign]

Takes about 2 sec to lock your eyes on the rpm gauge. Happy that the gear indicator is huge though. That's more crucial to me.

[@Liberty4Ever]

The Triumph 400X Scrambler ticks a lot of the same boxes as the BMW G310GS, with the advantages of another 6 HP and 2 liters of fuel. I still prefer the baby GS for the increased suspension travel, large rear rack, braided stainless brake lines, out-the-back exhaust, etc.

[@finerbiner]

I have a friend who owns both. He says it took an additional $1200 to get the 310 to be comparable to the 400x stock. Even after that, he rarely rides the BMW.

[@billcotton1551]

It does look really sweet! I think it will be a huge seller.

[@SkippyTheBeerCan]

I got this bike in the spring, and put about 800 miles on it so far. 65 mph and below, it’s a great bike, maybe a bit short in gearing. Going 70-75 mph, the vibrations are really noticeable in the bar and need to take a break very often to relax the hands.

[@rontaylor4235]

Great review please do more of them! Cheers

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks, will do!

[@KurtGAndersen]

Thanks for the thorough review. How did it compare to the KTM 390 engine-wise? I had a go at the 390 but absolutely no power under 4000 rpm was disappointing…

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Bit better bottom end. Nice and easy taking off 🛫 Most likely due to its lower gearing. Does not quite have the top end that the 390 has. Very similar engine characteristics overall.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

i see the givi pannier bag mt501 is only for the left side so left with limited travel space. forced to use a top box for a bit more space.

[@BenoitMarcBernardin]

I've tested the speed 400 which is basically the same, too much vibrations at high speed but this is the ultimate weapon for the city. Cudos to my local triumph dealer I've been treated and could test it the same day (CFMoto if you are watching...)

[@ferkuzuel]

Great review!

[@ANIK5261]

Btw you can mod front sprocket from 14t to 15t from speed 400 or even from ktm 390 for little bit top speed

[@sanatandharma4435]

I test rode one the other day and found my opinions EXACTLY the same as yours! However, I also rode a parallel twin and found that just as vibey over 110kmp (Vogue ac535x)

[@Tamaresque]

This could be a good replacement for my Street Triple, as it's lighter, although the seat height could be a problem. The Street Triple is just too torquey for me now, and even though I've been riding since 1987, it can still scare me at times. I'm amazed that it's a LAMS approved bike!

[@cessna310driver9]

Love everything about the 400x except one thing. It pegs 6000 rpm at highway speeds between 55-60 mph. Use to half that with my other triumphs.

[@mrsilbo6499]

Good Lord Solid! I thought it never ever rained in WA? 🤔

[@chroniclesofsolid]

2.5 months of the year it chucks it down. Then basically blue sky’s the rest 😎

[@leeinwis]

It has the only rain forest in the country, so ..

[@green_genie]

​@@leeinwisWA has forest?

[@davidsaunby5208]

I like this bike because of the seat height, me being 6' 1". Because I have no interest in off roading, would change the tyres for road tyres, and increase the gearbox sprocket by one tooth to increase the cruising speed by about 10 mph.

[@mosalsa807]

Do the handle bar covers come off?

[@stephengrainger7586]

Took the bike out for a test run the kill switch keeps coming on not good

[@jasonchaney5382]

You're roads look pretty good compared to here in Southern California. I really like these 400cc Triumphs, but I couldn't ride one on the highway here.

[@udmbfckx2916]

CHanging the front sprocket to the same one as in the Speed will make it vibration free at about 115 - 120 KPH at a minor expense of acceleration and dirt riding, which at about 9kg heavier than the Speed is no big deal. 120 KPH would be more than enough for me and the petite Mrs here in the US (about 75 mph once GPS verified). More than enough for this old couple with a windscreen. Possibility of a softer seat cushion is in the works.

[@Skilpadjie1]

Been driving my trusty Vespa 150 Sprint now for 4 years to work and back. Can get it up to 105kmh if need be. So hearing someone say is 400cc enough I am amazed. Unless you live on the highways.

[@logangodofcandy]

Being on the highway can be done on foot. Passing on the highway, not so much

[@cuneytkuymulu]

love my 400x but huge problem is find accessories esspacially in my country.

[@Kevkin]

I’ve had my 400x for 10 days. I ordered it with accessories but they won’t be here for at least another 2 months!

[@cuneytkuymulu]

@@Kevkin as usual classical Triumph ....

[@cyclopathic998]

Beats me why would anyone choose this one over Fantic Caballero Rally. If both available

[@chroniclesofsolid]

$$ & Dealer network

[@cyclopathic998]

@@chroniclesofsolid what's the difference in pricing in Oz? Fantic is €6500 IIRC. IMO suspension and spoke wheels are well worth extra

[@jaydiggy86]

This is 10k fantic is 14k in Aus. Outrageously overpriced

[@cyclopathic998]

@@jaydiggy86 hope then Triumph coughs up a Rally version of this with better 200mm+ suspension and spokes

[@cyclopathic998]

@@chroniclesofsolid so Rally Raid announced they'll make upgrades for 400x. Now how much stage 2 RR 400x which would get it on par with Fantic Caballero Rally cost, what do you think?

[@williamhudson3208]

Hi Solid. Hope you are well. I am still wondering what these scrambler bikes are for. I see the retro thing but I wouldn’t buy one for on road or for off road. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@prico3358]

The cop gave the sign code that theres a cop ahead? But he is the cop 😂 7:56

[@chroniclesofsolid]

He had a good sense of humour 😅

[@AgricUltra]

Now to pitch the 650 Bear against it. Pros and cons to each, but I’m thinking they’d be fair rivals.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

What is the price? Do they come in more than one color?

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Price was in the video twice mate. $9990AUD in three colours.

[@longjonwhite]

Mate. Google… Ffs…

[@OscarSchneegans]

Someone please convince Triumph to make a Scrambler 400 XE with 21"/18" wheels and long travel suspension.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Hard agree!

[@ganuvien]

I'd definitely be willing to pay a little more for that! I've been eyeing this bike as a 2nd bike in my garage to have a fun around town/dirt road ripper that's cheap to maintain and operate. Sometimes the power of my MT10 gets boring on slow group rides/heavy police presence rides as well lol.

[@tracythorleifson]

So, Solid,how do the vibes at highway speed compare to a DR650? Actually, how does the riding experience as a whole compare to a DR650? Because this bike is as likely a replacement as any for my poor old bush pig. 😃

[@caseymckeeborrego]

Don't do it. Get a bike to go with the bush pig. I've made that mistake three times. You'll end up getting another DR, then spending even more on mods. Took me many years to finally learn that lesson. Just committed to having a bike for each purpose and the DR for days when I don't know what I want to. This triumph seems like a great urban runabout. If that's what you want, awesome. I sold my first DR650 and still had my rm250 and roadstar 1600 cruiser. Missed the dr almost immediately.

[@davidc1961utube]

​@@caseymckeeborrego"Solid" advice mate!

[@tracythorleifson]

@@caseymckeeborrego - You know, I recently had a hairline crack in the valve cover (at the base of the upper engine mount, a known weak spot on the DR). Got that welded and it seems to be holding fine. I just installed a new clutch, so I actually have a friction zone again. And I just yesterday spooned on a new Mitas E-07 rear, since the old one was squared off down to the wear strip. And now that’s she all spiffed up again, I find myself reluctant to let her go. 😂 Honestly, there’s really nothing out there that’s any better. I’ve just got the new bike itch, is all. 😉

[@mrsilbo6499]

"The Bushpig" - great name! 😆

[@chroniclesofsolid]

I've only ridden the KLR650 and RS650R in the 650 single class. Its a higher frequency buzz than a big 650 which has its big thump. DR650 is going to run rings around the 400x off road. On road I think it will come down to preferences and tire choice. ABS is a big one for the 400X on road. Ultimately its about what you want to do with the bike and your riding style/terrain.

[@Alkumist]

Can it do 120 kmh at all?

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Easily, it just vibrates a fair bit at those speeds

[@maulikthacker3565]

Recently bought 1 India, v r getting MRF tyres in stead of Metzelarz

[@drd3816]

I sold my 400X two weeks ago after putting 7000km on it--i oput racks and soft luggage and toured.Its capable and a fun good looking bike but the NX500 i got is much better suited for touring..especially with hard boxes on it which would have ruined the 400X looks--the 400x front forks need some work too stiff OEM

[@bernibeckmann9753]

I want this bike but unfortunately that requires a bit of rationalization. 40hp is enough but I want more torque and less rpm. I hope they punch it out to 500cc eventually. That's my low bar for singles.

[@BillySBC]

But why choose this Indian manufactured bike over something like a Honda CB500X though?

[@mrofnocnon]

When did 400cc become little engine!

[@leeinwis]

1979

[@akiuliano]

“Clunky shifting?” Have you ever ridden a Guzzi? Hahaha

[@arnohag1]

Or my Aprilia Shiver 750. Finding neutral is a hassle.

[@agustincuevae]

Air cooled Ducatis 😅

[@francescoporcari8597]

​@@agustincuevae tried a 2015 Scrambler... I know that feeling

[@relevation0]

Is a Guzzi clunky?

[@francescoporcari8597]

@@relevation0 the airheads for sure, the newest lc bikes only to a limited extent.

[@stephengrainger7586]

Should have spoked wheels

[@CHUNKYNUGGET666]

Great for bog laps🥳

[@elijahbrooks8589]

Seems like a nice machine maybe even able to hit some mud

[@bobjohnson9597]

I Love mine and it takes hills and curves and gravel roads like a champ.. but 6 commercials in 11 minutes is quite obnoxious, the only one’s getting rich on these review channels are KZbin and google.

[@logangodofcandy]

Brave browser blocks the ads. Even if you prefer whatever browser, I recommend Brave for YT

[@leeinwis]

"Nothing to prove" took the speed 400 up to 105 mph (168 kph) .

[@stephengrainger7586]

I am in England my 400 Scra m only does 90 mph

[@timothybrockbank7474]

All these people saying boycott Chinese bikes well you might as well get rid of your phone,tv and any other tech because there will be something from china in there

[@SylvainSlyTherriault]

Handling the Hwy… why go in the Hwy in the first place!?! Nothing more boring than the hwy on a motorbike… take secondary roads! Enjoy the twisties, the views, revelations, accelerations….

[@burddog0792]

Tiger 400 please 😁

[@chroniclesofsolid]

😎

[@kezzarrgh]

FIRST WOO

[@chroniclesofsolid]

🏆

[@zakkyummms]

I don’t want transformers looking bikes but don’t want this weird amorphous shaped design either. Also I never understood when people talk about felt “vibrations” from a motorcycle. It’s a motorcycle.

[@ripmax333]

From to tank forward it's looks nice, but from the tank Back it's a bit weird, it's like half a Trident and half bonneville. But still better than a transformer😅

[@rohandante]

Transformer - I believe KTM you're talking about.

[@gasdive]

The amount of vibration varies. Some vibrate enough to make your hands feel weird. Nearly all modern bikes are pretty good, so you may have never ridden a bike that vibrates badly These bikes, and most others from the last 20 years have a counter balance shaft that takes most of that away. Ride a hotted up XR600 on the highway for a few hours and you'll see what the difference is.

[@christopherguzzi1316]

If you've ever ridden a motorcycle that made your hands fall asleep and feet vibrate on the foot pegs you'd understand why people inquire about vibrations. It's a thing.

[@ANIK5261]

Dk what they expect from a high compression 400cc single cylinder 😂😂 And it's not vibrations it's vibes which is common 😂😊

[@AsmodeusT]

Did the policeman on that bike tap the top of his helmet to warn you that there is police about 😂🤭😂😁😂

[@henryjanssen7851]

Very cool but now for the cfmoto 450 mt please

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Noted 👍

[@leeinwis]

@@chroniclesofsolid Don't do communist bikes.

[@harshaldesign]

other bro calmly rocking that imperial Japan flag.

[@leeinwis]

Bonzaiiii !

[@beejoutbush3322]

Do the CFMOTO 450 mate!!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Working on it!

[@leeinwis]

@@chroniclesofsolid Don't support a communist regime, it's uncool.

[@Opnmdjxkxmmff]

Depends where the highway is, Australia sure. America, UK, Germany.... Nope

[@kenpickett9317]

I cringe everytime you say ‘motor’. It’s an engine godammit! Teslas have motors! 😂. Bike would look awesome with a pair of knobbies I think. Nice review. 👍

[@orlandoberry4031]

Motorcycle Not enginecycle

[@tracythorleifson]

@@orlandoberry4031 - Well, you have fingertips, but you don’t have toetips, although you can tiptoe, but you can’t tipfinger. Go figure. English is a nutty language. I blame it on the Normans. 😉

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

Motor cycle motor cycle motor cycle MOTORCYCLE .

[@kenpickett9317]

Yes, it’s a motorcycle, with an engine. Just like a motorcar has an engine, and aeroplanes have engines, and ocean liners have engines. Ceiling fans, hair dryers and Teslas have motors.