Intro
The Triumph Scrambler 400X is supposed to be a GADA (go-anywhere-do-anything) motorcycle. But, majority of people buying a 400cc motorcycle today end up using it more often for commutes than going off-road or exploring India. The 400X’s performance in the city, therefore, is probably the most crucial aspect when considering buying one.
Here then is my list of what is good and what is not about the Scrambler 400X when riding in the city. I spent over 1000km commuting on it, both with and without a pillion to bring you this list.
Things I like
Seating ergos.
I like the upright and wide handlebar, the slightly rearset but low footpegs, and the manageable seat height the motorcycle offers. It makes crawling in traffic and moving past vehicles a breeze even for someone like me who is around 5’9”. I only wish the rider’s seat was a little more comfortable.
Lightness
Apart from having a manageable seat height and sorted ergos, the Scrambler’s weight – or lack thereof for a 400cc motorcycle – also makes it easy and friendly to park, move or ride slowly through traffic.
Flickability.
Furthermore, its flickability makes it seem like a smaller and lighter bike than its specs suggest, especially when ridden quickly in light morning traffic. Yes, it does require more effort to steer than the Speed 400 courtesy of the bigger 19-inch front wheel, but it never feels slow or lethargic come quick direction changes.
Accessible torque
This TR motor can trace its genesis to the KTM 390 engine. But, unlike the latter, this one, courtesy of its bigger airbox, heavier components and a different engine and throttle map, is a lot friendlier – and rideable – in the low and mid-range. One can short shift to sixth before hitting 60kmph and it will ride along without a hint of reluctance. Resultantly, its good fuel economy, reduced fatigue, and even a less sensitive right wrist will get you home, less grumpy.
Light controls
Besides the manageable kerb weight, light-footed handling, and comfy ergos, light controls play a big part in making the 400X likeable as a daily rider. The clutch is light and easy to modulate. Same applies to the throttle. And even though it has a 100-section, 19-inch front tyre, the steering feels light, even at a standstill, which aids manoeuvrability.
No heating issues
A liquid-cooled engine will generate some heat. There is no getting away from that. But, the 400X manages it surprisingly well. Even in peak hour, stop-and-go traffic, in regular denim and shoes, it never felt uncomfortable. The heat certainly made its presence felt, but never to the extent of interrupting the ride.
Things I don’t like
Tyres.
The motorcycle we have had already clocked 4,000km when we got it. So, the tyres on the bike aren’t brand new. However, they are also nowhere near their end. Now, we wouldn’t say the tyres are bad, but for the performance the 400X packs in, these feel inadequate. This is true for outright grip and feel. As a result, one doesn’t feel completely confident when making quick direction changes in traffic. These also tend to slip and slide more than we would like on concrete roads. Plus, in just 4,000km, we found chunks of rubber missing from the tread.
Brakes
Braking, again, needs an upgrade on the Scrambler. The 400X is a quick bike. So, one catches up with traffic inside the city all too quickly. But, when your educated guess on how the traffic will change lanes is wrong, the brakes on the 400X don’t help as much as one would like. They lack the bite and stopping power a motorcycle like this deserves. Plus, the tyres don’t help. These also tend to fade quite quickly under repeated application.
Engine’s busy nature
Potent low and mid-range torque the Scrambler’s engine might have, but it is still a seriously over-square engine. And that means, it revs quickly. Plus, thanks to the gearing, it is always sitting at higher revs than necessary. As a result, the engine feels busy all the time, taking away from the riding experience especially if you want to take it easy and are not in a hurry to get anywhere.
Long side stand
We find the 400X side stand longer than it needs to be. It stands a little too erect on the side stand. And this makes parking challenging. One not only has to find a parking spot with the Scrambler, but also one that has enough slope to prevent the bike from being too upright to fall onto the other side. It is also a struggle to pull up the side stand as a result when one is ready to roll.
What’s next?
In the next report, we will go touring with the 400X. The goal will be to see if the Scrambler’s engine, ride, seating, and luggage-carrying ability are good enough to call it a tourer.
Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi
Gallery
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Triumph Scrambler 400 X Right Side View
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