Triumph Scrambler 400 XC long-term review, 5,400km report

One year and over 5,400km later, would I be willing to put my money down on the Scrambler XC again? Well, mine’s the original 400cc version, which has now been replaced by the 350cc, but if this were still available to buy as is, I certainly would. It’s not the best motorcycle for how I primarily use it, but over time, I have learned to appreciate it for what it is and what it’s meant to do. 

My biggest gripe with the Scrambler has always been the fact that it can’t hold steady triple-digit speeds out on the highway without feeling slightly strained, thanks to its short gearing. I hear this has been largely rectified on the 350cc versions, so new buyers are taken care of. Meanwhile, I have grown accustomed to the short gearing of the original 400, and now I find myself riding exactly in the sweet spot of the rev range far more often. 

I have grown past the urge to push it hard all the time, and I find the motorcycle has far more character when ridden at eight-tenths. My usage continues to be primarily for leisurely weekend rides. When out on the highway cruising at about 90-100kph, the engine just purrs along effortlessly, but there’s still enough power in reserve when you fully open the throttle. There’s always enough poke, but it’s more enjoyable when you dial back just a little. In fact, that’s when you really get to feel the meaty mid-range grunt that’s characteristic of this engine.  

The other thing that I have really come to love about this motorcycle is how manageable it is off the road. I am still a novice off-road rider, and I have inevitably dropped it multiple times trying to test my off-road skills. However, each time, I could pick up the bike all by myself and simply carry on without a fuss. I did end up breaking the knuckle guards and the front brake lever on one occasion, and also scratched the upper engine guards, but all these were replaced rather inexpensively. The knuckle guards, for instance, just cost Rs 400 a pair, while the brake lever and upper engine bars cost Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,100, respectively. 

I also recently got the second periodic service done after completing a year, and that cost me around Rs 6,700. This included the usual things like oil change, brake bleeding and chain cleaning and lubing, but I also finally upgraded the front organic brake pads to sintered pads costing Rs 2,500. And I am glad to report they do bring about a noticeable difference, both in terms of brake feel and stopping power. Just a week later, though, I had to make yet another visit to the service centre. Turns out the engine was leaking some oil due to a cracked O-ring, which the folks at Triumph replaced free of charge. Not ideal, but at least well taken care of. 

Lastly, having lived through two monsoons with the Scrambler, I have to say it’s a pain to keep it clean. The mudguards can barely keep the muck away from splashing on to the motorcycle, and some will inevitably be splashed on to you as well. Still, I have had many happy miles on the bike so far, and I am looking forward to many more.