The new range of Triumph motorcycles in the 400 series will now be equipped with a smaller 350cc engine to utilize tax benefits
In this post, we take a look at the details of the Triumph Scrambler 400 X. Well, if you go back in time, scramblers were never really a category you could walk into a showroom and buy. They were born out of passion. Riders would take their road bikes, strip off unnecessary weight, add high-mounted exhausts, tweak the suspension, and head off-road. This culture started in the UK, and it’s no coincidence that Triumph Motorcycles played a massive role in shaping it. In fact, by the 1960s, enthusiasts were modifying the iconic Bonneville for desert racing. The image of a stripped-down motorcycle with a high exhaust and knobby tyres became synonymous with freedom and rebellion.
Pop culture only amplified this when Steve McQueen rode one in The Great Escape. That was the moment scramblers stopped being just machines, they became icons. Fast forward to today, and scramblers have evolved into a proper segment. And right in the middle of it sits the Triumph Scrambler 400 X, a bike that blends heritage with modern engineering. Now, with the changing GST norms in India, Triumph has introduced a new 350cc version of the same motorcycle to make it more accessible.
Design & Road Presence – Still a Head-Turner
Let’s get one thing straight, the new 350cc iteration looks identical to the earlier 400. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing at all. The Scrambler 400 X already had a strong visual identity. It stands tall with its upright stance, wide handlebars, long-travel suspension, and purposeful proportions. It looks like a motorcycle that’s ready to take on broken roads, trails, and highways without breaking a sweat. The fit and finish continue to impress. The paint quality, metal components, and overall detailing give it a premium feel that you expect from a brand like Triumph. The only noticeable change is the engine branding, it now reads “TR Series” instead of “TR 400.” That’s about it. And to be honest, it still carries that unmistakable Triumph DNA. You park it anywhere, and it draws attention, not because it’s flashy, but because it looks authentic.
Engine & Performance – Slightly Detuned, But Still Engaging
Now, coming to the biggest change, the engine. With the shift from 400cc to 350cc, there’s an expected drop in numbers. Power is now down from 40 PS to 37 PS, while torque has reduced from 37.5 Nm to 32 Nm. On paper, that might sound like a significant drop, but in the real world, things are a bit different. Triumph has worked on the throttle calibration to make the response slightly more aggressive. And this is something you can actually feel. The bike still feels lively, especially in the lower and mid-range.
Yes, if you really push it, say, open the throttle hard on an empty stretch, you will notice the reduced performance. But for everyday riding conditions, whether it’s city commutes or highway cruising, the difference is marginal. In fact, what stands out more is the refinement. The engine feels smoother, more polished, and NVH levels have improved noticeably. Vibrations are well controlled, and the overall riding experience feels more mature. One more thing I noticed, the older 400 had a tendency to stall occasionally in stop-and-go traffic. That issue seems to have been sorted out in this version. It feels more predictable and easier to manage in urban conditions.
Ride & Handling – Built for Real Indian Roads
The Scrambler 400 X has always been about versatility, and that hasn’t changed. With 150 mm of ground clearance and long-travel suspension, it is well-suited for Indian road conditions. Broken patches, speed breakers, rough village roads, you can glide over them without worrying too much. The suspension setup strikes a good balance. It’s not overly soft, so it doesn’t feel bouncy on highways, but it has enough travel to absorb bad roads comfortably.
Handling-wise, it feels stable and planted. The wide handlebar gives you good leverage, making it easy to manoeuvre both in city traffic and on open roads. Even though it’s now a 350cc, the bike still carries that premium riding feel. There’s a sense of solidity and confidence that you don’t usually find in this segment.
Braking – Could Have Been Better
If there’s one area where I felt Triumph could have done better, it’s the front brake feel. Now, I understand that the braking setup has been tuned keeping off-road usage in mind. You don’t want overly aggressive brakes when riding on loose surfaces. But let’s be practical, most of these bikes are going to spend 80-90% of their time on tarmac. And on roads, the front brake lacks that initial bite and feedback that gives you confidence. It’s not bad, but it’s not great either. A slightly sharper feel would have made a big difference.
Practical Observations – Real-World Usage
During my time with the bike, there was one minor issue I noticed. The motorcycle took a bit longer to start after being switched off completely. Now, I believe we were riding early test units, so this is likely something that will be sorted out in production models. But it’s worth mentioning. Apart from that, the overall ownership experience feels well thought out. You get modern features like a slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, and traction control, all of which enhance usability without taking away from the classic charm.
The Bigger Picture – Why This Bike Matters
A decade ago, if you wanted a scrambler in India, you had two choices, either import one or build it yourself. And building one meant dealing with reliability issues, sourcing parts, and a lot of trial and error. Today, things have changed dramatically. You have factory-built scramblers that offer reliability, performance, and modern features. And the Scrambler 400 X is a perfect example of that evolution. It brings together heritage, design, and practicality in a package that is actually usable every day.
Verdict – A Smart Move by Triumph
The transition to a 350cc engine might seem like a downgrade on paper, but in reality, it’s a very smart move. You get better refinement, improved usability, and likely a more attractive price point, all without losing the essence of what makes the Scrambler 400 X special. Yes, enthusiasts who want outright performance might miss the extra punch of the 400. But for most buyers, this version makes more sense.
If you are someone who appreciates classic design, wants a versatile motorcycle for everyday use, and values brand heritage, this bike ticks all the right boxes. It’s not trying to be the fastest or the most powerful. Instead, it focuses on delivering a well-rounded experience, and that’s exactly what makes it appealing. In a market that’s becoming increasingly crowded, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X (350cc) manages to stand out by staying true to its roots while adapting to modern needs. And honestly, that’s what a true scrambler has always been about.
Also Read: Triumph 400 Bikes Now Feature 350cc Engine, Here’s Why
