Words: Mrinmoy Choudhury | Photography: Swapnil Dhawale
The Triumph Scrambler 400 X has always been one of the most characterful motorcycles in the entry-level premium segment. Now, it gets a significant update that isn’t immediately visible but that changes its positioning in the Indian market. The main change is the shift to the new 350cc engine, developed specifically for India, which allows the bike to benefit from the lower 18 percent tax bracket. While the badge still reads 400, what you are really getting is the same motorcycle. The question is – does this change the experience or makes it even better for the buyers?
At the first glance, nothing has changed, and that’s actually a good thing. The Scrambler 400 X continues to be one of the best-looking motorcycles in my opinion,and borrows heavily from larger Triumph scramblers like the 900 and 1200. The proportions are spot on, and the stance remains tall while the motorcycle looks purposeful.
You still get the same signature elements like the round LED headlamp with DRL, sculpted tank with knee recesses, metal side panels and that beautiful upswept twin-barrel exhaust. The hand guards, bash plate, and dual-purpose tyres complete the rugged scrambler look while giving it a visual appeal.
Fit and finish continue to be a strong point. The paint quality, switchgear, and metal parts and even the welds, all feel properly premium – something that creates a clear distinction from most bikes in this price bracket. Feature-wise, it remains fairly simple but functional. You get a semi-digital instrument cluster, ride-by-wire, traction control, dual-channel ABS, Off-Road ABS and a USB charging port. Everything you need is there and works seamlessly
The biggest talking point is the new 350cc engine. This motor is essentially a reworked version of the earlier 398cc unit, downsized to fit under 350cc. This strategic move allows Triumph to take advantage of India’s GST structure for motorcycles, where bikes below 350cc attract 18 percent tax instead of the significantly higher rate for motorcycles above 350cc. This has a direct impact on pricing, making the Scrambler more accessible. Most importantly, this 350cc platform is exclusive to India. However, the export markets will continue to get it with the original 398cc engine.
On paper, the engine now produces slightly lower power than before 37PS and 32Nm, but the character remains largely intact. It feels torquey, linear, and approachable. The hardware remains unchanged, and that’s a big win. You still get USD front forks and a monoshock at the rear. The 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear setup with dual-purpose tyres, combined with 195mm ground clearance and long-travel suspension, make it genuinely capable on broken roads and mild trails. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, and the setup offers good bite and progression.
Riding the Scrambler 400 X and it immediately feels familiar. The tall seat height, wide handlebar, and upright riding posture give it a comfortable stance. It feels like a proper scrambler. The new 350cc engine doesn’t alter the riding experience. If anything, it feels slightly more relaxed and tractable. The low-end torque is strong, making city riding effortless. You can easily cruise through traffic without constantly having to work the gearbox. On the highway, it continues to feel comfortable at cruising speeds of 100-110kmph, although the slight drop in power is noticeable if you really start pushing it. Where the Scrambler truly shines is in its suspension setup. It absorbs bad roads exceptionally well, making it comfortable. You can handle broken tarmac, potholes, and even light off-road sections with confidence.
The Scrambler 400 X offers excellent stability and confidence, especially on uneven surfaces. While it might not be a motorcycle that is made to carve corners, it does make you feel confident enough to lean a little more, every time you come across a curve. Overall, it remains a motorcycle that hasn’t changed its characteristics but continues to deliver a great riding experience, every time you take it for a spin.
The updated Triumph Scrambler 400 X with the new 350cc engine is not an evolution. By downsizing the engine to 350cc, Triumph has made the motorcycle more accessible without compromising on the hardware, ride quality and feel. With the new engine, the entire 400 range is now competitively priced. Yes, there is a slight drop in performance on paper, but in the real world, the difference is marginal, especially for a new buyer who has not ridden the motorcycle with the 398cc engine.
What you still get is a premium-looking, well-built, and versatile motorcycle that can handle city commutes, highway rides, and occasional off-road trails with ease. Most importantly, the fact that this 350cc platform is India-specific shows how seriously Triumph is taking this market. Priced at ₹2.59 lakh ex-showroom, the Scrambler 400 X is a serious contender if you are choosing a motorcycle in the 350cc segment but do not want to give up on the premium experience, good performance and of course, the Triumph badge.
