Photography: Shrenith Bhandary
The Scrambler 400 XC is the latest addition to Triumph’s India lineup. Aimed squarely at customers looking for a more offroad-focused experience, Triumph claims this new variant builds on the base Scrambler 400 X with several thoughtful upgrades. Priced at ₹2.93 lakh ex-showroom, it comes in at ₹25,000 more than the X variant. But the real question is, does the XC justify that premium? Let’s break it down.
Visually, the overall design and stance remain familiar. So it’s easy to wonder, why introduce a new variant instead of simply offering these additions as optional accessories? Fair question. Here’s what you get as standard with the XC — a windshield, engine and sump guard, tubeless spoke wheels at both ends, a raised front fender, and adjustable clutch and brake levers. When you consider that buying these upgrades individually would set you back significantly more than ₹25,000, it starts to look like a very well-priced package.
Now, let’s talk about the core of the motorcycle. The engine remains unchanged. It still uses the same 398cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled unit producing 40PS at 8,000rpm and 37.5Nm at 6,500rpm. It’s as torquey and responsive as ever, with a throttle that feels crisp and engaging. So if you were expecting a bump in performance or a different tuning, that’s not part of the XC story.
The biggest change lies in the wheels. The XC swaps out the alloy wheels from the X for a more adventure-ready setup — a 19-inch tubeless spoke wheel at the front and a 17-inch one at the rear. This shift alone transforms the way the bike performs off the beaten path. Alloy wheels, while lighter, don’t take kindly to hard hits and rocky trails. There’s always a risk of bending or cracking them when you push too hard offroad. These new tubeless spoke wheels, on the other hand, are designed to take punishment. The force of impact gets distributed across the spokes, significantly reducing the risk of damage. It’s a subtle but critical change that allows riders to tackle tougher terrain with confidence.
The spokes are smartly integrated from the hub to the outer rim, and this design also simplifies puncture repairs since the tubeless setup remains intact. Add to that the raised front fender, engine guard, and bash plate, and what you get is a motorcycle that not only looks ready for the trail but actually performs like it belongs there.
The XC’s overall height has gone up by 20mm, now standing at 1,189mm. This seemingly minor increase improves the offroad dynamics by giving the rider a more upright and commanding position, especially while standing on the pegs. However, it also comes with a 5kg increase in weight. The Scrambler 400 XC now tips the scales at 190kg kerb, slightly heavier but still manageable.
All in all, the Scrambler 400 XC offers more than just cosmetic tweaks. It’s a proper step up with meaningful offroad upgrades for a very reasonable premium. If you were anyway planning to take the Scrambler into the wild or were eyeing some accessories to kit it out, the XC makes a lot of sense right from the showroom floor. For just ₹25,000 more, it’s a deal that’s hard to ignore.
