2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X Review [13 Fast Facts]

May 27, 2024

For those who appreciate the scrambler aesthetic and are looking for an attractively priced and sized model, the 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X may be just the ticket. As a smaller sibling to the Scrambler 900 and 1200, the Scrambler 400 X is lighter and more manageable, as well as being everyday practical and affordable at $5595—less than half the price of the Scrambler 900. The 400 X is also an immensely fun bike that epitomizes the joy of motorcycling.

Except for its just under 33-inch seat height, the 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X has a natural, welcoming feel. The upright riding position, wide handlebar, and relaxed footpeg position create a comfortable riding triangle. When I threw a leg over the two-piece, bench-style seat and put my hands on the grips, I immediately loved the full-sized feel of the 400. I have a 30.5-inch inseam, so this leaves me on the balls of my feet at a stop, which I don’t mind as I have a lot of dirt bike riding experience. Those with shorter inseams may find the seat height a challenge, especially if they are new to riding and still need the assurance that comes from being able to get their feet flat on the ground.

The Scrambler 400 X is narrow and light, which keeps it from being physically intimidating. At just 395 pounds with its 3.4-gallon tank filled, the bike is easy to maneuver in slow-speed environments such as parking lots and gas stations.

A benefit of the taller seat height is almost six inches of wheel travel, front and rear. Surprisingly, this is 1.2 inches more wheel travel than on the Scrambler 900, so you’re certainly not getting short-changed on the suspension with the “little sister” bike. The beefy 43mm inverted fork and single shock give the 400 X plenty of cushion to soak up the everyday road irregularities, and that is one of the pleasures of riding a longer-travel bike around town—sprinting over the imperfections instead of slowing down for them. The suspension is non-adjustable, except for shock spring preload.

Powering the Scrambler 400 X is Triumph’s brand-new TR-series engine. The liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder motor has a broad torque spread from 2500 to 9000 rpm. This satisfying pull from the bottom to the top makes it easy to move off-curb, even in second gear, and to motor through turns without downshifting when revs drop. It’s an easy-going, forgiving engine, making the Scrambler 400 X a true pleasure to ride. For fast acceleration, you’ll want to work the six-speed gearbox to stay near its 28 ft-lb peak at 6500 rpm.

The 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X’s smooth power delivery makes for a stress-free ride. Although there are no power modes on the budget-friendly Scrambler, the ride-by-wire fueling ensures a smooth throttle response and enables precise traction control. A very light clutch pull, a function of the slip-and-assist clutch, adds to the ease of use in urban settings where stop-and-go traffic, pedestrians, and bicycles conspire to distract your attention. These attributes attest to the Scrambler’s commuting prowess, pretty much guaranteeing that you arrive at work with a smile on your face.

The 398cc single is freeway-capable for short hops. The 400 X has enough power to keep up with fast-moving traffic, and I can make quick overtakes without downshifting, though my 115-pound weight certainly enhances the performance of a smaller displacement motor. Above 70 mph, I am reminded of the Scrambler’s single-cylinder configuration; vibration is not excessive, though buzziness does creep into the round mirrors at higher rpm. Similarly, windblast on the naked bike is minor up to 65 mph, though Triumph’s accessory windscreen would take the edge off if you envision frequent riding at higher speeds. The stock handguards are welcome, as they keep the chilly morning air from completely freezing my hands.

The 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X’s off-road persona shows when pushing in the canyons. Not to be confused with its more sport-focused fraternal twin, the Speed 400, the Scrambler 400 X is true to its persona. The longer suspension, relaxed wheelbase, and 19-inch front wheel mean the bike is not flickable, but it is nimble enough for enthusiastic sprints on winding mountain roads. The upright riding stance and wide handlebar provide confident control through twisting roads, but the 400 X is most in its element at a more relaxed pace.

The 320mm front disc, matched with a radially mounted ByBre caliper, provides sufficient braking power for the 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X. The front lever has a soft bite on the 320mm disc, as it should for the newer riders, who will likely make up a good percentage of the 400 X buyers. Seasoned riders who want a more aggressive ride will simply squeeze harder on the non-adjustable lever to get the most out of the progressive brakes, and supplement with the rear pedal to slow things down quicker. Hard braking elicits only a minor dive in the front fork, a pleasant surprise given the long-travel suspension.

As the name implies, the Metzeler Karoo Street tires are road-focused. This reveals where Triumph expects the majority of Scrambler 400 X riders to spend their time. As such, it handles the urban/suburban environment convincingly. The Karoos’ wide-block tread provides a secure footprint when cornering around town, and I can enjoy the twisties at an enthusiastic speed without feeling like I exceed the tires’ performance. At freeway speeds, the rubber is perfectly planted and does not wander.

ABS and traction control can be disabled for off-pavement forays. Even though most 400 X owners will never get their Karoos dusty, the Scrambler is capable of low-key dirt adventures. With the basic off-road-friendly ergonomics—a taller and wider handlebar, widish footpegs, and a narrow waist—matched with 19- /17-inch wheels, low gearing, and a soft-bite front brake, I am comfortable sprinting down a crunchy gravel road standing on the pegs and kicking up dust. If you’re going to spend time on any rocky trails, or just want to embellish the aesthetic, swap out the stock plastic skid plate for Triumph’s $150 aluminum accessory skid plate, and add engine bars—upper and lower are available for the crash-prone.

The analog/digital dash displays important info cleanly and legibly. The round clock and analog-style speedometer are right for the bike, and the LCD insert doesn’t spoil the look. The latter keeps the gear indicator, tach, fuel gauge, and time always visible, and lets you switch between various trip metrics using the i button on the left switchgear. This is where you can deactivate traction control, and switch into front-wheel-only ABS for your off-pavement excursions.

Fuel efficient and 10,000-mile/one-year service intervals make the Scrambler 400 X easy on the budget. Triumph claims 80+ mpg, which means you’ve got 200 miles between trips to the gas station.

Triumph categorizes its Scramblers as Modern Classics, an accurate assessment stylistically and functionally. While we might prefer to see wire wheels, a conventional fork, and true up-pipes on the 400 X, Triumph recognizes the aesthetic is broader than the strict details, and Triumph got it right. Dismissing the 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X as a beginner bike, a budget bike, or a styling exercise misses the point. Triumph has given us an accessible, smaller Scrambler that doesn’t feel small. It is a wonderfully practical everyday bike that neither overwhelms nor underperforms, and that functionality is packaged with Triumph’s classic good looks. The build quality and two-tone paint belie the price tag; you’re not settling on fit, finish, or style. The best part, of course, is the inevitably smile-inducing ride.

Photography by Stuart Collins, Gareth Harford, Jordan Pay and Chippy Wood

RIDING STYLE

Helmet: Arai Regent-X
Communication: Cardo Packtalk Neo
Jacket: Rev’It! Rev’It Trucker Ladies
Back protection: Seesoft Air
Gloves: Rev’It! Cassini H2O
Jeans: Roadskin Ladies Tarais Elite
Boots: Rev’It Portland Ladies

2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X Specs

ENGINE

Type: Single cylinder
Displacement: 398cc
Bore x stroke: 89.0 x 64.0mm
Maximum power: 40 horsepower @ 8000 rpm
Maximum torque: 28 ft-lbs @ 6500 rpm
Compression ratio: 12.1:1
Fueling: Bosch ride-by-wire EFI
Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 valves
Cooling: Liquid
Transmission: 6-speed
Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist and slip functions
Final drive: X-ring chain

CHASSIS

Frame: Tubular steel w/ aluminum cradle
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 43mm big-piston inverted fork; 5.9 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable piggyback-reservoir shock; 5.9 inches
Wheels: V-spoke cast-aluminum
Front wheel: 19 x 2.5
Rear wheel: 17 x 3.5
Tires: Metzeler Karoo Street
Front tire: 100/90 x 19
Rear tire: 140/80 x 17
Front brakes: 320mm disc w/ radially mounted 4-piston caliper
Rear brake: 230mm disc w/ floating caliper
ABS: Bosch dual channel