Triumph Scrambler 400 XC long-term review, 3,000km report

In my last report, I said that I find the Scrambler XC to be best billed as a city bike, but ironically, that’s where my motorcycle has spent the least time so far. Instead, as was always intended, I have been spending most of my time with the bike out on highways and even on off-road trails, although admittedly, it is neither an outright tourer nor an off-road machine.

My only real gripe with the Scrambler XC is its short gearing, as it uses a 14-tooth front sprocket as opposed to the 15-tooth setup on the Speed 400. Out on the highway, cruising at an indicated 100kph with the rev counter clocking about 6,000rpm, the bike already feels like it’s at the edge of its sweet spot. Pull harder, and the engine will reward you with more poke, but it doesn’t feel relaxed doing so. In fact, when the needle is ticking at 100kph, you’re actually doing 90kph, as there’s a good 10kph speedo error. 

A little higher cruising speed of about 110-120kph would have just been so much nicer, especially when you are covering long distances. I have read several online reports of Scrambler owners switching to a 15-tooth setup (and it’s really inexpensive) for a more relaxed, higher cruising speed, and that’s something I am really keen on experimenting with on my bike. 

That aside, what I really enjoy out on the open road is the rider’s triangle. For my 5’ 8’’ frame, the reach to the handlebar is just perfect, and the upright and commanding seating means I can comfortably spend about 3 hours straight on the saddle without needing a rest stop. The seat, too, is well padded and spacious, and the suspension does a good enough job of soaking up the rough patches, although it does sometimes get unsettled by sharp bumps at high speeds. Wind protection, even with the standard-fit flyscreen, is far from ideal, so in effect, about 100kph is what feels the most natural and comfortable for the bike out on the highway.

What I also enjoy about the motorcycle is its handling. When the highway eventually leads to your favourite set of twisty roads, it’s thoroughly enjoyable, as it’s quite flickable through the bends. Rowing through the gears, you can really enjoy that mid-range grunt of the engine. The only limitations, as have already been widely reported, are the brakes and tyres. The stock braking setup doesn’t inspire the most confidence, so I am waiting for the current set to wear out before I shift to the Speed’s sintered pads. 

As for fuel efficiency, I have been averaging a decent 27kpl, and I have definitely not been riding gently. This gives me a reasonable range of about 300-320km from the 13-litre fuel tank, although if you are easier on the throttle and cruise at high double-digit speeds, you could possibly go even further. More on my off-road adventures in the next report, so stay tuned.