Triumph Scrambler 400 XC

Autocar India

•5w

Bajaj has no intentions of selling the single-cylinder Triumph bikes with 398cc engines in India, and all of the six models come with downsized 349cc motors. However, in two of them (Tracker and Thruxton), the engine makes more peak output, and if you want the maximum performance from an affordable Bajaj-made Triumph. So, we'd recommend choosing between these two. Since you've mentioned you like the Scrambler 400 XC, the Tracker will be a similar machine in terms of ergonomics and comfort. Although, you will lose some off-road capability as a trade-off for better street manners. Your only option if you want to buy a 398cc Triumph Scrambler 400 XC today is to ask your nearby dealers if they have some leftover stock or scour the used market for one.

Autocar India

•5w

Addressing the two single-cylinder machines first, between the 399cc KTM 390 Adventure and 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 XC, the KTM bike is sure to be the more fun and capable machine. Its engine is much more powerful, its suspension much more capable and it fits the brief better for your needs than the Triumph bike. One area where the 390 Adventure will not be as good as the Scrambler 400 XC is city manners, because its engine feels buzzy and frankly unhappy at lower revs and its large windscreen also blocks some cooling wind at predominantly slower city speeds. Now coming to the BMW F 450 GS, this is a machine that could be your one bike to do it all with its twin-cylinder engine, capable suspension and comfortable ergonomics. However, we still haven't spent enough seat time on the small GS - the first ride event was a rather rushed one - and BMW bikes are notorious for being expensive to own and maintain. Then there's also the fact that the F 450 GS is based on an all-new platform and its long-term reliability still remains a question mark. Our recommendation would be the 399cc KTM 390 Adventure of the three bikes you've chosen but should you decide to go for the GS instead, we'd advise you to at least defer your purchase by six months so that you have more real-world information on the GS and then make an informed decision.

Autocar India

•2w

Since you will spend an overarching amount of time inside the city, your best bet would be to look at either the Honda CB350 models and the Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet/ Hunter 350. These are relaxed, comfortable and proven machines which will be great for patchy city roads and out on the highway - as long as you're keeping the speeds under the three-digit threshold - they will be unstressed.If you want a bit more performance without sacrificing comfort the Triumph Speed 400, Tracker 400 and Scrambler 400 models are what you should look at. With their recently downsized - 350cc, liquid-cooled engines, they offer significantly more performance and are lighter than the Honda and RE models listed above which should mean a more energetic demeanor out on open roads. Take a test ride of these machines to see which one you gel with the best before you make a decision.

Autocar India

•11w

In terms of familiarity, the Harley Davidson X440 will be the logical next step up for you from your Thunderbird 350. With its neutral ergonomics, plush suspension and torquey air/oil-cooled engine, the X440 T will serve your use case well. If you want something with a bit more performance and more commanding ergonomics, then the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC is what you should consider. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will easily be the most comfortable for two-up riding of the bikes you've shortlisted, but its heavy kerb weight could be hard to manage, especially with a pillion onboard in stacatto big-city traffic. We'd recommend you steer clear of the Super Meteor 650 because its laidback riding position and stiff rear shocks will cause you discomfort over bad roads. Take a test ride of the other three with your pillion to see which one you find comfortable before you make your purchase.

Autocar India

•15w

The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC can be your first bike as long as you are okay with its size and are respectful of its power output. With an upright rider's triangle, smooth and tractable engine as well as good suspension and seating comfort, the Scrambler 400 ticks most of the right boxes for a first bike. Take a test ride before you make a decision.

Autocar India

•27w

Taking your considerations into account, bikes we would recommend taking a look at are the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X / XC. Both will offer you considerably higher performance than your Yezdi bike and will also be comfortable enough to handle daily commuting duties while being brisk enough on the highway as well. If you want an air-cooled, torquey engine, then you could even take a look at the Harley-Davidson X440, which is a comfortable neo-retro roadster that has decent performance. Take a test ride of the machines you shortlist before picking one.

Autocar India

•29w

Of the options you've shortlisted, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will be the best all-rounder with good highway manners, plush suspension for rough roads, and it's usable inside the city too, although its weight and general size need to be kept in mind. The Meteor 350 and Triumph Scrambler 400 XC will be better in the city than the Himalayan, but out on the highway, your comfortable cruising speeds will be capped at 80-100kph. Take a thorough test ride before you decide.

Autocar India

•30w

You can definitely learn on a Triumph Scrambler 400 XC, as it's a very forgiving 400cc 40hp machine; however, we would steer you toward the Hero Xpulse 210 instead. Considering you're also going to do some off-roading and you're simultaneously also going to be learning to ride a motorcycle, the Xpulse is a more forgiving machine than the Scrambler 400 and will be a better fit for city usage as well.