Triumph Scrambler 400 XC

Update: The price of the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC might go up in June 1, 2026. Even the other 350cc Triumphs might get costlier.

The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC is the more off-road focused version of the Scrambler 400 X. It comes equipped with tubeless spoked wheels, new colour schemes, additional accessory parts and is priced around Rs 27,000 more than the 400 X. So, is it worth paying the premium for the XC over the X? We recently spent a while with the bike to bring you details about its performance in different conditions.

Design

The 2026 Scrambler 400 XC still retains the basic look of the Scrambler 400 X, and the added accessories like the windscreen and off-road front fender which are colour matched with the body, completes the overall look. Additionally, the seat, taillight cowl, and subframe are all black compared to the grey colour which we see on the X. It also gets more engine protection in the form of an extra crash bar and sports adjustable brake and clutch levers. All of the changes add 5kg to the overall weight of the 400 X.

Colours

The 400 XC is still offered in three colour schemes: Racing Yellow, Vanilla White, and Storm Grey are the options to choose from. While the Storm Grey does not look great in pictures, it was surely my favourite after spending a day with it. The paint finish is really good and this colour has a unique glitter to it. The Yellow colour scheme is loud, but will be appreciated by many as it turns heads wherever it goes.

Build Quality

For the price point, the build quality of the motorcycle is exceptional. It does feel like a more expensive bike than it really is. The quality of plastics, paint, and the overall fit-and-finish give the bike a premium look and feel.

Safety Features

The bike gets dual-channel ABS with an off-road mode where the rear ABS can be disabled. Additionally, it also gets a switchable traction control system, which you do not really need but it is a good safety net that does work quite well when it kicks in. A switch on the left can be used to toggle through the screens and switch off the Traction Control or rear ABS. Also, Triumph has now removed the immobiliser from all of its 400 models.

Convenience Features

The bike gets a digi-analogue console where the speedometer is an analogue unit that has a small LCD attached to it. This unit is straightforward to read, except for the tachometer which is tiny and difficult to read on the go. And finally, it gets a USB Type-C charging port. It unfortunately misses out on Bluetooth connectivity which might be a dealbreaker for many. I, personally, love the simplistic approach that the bike takes. I only wish that it had got a twin-pod instrument console as it would have made it look even classier. Listening to customers feedback from the X, the XC now gets adjustable brake and clutch levers as standard.

Rider Comfort

The footpegs are not too far ahead or behind giving them a neutral riding position. The seat height stands at 835 mm, making it 40 mm taller than the Speed 400, with my 5 '7 stature, the bike is tall and I was not able to flat foot to the ground. Shorter riders should keep this in mind as it might get a little difficult in stop-go traffic and while taking U-turns. With a kerb weight of 190 kg, the Scrambler 400 XC becomes 5kg heavier than the 400 X but this weight is hardly felt. The handlebar is wide and raised which gives good leverage and standing up on the pegs to tackle trails feels natural and comfortable. Taller riders might need handlebar risers, but for my height, the setup is perfect off-road. 

The seat itself is flat, wide, and supportive so longer rides are possible. While this model gets a tiny windscreen, it is more form than function and does not really provide adequate wind protection.

Pillion Comfort

There’s no backrest or cowl, so longer distances might require added cushioning or a tail rack for storage. In this case, considering that the XC gets accessory parts as standard, Triumph should have thought of offering the tail rack as well. In the city, a pillion will find a decent-sized seat and grab rails comfortable for short commutes. 

Engine

The 2026 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC now comes with a downsized 349cc engine, instead of the original 398cc one. It now makes 37PS, 32Nm and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Just like earlier and same as the normal Scrambler 400 X, this still gets a smaller 14-tooth front sprocket compared to the 15-tooth sprocket on the Speed 400, and the rear remains the same with a 43-tooth sprocket. Additionally, it continues with an upswept, twin-tip exhaust unit that has a raspier exhaust note to suit its Scrambler character. 

City Performance

This updated engine is still really good for city riding where the throttle response is crisp, the clutch action is really light and the gearbox is slick. With the smaller sprocket, the bike delivers great low-end torque, making it zip through traffic very easily and it surely feels like a more lively motorcycle. The engine still remains quite tractable, so cruising in the city at 40kmph in 5th gear is possible. It feels in its element when in the mid-range rpms and with all of the low-end performance on tap, it still feels quite energetic. Additionally, with the new 349cc engine, the bike also feels a lot more refined than before.

Highway Performance

Out on the highway, the bike is easily able to maintain 110kmph without feeling stressed. Pushing to 120kmph is when a few vibrations will be felt at the bars and the footpegs but it does feel really stable at high speeds. I did not find it to be an issue but some riders might find the lack of wind protection a deal breaker. Even while riding at higher speeds, what impressed me was the stability that it offers.

Mileage

We haven't done a proper mileage test of the new Scrambler 400 XC, however, according to Triumph, with the new engine, the bike is expected to return 2 to 3kmpl more mileage.

Handling

Compared to the 400 X, the XC takes slightly more effort to be tipped into tight corners. Once it is in a corner, it feels stable and feels natural and light while powering out. In traffic, it is quick on its feet and allowed me to get through gaps confidently because of the tall stance. Overall, the handling is good but it all depends on what a rider is going to use the bike for. Alloy wheels perform better on road while these spoked wheels do a better job off the road.

Brakes

The brakes work decently but I would have liked a sharper response. Just like the X, the XC makes use of organic brake pads and from my experience, they wear out in 3000kms. Swapping these out for sintered brake pads from the Speed 400 will drastically improve the front brake feel. The bike also gets switchable ABS so the rear wheel can be locked, which is a nice addition for experienced riders.

Tyres

The tubeless spoked wheels are wrapped in dual-purpose MRF tyres which are the same ones we see on the 400 X. They do a decent job on the road depending on the conditions but do not perform well when the roads are wet. Considering that the XC is a more dedicated off-road machine and priced higher, better rubber should have been offered as stock.

Ride Quality

The front end gets 43-mm, golden inverted forks, and at the rear is an offset monoshock unit. Both ends get 150 mm of travel and this has given the bike a fair amount of off-road capability. The setup worked well to provide me with a plush feel through bad sections of roads. The rear does feel a bit stiff when hitting potholes at higher speeds, but I find that it overall, strikes a good balance between spirited cornering and riding through bad roads. Compared to the X, the XC feels like it steers slightly slower on road, but provides more confidence while bashing through unknown terrain.

The updated Triumph Scrambler 400 XC is still very much a proper scrambler. It still retains most of its character for which it was praised earlier. It's tractable, quick enough, and extremely refined, all of which together makes it quite a likeable motorcycle. On the other hand, when compared to the normal Scrambler 400 X, it comes with tubeless spoke wheels which complete its overall scrambler look, and also helps while off-roading. 

With the downsized engine, the bike is now priced at Rs 2,89,449 (ex-showroom, Delhi), which makes it Rs 30,199 more expensive than the normal Scrambler 400 X, and for the added money you do get a few extra goodies, which justify the price quite well.

The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC goes up against the likes of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure X, the Yezdi Scrambler, and the Royal Enfield Scram 440. The Himalayan 450 is more off-road focused, gets better tech features (TFT, maps), but is heavier and slightly more expensive. The KTM 390 Adventure X offers more performance and features, but is also quite expensive, the Yezdi is less refined and not as powerful, but priced much cheaper. And finally, the Scram 440 which is a lot more affordable, but is also quite basic in terms of features. Here is how the prices of these bikes stack up against each other:

Price Analysis

Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: Price 

The 400 XC is priced at Rs 2,89,449 (ex-showroom), making it Rs 30,199 more expensive than the 400 X. For this price, enthusiasts who really want to explore unknown terrain are getting a really good deal. Riders who are going to spend most of their time on the road will be happy with the 400 X.