Motorcycle presentation Triumph Scrambler 400 XC: Spoke extension
Wire spokes do not yet turn the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC into an enduro bike, but they do make it much more suitable for off-road riding.
Almost an enduro
(Image: Triumph)
- Ingo Gach
Triumph has landed two direct hits with its 400cc Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X models. The single cylinders with their successful retro design were the best-selling Triumphs in Germany last year. The Scrambler, which is 700 euros more expensive (currently 6345 euros) with its 19-inch front wheel and longer suspension travel, sold around twice as many units as the Speed 400 with its 17-inch front wheel and road tires. Obviously, scramblers with their slightly longer suspension travel and shirt-sleeved appearance are currently more popular with buyers. However, the Scrambler 400 X has one shortcoming that has certainly put some people off off-road excursions: it rolls on cast rims.
Triumph Scrambler 400 XC I (8 Bilder)
Triumph
)Now with wire wheels
Triumph has rectified this with the recently launched Scrambler 400 XC, as it has wire-spoke wheels. This makes it interesting for off-road excursions, but with the small restriction that it remains with a 19-inch front wheel; enduro riders would prefer a 21-inch wheel. The rims are spoked on the outside so that tubeless tires can be fitted; Metzeler Karoo Street tires are fitted as standard. A set of chunkier tires would certainly suit it better off-road, with a choice of 100/90-19 and 140/80-17 tires for rough terrain.
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Better equipment
Basically, the XC is a Scrambler 400 X with better equipment, but it still has its own character. The designers emphasize its off-road character with a high-mounted front mudguard, which is cut off at the rear because it would otherwise collide with the radiator. Below this, there is a smaller splash guard directly above the tire, which is intended to keep dirt away from the radiator. To create a little more of an adventure feeling, the Scrambler 400 XC also has a small shield above the nostalgic-looking round headlight. As on the X, the latter is protected against stone chips by a grille and it also has hand protectors on the handlebars.
Chassis unchanged
The Scrambler 400 XC benefits from crash bars and a large aluminum oil pan guard. The frame is still made of steel, while the swingarm is made of aluminum. There are no changes to the chassis either, with a golden anodized upside-down fork with a diameter of 43 mm and 150 mm suspension travel at the front. A preload-adjustable shock absorber, also with 150 mm of travel, ensures that the rear wheel has the best possible contact with the ground. The rider sits at a height of 835 mm on a two-part seat, the pillion passenger can hold on to two handles on the XC, while the X offers a round bar at the rear. The two handles can also be used as lashing points for luggage.
Triumph Scrambler 400 XC II (7 Bilder)
Triumph
)Seven kilograms heavier
The lively single-cylinder engine delivers 40 hp at 8000 rpm, giving the 400cc models surprisingly lively propulsion. The Scrambler 400 XC is seven kilograms heavier due to the additional equipment and the wire wheels; it now weighs 186 kilograms. Its performance is unlikely to change much, as it still manages a top speed of 145 km/h.
The 400cc Triumphs have so far been characterized by agility, they are easy to turn in thanks to a steep steering head of 66.8 degrees and 1418 mm wheelbase. Due to the slightly heavier wire wheels (compared to the cast wheels), the handling of the XC is likely to be slightly more cumbersome.
Impressive brakes
The brakes also remain identical and have so far been convincing on the 400s. At the front, a radially mounted four-piston brake calliper on a 320 mm brake disk decelerates, at the rear a single-piston brake calliper with a 230 mm brake disk. For off-road use, the Scrambler 400 XC has an off-road ABS that deactivates the ABS function on the rear wheel, and the slip control can also be switched off. The round tank holds 13 liters of fuel, which provides a range of 342 km with a consumption of 3.8 liters (manufacturer's specification).
Already a success in India
The Scrambler 400 XC costs 7145 euros and is delivered in the color "Vanilla White" as standard. The "Racing Yellow" and "Storm Grey" paint finishes cost an additional 100 euros each. Triumph offers a four year warranty and inspections are due every 16,000 km.
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In India, where Triumph's 400 models are built by its partner Bajaj, the Scrambler 400 XC is already on the market and is enjoying brisk demand. We predict the same success in Germany.