There’s something deeply frustrating about falling in love with a motorcycle that exists in a parallel universe—one where you happen to live in a completely different country. That’s exactly what’s happening with Triumph’s new Scrambler 400 XC, a gorgeous little adventure bike that takes everything great about the already-excellent 400 X and adds all the right scrambler touches. With spoked wheels, a high-mounted front fender, and that stunning Racing Yellow paint job, it’s basically motorcycle eye candy. The only problem? It’s currently exclusive to India, leaving the rest of us to admire it from afar and hope Triumph eventually comes to their senses.
The 400 That Got More Adventurous
The Scrambler 400 X was already a hit when it arrived, proving that Triumph’s partnership with Bajaj could produce genuinely desirable small-displacement motorcycles. But the XC takes that successful formula and gives it a proper off-road makeover. The most obvious change is the switch from alloy wheels to gorgeous spoked units—19 inches up front and 17 in the rear—wrapped in tubeless tires that actually look ready for some dirt.
The visual transformation continues with a high-level front mudguard that gives the bike that proper dirt bike stance, plus a color-matched flyscreen that adds both protection and visual cohesion. An aluminum sump guard, radiator guard, and lower engine bars provide the kind of protection you actually need if you plan to venture off the beaten path, while a classic scrambler-style number plate on the side completes the aesthetic.
Same Heart, Better Armor
Under all the scrambler styling lies the same 398cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that powers the 400 X, producing 39.5 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 27.6 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. It’s not going to set any land speed records, but it delivers exactly the kind of characterful, manageable power that makes smaller bikes so engaging to ride.
The chassis remains largely unchanged too, featuring the same tubular perimeter frame with a bolt-on rear subframe, 43mm inverted forks, and a monoshock with external reservoir offering 5.9 inches of travel front and rear. Some might have hoped for more suspension travel on the XC, but Triumph kept the numbers identical to the X. The trade-off is an 11-pound weight increase to 418 pounds wet, which is still very manageable for most riders.
The Right Kind of Different
What makes the XC special isn’t necessarily what it can do that the X can’t, but rather how it looks doing it. Those spoked wheels alone transform the bike’s character, and the Racing Yellow colorway is head turner, with golden forks that complement the tank color beautifully.
The other two color options—Vanilla White and Granite—offer more subdued alternatives, but honestly, if you’re buying a scrambler, why not go bold? The color-matched flyscreen and mudguard details show the kind of attention to visual cohesion that separates thoughtful design from simple parts-bin engineering.
Small Displacement, Big Appeal
While everyone seems obsessed with ever-more-powerful machines, there’s a growing appreciation for smaller, more manageable bikes that prioritize fun over outright performance. At roughly $3,400 in India (though it would likely cost significantly more if it came to the US), the XC represents exceptional value for a proper Triumph with genuine scrambler credentials.
The bike’s 32.9-inch seat height and manageable power delivery make it accessible to newer riders, while the styling and capability should satisfy more experienced motorcyclists looking for something different. It’s the kind of bike that could introduce a whole new generation to the joys of off-road riding without intimidating them in the process.
India-Only Blues
Here’s where things get frustrating for those of us outside India. Triumph has specifically noted that this model is only available in the Indian market, with no current plans for global distribution. Given that the 400 X made it to the US and proved popular, this decision feels particularly shortsighted.
The American market, in particular, seems ripe for a bike like the XC. Small-displacement adventure bikes are having a moment, and Triumph’s reputation for quality and style could give them a significant advantage over competitors like the Royal Enfield Scram. At an estimated US price somewhere north of $6,000 (based on the 400 X’s pricing), it would still represent solid value in the growing small-adventure segment.
Spec Sheet
Model: Triumph Scrambler 400 XC
Engine: 398cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve
Power: 39.5 HP @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 37.5 Nm (27.6 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed with slip & assist clutch
Wheels: 19″ x 2.5″ front / 17″ x 3.5″ rear spoked tubeless
Suspension: 43mm USD forks / monoshock with external reservoir (5.9″ travel F/R)
Brakes: 320mm front disc with 4-piston caliper / 230mm rear disc
Seat Height: 835mm (32.9 inches)
Wet Weight: 190kg (418 lbs)
Fuel Capacity: 13 liters
Colors: Racing Yellow, Vanilla White, Granite
Market: India only (currently)
Price: ₹294,147 (~$3,437 in India)
Pricing & Availability
Currently available only in India for ₹294,147 (approximately $3,437). No official word on global availability, though the success of the 400 X suggests the XC could eventually make it to other markets.
Recap
Triumph Scrambler 400 XC
Triumph’s India-exclusive scrambler adds spoked wheels, high-mounted fender, and proper protection gear to the 400 X formula, creating a 39.5-HP adventure bike that looks the part and costs around $3,400.
