Triumph’s Best-Looking Affordable Scrambler Is Finally Coming to the US

The toast of India is headed to North America this fall and, relax, the price tag remains refreshingly low.

triumph scrambler 400 xc macroTriumph Motorcycles

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When I wrote breathlessly of Triumph’s winning spinoff of the already cool Scrambler 400 X just a couple months ago, I had only one hangup about the bike, but it was a big one.

See, at the time, the so-called Scrambler 400 XC was only available in one place, India, leaving the rest of the world to ogle and envy.

triumph scrambler 400 xc full
From tip to tail, this Scrambler looks fantastic, even if you never take it off the tarmac.
Triumph Motorcycles

Thankfully, the brand has recognized the growing enthusiasm for retro-styled small-displacement off-road bikes here in North America and today announced that, et voilà, the Scrambler 400 XC is headed our way this fall.

In preparation, let’s quickly reacquaint ourselves with this, ahem, triumph of form and function.

Power to the people

Not unlike Royal Enfield, another moto brand with one foot in the UK and one in India, Triumph understands that bikes don’t have to be huge to be fast and fun — and that bigger bikes can actually create a barrier when it comes to affordability and approachability.

At well under $7,000, the 410-pound 400 XC hits a real sweet spot of price and power, led by its 398cc liquid-cooled 4-valve DOHC single-cylinder engine, which puts out 39.5 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 27.7 ft-lb of torque at 6,500 rpm. 

triumph scrambler 400 xc engine detail
Making the case for small-displacement engines, the 400 XC’s 398cc power plant packs a punch.
Triumph Motorcycles

Don’t let its sweet retro styling fool you, either. This secretly quite modern bike boasts a ride-by-wire throttle for smooth, safe shifting throughout the power band. A six-speed gearbox with torque-assist clutch only adds to the ease of use.

Complementing those nuts and bolts is just enough rider-focused tech to enhance the experience without overwhelming it. 

triumph scrambler 400 xc pair
In addition to Racing Yellow (aka the best color), the bike comes in Vanilla White and Storm Grey (not shown).
Triumph Motorcycles

That means a clean, classic analog speedometer with an integrated LCD screen displaying a digital tachometer, fuel range monitor and gear indicator, controlled by a handlebar-mounted scroll button.

In a knowing nod to modernity, the cockpit also integrates a feature unheard of when Steve McQueen was racing through the desert in the ’60s: a USB-C charging socket for your handlebar-mounted smartphone.

Ready for the trails

While not as off-road ready as Triumph’s impressive adventure and enduro bikes, this motorcycle would not have Scrambler and XC in its name if it were not equipped to hit the dirt.

Toward that end, it boasts side-laced spoked wheels in a trail-ready mullet configuration (19 inches front, 17 inches rear), complete with Excel aluminum rims and beefy, grippy tubeless all-road Metzeler Karoo Street tires.

triumph scrambler 400 xc action
That little oval under the seat is indeed a classic scrambler-style number plate, just in case you wanna race.
Triumph Motorcycles

The bike also features a color-matched high-level front mudguard and flyscreen, plus handguards, to shield the rider when the dust is flying, complemented by an aluminum sump guard and engine bars to protect the bike itself.

There’s no shortage of suspension either, courtesy of big-piston upside-down front forks and a rear piggy-back Monoshock, both of which offer 150mm (~5.9 inches) of suspension travel. 

triumph scrambler 400 xc gaze
With Triumph bringing the 400 XC to North America this fall, we can go beyond simply gazing longingly at it.
Triumph Motorcycles

The ground clearance is roughly 7.7 inches, which plays into a seat height of 32.9 inches, relatively low for such an off-road capable bike. Rounding out the handling capability are disc brakes, switchable traction control and a dedicated off-road ABS mode.

It all adds up to a super compelling package, not only for those who relish off-roading but for those who simply like knowing they could if they wanted to.

Availability and pricing

The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC will reach North America with three color options — Racing Yellow, Storm Grey and Vanilla White — this September, with prices starting at $6,695.