Triumph Scrambler 400X replaces my Duke 390: Ownership experience

350 Kms more to go for the First service and I think I wont be following the 16000 kms service interval as I'm never comfortable with such long gaps.

BHPian Vijesh L recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello all,

This is my first post on TeamBHP and happy to share my ownership experience.

Introduction

My biking journey started with the Hero Xtreme 150(2012) passed down from my brother, which is the norm in any middle-class Indian household, during the 3rd Year of my engineering journey.

After completing 30,000 Kms on the bike, I finally decided to upgrade to a bigger capacity bike, and what better than a Duke 390 BS3 (2016) on 26th December 2016. This was the DREAM.

Why the change?

It all began when I started having thoughts of selling my Duke 390 a.k.a Ryuk sometime during May/June 2023. It had crossed 78,000 Kms, took me from Kanyakumari to Kashmir safely and back, and made so many unforgettable memories. But then adulthood happened. Marriage happened. The wife wasn't as comfortable doing long distances in Ryuk. She loved the bike in the city and small coffee/breakfast rides. Considering the age and mileage of the bike, I found it won't be a good thing to make it touring comfortable.

Bikes Considered

• Triumph Speed 400

Looking at the mouthwatering introductory price of the Triumph Speed 400, I immediately booked the bike. I was waiting for a showroom to pop up in Coimbatore as I didn't want to get the bike just based on online reviews. I was constantly getting calls from the Chennai showroom, but finally I cancelled the bike because I felt this would in all cases be a downgrade from my Duke 390.

• Used Kawasaki Versys/Ninja 650

I started looking for a Versys or Ninja 650 in the used markets. My budget was around 4-5 Lakh. Couldn't get decent bikes at the budget, or was a very old model, or was high in mileage. So, I decided to keep it as a last option.

• Aprilla RS 457

This bike was never on my radar, as I wanted a bike that can tour comfortably and an RS never fits that bill. Maybe a Tuono or Tuareg. But as soon as the price was announced, I decided to jump the wagon. I booked the bike at the start of February. After numerous delays in even the availability of a display bike, let alone test rides, the bike was finally available for display around May first week. Checked out the bike with my Wife. My first impression was bike looked stunning, gorgeous, and comfortable for a sports bike. But it would be slightly difficult to tour with a pillion. Even getting a test ride was too hectic of a process and god knows when the delivery would begin and service support is a question mark.

• Triumph Scrambler 400x

Myself and wife went on a random Sunday to the Triumph showroom. There was just 1 sales rep to receive us and the full showroom was empty. Got the bike for a test ride. As the showroom was located on the highway, got to spend a good 20-30 mins on the bike for a longish ride. My initial impression was the bike was very tall and with my 5'8" build, I could just about tip-toe the bike with both feet. But as I've ridden taller bikes, I got used to handling the bike pretty quickly. The bike was decently torquey and super comfortable. Both me and my wife liked the feel of the bike. I was more inclined to make the booking on the spot. But decided to hold on for a little while. This bike felt like a good compromise on the power compared with my Duke 390, as it provided good torque and was comfortable at 100-110 kms per hour which is my preferred cruising speed.

Decision

Sold the Duke 390 around the First week of February with 78000 Kms on the Odo. I was without a motorcycle for almost 4 months. Finally after much contemplating, decided to jump for Scrambler. One fine day, went to the showroom, got the loan process done in 15-20 minutes, and paid the balance amount. The on-road price was around 3 Lakh without the insurance. I got insurance done from my end. Selected Matte Green Colour and I was promised delivery within a week. On the delivery day, the showroom experience was mixed. There was some miscommunication about the accessories to be installed. I informed them to install Luggage Rack, Tank pad, and High Rise mudguard. But instead of a high-rise mudguard, they had installed a Mud Splash protection kit. Had to insist on replacing them with high-rise ones. Other than that, the delivery experience was smooth. Got the mandatory Pooja done and Named him GOJO(a favourite character from an Anime)

Likes and Dislikes

Likes

• Looks - Especially with the high-rise mudguar
• Drivability
• Comfort

Dislikes

• Headlight
• Tyre
• Brakes

On a Monday morning, woke up when the whole street was sleeping, took the bike to Palamalai. The ride was a mix of soft-roading and excellent tarmac.

The Bike has done 650 Kms with a few city runs, and a tea run to Kotagiri so far and it's been a good experience. 350 Kms more to go for the First service and I think I won't be following the 16000 kms service interval as I'm never comfortable with such long gaps.

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