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I leaned the Triumph Scrambler 400 X onto its kickstand and dismounted. Looking back at the bike, the only thought that entered my head was, “I can’t wait for Triumph to release the XE version.”
Prior to the Scrambler 400 X’s press launch, now almost a year and a half ago, Triumph had already announced the 2024 Scrambler 1200 X and Scrambler 1200 XE. The latter was considered the “off-road” trim, thanks to its long-travel suspension, up-spec braking components, and 21-inch front wheel. “Triumph must have the same treatment in store for its smaller Scrambler,” I reasoned.
I was wrong.
The head honchos in Hinckley had other ideas, unveiling the 2026 Scrambler 400 XC instead.
"C" the difference
Even if the latest Scrambler isn’t an XE, it still promises to improve upon the X’s off-road ambitions (marginally so). The XC owes much of that distinction to its tubeless wheelset, which Triumph achieves by side-lacing spokes to Excel aluminum rims. Completing the “scrambler” look is a high-mounted front mudguard and a color-matched fly screen. If you’re expecting more differences between the XC and its stablemate, I’m sorry to disappoint.
That’s because Triumph’s newest Scrambler largely resembles its retro relative. It leverages the same 398 cc single that powers the rest of the TR series, an engine that still lays down 39.5 horsepower (at 8,000 rpm) and 27.7 foot-pounds of torque (at 6,500 rpm). It wears the same 43 mm inverted fork and preload-adjustable monoshock, a setup that continues to yield 5.9 inches of travel all around. Even key measurements like rake, wheelbase, and seat height remain unchanged. It’s those similarities that call the XC’s trail capabilities into question.
The $800 gap
While the Scrambler 400 XC certainly benefits from its tubeless setup, the front and rear wheels still measure 19 inches and 17 inches in diameter, respectively. They also roll on Metzeler Karoo Street tires, the same rubber found on the Scrambler 400 X. Even if Triumph decided not to equip the model with proper dirt wheels (21-inch front and 18-inch rear), it could have fit more dirt-leaning tires on the XC.
Without a quantifiable difference between the XC and X, it’s difficult to see how the new variant moves the needle. It doesn’t hold an advantage over the 400 X when it comes to suspension travel or ground clearance. The XC’s listed curb weight (410 pounds) is actually 15 pounds more than the X's (395 pounds). As far it it concerns trail riding, that's not an ideal change.
Aside from evoking the “scrambler” aesthetic, the high front mudguard doesn’t unlock any extra functionality, either. That’s especially true when it’s paired with the fork-mounted fender found on the 400 XC.
When it’s all said and done, Scrambler 400 XC owners can always swap out the stock Metzelers for more aggressive knobbies. Before taking such steps, however, customers will need to determine whether tubeless wheels, a scrambler-esque front fender, and a fly screen amount to a $800 markup over the $5,895 Scrambler 400 X. That price difference might be the biggest difference between X and XC.
| 2026 Triumph Scrambler 400 XC | |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $6,695 |
| Engine | 398 cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve, single-cylinder |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, chain |
| Claimed horsepower | 39.5 @ 8,000 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 27.7 foot-pounds @ 6,500 rpm |
| Frame | Tubular steel, bolt-on subframe |
| Front suspension | 43 mm fork; 5.9 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, adjustable for spring preload; 5.9 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Radial-mounted four-piston caliper, 320 mm disc with ABS |
| Rear brake | Floating caliper, 230 mm disc with ABS |
| Rake, trail | 23.2 degrees, 4.3 inches |
| Wheelbase | 55.8 inches |
| Seat height | 32.8 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 4.43 gallons |
| Tires | Metzeler Karoo Street 100/90R19 front, 140/80R17 rear |
| Claimed weight | 410 pounds |
| Available | September 2025 |
| Warranty | 24 months |
| More info | triumphmotorcycles.com |
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