Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Vs RE Himalayan 450: Adventure Machines Compared
The entry of the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC into the Indian market has stirred excitement among motorcycle enthusiasts, particularly in the mid-capacity adventure segment. Priced at Rs 2.94 lakh (ex-showroom), the Scrambler 400 XC brings a rugged off-road charm to the lineup, positioning itself as a more adventurous sibling to the Scrambler 400X. Its primary competition comes in the form of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 , a well-established name in the adventure touring space. Here’s a comprehensive look at how these two motorcycles measure up in terms of engine specifications, hardware, design, and pricing.
Engine Specifications and Performance
The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC is powered by a 398cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that generates 39.5 bhp and 37.5 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. Its liquid-cooled design promises better heat management, ideal for long rides and challenging terrains. In contrast, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 boasts a slightly larger 452cc engine that delivers 40 bhp and 40 Nm of torque, also mated to a six-speed transmission. Despite its slightly heavier displacement, the power output remains competitive, while offering a marginally higher torque advantage over the Scrambler.Design and Hardware
Both motorcycles are built with adventure in mind, but they take different stylistic approaches. The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC comes equipped with cross-spoke wheels—19 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear—wrapped in tubeless dual-purpose tyres. This setup is designed for a balanced performance both on and off the road. Its design also includes off-road essentials such as an engine guard, sump guard, high-mounted front fender, flyscreen, and tank pads as standard.The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, on the other hand, opts for a more classic adventure styling with a 90/91-21 front tyre and a 140/80-17 rear tyre, both designed for greater off-road grip. Its spoked wheels are paired with tube-type tyres, reflecting its rugged, old-school adventure spirit. While it lacks some of the modern off-road enhancements seen in the Scrambler 400 XC, its frame is built to endure harsher terrains.
Suspension and Braking
Suspension setups on both motorcycles are robust, with the Scrambler 400 XC featuring 43mm USD front forks and a rear monoshock. The Himalayan 450 matches this with its own 43mm USD forks and a rear monoshock setup, designed to handle both on-road comfort and off-road demands. Braking systems are also competitive; both bikes come equipped with 320 mm single discs at the front. However, at the rear, the Scrambler 400 XC features a 230 mm disc, while the Himalayan 450 ups the ante with a larger 270 mm unit. Both models come with dual-channel ABS for added safety.One notable advantage for the Scrambler 400 XC is the inclusion of traction control, a feature absent in the Himalayan 450. This addition provides enhanced stability, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces, making it a more refined choice for off-road enthusiasts. Additionally, the Scrambler weighs in at 190 kg, lighter than the Himalayan's 198 kg, potentially offering better manoeuvrability during technical off-road sections.