I can't see how giving an honest and constructive review of the bike(s) is likely to cheapen the @TheMissendenFlyer brand🤔. Such contributions are what the vast majority of us are seeking.
I don’t know why you’re always saying you’re not a good rider? You don’t have to do trackdays in order to qualify as ‘good’. I’ve done trackdays and I’m probably better on track than on the road tbh! The thing is though I’m always trying to be a better road rider whereas on track I don’t give a crap, it’s just ‘brain out’ and go as fast as you can (basically). From what I’ve seen there’s nothing at all wrong with your riding 🤷♂️. I may even have to subscribe 😂
Absolutely love that and second that. I was also thinking about getting a Honda CBR 650R or Benelli trk502x, instead I grabbed a scrambler 400 and oh my goodness I love it every single day. I don’t need anything more than that produced HPs on my local or long distance runs believe me that is a great feeling to get when you end up with a small cc bike and not have a single moment of regret. Also I’d love to ride those bikes once in a while to a long distance run but I would never own one and maintain them for the mind says I want a super bike in my garage to rust down
I passed my test aged 55 during the summer. I bought the 400X and have not regretted it. I live in rural Scotland (Trossachs) and rides of 100 miles are so much fun.
I have owned a 400x scrambler since June. I love it. I ride it everyday in all weathers commuting to work. And on some knackered country lanes. It is perfect for it. Best bike owned in a few years.
Oh the Scrambler - just on looks alone. The roomy nature coming from a big bike also sounds appealing. Would make an excellent city bike for sure - looks more expensive than it is!
Think I still prefer my Enfield 350. It's got shedloads of character, looks a lot more authentic and clean and cost me nearly £2000 less than the triumph. I don't mind It's only 20bhp as you don't need much more on those back roads or the commute and I've got a 600 for faster days. Although in 80% of situations I prefer taking out the 350 to the 600....
And this is why TheMissendenFlyer is by far my favourite bike review channel on TH-cam. So many reviewers have made the distinction between the handling of the Speed 400 over the Scrambler 400x owing to the smaller front rim, but would the average rider really notice a slower turn-in in the real world? I doubt I would. TMF, I genuinely appreciate your honest reviews, which are always free of ego and reflect us; the average riders out there.
Good morning I quite often like to watch your videos and the fact that you’re just an ordinary guy who doesn’t profess to be an expert is nice. In regards to the switching off on the 400 speed, I’ve never come across that problem as such, the only time it happened to me was when I flicked the Kill-switch off by accident going along and then accidentally switched it back on again ! In regards to the bikes, it is now my go to bike, such a cracking little bike, have mastered the throttle now and it’s slight twitchiness and for the best part I can do near seamless gear changes without the clutch from third onwards and back down again. An absolute joy. My other bikes are XR 900 R and a 125 Grom, especially the Grom, I would never get rid of that, I done the KielderForest trial on that believe it or not, couldn’t move for a week after standing up right on it for 12 miles but hey that’s the price you pay for being 68 😎 keep up the good work, Colin
These smaller engine sized bikes are the way forward I think....Had many many bike's,but at 57, love my Royal Enfield interceptor...Real world usable power in my opinion.Thank-you for all your videos
I bought the scrambler as my return to biking steed after 30 odd years and at 60, wanted something manageable but substantial looking and absolutely loving it.Spent a wedge on upgrades including the gold wire wheels it should have had from the beginning.No issues.At 5'8" height is fine for me.I wanted the x rather than Speed so took a chance and only rode the x.
Nice little video. These smaller CC bikes are getting more popular. I can see the appeal of them. My partner and I have considered having a second bike, same CC 350/400 CC just for tootle ! Enjoined the video.
With you all the way on this one Andy. I don't need another bike, a small capacity bike, or indeed even a new bike. My new scrambler arrives next week👍 Logics, eh🤪
Nice comparison thank you. Tried both and would totally agree. Switch off is weak switchgear on starter switch spring. I keep my hand very close or nearly over inside of grip on front brake side when I ride always have due to old wrist injury and it happened 5 times in first 20 minutes of test drive on scrambler before I realised what was happening.
Great morning show, thanks a lot 🙏🏽. I also testrode both models and I'm also more into the Scrambler. I found the seat more comfy buttwise and the seating position slightly more friendly to my back. But as you said, they're very close to each other.
Andy good vid don't keep knocking your riding your as good as the next person don't let negativity creep in, I rode both the Triumphs 400 I bought the CL500 sorry to say much better bike just not got as good looks as the Triumph👍👍👍
Yes the CL500 is a great bike - we are spoiled for choice! I try and be positive most of the time, I'll never claim to be any good at anything on here (that's for others to decide) - as soon as you try bigging yourself up there'll be folk hell bent on proving otherwise!
I’ve had the Scrambler 400x as a second bike. My other bike s a Tiger 800. Unless I plan to do really long miles I find myself riding the Scrambler for most of my rides. It’s great to get off the highway on dirt and gravel roads. I also found some decent wind protection that doesn’t look like shit on the bike. Very pleased with this bike and no problems.
@@ScramblingMan Royalenflow makes a screen available on EBay for about $131. It comes in clear or smoke color and provides much better protection than the fly screen. I added a Kemimoto wind deflector and it works and looks great.
Worthwhile and helpful comparison. Thanks. I did sit on a Scrambler (personal design preference), but at 6'4" it felt a little 'compact' for me. I'm sure Triumph will do the right thing and investigate the cut-out incidents...not too serious on a country road, but could be heart stopping during a bumpy overtake!
Triumph have totally sorted the cutting out issue with their latest software update. It was an immobiliser problem. Apparently it was failing to recognise the key occasionally even when the engine was running. I’ve now done 1600 miles on my X brilliant fun locally around the Devon lanes
Our Speed 400, which had been switching itself off occasionally by the time you tested this machine, has healed itself. Never had an issue again. So it indeed is one of those things. I would love to have the scrambler too, but only with the brake pads of the Speed 400 on it. I find the Scrambler brake a bit doughy with the original pads.
I laughed out loud as you choose the X. Preparing all the arguments, lining them up, logic for the Speed, but bang, heart for the X! Mine also beats for the X, no arguments could beat the rough charme. I'm happy with your choice. As you said in your first X Vlog, it's also a good machine for down grading. A loveley machine for the "Zen" moments of riding. I bet it's fast enough for short distances on dual carriage or Autobahn and to overtake those mysterios white vans too.
I've had my Scrambler 400X for about five months as a second bike. It's perfect for the back roads around me and I've had pretty good luck with mine so far with 1000 miles on the clock.
Love the review, thank you. I know what you mean about “second bike.” My second bike is a Himalayan 452, which I use for most of my one-up riding and absolutely love. If I didn’t have that though, one of these Triumphs would be very interesting to me… probably the scrambler because it is so pretty. Thanks again TMF. I get the way you are evolving your channel, I agree with you that this needs to happen because most TH-cam channels only last a few years. I wish you all the best, I hope to be enjoying your content for many years to come.
The 400X is a revelation if you’re tall. I’ve only sat on one but the seat to peg ratio feels better than a GS which, despite having a high seat height is cramped. So at least us tall people now have ONE smaller capacity bike to choose from!!
Really like these two bikes intending to pickup the Scrambler in the new year. The decider for me was how much better the Scrambler eats up pot holes and the crappy road surfaces that we get in Edinburgh compared to the Speed.
Respect your choice both are great bikes. Personally i went for the speed not too concerned about comfort lucky to have a GS for that. There are reported issues and i had one myself which was quickly resolved by the dealership. Smaller capacity machines are becoming popular again and there is a good selection from different manufacturers which can't be a bad thing.
Riding motorcycles is all about how we feel while enjoying life. Breaking it down to size, weight & cost makes sense to the average person. Motorcyclists understand that if we have to explain it, they will never understand. 😊
Having sat on both I think the scrambler would be my choice. Tried to get a test ride at my local dealer when my Tiger went on for service but they didn't have any to ride. Or any bikes as matter of fact !
Very interesting video of 2 great bikes. I'll definitely be going for one of these 'smaller' bikes once given the ok, as my riding, I would imagine will just be local rides, or hopefully the odd weekend away. For no other reason than the hight and lightness, my choice would probably be the speed, but they both look fantastic. Love these comparison videos.
Not pleased with Triumph, I got rid of my Speed 400 after 4 months as the immobilizer light would not go out and they couldn't fix it kept fobbing me off saying they're waiting for software update which never came, strange how only some bikes were affected. Also if you like to do your own oil change service its quite involved with o rings, strainers, filters and then you can't reset the service warning as its a Bosch system and need a dealer to do it.
Surprising choice, you do tend to put aesthetics very high on your priority list and nothing wrong with that, these bikes are toys at the end of the day and have to stir us to keep the interest up in the long term. It's much easier to forgive any shortcomings of a bike if it looks the part.
Out of the two, I think the X possibly looks a bit cooler but I would pick the Speed as it's more in line with what I"d use it for in terms of style & equipment etc. Also like the look of the upcoming Speed 400 RR which I'd probably pick over both of these.
Morning Andy hope your well I am tied up deciding what to choose between the scrambler the speed and the RE guerilla I just can’t make my mind up I love the look of the guerilla more than anything but I can’t make my mind up I’ll have to think hard after Christmas but will try see what deals are about around end January see if can get a deal somewhere ride safe
The Speed would be my choice mostly for the 17" rubber and grippier choices. ..but both are excellent bikes and prove that this segment of motorcycling is where it's at these days😁
I'm lucky enough to have a few bikes, but i had a gap between my Suzuki V-strom 1050 which i use for touring and my Honda Forza 350 Scooter which i use to commute to work... i was looking at the Enfield Himalayan, a Fantic Caballero 500, the Honda CB500X and the Triumph Scrambler 400x .. anyway after much reviewing and test rides i chose the 400x and i'm loving it... no regrets at all in buying this bike.... but i have already changed the front sprocket to a 15 tooth, which is a must as 1st is way too low. Great bikes... i'm 6'2" so didn't consider the Speed 400.
Like you, I have multiple bikes of different sizes, cc's, and colors. The last one has often been the selling factor. They each ride differently- good to "not" so good, but I don't dislike any enough to sell any of them. I'm addicted to the one that I'm on. Lol. Until they all need servicing at the same time. Ask me how I know.!! $$ Good thing no wife, kids, or grandkids, LOL. 👍👍
Great vid Andy, i totally agree with your comment on small bikes. I have to be honest, and say i tend to look at smaller to mid range bikes now, bikes like the Speed 400, which i own a blue one, but also things like the KTM 390, the Yamaha MT03, Kawasaki Z400, up to bikes like the Tiumph Daytona 660, the Aprilia Tuono660 etc etc. They are a lot more fun, lighter, cheaper to buy and run, and in our current economic climate, make much more sense. Superbikes are now so yesterday, a lot of manufacturers are turning away from them. I also own a 19 plate Speed Twin, the best one in my opinion, but find myself always going for the Speed 400, as most my riding is in the country lanes of Dorset, a, area that the Speed 400 suits perfectly, lane very similar to what you were riding in this vid. As i said, another great vid, and hopefully, you will make more vids on smaller machines in the future?. There`s a lot to choose from.
love these bikes. Looking at one of these and the new Royal Enfield 'bear' as a second bike for local/lane jaunts and a winter bike. Decision will be which I can fit on the best being tall.
Morning Andy … this is a bike that may happen for me as I retire at the end of this year and which one ???? So, I totally agree with your rationale… it’s the scrambler for me to … Great item on your channel .. Thanks Mike
Im going to make that ubiquitous comment. No real interest in buying these, (not to say i wouldn't like to own one )but im glad they are available. Thanks for the review Andy.
Drop your humbleness Andy, you are an experienced rider. You apply good common sense and it doesn't take an engineering degree to share a reasonable and respected opinion.
I agree. The bigger front wheel makes the bike look more balanced too. Many of the 70s and early 80s road bikes had 19 inch front wheels. To me that just looks better. And most people at legal road speeds wouldn't know the difference.
Scrambler for me. Andy, I've been riding 40 years half of that was daily,but these days i only go out on a sunday. You ride way more than me , you ride all bikes you are a good rider. Way more current skill set than use old farts who are now fairweather sunday bikers. I know you are a humble guy but give yourself credit . Peace and love brother as always 👍✌️❤️
I have a speed 400 along with my 2 GSs and love it several if my mates have them as well None of us have had the engine cutting out issue but let's hope it can be sorted The Speed 400 is such a good looking bike and easy to get on with OK gotta go blood to deliver on a wet Wednesday Great video
I loved the design of the 400 series at first sight and will be buying one of these shortly for my son once he passes his forthcoming test. I reckon I could be doing a fair few miles on it though. 😂
I'm looking for a secondary bike, and have my heart set on a Triumph Scrambler. The big question for me is to go with the 400 or the 900? At about half the price this one is very tempting, but I've always loved the 900
I would opt for the scrambler as well for all the reasons you have listed. However, I would also add that I feel the scrambler versions are better suited for the poor road conditions. Not sure if there is much truth in that, but it feels like they are better up to the job when the road surface is poor.
Enjoyable video, and I particulaly like the abandonment of logic at the end :) It is just so personal a choice isn't it? I binged watched every bike review for months before going back to riding this year, and I really was convinced I knew what I would buy from the looks of the bikes, and even the exhaust sound reviews. Totally changed once I rode them myself, and I even disliked my number one choice for its awkward height, handling and vibration. Loved riding the Triumph 400x (my second choice) but just couldn't believe that I couldn't love the sound and looks as much as my final choice (CL500), which by now had got under my skin.
All good from east KY USA. Interesting machined. The BMW concept might take one's place or a Himalyan. Depends on the hack job the dealers try to pull. Lovecthe looks of the Truimphs home run. Next time fair skies to you
That’s what I meant to license changes etc. it does not encourage taking up the sport it’s so convoluted and expensive. I now have two long established dealers locally one 60yrs gone bust. I technically have no more dealer servicing or support in the area 😢
Have to agree the scambler is a better looking bike and if your enjoyment is our bumpy backlanes with grass down the middle it should cope a bit better than the urban town version . Dont put your riding ability down ,you cover a lot more miles than many on many different bikes which in my opinion adds up to a lot of road experience. I read the other day that the average hobby biker rides between 1000 and 3000 miles per year and almost never in rain ,if i did so few miles i dont think i would bother owning a bike just to look at it in the garage unless like you i had a choice of rides
Thanks for the video. These small bikes are the future because they are perfect for the older rider who is down sizing, are cheaper and lighter and still have plenty of power for most people. I have a Yamaha MT. 03 and 40 bhp. are plenty for me. Andy, what about the pot holes, just awful. What are the local council doing?
An interesting route around the Pednor Ring as I call it. Once a lovely ride/drive of an evening. I drove around it just last week and was horrified at how the hedges had been allowed to grow blocking out the views, now just a narrow green corridor which seems a lot longer than it used to be. Ironically, its the last place I did a photoshoot of my original 1990 Fatboy before the engine cam follower needle roller bearings decided to disintegrate back in 2016, mangling most of the internal steel parts 😢 My mate in Canada has that same green Scrambler and loves it too.
@@paulstredwick Ah, is that where the Model Flying Club fly their RC aircraft, if so I do know it and was the place I saw an English Bull Terrier for the first time with my Grandad circa 1965
Whilst I think these bike are well positioned in the current climate, I do feel they’ve undermined the triumph brand a bit. If you have a triumph retro, the uninitiated now think you’re riding round on a 400cc learner cheapie. Premium guitar brands (Fender, Gibson etc) rebrand their budget offshore lines to great effect. Think this could have worked for triumph too.
Great review again Andy 😊 I have read, or heard, tjat Triumph have problems to supply heated grips to these bikes? Do you know anything about that? I believe UK is also cold as here in Sweden? Cheers 😊
It would be good to see you do a review of the Royal Enfield Bear. It looks amazing and feels great to sit on. I wonder how they compare? Keep up the great content.
Long story - I have something called "capsular adhesivitis" which is a condition caused by trauma to the shoulder (in my case an operation to resolve some pain and movement issues I was having). It means I have very limited range of motion in my right arm and virtually no strength - clearly not a good thing if you want to ride off-road - which as you probably know can be a major work out.....
@TheMissendenFlyer Sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing. That makes it even more impressive how you maneuver the Goldwing with Mrs Flyer in the Alps!!
If you had a speed 400 and Hunter 350, and you had to give one up, and keep the other, which one would you keep? I've been obsessing about each one and having a hard time deciding which one to pull the trigger on. Great video, thanks!
I would probably opt for one of these if and when I get to an age where riding only locally is my life. I would think they would also be great for light, urban commuting for younger or newer riders on a budget. The Grom is no longer the king. Happy Thanksgiving from your friends across the pond.
@TheMissendenFlyer It's a huge feast day in the U.S. on the 4th Thursday of November. Canada and some other countries have some similar festivities around this time, too. Unofficially, it's a family get-together that often goes awry with familial drama. But we try to avoid that. The idea being to give thanks for all the good stuff that has managed to happen, friends and family. Menus vary but Turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, casseroles, veggies, dinner rolls, a variety of pies with creme or ice cream... all putting you into a tryptophan food coma, maybe watch some professional American football, then eat some of the best leftovers for days. I realize that is probably as foreign to you as Boxing Day is to us. I spent a very lonely but interesting day on 12/26/86 walking around Piccadilly Circus while on a 12 hour layover.
I would be interested to know how the Triumph 400x compares with the Fantic Caballero and the Royal Enfield Guerrilla ? All similar bikes that you have reviewed separately. I have ended up buying a Fantic from a mate but it could have been a Triumph if one had come up for 4k with a low mileage ! Love the reviews, always interesting to know what your opinions are even if I am not currently in the market for the bike you are reviewing !
Thanks for that David! The Guerilla is excellent - my reviews are coming soon - I only rode the old Fantic Caballero and I didn't rate that as highly as these Triumphs or the new RE...that said the Fantic with the new engine might be another matter!
Speed 400 if I were to get one. Why get a "scrambler" that is supposed to go off-road if you are not going off road? Why pay more to not go off-road? Why more weight if not going off-road? As you said, logically, the choice is the Speed 400. I have a dual sport to go off-road anyway.
Looking to the future I was 50/50 between the Triumph 400X or the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, However with the new BMW and the new Scram 440 being introduced next year I’m holding off and going to look at some of the other bikes around the 400cc size. Getting spoiled for choice now 🤦🏻♂️
Which one....the Fantic Caballero....2025 one comes with a new Italian twin cam engine, new clocks and a narrower right hand exhaust panel, a must test for 2025 Andy....makes Triumph look cheap!
Same as you Andy I’m the same height, I took the speed out as a courtesy bike and found it to small for me , so I’d have the Scrambler , the only thing I didn’t like was the front brake , to weak for me and tended to fade , does the scrambler have a four pot front ? Ps Live on the iow and love small roads like that 👍👍😊
I remind you that you have almost zero engineering skills, so I advise that you don't buy anymore bikes as you will just cheapen your 'brand'.
What a strange comment! All the best…
Engineering skills are not required to pass an opinion on what a motorcycle is like to ride.
Ride for a cheaper price or not have the freedom of the road. Hard choice numpty.
I have been riding for 40 years. i can throw a spanner around but have no engineer skills. What a dumb statement to make.
I can't see how giving an honest and constructive review of the bike(s) is likely to cheapen the @TheMissendenFlyer brand🤔. Such contributions are what the vast majority of us are seeking.
These little motorbikes are just perfect and absolutely fantastic for a ride out on a nice sunny day. You don't need anything bigger.
Couldn't agree more!
You don't need anything bigger, But you may want something bigger.
I don’t know why you’re always saying you’re not a good rider? You don’t have to do trackdays in order to qualify as ‘good’. I’ve done trackdays and I’m probably better on track than on the road tbh! The thing is though I’m always trying to be a better road rider whereas on track I don’t give a crap, it’s just ‘brain out’ and go as fast as you can (basically). From what I’ve seen there’s nothing at all wrong with your riding 🤷♂️. I may even have to subscribe 😂
@@stevietrucker4631 I'm in Scotland, 15mins from the ferry to Dunoon, couldn't agree more...best things for nipping round Argyll and the islands
Absolutely love that and second that. I was also thinking about getting a Honda CBR 650R or Benelli trk502x, instead I grabbed a scrambler 400 and oh my goodness I love it every single day. I don’t need anything more than that produced HPs on my local or long distance runs believe me that is a great feeling to get when you end up with a small cc bike and not have a single moment of regret. Also I’d love to ride those bikes once in a while to a long distance run but I would never own one and maintain them for the mind says I want a super bike in my garage to rust down
I passed my test aged 55 during the summer. I bought the 400X and have not regretted it. I live in rural Scotland (Trossachs) and rides of 100 miles are so much fun.
Cool and welcome to biking!
I like the Scrambler. If I had room for a second, or third, bike I'd have one in the garage. Triumph hit the nail on the head with these two.
I have owned a 400x scrambler since June. I love it. I ride it everyday in all weathers commuting to work. And on some knackered country lanes. It is perfect for it. Best bike owned in a few years.
Great to hear that!
Thank you for lovely message Andy .. 🏍️
Oh the Scrambler - just on looks alone. The roomy nature coming from a big bike also sounds appealing. Would make an excellent city bike for sure - looks more expensive than it is!
Totally agree
Think I still prefer my Enfield 350. It's got shedloads of character, looks a lot more authentic and clean and cost me nearly £2000 less than the triumph. I don't mind It's only 20bhp as you don't need much more on those back roads or the commute and I've got a 600 for faster days. Although in 80% of situations I prefer taking out the 350 to the 600....
Fair enough!
And this is why TheMissendenFlyer is by far my favourite bike review channel on TH-cam. So many reviewers have made the distinction between the handling of the Speed 400 over the Scrambler 400x owing to the smaller front rim, but would the average rider really notice a slower turn-in in the real world? I doubt I would.
TMF, I genuinely appreciate your honest reviews, which are always free of ego and reflect us; the average riders out there.
Thank you very much - I appreciate the kind words!
Good morning I quite often like to watch your videos and the fact that you’re just an ordinary guy who doesn’t profess to be an expert is nice. In regards to the switching off on the 400 speed, I’ve never come across that problem as such, the only time it happened to me was when I flicked the Kill-switch off by accident going along and then accidentally switched it back on again ! In regards to the bikes, it is now my go to bike, such a cracking little bike, have mastered the throttle now and it’s slight twitchiness and for the best part I can do near seamless gear changes without the clutch from third onwards and back down again. An absolute joy. My other bikes are XR 900 R and a 125 Grom, especially the Grom,
I would never get rid of that, I done the KielderForest trial on that believe it or not, couldn’t move for a week after standing up right on it for 12 miles but hey that’s the price you pay for being 68 😎
keep up the good work, Colin
Nice one Colin - hats off to you sir, hope I'm doing that at 78....
I bought one of these for my daughter. She absolutely loves it. Triumph continues to make great bikes.
Great conclusion. I agree with your choice.
These smaller engine sized bikes are the way forward I think....Had many many bike's,but at 57, love my Royal Enfield interceptor...Real world usable power in my opinion.Thank-you for all your videos
Completely agree with you.
I agree - and thank you for watching!
I bought the scrambler as my return to biking steed after 30 odd years and at 60, wanted something manageable but substantial looking and absolutely loving it.Spent a wedge on upgrades including the gold wire wheels it should have had from the beginning.No issues.At 5'8" height is fine for me.I wanted the x rather than Speed so took a chance and only rode the x.
Nice little video. These smaller CC bikes are getting more popular. I can see the appeal of them. My partner and I have considered having a second bike, same CC 350/400 CC just for tootle ! Enjoined the video.
Yes great fun as an additional “toy”.
It's all most people can afford now. Road tax on a RE 650 is £117 a year now to me it's the biggest cost insurance is only £47 and the mot is £29.65
With you all the way on this one Andy. I don't need another bike, a small capacity bike, or indeed even a new bike.
My new scrambler arrives next week👍 Logics, eh🤪
Congratulations and enjoy....
Nice comparison thank you. Tried both and would totally agree. Switch off is weak switchgear on starter switch spring. I keep my hand very close or nearly over inside of grip on front brake side when I ride always have due to old wrist injury and it happened 5 times in first 20 minutes of test drive on scrambler before I realised what was happening.
Great morning show, thanks a lot 🙏🏽.
I also testrode both models and I'm also more into the Scrambler. I found the seat more comfy buttwise and the seating position slightly more friendly to my back. But as you said, they're very close to each other.
Cheers Peter!
15tooth sprocket on the scrambler that’s the best advice I can give love riding mine
Love the outtakes...worth hanging on for....🤘🏍🏁
Andy good vid don't keep knocking your riding your as good as the next person don't let negativity creep in, I rode both the Triumphs 400 I bought the CL500 sorry to say much better bike just not got as good looks as the Triumph👍👍👍
Yes the CL500 is a great bike - we are spoiled for choice! I try and be positive most of the time, I'll never claim to be any good at anything on here (that's for others to decide) - as soon as you try bigging yourself up there'll be folk hell bent on proving otherwise!
I’ve had the Scrambler 400x as a second bike. My other bike s a Tiger 800. Unless I plan to do really long miles I find myself riding the Scrambler for most of my rides. It’s great to get off the highway on dirt and gravel roads. I also found some decent wind protection that doesn’t look like shit on the bike. Very pleased with this bike and no problems.
@@Tmagri4 what screen did you find that’s looks decent?
Good to hear!
@@ScramblingMan Royalenflow makes a screen available on EBay for about $131. It comes in clear or smoke color and provides much better protection than the fly screen. I added a Kemimoto wind deflector and it works and looks great.
Worthwhile and helpful comparison. Thanks. I did sit on a Scrambler (personal design preference), but at 6'4" it felt a little 'compact' for me. I'm sure Triumph will do the right thing and investigate the cut-out incidents...not too serious on a country road, but could be heart stopping during a bumpy overtake!
My dad had a Honda cb125 way back in the day. I certainly understand the appeal of the retro styles! Thanks Andy!
Quite a fan club you have Andrew, quite inspirational 😊
I wish!
Great review...and retro is good. Just like you, i love the old look and have the reliability of a new one. That's why i have my T120 👍
Triumph have totally sorted the cutting out issue with their latest software update. It was an immobiliser problem. Apparently it was failing to recognise the key occasionally even when the engine was running. I’ve now done 1600 miles on my X brilliant fun locally around the Devon lanes
Really? Did they roll it out to existing owners do you know??
My 2024 Tiger 900 GT Pro has immobilizer issues, in at the dealer here in Portugal for the 3rd time, can’t find the root cause of the problem.
Oh dear - hope you get it sorted soon....
Our Speed 400, which had been switching itself off occasionally by the time you tested this machine, has healed itself. Never had an issue again. So it indeed is one of those things.
I would love to have the scrambler too, but only with the brake pads of the Speed 400 on it. I find the Scrambler brake a bit doughy with the original pads.
You’re an absolute treasure! I probably don’t a need a 400, but love learning about them anyway.
Thanks for watching!
I laughed out loud as you choose the X. Preparing all the arguments, lining them up, logic for the Speed, but bang, heart for the X! Mine also beats for the X, no arguments could beat the rough charme. I'm happy with your choice. As you said in your first X Vlog, it's also a good machine for down grading. A loveley machine for the "Zen" moments of riding. I bet it's fast enough for short distances on dual carriage or Autobahn and to overtake those mysterios white vans too.
I've had my Scrambler 400X for about five months as a second bike. It's perfect for the back roads around me and I've had pretty good luck with mine so far with 1000 miles on the clock.
Nice one!
Love the review, thank you. I know what you mean about “second bike.” My second bike is a Himalayan 452, which I use for most of my one-up riding and absolutely love. If I didn’t have that though, one of these Triumphs would be very interesting to me… probably the scrambler because it is so pretty.
Thanks again TMF. I get the way you are evolving your channel, I agree with you that this needs to happen because most TH-cam channels only last a few years. I wish you all the best, I hope to be enjoying your content for many years to come.
Thank you Lee!
The 400X is a revelation if you’re tall. I’ve only sat on one but the seat to peg ratio feels better than a GS which, despite having a high seat height is cramped. So at least us tall people now have ONE smaller capacity bike to choose from!!
Yes it is surprisingly roomy isn't it!
Love my 400X , great fun riding round Lincolnshire when I'm not using my 1250gs
Really like these two bikes intending to pickup the Scrambler in the new year. The decider for me was how much better the Scrambler eats up pot holes and the crappy road surfaces that we get in Edinburgh compared to the Speed.
Respect your choice both are great bikes. Personally i went for the speed not too concerned about comfort lucky to have a GS for that. There are reported issues and i had one myself which was quickly resolved by the dealership. Smaller capacity machines are becoming popular again and there is a good selection from different manufacturers which can't be a bad thing.
Agreed!
Riding motorcycles is all about how we feel while enjoying life. Breaking it down to size, weight & cost makes sense to the average person. Motorcyclists understand that if we have to explain it, they will never understand. 😊
Having sat on both I think the scrambler would be my choice. Tried to get a test ride at my local dealer when my Tiger went on for service but they didn't have any to ride. Or any bikes as matter of fact !
Crikey! Hope that's a good sign....
Another great down to earth video review 😊
Thank you kindly!
Very interesting video of 2 great bikes. I'll definitely be going for one of these 'smaller' bikes once given the ok, as my riding, I would imagine will just be local rides, or hopefully the odd weekend away. For no other reason than the hight and lightness, my choice would probably be the speed, but they both look fantastic. Love these comparison videos.
Not pleased with Triumph, I got rid of my Speed 400 after 4 months as the immobilizer light would not go out and they couldn't fix it kept fobbing me off saying they're waiting for software update which never came, strange how only some bikes were affected. Also if you like to do your own oil change service its quite involved with o rings, strainers, filters and then you can't reset the service warning as its a Bosch system and need a dealer to do it.
That's annoying isn't it....
The Healtech Maintenance Mate works on some triumphs not sure about this one
Surprising choice, you do tend to put aesthetics very high on your priority list and nothing wrong with that, these bikes are toys at the end of the day and have to stir us to keep the interest up in the long term. It's much easier to forgive any shortcomings of a bike if it looks the part.
I agree!
Out of the two, I think the X possibly looks a bit cooler but I would pick the Speed as it's more in line with what I"d use it for in terms of style & equipment etc. Also like the look of the upcoming Speed 400 RR which I'd probably pick over both of these.
Was exactly my view too Andy. - Thought it could do with a more comfy seat but a lovely bike the Scrambler.
Glad we concur!
Morning Andy hope your well I am tied up deciding what to choose between the scrambler the speed and the RE guerilla I just can’t make my mind up I love the look of the guerilla more than anything but I can’t make my mind up I’ll have to think hard after Christmas but will try see what deals are about around end January see if can get a deal somewhere ride safe
The Speed would be my choice mostly for the 17" rubber and grippier choices. ..but both are excellent bikes and prove that this segment of motorcycling is where it's at these days😁
I'm lucky enough to have a few bikes, but i had a gap between my Suzuki V-strom 1050 which i use for touring and my Honda Forza 350 Scooter which i use to commute to work... i was looking at the Enfield Himalayan, a Fantic Caballero 500, the Honda CB500X and the Triumph Scrambler 400x .. anyway after much reviewing and test rides i chose the 400x and i'm loving it... no regrets at all in buying this bike.... but i have already changed the front sprocket to a 15 tooth, which is a must as 1st is way too low. Great bikes... i'm 6'2" so didn't consider the Speed 400.
Like you, I have multiple bikes of different sizes, cc's, and colors. The last one has often been the selling factor. They each ride differently- good to "not" so good, but I don't dislike any enough to sell any of them. I'm addicted to the one that I'm on. Lol. Until they all need servicing at the same time. Ask me how I know.!! $$ Good thing no wife, kids, or grandkids, LOL. 👍👍
Great vid Andy, i totally agree with your comment on small bikes. I have to be honest, and say i tend to look at smaller to mid range bikes now, bikes like the Speed 400, which i own a blue one, but also things like the KTM 390, the Yamaha MT03, Kawasaki Z400, up to bikes like the Tiumph Daytona 660, the Aprilia Tuono660 etc etc. They are a lot more fun, lighter, cheaper to buy and run, and in our current economic climate, make much more sense. Superbikes are now so yesterday, a lot of manufacturers are turning away from them. I also own a 19 plate Speed Twin, the best one in my opinion, but find myself always going for the Speed 400, as most my riding is in the country lanes of Dorset, a, area that the Speed 400 suits perfectly, lane very similar to what you were riding in this vid. As i said, another great vid, and hopefully, you will make more vids on smaller machines in the future?. There`s a lot to choose from.
Yes I hope too - they are great on our smaller lanes as you say....
love these bikes. Looking at one of these and the new Royal Enfield 'bear' as a second bike for local/lane jaunts and a winter bike. Decision will be which I can fit on the best being tall.
Morning Andy … this is a bike that may happen for me as I retire at the end of this year and which one ???? So, I totally agree with your rationale… it’s the scrambler for me to … Great item on your channel .. Thanks Mike
Enjoy your new bike Mike (and being retired)
Looks like a great bike...nice job!
Proper front mudguard gr8.
Im going to make that ubiquitous comment. No real interest in buying these, (not to say i wouldn't like to own one )but im glad they are available. Thanks for the review Andy.
Fair enough!
Drop your humbleness Andy, you are an experienced rider. You apply good common sense and it doesn't take an engineering degree to share a reasonable and respected opinion.
I appreciate that!
I agree on the Scrambler, I've seen both in person, and it looks more like a full size bike.
I agree. The bigger front wheel makes the bike look more balanced too. Many of the 70s and early 80s road bikes had 19 inch front wheels. To me that just looks better. And most people at legal road speeds wouldn't know the difference.
Here I am already own bonneville but watched the whole video. I guess I’m addicted to motorcycle content.
Aren't we all! Sad innit....
I like the front brake reservoir design. Much better than the specimen cup design on my Triumph 850 Sport. Need to ride one to add to the fleet.
Agreed!
Scrambler for me.
Andy, I've been riding 40 years half of that was daily,but these days i only go out on a sunday. You ride way more than me , you ride all bikes you are a good rider. Way more current skill set than use old farts who are now fairweather sunday bikers. I know you are a humble guy but give yourself credit .
Peace and love brother as always 👍✌️❤️
Thank you very much - I would never claim to be good at anything, that’s for others to decide! Appreciate the kind words…
I have a speed 400 along with my 2 GSs and love it several if my mates have them as well
None of us have had the engine cutting out issue but let's hope it can be sorted
The Speed 400 is such a good looking bike and easy to get on with
OK gotta go blood to deliver on a wet Wednesday
Great video
Good luck John!
I rather a few 350-400 bikes rather than one 1200 like back in the 70s and 80s
Both great bikes and I can’t decide which one I prefer. It would be a case of riding back to back I guess.
I loved the design of the 400 series at first sight and will be buying one of these shortly for my son once he passes his forthcoming test. I reckon I could be doing a fair few miles on it though. 😂
Both those 400,s are great bikes think there are more manufacturers going that way Andy 👍keep up the great vids vids
Nice looking bikes, if I was to go for one I too would go for the scrambler. Nice outtakes at the end!
Thanks! Glad you watched until the very end!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I mostly watch to the end as you never know how a video will end!
I'm looking for a secondary bike, and have my heart set on a Triumph Scrambler. The big question for me is to go with the 400 or the 900? At about half the price this one is very tempting, but I've always loved the 900
I prefer the Speed 400 in black, but to each their own, eh? :)
Like the Scrambler in the dark green…….the only thing I didn’t like (on both bikes) is the cheap looking speedo/fuel gauge etc housing.
I would opt for the scrambler as well for all the reasons you have listed. However, I would also add that I feel the scrambler versions are better suited for the poor road conditions. Not sure if there is much truth in that, but it feels like they are better up to the job when the road surface is poor.
Well that is a fair point true!
In relation to this category I think you get a ride on the Guerilla 450 from Royal Enfield. That would make a good comparison.
Yes I rode one recently - videos coming soon!
That will be interesting, will be having a test ride soon. Localish RE dealer still in business, unlike triumph
Enjoyable video, and I particulaly like the abandonment of logic at the end :) It is just so personal a choice isn't it? I binged watched every bike review for months before going back to riding this year, and I really was convinced I knew what I would buy from the looks of the bikes, and even the exhaust sound reviews. Totally changed once I rode them myself, and I even disliked my number one choice for its awkward height, handling and vibration. Loved riding the Triumph 400x (my second choice) but just couldn't believe that I couldn't love the sound and looks as much as my final choice (CL500), which by now had got under my skin.
Yes there's not always logic involved when it comes to buying motorbikes is there!
All good from east KY USA. Interesting machined. The BMW concept might take one's place or a Himalyan. Depends on the hack job the dealers try to pull. Lovecthe looks of the Truimphs home run. Next time fair skies to you
That’s what I meant to license changes etc. it does not encourage taking up the sport it’s so convoluted and expensive. I now have two long established dealers locally one 60yrs gone bust. I technically have no more dealer servicing or support in the area 😢
Rubbish isn’t it….
Have to agree the scambler is a better looking bike and if your enjoyment is our bumpy backlanes with grass down the middle it should cope a bit better than the urban town version . Dont put your riding ability down ,you cover a lot more miles than many on many different bikes which in my opinion adds up to a lot of road experience. I read the other day that the average hobby biker rides between 1000 and 3000 miles per year and almost never in rain ,if i did so few miles i dont think i would bother owning a bike just to look at it in the garage unless like you i had a choice of rides
Think it's quite common for single pot bikes to stall until you get used to them - same on the ccm
I got into bikes in a similar way, by dad had them too and when i was a kid I watched boon
Scrambler for sure. It's just a bit more versatile.
What as in going off road you mean?
@TheMissendenFlyer yes
Thanks for the video. These small bikes are the future because they are perfect for the older rider who is down sizing, are cheaper and lighter and still have plenty of power for most people. I have a Yamaha MT. 03 and 40 bhp. are plenty for me. Andy, what about the pot holes, just awful. What are the local council doing?
Beats the hell out of me....
Shit that's a violent council
An interesting route around the Pednor Ring as I call it. Once a lovely ride/drive of an evening. I drove around it just last week and was horrified at how the hedges had been allowed to grow blocking out the views, now just a narrow green corridor which seems a lot longer than it used to be.
Ironically, its the last place I did a photoshoot of my original 1990 Fatboy before the engine cam follower needle roller bearings decided to disintegrate back in 2016, mangling most of the internal steel parts 😢
My mate in Canada has that same green Scrambler and loves it too.
When I lived there, I often went to view Herbert's Hole. Perhaps I'll save that story for another occasion.
@paulstredwick Herbert's Hole; I've heard of it but can't remember what it is ?
@@andrewdking The valley between Chesham and Ballinger Bottom.
@@paulstredwick Ah, is that where the Model Flying Club fly their RC aircraft, if so I do know it and was the place I saw an English Bull Terrier for the first time with my Grandad circa 1965
I really do like the 400 scrambler, I don’t know if it would be happy sitting at 50-60mph for an hour or so
Yes no problem….
Andy, I’d go for the Scrambler and by the way there is nothing wrong with your riding😉
Thank you!
Whilst I think these bike are well positioned in the current climate, I do feel they’ve undermined the triumph brand a bit. If you have a triumph retro, the uninitiated now think you’re riding round on a 400cc learner cheapie. Premium guitar brands (Fender, Gibson etc) rebrand their budget offshore lines to great effect. Think this could have worked for triumph too.
Hmm interesting comparison....
5’8’’ is not short it’s just 1’’ under average. So a lot of men are even shorter. I am 5’ 2’’ that’s short.
Fair play....
Yeah mate that's hort om only 5"7 with a 30" leg like mark pulling another great bike you tuber check him put!😊all the best my friend. 😊
Great review again Andy 😊 I have read, or heard, tjat Triumph have problems to supply heated grips to these bikes? Do you know anything about that? I believe UK is also cold as here in Sweden?
Cheers 😊
No I'd not heard that....
User friendly budget bikes like these with changes to encourage younger riders might help save the dying bike industry in this country.
It won't have you seen the price of insurance and the fact they are stuck on a 125cc for the first 2 years.
Yes I'm afraid it looks like the motorcycling community is only getting older and dwindling.....
Engine cutting out on the road could be very dangerous, even deadly. Like the stretched harness of the Indian Gold Star leading to cut outs.
It would be good to see you do a review of the Royal Enfield Bear. It looks amazing and feels great to sit on. I wonder how they compare? Keep up the great content.
As soon as it’s available to me I will!
The Speed 400 for me! What does your "frozen shoulder" mean and how does it impact riding off road? Thanks, John
Long story - I have something called "capsular adhesivitis" which is a condition caused by trauma to the shoulder (in my case an operation to resolve some pain and movement issues I was having). It means I have very limited range of motion in my right arm and virtually no strength - clearly not a good thing if you want to ride off-road - which as you probably know can be a major work out.....
@TheMissendenFlyer Sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing. That makes it even more impressive how you maneuver the Goldwing with Mrs Flyer in the Alps!!
If you had a speed 400 and Hunter 350, and you had to give one up, and keep the other, which one would you keep? I've been obsessing about each one and having a hard time deciding which one to pull the trigger on. Great video, thanks!
I'd have the speed 400 for sure (as a keeper).
I would probably opt for one of these if and when I get to an age where riding only locally is my life. I would think they would also be great for light, urban commuting for younger or newer riders on a budget. The Grom is no longer the king.
Happy Thanksgiving from your friends across the pond.
Thank you (though I’ve no idea what or when thanksgiving is!)
@TheMissendenFlyer It's a huge feast day in the U.S. on the 4th Thursday of November. Canada and some other countries have some similar festivities around this time, too. Unofficially, it's a family get-together that often goes awry with familial drama. But we try to avoid that. The idea being to give thanks for all the good stuff that has managed to happen, friends and family. Menus vary but Turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, casseroles, veggies, dinner rolls, a variety of pies with creme or ice cream... all putting you into a tryptophan food coma, maybe watch some professional American football, then eat some of the best leftovers for days. I realize that is probably as foreign to you as Boxing Day is to us. I spent a very lonely but interesting day on 12/26/86 walking around Piccadilly Circus while on a 12 hour layover.
You pretty much described what Christmas day is to me - I only need one of those a year!
I think I might take the Guerilla 450 tbh. Or the Speed 400…
Fair enough - my review of the Guerilla is coming soon!
a nice bike for the price andy
Indeed it is!
I would be interested to know how the Triumph 400x compares with the Fantic Caballero and the Royal Enfield Guerrilla ? All similar bikes that you have reviewed separately.
I have ended up buying a Fantic from a mate but it could have been a Triumph if one had come up for 4k with a low mileage ! Love the reviews, always interesting to know what your opinions are even if I am not currently in the market for the bike you are reviewing !
Thanks for that David! The Guerilla is excellent - my reviews are coming soon - I only rode the old Fantic Caballero and I didn't rate that as highly as these Triumphs or the new RE...that said the Fantic with the new engine might be another matter!
Speed 400 if I were to get one. Why get a "scrambler" that is supposed to go off-road if you are not going off road? Why pay more to not go off-road? Why more weight if not going off-road? As you said, logically, the choice is the Speed 400. I have a dual sport to go off-road anyway.
Looking to the future I was 50/50 between the Triumph 400X or the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, However with the new BMW and the new Scram 440 being introduced next year I’m holding off and going to look at some of the other bikes around the 400cc size. Getting spoiled for choice now 🤦🏻♂️
Good problem to have….
Which one....the Fantic Caballero....2025 one comes with a new Italian twin cam engine, new clocks and a narrower right hand exhaust panel, a must test for 2025 Andy....makes Triumph look cheap!
Same as you Andy I’m the same height, I took the speed out as a courtesy bike and found it to small for me , so I’d have the Scrambler , the only thing I didn’t like was the front brake , to weak for me and tended to fade , does the scrambler have a four pot front ? Ps Live on the iow and love small roads like that 👍👍😊
...err from memory I don't recall - I doubt it....
I have got the scram I changed the brakes from the speed to the scram much better feel
The bigger question is, given the reported numerous issues, whether you should buy one at all?
Are there numerous issues? What have you heard?
Great looking bikes definitely suit the UK or city riding, but on the open roads down here in Oz a bit underpowered for our roads.
Out of interest have you tired one? I ask, not to be funny, but because these bikes are much more perky than I expected....
@TheMissendenFlyer yes I've ridden one and my honest opinion is it would be lucky to pull the cheese off a cracker
Fair enough.....