but also a slower handling dynamic . I could really feel the turn-in resistance . As well , the different front brake – bigger disc but less aggressive brake pad – had far less bite , so I started bringing in the rear brake in support . All of this learnt very quickly in the first few hairpins , in something of a frantic scrabble to get the Scrambler slowed and turned . And just to give some detail on that , the headstock is extended by 20mm while by adding two links to the chain , the rear wheel is 20mm further back in the swingarm , giving an additional 40mm of wheelbase . Meanwhile that front brake was intentionally softened , so as to work better on gravel . Once you ’ ve recalibrated , the Scrambler starts working its charm . With lower foot pegs and the higher , wider bars it ’ s a more relaxed riding position , which feels more long-ride comfortable , or at least more upright for countryside appreciation ( on the move ). You instinctively start revving the engine less and ride more on the peak torque that comes middle of the rev range , short shifting on your way up the gearbox . Now a few keen adventure types will be lamenting the absence of wire-spoke wheels . Our Triumph spokesman ( Steve – beautiful British name ) explained that the Scrambler ’ s cast wheels , while of course different to the ones on the Speed , are in fact lighter than wirespoked wheels – contributing to better handling – while strong enough for ‘ light off-road ’ riding . The 400 X , in Triumph ’ s view , is not a hardcore off-roader . As is the way of these launches , we had just a short section of gravel road to assess the Scrambler ’ s off-seal capability , so I can ’ t be conclusive on its prowess . As it goes , the big win is the under-slung exhaust . It might just be me , but on Triumph ’ s 900 and 1200 Scramblers their high pipes really take the edge off the standing game . One , you have to stand bow-legged – rubbish enough for off-road riding – two , your leg gets roasted by the cat in the exhaust . If I owned either of those bikes I ’ d seriously consider a low-pipe conversion . On the 400 , this is not an issue and the standing riding position
38 KIWI RIDER