Building a Unicorn Triumph 400X Scrambler

Over the past eight years, I’ve been enjoying small-displacement rides on a 24-horsepower 250cc motorcycle. Whether I was headed to a campground or hotel, it has carried my gear, sipped gas, and helped me keep a leisurely pace. 

I also own a large ADV bike to use when needed, but I’m always looking for that unicorn motorcycle that has a little more power while remaining reasonably light. The 250 hit its limit in the Nebraska Sandhills as I chugged over the dunes at 45 mph after hitting 65 mph in the sags. 

After a day of this, I decided it was time to find that mid-displacement unicorn. My wife disagreed and challenged me to fit a third motorcycle into the garage. “It can’t be done,” she said.

Finding the Right Candidate

I had read about the new 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X and soon found myself at Cascade Moto in Tigard, OR, looking one over. I test rode it and wrote it off as too road-like. 

The revised KTM 390 was still just a rumor at this point. I dreamed of a street-oriented version of the Honda 450 Rally, but Honda didn’t get my message. 

So, I was merrily roaming around YouTube one day when I happened upon a video from RallyRaidUK regarding a Triumph 400 X build they were working on. No farkles, just purposeful modifications like suspension, wheels, and luggage. 

I headed back to Triumph for another test ride with my newfound knowledge. The 400 X now started looking quite promising as a small ADV steed. It wasn’t crazy heavy or tall, and the engine was nice and mellow, with equally pleasing ergonomics.