Triumph Scrambler 400 X (2024+) Maintenance Schedule

This is the maintenance schedule with associated service intervals for the Triumph Scrambler 400 X, one of Triumph’s 400-class motorcycles in the “Modern Classics” range, new for 2024.

The Triumph Scrambler 400 X is an entry-level scrambler-style motorcycle. It’s powered by a 398 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a comfortably oversquare bore:stroke ratio (of 1.39). With its 12.0:1 compression ratio, it reaches a healthy 29 kW / 40 horsepower at 8000 rpm, with a satisfying thrum from the thumper engine.

The Scrambler is distinct from the Triumph Speed 400, launched concurrently, for its off-road protection, 19-inch front rim, and different suspension, chassis, and gearing.

Final drive is via a slip/assist clutch, 6-speed transmission, and chain.

Here are the motorcycles in the Triumph 400 class:

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Triumph Scrambler 400 X Service Intervals

Overall, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X has 10000 mile / 16000 km or annual service intervals. This is quite wide, especially for an entry-level motorcycle. At every service, change the oil and filter, and do a host of checks.

The valve service for the Triumph Scrambler 400 X is every 20000 miles or 32000 km.

As the Triumph Scrambler 400 X has a chain drive, make sure you maintain it regularly (see below for the section on chain maintenance).

Further, it has a liquid-cooled engine, which means the coolant needs attention. And make sure the brake fluid is replaced per the schedule.

Maintenance Schedule for Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Triumph Scrambler 400 X. As it’s presented in one big table in the manual (see the screenshots in the last section), we’ve broken it up into three parts:

The daily inspection checklist (leaks, general condition checks)
The annual inspection checklist
The maintenance schedule of less frequent things like spark plug changes and valve clearance checks.

In addition, the chain inspection guidelines are separate.

Daily inspection checklist

Below is the daily inspection checklist for the Triumph Scrambler 400 X. Do this along with the rest of the maintenance schedule.

You do many of these checks when starting out riding the motorcycle. However, it’s good practise to regularly check the engine oil level.

Triumph Scrambler 400 X Daily maintenance checklist
Engine oil level – check and adjust
Engine – check for leaks
Fuel system – check for leaks
Cooling system – check for leaks
Coolant level – check/adjust
Clutch – Check operation
Clutch cable – check function and adjust as necessary (lubricate as needed with Protect All Cable Life)
Tire wear/tire damage – check
Tire pressures – check/adjust See below for tire pressure specs
Wheels – inspect for damage
Steering – check for free operation
Front and rear suspension – check for damage/leaks/smooth operation
Brake system – check operation
Brake pads – check wear levels, replace as necessary
Brake fluid levels – check
Drive chain slack – Check/adjust (see below)
Lights, instruments and electrical systems – check/adjust
Bank angle indicators – check for wear
Side stand/Center stand – check for wear/smooth operation. Lubricate as necessary

Triumph Scrambler 400 X Daily maintenance checklist

Maintenance schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Triumph Scrambler 400 X.

Notes:

Follow the earlier of time or distance intervals. E.g. do the annual inspection every 10000 miles or year, whichever comes earlier.
Keep repeating this maintenance schedule beyond the end of the indicated time/distance.
At the end of the maintenance schedule, keep following it in the pattern shown.
The break-in service is omitted for simplicity. It is an oil + filter change and a check for leaks, cracks, and damage.

mi x 1000	10	20	30	40
km x 1000	16	32	48	64	Every
Daily inspection checklist (see above) — perform	✓	✓	✓	✓	Year
Annual inspection checklist (see below) — perform	✓	✓	✓	✓	Year
Engine oil – replace (10W50 API SN / JASO MA2, e.g. Castrol Power 1 10W-50)	✓	✓	✓	✓	Year
Engine oil filter – replace (Internal type filter)	✓	✓	✓	✓	Year
Engine oil strainers – clean	✓	✓	✓	✓	Year
Swinging arm spindle – lubricate	✓	✓	✓	✓
Air filter – replace		✓		✓	Replace more often if riding in dusty conditions
Throttle body plate (butterfly) – check / clean		✓		✓
Spark plugs – replace (Bosch VR6NEU)		✓		✓
Valve clearances – check		✓		✓
Fuel filter – replace		✓		✓
Headstock bearings – check/adjust (optional at first service)				✓*	* Start here, then every 20K miles / 32K km
Wheel bearings – check for wear / smooth operation		✓		✓
Brake fluid – replace (Castrol DOT 4)					2 years
Coolant hoses – replace					2 years
Coolant – replace (Triumph D2053 OAT, or PEAK Orange OAT coolant) (See here for more about D2053 alternatives)					4 years
Water pump seals – replace			✓		30000 miles / 48000 km
Fork oil – replace				✓

Triumph Speed 400 Maintenance Schedule

Annual inspection checklist

Below is the annual inspection checklist for the Triumph Speed 400. Do this according to the schedule above (i.e. every year).

Items marked [D] need dealer tools.

Triumph Speed 400 Annual Inspection Checklist
Fuel and evaporative system (if fitted) – check hoses for chafing, cracks or damage. Replace the hoses if necessary.
Airbox drain tubes – drain/clean
Cooling system – check coolant hoses for chafing, cracks, or damage. Replace if necessary.
Clutch lever pivot – clean / grease
Seat latch cable – Check for smooth operation. Lubricate as necessary.
Drive chain – check wear (see below for guidance)
Drive chain – lubricate (see below)
Drive chain rubbing strips – check for wear, cracks, or damage
Fasteners – visually inspect for security
[D] Autoscan — carry out a full Autoscan using the Triumph Diagnostic Tool
[D] Instruments and engine ECM – check for latest calibration download using the Triumph diagnostic tool
[D] Carry out all outstanding Service Bulletin and warranty work
Carry out road test
[D] Complete the service record book and reset the service indicator

Triumph Speed 400 Annual Inspection Checklist

Chain maintenance

Below are the chain maintenance guidelines for the Triumph Speed 400.

Triumph recommends you lubricate your chain every 200 miles (300 km) or after riding through rain / wet (which will be often if you take it off-road!), and inspect the chain condition every service. You can use any good quality engine lube, but Motul chain lubricant is well-recommended.

Measure chain wear

To measure chain wear on your Triumph Scrambler 400 X:

Hang a 10-20 kg weight off the bottom chain (e.g. a convenient kettlebell you have lying around…)
In the top section of the chain, measure the length of 20 links (e.g. from 1st pin to 21st pin).
Make the measurement a few times.

Target chain length 20 links: 320mm

If the chain is worn beyond that limit, then it’s time to replace it, rather than tighten it.

Replace the sprockets at the same time.

How to check chain slack on a Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Every brand of motorcycle defines chain slack differently. For Triumph, slack is the free vertical movement of the centre part of the bottom chain segment.

You need a ruler (or tape measure) and nitrile gloves or a rag (to avoid getting grease on your hands)
Put the motorcycle in neutral, on a level service, and elevate the rear wheel with a stand or center stand if you have one fitted.
Rotate the wheel and find the tightest part of the chain, in the middle.
Use a finger to lightly push the chain up and down. Measure the deflection, which is the chain slack.

Target chain slack (max deflection): 20-30mm (0.8-1.2 in)

If the chain slack is not in that range, then you need to adjust it.

How to adjust chain slack on the Scrambler 400 X

Scrambler 400 X adjustment of rear chain slack

The procedure is similar to the one on many motorcycles, but of course, specifics (e.g. torque values) vary between brands and models.

You need wrenches and torque wrenches to re-tighten the rear wheel. You need a large torque wrench for the rear axle, as well as a breaker bar.

Loosen the rear axle nut with a breaker bar.
Loosen the lock nuts on the left and hand side.
Turn the adjuster bolts, usually counter-clockwise, extending the bolt “outward” to lengthen the chain and make it tighter. (Sometimes you’ll want to make it looser — in those cases, turn it clockwise / inward)
Make sure to adjust the bolts the same amount on each side — check the markings.
Push the wheel into firm contact with the adjusters.
Tighten both adjuster lock nuts to 8 lb-ft / 11 Nm, and the rear axle nut to 72 Ibf ft / 98 Nm (“very tight”).

Wheel and Tire (or Tyre) Specs for the Triumph Scrambler 400 X

The Triumph Scrambler 400 X ships with Metzler Karoo Street tires — tubeless, on cast rims. Below are the tire sizes and recommended tire pressures.

Wheel	Wheel size	Tire size	Tire pressure (cold)
Front	19 x 2.5 in	100/90-19 57V	1.8 bar / 180 kPa / 26 psi
Rear	17 x 3.5 in	140/80 R17 69V	2.3 bar / 230 kPa / 33 psi

Tire sizes and pressures for the Scrambler 400 X

Maintenance Torque Values for the Scrambler 400 X

Item	Scrambler 400 X Torque
Rider seat fasteners	40 Ibf in (4.5 Nm)
Front left cover finisher fasteners	62 Ibf in (7 Nm)
Front left engine cover fasteners	8 Ibf ft (11 Nm)
Engine oil drain plug	10 Ibf ft (13 Nm)
Evacuation strainer plug	89 Ibf in (10 Nm)
Oil filter cover fasteners	8 Ibf ft (11 Nm)
Clutch cable lower lock nut	11 Ibf ft (15 Nm)
Rear wheel spindle nut	72 Ibf ft (98 Nm)
Drive chain adjuster lock nut	8 Ibf ft (11 Nm)
Drive chain guard fasteners	80 Ibf in (9 Nm)
Battery terminal fasteners	40 Ibf in (4.5 Nm)
Spark plug	13 Ibf ft (17 Nm)

Maintenance torque values — Triumph Scrambler 400 X

About the Triumph Scrambler 400 X

The Triumph Scrambler 400 X is a part of the new-for-2024 beginner-focused “400” lineup. They’re part of the modern classics line, along with the other Scrambler models, but the Scrambler 400 X has an all-new engine.

At the heart of the Scrambler 400 X, there’s a new, single-cylinder, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine. This 398cc engine is designed to be approachable but powerful enough to make the lightweight bike fun. It’s focused on beginners, obviously, but it’s intended to be suitable for riders of all levels. A Scrambler 1200 for the long rides, and a 400 for the jaunts about town!

Key technical aspects of the Triumph Scrambler 400 X that impact maintenance include the engine’s DOHC cylinder head. The engine’s finger-follower valvetrain, with a low reciprocating mass and DLC coatings, contributes to reduced friction and enhanced performance. This leads to very wide valve service intervals for a single — every 20000 miles or 32000 km.

Regarding its design, the Scrambler 400 X has traditional touches like the finned cylinder head and exhaust header clamps, blended with contemporary elements such as the upswept silencer and hidden primary silencer. A lot of the styling cues from the bike’s bigger siblings, the Street Scrambler and the Scrambler 1200.

Even though the Scrambler 400 X is supposed to be a road-focused bike, it does have protection for offroad, including covers for the headlight, radiator, and sump, as well as handguards and a longer front mudguard. So people will inevitably take it on dirt roads with gusto.

The upswept silencer and exhaust system are positioned to minimize exposure to debris and moisture, which can be beneficial for longevity and consistent performance.

Otherwise, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X is relatively low spec, which helps with its long-term reliability.

The wheels are cast aluminium alloy with tubed tyres, with a 19-inch front rim. This isn’t great for trailside repair if you ruin a wheel on a huge bump, but then, there’s always a way out!

Front suspension is via a non-adjustable inverted Big Piston fork, and at the rear, it’s via a preload-adjustable shock.

There’s switchable traction control and ABS — a feature unique to the Scrambler 400 X. So surely they expect you to be riding it off-road sometimes…

While the Triumph Scrambler 400 X shares an engine and instruments with the Triumph Speed 400, it has a different frame, wheels, suspension, final drive ratio, and geometry.