Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Launched With Tubeless Spoke Wheels in India

Triumph Scrambler 400 XC launched at ₹2.94L with tubeless spoke wheels, adding a ₹27K premium over the standard model but lacking spoke warranty in India.

Triumph India recently launched the all-new Scrambler 400 XC, a model that stands out with its tubeless spoke wheels. Priced at Rs. 2.94 lakh (ex-showroom), the XC variant has become the most expensive offering in Triumph’s made-in-India lineup.

Tubeless Spoke Wheels: A Premium Feature

The Scrambler 400 XC commands a premium of Rs. 27,000 over the standard Scrambler X, which comes equipped with regular alloy wheels and tubeless tires. In a recent development, Triumph has disclosed the cost of these tubeless spoke wheels, revealing a significant price tag.

These spoke rims are imported into India, contributing to their higher cost. The front wheel is priced at Rs. 34,876, while the rear unit costs Rs. 36,875. The combined total for both wheels amounts to Rs. 71,751. This figure represents the additional expense customers would incur if they choose to retrofit the cross-spoke tubeless wheels onto their regular Scrambler 400 X.

Competitive Pricing and Warranty Concerns

Despite the high cost of the individual wheels, Bajaj has competitively priced the new Scrambler 400 XC variant, with only a Rs. 27,000 premium over the standard Scrambler 400 X. The cross-spoke wheels with tubeless tires are a direct replacement for the alloy wheels in the regular model, requiring no modifications.

However, a notable concern is that Triumph does not offer any warranty on the spokes, even if the wheels are fitted through the brand’s official service centers. Reportedly, warranty coverage is limited to the wheel rims, covering only manufacturing defects. This warranty limitation is attributed to the fact that these tubeless cross-spoke wheels are not homologated in India. Additionally, the cross-spoke wheels on the XC are 1.1 kg heavier compared to the alloy wheels on the X variant.

Market Context and Competitors

This development comes amidst similar trends in the Indian motorcycle market. Recently, Royal Enfield increased the price of its cross-spoke tubeless wheels for the Himalayan 450 to Rs. 40,645, a significant jump from its earlier price of Rs. 12,424. Besides the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, other India-made motorcycles offering tubeless tires with spoke wheels include the Goan Classic 350 and the KTM 390 Adventure.

Analysis

The introduction of tubeless spoke wheels on the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC at a substantial price point highlights a growing demand for premium and specialized features in the Indian motorcycle market. While the high cost of these imported components is understandable, the lack of warranty on the spokes raises concerns for potential buyers, especially given the off-road capabilities implied by the 'XC' designation. Triumph's decision to offer these as a direct fitment without modification is a positive, but the homologation issue and warranty limitations could deter some customers. This move also reflects a broader industry trend where manufacturers are offering advanced features, sometimes at a premium, to differentiate their products. The comparison with Royal Enfield's pricing strategy for similar components further emphasizes the competitive landscape and the varying approaches manufacturers are taking to cater to evolving consumer preferences for performance and aesthetics.