Triumph Speed 400 Review : Triumph for the common people

The Triumph Speed 400’s pricing, which surpassed even the Bajaj Dominar 400’s initial price for the first 10,000 bikes, left everyone who watched the launch utterly perplexed. Upon hearing that, the majority of us immediately assumed that they had made some compromises in terms of fit and finish or build quality because it was so inexpensive. Not true. For all the obvious reasons associated with some of Triumph’s larger capacity motorcycles, the Speed 400 has everything you would expect. If you thought that the attention to detail on motorcycles, such as the most recent Royal Enfield J-series of bikes, was impressive before, then they’ve advanced significantly with this one.

Triumph Speed 400 Looks

Everything about it is top-notch, looking as good as higher capacity motorcycles with Triumph badging, from the neat welds throughout the chassis to the neat tucking away of its wiring, to the powder-textured finishes on parts like the front mud guard, the quality of clamps, the gloss finished tank, the machine-finished fins on the engine, and even the stainless-steel exhaust can. At this rate, it seems like you’re getting more for your money. superior quality in every way.

I adore the tiny Triumph logo in the headlamp and the LED tail light units, which definitely add a touch of class. Triumph Speed 400 get LED lights at both ends with DRLs up front that are very reminiscent of the larger bikes from the British manufacturer’s stable. The bike has a very manly, retro-macho appeal thanks to the large handlebar with its bar-end mirrors situated atop it and the chunky golden USD front fork.

Everything about the Triumph Speed 400 appears orderly, balanced, and well-thought-out, even when viewed from a profile that includes the tank, the liquid-cooled engine, the exhaust manifold, the panels that descend to the bench seat, and the tail section. It looks like a Triumph motorcycle and keeps some of the design cues from the current generation of Bonneville bikes.

Triumph Speed 400 Features

An extremely well-organized analog speedometer and a digital LCD screen that shows two trips, the amount of fuel, the average fuel consumption, and the gear position indicator make up the instrument console. The switchgear also feels nice and crisp, similar to the larger, more expensive Triumph motorcycles that we’ve recently laid our hands on. That being said, you won’t be too bothered by the Triumph’s lack of Bluetooth connectivity. In order to mount your phone or GPS device on the bar and keep them charged while on the go, you do get a conveniently placed USB socket.

Although Triumph Speed 400 lacks ride modes and Bluetooth connectivity, Triumph has made up for it with more useful features like ABS, which is always on but can be turned off, and traction control, which is something you don’t often see on a motorcycle during this displacement range. It’s a great feature that the liquid-cooled engine, slipper clutch, and ride-by-wire throttle are all extremely helpful when driving, particularly in this kind of weather.

Triumph Speed 400 Engine And Power

Even though the Triumph Speed 400 has a lot of features, I think its 398cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine is what really stands out about it. maximum power and torque are about 40 PS and 37.5 Nm, respectively. is coupled to a gearbox with six speeds. This thing has a nice amount of torque at the bottom end, a good amount of juice to be extracted when you move the band up, and a flawless midrange.

The setup of the chassis is a hybrid design in which the sub-frame is bolted on and portions of the tubular steel perimeter frame are neatly hidden behind the tank and some of the panels. Things are just so smooth and refined down the band. This bike’s setup makes it very much enjoyable, and the way the power is delivered makes the ride exciting throughout.

Although Triumph’s new TR-series engine and Bajaj’s Dominar 400 share an 80mm bore, they are very different in terms of design and attitude when driving. Even though the Triumph Speed 400 looks like a laid-back roadster, its power puts it in the realm of the KTM 390 Duke. Its acceleration is more gradual and linear than the Austrian motorcycle’s, but it will still get your heart racing quickly, with up to 80% of its maximum torque kicking in at 3,000 rpm. This provides the bike with a respectable amount of low-to-mid range shove.

In addition to feeling fantastic at the bars and pegs with a distinct vibe, the Triumph Speed 400’s 4-valve DOHC engine pulls cleanly and produces excellent sound. Around 6,000 rpm, the bike seems to catch up and accelerates smoothly, reaching the redline at approximately 8,500 rpm. The throaty roar coming from the stainless steel exhaust can is a nice finishing touch. It has a short first gear, but other than that, the higher cogs are perfectly geared, making it one of the most tractable single pot motors of its day.

You might be traveling at between 100 and 110 kmph in fifth gear, apply heavy braking, drop the speed to roughly 35 kmph, and not even need to shift down. The engine feels as though it has found its sweet spot and is just waiting for you to open it up even more to send the speedometer needle even higher north, even at 100 mph in sixth gear at about 4,000 rpm. This is undoubtedly a motorcycle that you could ride daily and not grow tired of for a good number of years to come.

Triumph Speed 400 Tyres

The Bajaj-built Triumph Speed 400 was designed from the ground up by Triumph, and even in terms of handling dynamics and mannerisms, it feels like a very high-end motorcycle. With your feet slightly rearset in a sporty stance, you’ll be sitting fairly upright on this motorcycle and won’t be straining your palms as you reach for the wide handlebar. chassis is another outstanding feature of this motorcycle.

Its effortless handling at all speeds, even on challenging roads and in inclement weather, makes it one of the easiest motorcycles to maneuver. When I was riding on the wet roads, I was concerned about the tires that came with the bike because, although the Triumph Speed 400, which is built to international specifications, has sticky Metzeller M9 RR tires while the India-spec bike only has the option of MRF and Apollo tires, which are both the same size on the front and rear.

The bike we rode had Apollo 110/70 and 150/60 section R 17 tires on both ends, and while they might not have performed as well as the M9 RRs when powering into corners, I’m happy to say that I was really impressed with how well they performed.Extremely confident in the way they held up on a variety of surfaces, particularly in the rain.

When combined with the responsive set of disc brakes with dual-channel ABS that are always engaged and the traction control unit that repeatedly sprang into action when the bike was being launched and when it was taking hard turns on some nice twisties, everything worked incredibly well to instill a high degree of confidence at all times.

Triumph Speed 400 Suspension

Even the configuration of the motorcycle’s suspension is very amazing. Most bumps you encounter won’t be as sharp thanks to the bike, and the seating gives you and your passenger plenty of room to adjust and conduct business in comfort and style. The Triumph Speed 400 is extremely neutral to handle, and it won’t take you long to become accustomed to riding this motorcycle and taking it all out.

The bike made specifically for India weighs six kg more than the bike made specifically for Europe, which was showcased in the UK a few weeks prior to its launch in India. The Triumph Speed 400 made specifically for India has a numberplate bracket integrated neatly up front, suspension tuned for Indian standards, engine guards that come standard, a grab rail at the back, a saree guard, and tires, of course. Still, there’s not really much wrong with the Speed 400, though I was a little worried about where the liquid reservoir for engine cooling was located—it’s right behind the thin bashplate.

Conclusion

With everything that the Triumph Speed 400 offers, especially considering its price, it seems like a great value for money. And it is true, really! Overall, this motorcycle truly seems to be more than worth the money you paid for. The amazing thing about the Triumph Speed 400 is that it’s very affordable, even though it looks and feels like a highly capable and desirable bike, much like some of Triumph’s larger, more expensive models. We Indian motorcycle enthusiasts won’t be complaining about it even though it will undoubtedly chafe every participant in this displacement class.

Now that this motorcycle costs Rs 2.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), nothing else on the road can compare to it because it fulfills so many fantastic requirements. It’s just such an incredibly well-built machine, from the level of fit and finish to the quality of the parts, the suspension, the brakes, the wheels, the engine’s performance, the chassis’s ability to withstand pressure, how it handles, and the ride quality. Once you get your hands on this machine, you’ll have a great time riding it.

Also See : The Triumph Tiger 1200

Indeed, variety makes the world go round, but in order to compete with this one, the competition will need to step up and improve their offerings significantly as it has set a new standard for this market at this price. In addition, there is a different version of this bike in the works called the Triumph Scrambler 400 X, which is more off-road focused but still not entirely so. When it launches later in October, this bike is also expected to be very promising.

FAQ

Engine and Performance:

What is the engine capacity of the Triumph Speed 400?
- Answer: 398cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine.
How much power and torque does the Triumph Speed 400 produce?
- Answer: 40 PS and 37.5 Nm, respectively.
How does the Triumph Speed 400 compare to the KTM 390 Duke in terms of performance?
- Answer: While the Speed 400 offers smoother acceleration, the KTM delivers a more aggressive power punch.
Is the Triumph Speed 400 engine reliable?
- Answer: As a new model, long-term reliability data is not yet available. However, Triumph has a reputation for building high-quality motorcycles.

Features and Technology:

Does the Triumph Speed 400 have Bluetooth connectivity?
- Answer: No, Bluetooth connectivity is not available.
What kind of riding modes does the Triumph Speed 400 offer?
- Answer: The Speed 400 does not have selectable riding modes.
Does the Triumph Speed 400 come with ABS and traction control?
- Answer: Yes, ABS and traction control are standard features.

Handling and Comfort:

How does the Triumph Speed 400 handle corners?
- Answer: The bike is praised for its easy handling and confidence-inspiring grip, even on challenging roads.
Is the Triumph Speed 400 comfortable for long rides?
- Answer: The upright riding position and well-tuned suspension are reported to be comfortable for extended journeys.
What are the differences between the Indian and European versions of the Triumph Speed 400?
- Answer: The India-spec model has additional features like an integrated number plate bracket, engine guard, and saree guard.

Comparison and Other:

How does the Triumph Speed 400 compare to other motorcycles in its displacement class?
- Answer: The article claims it offers superior quality, features, and value compared to competitors.
What is the expected price of the upcoming Triumph Scrambler 400X?
- Answer: Specific pricing information is not available yet.
Where can I find more information about the Triumph Speed 400?
- Answer: Refer to the official Triumph website or authorized dealerships.

Additional Considerations:

What are the service intervals for the Triumph Speed 400?
- Answer: The article mentions a generous 16,000 km service interval.
Is there a specific riding style that the Triumph Speed 400 is best suited for?
- Answer: The bike caters to a wide range of riders, from beginners to experienced riders seeking a comfortable and capable motorcycle.
What are some common after-market modifications available for the Triumph Speed 400?
- Answer: Researching online forums and aftermarket part suppliers can provide details on available modifications.
How does the fuel efficiency of the Triumph Speed 400 compare to similar motorcycles?
- Answer: While not directly mentioned in the excerpt, further research can reveal the bike’s claimed fuel efficiency.
What are the financing options available for purchasing a Triumph Speed 400?
- Answer: Contact Triumph dealerships or financial institutions for details on available financing options.
What safety gear is recommended for riding the Triumph Speed 400?
- Answer: Always wear a helmet, protective clothing, and appropriate footwear while riding.
What are the warranty terms offered by Triumph for the Speed 400?
- Answer: Consult the official Triumph website or dealership for warranty information.