What’s Different Between The Triumph Speed 400 And The Scrambler 400X?

After months of spy shots and speculations, Triumph has finally unveiled the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400X. Of the two, the Speed 400 is the roadster (obviously) and the British manufacturer says both motorcycles are unique in their own way. But what exactly is different between the two motorcycles? Let’s have a look:

There isn’t any difference between the two in the engine department, as both the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400X are powered by a 398cc liquid-cooled  single-cylinder engine, producing 40PS and 37.5Nm, that comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. 

Both bikes get gold-coloured 43mm upside down (USD) forks and preload-adjustable gas-charged monoshocks at the rear. But this is where the similarities end in the suspension department as the Speed 400 gets 140mm and 130mm wheel travel (at the front and rear, respectively) while the Scrambler 400X gets 150mm wheel travel at both ends. Next, while the Speed 400 gets a 300mm disc up front, the Scrambler 400X front disc is a larger 320mm unit, though both get an identical 230mm disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS. And yet, the ABS on the Scrambler 400X can be switched off for off-road use.

The Speed 400 gets 17-inch alloys with Metzeler Sportec M9RR tyres, which should give it plenty of grip on the road. The Scrambler 400X, meanwhile, gets a 19-inch wheel at the front and a 17-inch at the rear with Metzeler Karoo Street tyres, for both on- and off-road use. 

Being a scrambler, the 400X gets a taller 835mm seat height, while that on the Speed 400 is a more approachable 790mm. The Scrambler also has a 1418mm wheelbase, which is longer than the 1377mm wheelbase on the Speed 400. That said, the Scrambler 400X is also the heavier of the two, with a kerb weight of 179kg, which is 9kg more than its roadster sibling. 

There’s not much to differentiate between the two in terms of features, as both get all-LED lighting, a semi-digital instrument console with an LCD screen, switchable traction control, and a ride-by-wire throttle. 

Stylistically, Triumph has properly differentiated between the two, giving each of them the looks to match their personalities. The Speed 400’s neo-retro styling is inspired by the Speed Twin 900 and 1200, with simple, flowing design lines. The beautifully sculpted tank with the big Triumph logo over it makes the bike stand out while being pleasing to the eye at the same time. It gets three colour options: Carnival Red, Caspian Blue, and Phantom Black. 

The 400X, on the other hand, gets a distinct scrambler look with knuckle guards, a headlight grille, an optional raised fender, a padded handlebar brace, and double-stacked exhausts. The Scrambler 400X also gets a big white stripe on the tank with the Triumph logo ‘inside’ it and comes in Matt Khaki Green and Fusion White, Carnival Red and Phantom Black, and Phantom Black and Silver colour options.

So as we can see, Triumph has differentiated the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400X, with their own different personalities. But we are still waiting on the prices, which will be announced on July 5, 2023. We reckon the Speed 400 will likely be priced at Rs 2.90 lakh and will rival the KTM 390 Duke, upcoming next-gen KTM 390 Duke, BMW G 310 R, Honda CB300R and the Zontes GK350. The Scrambler 400X, meanwhile, may get a price tag of Rs 3.20 lakh (both ex-showroom) and rival the Yezdi Scrambler, Royal Enfield Scram 411, and the upcoming Husqvarna Svartpilen 401.