Breaking: Triumph's Most Affordable 400cc Bikes Finally Break Cover

After months of anticipation and multiple sightings, the first produce from the Triumph-Bajaj joint harvest has finally broken cover. Opening for Triumph in the sub-500cc premium sport biking segment is the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. Needless to say, the Speed 400 is the roadster in the pair. What’s interesting though is that Triumph has chosen to slot them in the ‘Speed’ family, so I guess, the ‘Street’ moniker has been retired. Nonetheless, these bikes are potential game changers in this segment, and here’s why!

Engine & Performance:

First, let’s quickly look at what these bikes are packing. Both motorcycles are powered by a 400cc, liquid-cooled motor. Our initial guess was a 350cc pot, but hey, when it comes to displacement- the more the merrier, right? This 398cc powerplant makes 40PS and 37.5Nm and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. However, concerning rider aid, you get switchable traction control on both bikes, but only the Scrambler 400X gets switchable ABS at the back. What's super cool is that it gets 16,000km service intervals! 

Design: 

In terms of appearances, both motorcycles look similar - a blend of neo-retro styling with flowing lines, like a scaled-down Speed Twin 900 and Scrambler 900. Hence, what sets them apart are small aesthetic tweaks and hardware differences to meet better fitness of purpose while giving them a sense of individuality. Of course, Triumph will offer a range of accessories like windscreens, luggage options and indicators that should allow you to customise them further. 

For instance, the Scrambler’s adventure spirit is highlighted by a headlight grille, knuckle guards, handlebar-mounted mirrors, and raised front fender (optional). Meanwhile, small elements like the handlebar-mounted mirrors give the Speed 400 a proper urban roadster appeal. Even the double barrel exhausts on both bikes are finished differently for that extra something. While on the topic, elemenst like the switch gear appear premium. Also, please note, both bikes get a 13-litre fuel tank.   

Underpinnings:

Suspension: 

Both motorcycles employ a gold-finished 43mm big piston upside down fork and a preload adjustable gas charged monoshock to manage suspension duties. However, the wheel travel on both bikes differ. The Speed 400 gets 140mm and 130mm travel front and back, whereas the Scrambler 400 gets 150mm travel at either end, which isn’t a lot for anything more than rough roading.   

Brakes:

And, it’s the same story with the Brakes. The Speed 400 gets a 300mm front disc brake, the Scrambler gets a larger 320mm unit at the front. However, at the back both get a 230mm rear disc brake and dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tyres & Rims:

The Speed 400 opts for road-friendly 17-inch alloy wheels, front and back, whereas the Scrambler 400X too comes with alloy wheels, but in a - 19-inch front and 17-inch rear setup, suggesting it's not dirt-shy while being tubeless. Similarly, the Speed 400 comes shod in premium and grippy Metzeler Sportec M9RR, and the Scrambler 400X gets Metzeler Karoo Street. Hence further suggesting that road vs dual-purpose split each bike dons. That said, the India-spec Speed 400 will likely get the Pirelli Diablo Rosso Sport.

This has also altered the seat height of both bikes - 790mm on the Speed 400 and 835mm on the scrambler. Interestingly, there's also a considerable weight difference between the two - Speed 400 tips the scale at 170kg, whereas the Scrambler 400X weighs 179kg (both kerb).

Features:

Both motorcycles get LED lighting, ride-by-wire and a semi-digital instrument cluster with all the basic readouts like gear position, trip, odo, and distance-to-empty, but sadly no Bluetooth connectivity.

Our Thoughts:

Looking at what’s on offer, these bikes will have the KTM 390 Duke, Honda CB300R, BMW G 310 R, Zontes GK350, Husqvarna Svartpilen 250, Yezdi Scrambler, and the Honda CB350RS in their crosshairs. But, why these two are potential game changers because of that Triumph badge! It brings a premium brand to the accessible side of performance.  

This, however, is just an unveiling. But, thankfully, the wait for them isn’t too long as the India launch is on July 5. Our guess, is the Speed 400 will be priced around Rs 2.9 lakh, and the Scrambler 400X at around Rs 3.20 lakh (both ex-showroom).