The New 400cc Brit Goes Head-To-Head With The Mad Austrian On Paper

Will it result in a straightforward choice between the two or something that’ll be more subjective?

KTM introduced a side of performance motorcycling that the Indian market wasn’t familiar with. But the hooliganism of the 390 Duke isn’t may not be for everyone. And the Triumph Speed 400 intends to change that with its easy-going nature and the price tag makes it even sweeter. On paper, the performance of the bikes is very close, but is it the same in real life too? Here’s a lowdown with our tested V-box figures:

Acceleration:

The KTM 390 Duke’s more frantic nature compared to the Triumph Speed 400 is evident in the acceleration figures. The Duke produces 3.5PS more power while being 5kg lighter, which translates into much faster acceleration from a standstill. Because of the Speed 400s meaty low-to-mid range grunt, it is able to keep up with the 390 Duke when accelerating from 0-60kmph and 0-80kmph with differences of 0.51 seconds and 0.93 seconds respectively. But the KTM’s weight advantage, and a healthy reserve of power at the top of the rev range widens the gap between it and the Speed 400 in the sprint to 100kmph.

Roll-On Acceleration:

The Speed 400 has much more low-end torque available compared to the 390 Duke. That is why the Triumph is quicker by 0.37 seconds when accelerating between 30-70kmph in 3rd gear and quicker by 0.37 seconds between 40-80kmph in 4th gear despite being heavier.

Braking:

Despite having similar braking setup at both ends, the KTM 390 Duke’s setup offers a stronger bite and feedback which offers better stopping force. Triumph on the other hand, has good stopping power but lacks the initial bite, and progression at the lever. So, while the braking distances are similar, the experience is quite different.

Verdict:

So, picking between the two of them is not that straightforward. Despite offering almost similar performance on paper, the KTM and the Triumph are distinctly different when it comes to the real world. 

For someone who’s looking for a bike that’ll take on commuting and occasional weekend rides without demanding too much from you, the Triumph Speed 400 is the bike for you. It has enough low to mid-range grunt to make your way through traffic or tight twisties, packaged in a format that is forgiving and friendly for amateurs while keeping the experienced ones entertained.

However, if you are someone who is looking for a sharp, aggressive motorcycle that’ll keep you on your toes in the city, highway, twisties or even the race track, the 390 Duke is for you. Yes, commuting may not be as friendly or easy-going as the Speed 400, but it’ll make up for it with its outright manic acceleration.