Triumph Speed 400

The Triumph Speed 400, developed in collaboration with Bajaj, is powered by a 398cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. It's targeted at both new riders and seasoned bikers who want a versatile machine for city commutes and highway rides. The bike promises to deliver a fun and engaging riding experience at a competitive price. It shares its platform with the Triumph Scrambler 400X and the Triumph Speed T4. 

The Speed 400 retains Triumph’s signature neo-retro styling, and has a premium paint finish. The overall look is heavily inspired by larger Triumph models, right down to the high-quality switchgear and components. Although the semi-digital console, which combines an analog tachometer and a small digital speedometer, could use some improvement, the bike maintains a stylish aesthetic. However, the placement of the digital speedo feels a bit cramped, and a full digital display might have been a better choice.

The Speed 400 is powered by a liquid-cooled 398cc single-cylinder engine that produces 40PS and 37.5Nm of torque. Interestingly, this engine shares some design elements with the Bajaj Dominar, but it's tuned for a very different character. The Triumph engine delivers peak power at a lower RPM, making it quicker and more responsive at lower speeds compared to the Dominar. 

The bike offers a strong mid-range performance, delivering 30Nm of torque as early as 3,000rpm, which makes overtaking in higher gears effortless. It's also quite easy to ride in the city, with its ability to cruise comfortably at low RPMs in 5th gear. On highways, the Speed 400 shines as well, maintaining a stable 120kmph cruise with minimal vibrations – although slight vibrations can be felt beyond 130-140kmph. 

One of the highlights of the Speed 400 is its suspension setup. While it offers a soft and comfortable ride over rough surfaces and speed breakers, it can decently manage corners. The bike is nimble, but it doesn’t offer the razor-sharp precision of something like the KTM 390 Duke. 

The 17-inch wheels came equipped with W-rated Apollo H1 tyres in the 2024 version, they provided solid grip and inspired confidence, especially during cornering. While the Speed 400's 140-section rear tyre is narrower than the 150-section tyre on the Duke, it doesn’t significantly affect the bike's handling. The 2025 Speed 400 features Vredestein radial tyres, which we look forward to testing soon.

While the brakes aren’t bad, their feel could be more progressive. The initial bite feels spongy, and the stronger stopping power comes in a little later than expected. 

The Speed 400 is designed to offer a comfortable riding position, balancing between relaxed and sporty ergonomics. The 790mm seat height on the 2024 Speed 400 made it accessible for shorter riders, and despite its light weight, it feels stable even at higher speeds. The bike is easy to maneuver in traffic and parking spaces, adding to its daily practicality. 

While the suspension does a great job on bad roads, it's worth noting that during hard cornering, the bike can feel slightly bouncy, though it remains confidence-inspiring overall.

The Speed 400 doesn’t come loaded with the most advanced tech, but it gets a few essentials right. You get switchable traction control and a USB charging port. The 2025 Speed 400 also gets and thicker cushioning on the seats. What’s missing are modern features like smartphone connectivity, which would have been a welcome addition in this segment. 

With a price of Rs 2.40 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Triumph Speed 400 offers great value, especially for those looking for a versatile and stylish bike that’s fun to ride in the city as well as on the highway. It's an excellent choice for new riders, thanks to its friendly power delivery and manageable weight, and it could also serve as a second bike for experienced riders looking for something lighter and more practical.