Triumph Speed 400 Review: Nailing The Neo In Neo-retro

At Rs 2.33 lakh, the Triumph Speed 400 is more affordable than most of its direct rivals. 

• The Speed 400 is based on Triumph’s brand new 398cc liquid-cooled engine.
• With 40PS and 37.5Nm, the Speed 400 outperforms almost all of its rivals in terms of pricing. 
• In fact, a 170kg kerb weight means it's even lighter than all the other bikes in this segment. 

Triumph recently launched the Speed 400 in India and it impressed us all with the fantastic Rs 2.33 lakh price tag that it carries. In fact, the first 10,000 lucky customers even got a Rs 10,000 price discount, meaning the bike was on sale for an even more mouth-watering Rs 2.33 lakh, both prices ex-showroom. 

But can the Speed 400 back its excellent pricing with a good riding experience? And more importantly, has Triumph cut any costs to arrive at that pricing? We rode the bike around Bajaj’s Chakan test track and here were all of our observations: 

Triumph Speed 400: Design & Features

The Triumph Speed 400 boasts an appealing neo-retro design that incorporates various circular elements. Its headlight features a round shape, while the taillight and indicators have a sleek appearance. The stylish fuel tank seamlessly integrates with the single-piece seat, and the clean tail section is enhanced by the presence of a wide 150-section rear tire and an upswept exhaust.

Equipped with advanced features, the Triumph Speed 400 comes with all-LED lighting, bar-end mirrors, switchable traction control, and Bosch dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety. 

While its semi-digital instrument cluster lacks smartphone connectivity or navigation, it offers a wealth of information, including a gear position indicator, distance-to-empty readout, and various indicator lights. Additionally, the motorcycle is equipped with a convenient USB-C port on the handlebars to keep electronic devices charged.

Triumph Speed 400: Engine

For the Speed 400, Triumph has opted for a modern engine setup. The bike is equipped with a 398cc liquid-cooled engine, which is completely new. Triumph claims that more than 30Nm of the total torque output of 37.5Nm is available from as low as 3000rpm. This is evident when riding the bike, as there is an incredible surge in speed after 3000rpm due to the abundant torque.

During testing on Bajaj's Chakan test track, our rider reached a speed of 160kmph, as indicated on the speedometer. At this speed, the Speed 400 felt remarkably smooth and stable. If given a long enough straight road, the bike could even reach a top speed of 175kmph, putting it in the same league as the KTM 390 Duke. While not as aggressive, the Speed 400 is undoubtedly an exciting and highly engaging ride, thanks to its agility and dynamic handling.

Triumph Speed 400: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

Despite its sporty nature, the Speed 400 doesn't compromise on comfort. The inverted fork and monoshock suspension have been carefully tuned for Indian roads, providing a decently comfortable ride. Even on our notoriously rough roads, the bike maintains its composure and handles large potholes quite effectively. Riders of different sizes and body shapes will find this bike to be quite comfortable.

Triumph Speed 400: Dimensions

As we said, the Speed 400 is an extremely engaging ride and we thoroughly enjoyed putting it through its paces. It’s light and agile and the 170kg is among the lowest in its segment. All of this, while the 790mm seat height means it’s accessible for riders of all shapes and sizes. Most importantly, the 13-litre fuel tank is more than enough for you to tour on this too. 

Triumph Speed 400: Price

The Triumph Speed 400 is offered in a sole standard version with a price tag of Rs 2.33 lakh (ex-showroom). It can be purchased in three distinct colors: Carnival Red, Caspian Blue, and Phantom Black. For the first 10,000 customers, there is an introductory price of Rs 2,23,000.

Verdict

We began the review with a couple of questions about the Speed 400’s riding experience and cost-cutting. And is it the best sub-500cc retro bike? The simple answer is a resounding yes! The Triumph Speed 400 has truly set new benchmarks in this segment by offering the best of both the worlds: retro and modern. It’s fast, exciting yet old-school and we love it! 

And as to Triumph’s cost-cutting, there’s no visible cost cutting. So the stupendous Rs 2.33 lakh price tag (ex-showroom Delhi) is just an icing on the fantastic cake that is the Triumph Speed 400.