Triumph Speed 400 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350

The Classic 350 has been Royal Enfield’s best-seller since quite some time now

• The Speed 400 is Bajaj’s first foray into the neo-retro roadster space
• The 398cc liquid-cooled mill makes a solid 30PS and 37.5Nm
• Those looking for an authentic old school experience though, will love the new Classic 350. 

You're absolutely right. The Triumph Speed 400 stands apart from the Royal Enfield Classic 350, but that doesn't change the fact that Bajaj designed this bike to compete directly with Royal Enfield. This is why Bajaj priced the Triumph surprisingly low. 

While Bajaj is mainly targeting Royal Enfield, there are a couple of other potential rivals, like the Honda CB350s, Jawas, and Yezdis. However, these bikes haven't been able to match the popularity of Enfields, not just in terms of sales numbers, but also based on our previous comparison reviews. 

Right now, this comparison is directed at the many potential Royal Enfield customers that Bajaj aims to attract. After all, the Classic 350 manages to sell more than 20,000 units each month. 

Triumph Speed 400 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Design & Features

The Triumph Speed 400 has a really likeable design that combines both modern and classic elements. It's got these circular shapes in various places, like the round headlight, sleek taillight, and turn signals. The way the fuel tank smoothly connects to the seat is nice, and the back of the bike looks tidy with a wide rear tyre and a raised exhaust.

This bike comes with a bunch of high-tech features as well. It uses LED lights all around, and there are mirrors attached to the ends of the handlebars. For safety, it's got some smart things like adjustable traction control and Bosch's dual-channel ABS system.

Right in the middle of the handlebars, there's a screen that shows you a lot of useful information. You can see what gear you're using, how much distance you can cover before needing to refuel, and different indicator lights. Even though it can't connect to your phone or give you directions, it's still super handy. Oh, and they even added a USB-C charging port on the handlebars, so you can charge your devices while you're riding.

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 maintains a familiar appearance reminiscent of its past iterations, yet it manages to feel updated through subtle design refinements. While it upholds its vintage charm with minor styling enhancements, it's also integrated with modern technological features. The headlight showcases a clear lens enclosed in a redesigned housing. Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the tank, fenders, and even side panels have undergone a revamp.

Triumph Speed 400 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Engines

Triumph took a modern approach when it comes to the engine of the Speed 400. This bike is powered by a 398cc engine that's cooled using a liquid, a fresh design choice for this particular model. The experts at Triumph mention that a significant portion of its power – more than 30Nm out of the total 37.5Nm – is available right from a low 3000rpm. When you ride it, you can actually feel this because once the tachometer hits 3000rpm, the bike receives a strong burst of speed due to all that torque.

During testing at Bajaj's Chakan test track, the rider managed to reach a speed of 160kmph, according to the speedometer. At this speed, the Speed 400 felt incredibly smooth and steady. On a straight road that stretches out, the bike could even hit a maximum speed of 175kmph, which puts it in the same league as the KTM 390 Duke. While it might not be as intense as the KTM, the Speed 400 still offers an exciting ride. This is largely due to its nimble and responsive handling, which makes the overall riding experience dynamic and enjoyable.

However, maintaining high speeds was never the primary strength of the Classic. This bike truly excels between the range of 80 to 90kmph, where the engine hums contentedly. Interestingly, it feels more at ease at these speeds than the older Classic did at 60kmph. Admittedly, it lacks the distinctive "thump" of the previous cast iron engine, yet this new engine boasts a delightful deep sound that's incredibly appealing at lower to moderate revs. 

Triumph Speed 400 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The Triumph Speed 400 is crafted to provide riders with a wonderful blend of sporty performance and comfortable cruising. It excels at finding the right balance between these two aspects, ensuring that riders have an enjoyable experience. The special suspension system, which consists of a well-tuned front fork and a single rear shock, contributes to the bike gliding smoothly over various types of Indian road surfaces. This means that even when the roads are uneven and filled with significant bumps, the bike remains stable and adept at handling these challenges.

No matter how rugged the road conditions become, with all their ups and downs, the motorcycle remains self-assured and manages those uneven surfaces exceptionally well. It doesn't become wobbly or lose control. What's particularly impressive is that the bike is designed for the comfort of all types of riders, regardless of their height or body shape. So, whether you're tall or short, the Speed 400 is engineered to provide a comfortable and effortless ride every time you take it out on the road.

Triumph Speed 400 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Dimensions

Despite its weight of only 170kg, the bike is surprisingly easy to handle. This quality places it among the top choices in its category for its agility and manageable control. Moreover, the seat is positioned at a comfortable height of 790mm from the ground. This feature ensures that riders of varying heights, whether they're tall or short, can ride with ease.

Triumph Speed 400 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Price

Triumph has priced the Speed 400 at a fantastic Rs 2.33 lakh. But Royal Enfield’s immaculate pricing means the Classic’s base variant undercuts the Speed by more than Rs 40,000. 

Verdict

It's clear that the attractively priced Triumph at Rs 2.33 lakh is bound to contribute to the growth of the premium bike market. However, even though it's priced quite close to the Classic (which comes in at Rs 2.21 lakh for the top Chrome variant), the Classic has its own devoted fan base, and it's uncertain how many of them might consider switching over.

When it comes to the Classic, things get more intricate. Without a doubt, if you're seeking performance, there's no debate. However, for those who prefer a more leisurely pace, nothing in the Indian bike landscape offers the same delightful experience as the Classic 350. Our affection for this bike only deepens with time, transforming even mundane daily commutes into eagerly awaited moments.

On the flip side, the Triumph is equally impressive and comes at a remarkable price. As a versatile, performance-focused bike that's also user-friendly, it has become the benchmark in the Indian market.

Choosing between these two options will largely hinge on your personal honesty about the kind of experience you seek. Depending on that, either of these bikes will provide immense satisfaction. But if I had to decide on one, it would be the Triumph, given its exceptional value, desirability, performance, and practicality it brings to the table.