The Triumph Speed 400 marks a significant milestone in the world of premium motorcycles in India. Born out of a powerful collaboration between British heritage and Indian manufacturing expertise, the Speed 400 is Triumph’s attempt to capture the growing demand for stylish, performance-oriented, yet affordable motorcycles in the sub-500cc segment. Designed in the UK and built in India at Bajaj’s Chakan facility, the Speed 400 is an ideal combination of British design language, advanced engineering, and Indian value-for-money proposition.
1. A Fresh Take on Retro-Modern Styling
The Triumph Speed 400 is inspired by Triumph’s classic roadster lineup. It takes cues from the larger Street Twin and Bonneville, but it’s been compacted and re-imagined for new-age riders who prefer lightweight handling with classic styling. The round LED headlamp with a Triumph signature DRL ring, teardrop fuel tank with cushioned tank grips, bar-end mirrors, and a well-padded single-piece seat give it a muscular and premium stance.
The attention to detail is remarkable. The brushed aluminum finish on the engine casing, high-quality switchgear, and neatly tucked-in cables reflect Triumph’s signature fit and finish, rarely seen in this price segment. Whether you’re parking it outside a café or hitting the highway, the Speed 400 turns heads wherever it goes.
2. Performance-Packed 398cc Engine
Under the sleek tank lies a brand-new 398.15cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This motor produces 40 PS of power at 8,000 RPM and 37.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM. It is mated to a smooth 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch for seamless shifts. Unlike most thumpy or buzzy single-cylinder engines in this category, the Triumph Speed 400 offers a refined and linear power delivery.
It’s not just about straight-line speed. The bike has excellent mid-range punch, which makes overtaking on highways and navigating city traffic effortless. The engine is smooth even at higher revs and doesn’t complain when pushed hard. Whether you’re commuting daily or going on long weekend rides, the Speed 400 is versatile enough to handle it all.
3. Ride & Handling – Comfort Meets Confidence
Triumph has made sure that the Speed 400 offers a comfortable yet engaging riding experience. It gets a 43 mm USD Big Piston front fork and a preload-adjustable gas-charged rear monoshock. The suspension is tuned for Indian roads, absorbing most undulations with ease, while still offering good feedback in corners.
The chassis is a perimeter steel frame paired with a bolt-on subframe and cast aluminum swingarm, offering both strength and agility. The 17-inch alloy wheels with road-biased MRF Steel Brace radial tires provide excellent grip and cornering confidence.
Weighing just 176 kg (kerb), the Speed 400 is friendly for beginners yet sporty enough for experienced riders. The 790 mm seat height ensures shorter riders feel at ease, and the bike’s balanced weight distribution makes it highly maneuverable in traffic.
4. Braking and Safety Features
Safety hasn’t been compromised. The Triumph Speed 400 comes equipped with a 300 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc, both assisted by dual-channel ABS. The braking feel is progressive, and the ABS kicks in subtly when needed.
The bike also features ride-by-wire throttle, which ensures precise throttle response and paves the way for features like switchable traction control, a rare feature in this price bracket. These electronic aids enhance the confidence of new riders and ensure peace of mind on slippery roads.
5. Technology & Features
While the Speed 400 maintains a retro aesthetic, it incorporates enough modern technology to satisfy today’s riders. The instrument cluster is a semi-digital unit, combining a classic analog speedometer with a digital screen that displays:
- Gear position indicator
- Fuel gauge
- Trip meters
- Odometer
- Traction control and ABS indicators
Other practical features include an all-LED lighting setup (headlamp, tail-lamp, indicators), USB-C charging port under the seat, and hazard lights. However, it does miss out on Bluetooth connectivity or navigation, which some rivals offer. But considering the price and the ride quality, these omissions are not deal-breakers.
6. Fuel Efficiency & Maintenance
Despite its peppy performance, the Triumph Speed 400 returns an impressive mileage of 28–30 km/l in real-world conditions, depending on riding style. With a 13-liter fuel tank, this translates to a healthy range of 350–390 km on a full tank, making it suitable for touring.
Being a Triumph, one might expect premium maintenance costs. However, Triumph and Bajaj have ensured that service intervals (10,000 km or 1 year) are generous, and parts availability is robust across India. The brand has also introduced a 2-year/unlimited km warranty with an optional extended package, boosting consumer confidence.
7. Price and Value Proposition
The Triumph Speed 400 is priced at ₹2.34 lakh (ex-showroom) in most cities. Given the fit & finish, equipment levels, safety tech, and Triumph’s badge value, this is an aggressively priced product. During its launch phase, the first 10,000 customers were offered a special price of ₹2.23 lakh, which created immense buzz and a long waiting period.
This pricing places it directly against popular machines like the KTM Duke 390, Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda CB300R, and Harley-Davidson X440. While the Duke offers more aggressive performance, and the Classic has a cult following, the Triumph Speed 400 positions itself as a balanced, refined, and premium option for riders looking for the best of both worlds.
8. Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Gorgeous, timeless design
- Refined and torquey engine
- Excellent ride quality and handling
- Modern safety features (ABS, traction control)
- Great pricing and Triumph brand backing
❌ Cons:
- No Bluetooth or navigation
- Slight vibrations at high RPMs
- Limited color options initially
Final Verdict: A Triumph in Every Sense
The Triumph Speed 400 is not just another entry in the crowded 300–400cc segment; it is a game-changer. With its blend of modern performance, classic aesthetics, and premium appeal at an affordable price, Triumph and Bajaj have redefined expectations in the market.
Whether you’re upgrading from a smaller bike, returning to riding after a break, or simply looking for a stylish and reliable everyday machine, the Speed 400 deserves a top spot on your shortlist. It proves that you don’t have to break the bank to ride something that carries soul, style, and sophistication.
