Triumph Speed 400

The Triumph Speed 400 is a neo-retro roadster from the British bikemaker, launched in collaboration with Bajaj. The bike has a premium build quality, peppy performance and modern tech at an accessible price point. It might just be the perfect bike for a beginner rider looking for his first proper performance bike.

• The Speed 400 gets Triumph’s signature styling with a tear-drop shaped fuel tank, Union Jack inspired graphics along with curvy bodylines.

• The bike’s colour schemes are quite elegant and give it a clean look.

• The LED headlight  gives the bike a modern look while retaining the retro character.

• The Triumph Speed 400 has blacked-out side body panels with branding on it that looks quite nice.

• The LED indicators and the tail-lamp give the bike a distinct character.

• The Triumph Speed 400 gets a semi-digital instrument cluster that is pretty basic.

• The bike’s instrument cluster is the perfect blend of modern and retro design, with an analogue tachometer and a small digital inset for speedometer.

• The instrument console however is a bit cramped with very small number indications and a more spacious one would have been a boon.

• It gets just enough features like dual-channel ABS and switchable traction control but lacks smartphone connectivity that a bike with this price tag is definitely expected to get.

• The bike also gets a USB charging port for more convenience.

• The handlebars are just wide enough to keep your hands straight and avoid a cramped up riding position.

• Also, due to the commanding riding position, the bike is easy to maneuver in the city traffic.

• Thanks to the bike’s footpegs that are slightly-rear set, for an upright riding position giving a commanding view of the road while having a hit of sportiness.

• The rider seat is firm enough to not cause any discomfort due to its excellent padding.

• The pillion seat accommodates pillions with every kind of body style due to enough width and padding to be comfortable on longer rides.

• The seat height is very accessible at just 790mm and doesn’t intimidate shorter riders.

• The bike’s engine is quite tractable and produces enough torque to ride around in a lower gear too.

• The bike’s engine does have enough grunt to cruise down the highway at high speed of close to 120kmph, with enough performance left for those quick overtakes at the twist of the throttle.

• The bike accelerates very easily from a standstill with minimal effort, thanks to its quick throttle response that feels characterful.

• But, what the engine excels at is the mid-range performance; the speedo numbers climb really fast when riding spiritedly.

• The bike does have an unusual amount of vibrations at the upper-end of rev range.

• The bike has one of the best suspension setups in its segment.

• The suspension units feel plush over bad roads while maintaining their composure in the twisties too.

• The front inverted telescopic fork is soft enough to handle all the spirited riding thrown at it.

• But, when it comes to the rear suspension unit, it can feel a bit bouncy and throw you around, especially on sharper bumps.

• The 150-section tyre at the rear  has decent grip and provides good straight line stability. 

• But, when it comes to brakes, they might feel a bit spongy and not sharp

• If you are looking for a retro-styled roadster, you can’t possibly go wrong with the Speed 400.

• Its performance is enough for city commutes, highways as well as the twisties too.

• So, if you want something that does everything well, this can definitely be your one bike garage.