Triumph Speed 400

The 350cc Triumph Speed 400 is essentially the same as the Speed 400 but with a smaller engine, and a slightly lower price tag. Even though it has a smaller motor, it is still every bit the premium Triumph, as Triumph has not really compromised on most of the features, or even underpinnings for that matter. 

The 350cc Speed 400 is launched at a price of Rs 2,31,890, making it Rs 7,110 cheaper than the 400cc Speed 400. It isn’t substantially cheaper than the 400cc bike because Triumph had not hiked the prices of the Speed 400 post GST 2.0 in the first place. It’s available only in a single variant. Sadly, even though the bike was launched recently, it is set to get its first price hike on June 1.

The Triumph Speed 400 with the 350cc engine looks exactly the same as the 400cc version. There have been no visual changes, and even the four colours are the same as the previous bike. Triumph intends to retain the bike’s premium quotient, while making only a small compromise in the displacement. So, the overall fit and finish, as well as panel gaps is typical Triumph (meaning it’s quite premium and well-done). It continues with the sleek, well-finished roadster design, complete with all-LED lighting. The liquid-cooled engine continues to get the fins for that authentic neo-retro look, along with a fat upswept exhaust. All said and done, here’s the 350cc Triumph Speed 400 explained in detail with the help of images.  

Safety Features

The 350cc Speed comes with dual-channel ABS, switchable traction control that helps in ensuring there’s grip on loose surfaces. This is ideal for rookie riders or for those who are riding on wet roads. That said, the engine immobilizer that was standard on the Speed 400 is no longer available in the 350cc version, presumably to keep the costs in check. 

Convenience features

The 350cc Speed 400 gets a semi-digital instrument console with an analogue speedometer and a digital inset displaying gear position, fuel gauge, trip meters, distance to empty, and a digital tachometer. There’s all-LED lighting, and a USB Type-C charging port too

Rider Comfort

There has been no changes to the underpinnings or the seats for that matter. The Speed 400 was known for its balance between being commuter-friendly and sporty, so expect the same in the 350cc version as well. The 803mm seat height is short-rider-friendly, and the handlebars are wide, giving you enough leverage to quickly change directions. The slightly rear-set footpegs feel sporty without being too uncomfortable. The seat is well-cushioned to let you ride for hours. That said, do note that due to the bike’s compact-ness, larger riders may find it a little too small for their taste.

Pillion Comfort

Since it comes with a single-piece contoured seat, getting on or off the bike will be an easy affair. The pillion seat in the 400cc version was wide and well-padded, so expect the same with this one too. All in all, the pillion comfort will be great for commutes, but not very ideal for long stretches on the highway.

Triumph has reduced the stroke of the 400cc engine to bring the displacement of the new Speed 400 to 349cc. Along with this, the brand has also changed other engine internals, along with revised fuelling and valve timing, and even a reworked balancer to ensure the engine performs optimally with adequate refinement. The engine also features a ‘TR Series’ badging on the engine block, compared to the ‘TR Series 400’ badging on the 400cc model.

We achieved 24.27kmpl in the city, and 28.24kmpl on the highway in our mileage tests with the 400cc Speed 400. Triumph claims the mileage will be 2-3kmpl more in the 350cc bikes.

City And Highway Performance

The motor produces 37PS at 8500rpm, and 32Nm at 7000rpm. This is a drop of 3PS and 5.5Nm compared to the 400cc version. It can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 8.1 seconds, which is just 0.7 seconds slower than the 400cc version (claimed). The predictable throttle response, strong low-end torque in the 400cc engine is likely to continue in the 350cc motor as well. This along with the wide handlebars means city commutes will be an easy affair.

As for the highway performance, Triumph claims only a minor 1.7kmph drop in top speed, at 147kmph, which is plenty for our Indian roads. While the 400cc bike’s sweet spot for cruising was around 110kmph, expect a slightly lower sweet spot in the 350cc  version. That said, don’t expect it to be super comfortable at high speeds as it does not have adequate wind protection - what with it being a roadster and not an adventure tourer.

Gearbox

The Triumph Speed 350 continues with the 6-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch from the 400cc Speed 400. It should be as tractable as the 400cc bike, and the assist function helps with effortless lever action. The slipper clutch should ensure the rear wheel doesn’t lock up while downshifting aggressively.

Brakes

The 300mm front and 230mm rear discs are carried over from the 400cc Speed, and it worked quite well in the city. So expect the 350cc version to behave in a similar way. Also, the ABS is well-calibrated, and the lever feedback is quite good in the 400, so the 350cc version will also have the same qualities.

Handling

Since the 350cc and 400cc Speed share the same underpinnings, expect the Speed 350 to have the same well-balanced handling, where it flows neatly into corners, and feels planted enough to give you the confidence to push even further.

Ride Quality

The Speed 350 as well as the Speed 400 get the same inverted fork and rear monoshock. They have been tuned in a way to ensure the bike glides smoothly on rough roads, especially with the well-cushioned seat.

The 350cc Triumph Speed 350 goes up against the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Honda CB350 H’Ness, Jawa 42 FJ, and Jawa 42. While the Hunter 350 and the CB350 H’ness are a bit more laidback thanks to their air-cooled engines, the Jawa 42 FJ and the Jawa F2 offer a good balance between retro looks and engaging performance with their liquid-cooled engines.

More heritage-themed alternatives would be the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa 350, Harley-Davidson X440 and the Honda CB350.