Triumph Speed T4

Triumph has launched the 350cc version of the Speed T4 in India. The bike remains unchanged compared to the earlier model, apart from the smaller engine. It is available only in one variant, priced at Rs 1,95,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), which is the same as the 400cc model. 

If you’re wondering why there’s no reduction as such, that’s because the 400cc Speed T4’s price itself didn’t increase despite the new GST 2.0 norms coming into effect. Triumph had absorbed the increased taxes back then. If you are looking forward to buy Speed T4, then check out how much it is going to cost on-road in 5 major cities.

The Speed T4 carries the same clean roadster styling as before – with a simple yet premium look, along with the same fit and finish levels. It is offered in the same 5 colours as before: Baja Orange, Lava Red Gloss/Pearl Metallic White, Caspian Blue/Pearl Metallic White, Phantom Black/Storm Grey, Phantom Black/Pearl Metallic White. Even though it’s the cheapest Triumph bike in India, it doesn’t feel ‘cheap’ as such. The colour schemes are really well done too. It also looks identical to the Speed 400, with the only differentiating elements being the colour schemes and the presence of the telescopic fork in the T4.

Safety Features:

Triumph has continued with the Bosch dual-channel ABS in the 350cc Speed T4. This ensures the wheel doesn’t lock up at both ends while braking hard or during emergency braking. There’s no traction control or engine immobiliser (wasn’t available in the 400cc version either).

Convenience Features:

The Triumph Speed T4 350cc bike gets the same semi-digital console as the 400cc version, so you get an analogue speedometer, digital inset housing a tachometer, gear position indicator, two tripmeters, odometer, fuel gauge, distance-to-empty, and other tell-tale lights.

Rider Comfort

The riding posture is similar to the 350cc Speed 400, complete with the wide handlebars and single-piece seat. At 806mm, the seat is pretty accessible for short riders too, considering it’s only 3mm taller than the Speed 400’s seat.

Expect it to be comfortable for city commutes as well as highway runs. That said, since it’s a roadster, it inherently does not have the best wind protection, so you’ll have to be wary of wind blasts at high speeds.

Pillion Comfort

The pillion seat is roomy, and is well cushioned. It will be ideal for everyday commutes. Getting on and off the seat should also be easy considering it’s a single-piece seat.

The 400cc Triumph Speed T4 used a detuned version of the 400cc Speed 400. And now, this has further been downsized to 349cc, generating 29.0PS at 7500rpm, and 31Nm at 5500rpm. For perspective, the 400cc Speed T4 made 31PS at 7000rpm, and 36Nm at 5000rpm. The engine looks similar externally, but Triumph has done modifications within to bring the displacement down to 350cc. This includes changing the stroke, fuelling, crank, intake, valve timings, to name a few.

City & Highway Performance

The Triumph Speed T4 350cc accelerates from 0-60kmph in 3.5 seconds, which is just 0.2 seconds slower than the 400cc version. That means city performance should not be compromised by all that much. As far as highway performance goes, Triumph claims a top speed of 137kmph, which is slightly lower than the 141.4kmph in the 400cc bike. It may not be as potent as the Speed 400, but should be adequate if you’re riding down the highway occasionally. All in all, the performance should be adequate for both city commutes and weekend breakfast runs, but we’ll be able to give you a proper verdict only after we get to ride the bike. As for the 350cc Speed T4 mileage, Triumph claims it will go up by 2-3kmpl compared to the 400cc version. 

Gearbox

The 349cc engine works alongside a 6-speed transmission with slip-and-assist clutch. The slipper function allows the wheel to slip and not lock up while shifting down rapidly. As for the assist function, it reduces the clutch lever effort - great for riding in heavy stop-and-go traffic.

Brakes

The 350cc Speed T4 uses the same 300mm front and 230mm rear disc as before. Expect adequate stopping power for daily commutes. The front brake gets a radial caliper as opposed to axial caliper, for better rigidity (thus better braking performance). With this along with Bosch dual-channel ABS, it’s good to see Triumph has not compromised on the braking department.

Handling And Ride Quality

The 350cc Speed T4 gets the same underpinnings as the 400cc bike, so it continues with the telescopic fork and rear monoshock. Even the 180kg kerb weight has remained the same as before. The bike also continues with the same 13-litre fuel tank, and a generous 170mm ground clearance. Expect the ride quality to be pliant enough for urban roads, and a fairly agile handling thanks to the upright riding posture and wide single-piece handlebar.

The Speed T4 competes with the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Jawa 42, and TVS Ronin. Both Hunter 350 and Ronin are not really meant for brute performance, whereas the Jawa 42 balances peppiness with old-school design.