With the launch of the Tracker 400, the brand’s 400cc line-up, or rather the now downsized 349cc range, has grown to six distinct models. In this article, we break down what sets each one apart and help you figure out which small-capacity Triumph is right for you.
Triumph Speed T4
The most affordable way to experience the Triumph 349cc platform.
The Triumph Speed T4 serves as the entry point into the Bajaj-built Triumph 400 line-up and is the most mechanically distinct model of the lot. While it shares its basic architecture with the Speed 400, the 349cc single-cylinder TR-Series engine on the T4 produces a lower 29hp and 31Nm – 9hp and 1.5Nm less than the Speed 400 – owing to a smaller throttle body and different camshafts.
It is the only model here to feature a conventional telescopic fork and lower-spec braking hardware. It also misses out on features such as ride-by-wire and traction control. These cost-cutting measures help keep the price in check. With the T4 currently sitting at Rs 1.95 lakh, it costs Rs 37,000 less than the Speed 400.
Triumph Speed 400
The Speed 400 offers one of the most well-rounded and value-for-money packages in its segment.
The Speed 400 was the first product born out of the Triumph-Bajaj partnership, and it made a strong first impression. Beautifully finished and solidly built, the Speed is powered by the TR-Series engine, producing 37hp and 32Nm. It also gets higher-spec hardware and features over the T4, including a ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, a USD fork and better brakes. If you’re after a fun, everyday motorcycle that’s as easy to live with as it is enjoyable to ride, the Speed 400 is one of the best all-rounders in this line-up.
As for pricing, ahead of the GST 2.0 reshuffle, the Speed 400’s price had risen to Rs 2.50 lakh. Since the motorcycle’s displacement exceeded 350cc, the tax rate on it rose to 40 percent under GST 2.0. Bajaj chose to absorb this additional tax burden to keep it competitive and even introduced a discount that reduced the effective price to Rs 2.34 lakh. Recently, Bajaj downsized the 398cc TR-series engine to 349cc by shortening the stroke, bringing it below the 350cc cut-off for the lower 18 percent tax rate, allowing it to be priced at Rs 2.32 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Triumph Scrambler 400 X
The base Scrambler 400 X comes with a larger front wheel and longer travel suspension, making it a more versatile offering.
The Scrambler 400 X brings several significant changes over the Speed 400, aiming at an entirely different kind of rider. For starters, the larger 19-inch front wheel gives it a more substantial presence – both visually and on the move. The ergonomics are also noticeably different, with a taller 835mm seat height and wider handlebars lending a more upright and commanding riding position.
To support the added mass and off-road intent, Triumph has equipped it with a larger 320mm front disc, longer-travel suspension (150mm at both ends) and dual-purpose tyres. During our tests, we found that while the Scrambler 400 X isn’t a full-blown off-roader, it can certainly handle its share of trails and dirt roads. Mechanically, it has the same engine and peak output as the Speed 400 but runs a shorter final drive ratio via a smaller front sprocket.
If the Speed feels a bit compact or you’re after something with more presence and greater touring comfort, the Scrambler 400 X could be the better fit. The Triumph Scrambler 400 X is currently priced at Rs 2.59 lakh after its engine was downsized to 349cc. Interestingly, the Scrambler 400 X has reaped the most benefits from this downsizing exercise with the highest price drop of Rs 11,000.
Triumph Scrambler 400 XC
The XC is based on the X but gets cross-spoke wheels and a few body-coloured elements that enhance its aesthetic appeal.
The Scrambler 400 XC arrived a couple of years after the standard 400 X and brought with it a handful of changes that give it a more rugged identity. The most obvious difference is the addition of spoked wheels in place of the X’s alloys.
It also gets a few cosmetic and protective upgrades, such as a high-mounted front fender, radiator guard and engine crash bars. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup is carried over, but the XC runs on chunkier MRF tyres. However, in our tests, these tyres proved to be a bit of a weak link, and we found that the bike’s performance could be improved with better rubber.
These updates come at a premium. At Rs 2.89 lakh, the 400 XC costs Rs 30,000 more than the 400 X and is the most expensive model in the Triumph 400 range.
Triumph Thruxton 400
The most committed and distinct model in the Triumph 400 family.
The Thruxton 400 is easily the most distinctive addition to Triumph’s 400cc family. With cafe-racer styling, the Thruxton stands out not just within the Triumph range but also in the wider market, where it faces virtually no direct rivals at its price point.
This bike features clip-on handlebars, a redesigned front end with a new tank and half-fairing, along with new colour schemes, all of which lend it a striking visual identity reminiscent of its larger namesake. Under the skin, it uses the same 398cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine but in a slightly higher state of tune – 40hp and 32Nm, with both figures arriving higher up in the rev range compared to the Speed and Scrambler 400s.
The committed ergonomics will limit long-distance comfort, but in terms of presence and visual appeal, the Thruxton 400’s unique styling could possibly make it the biggest head-turner in the line-up. The Thruxton 400 is currently priced at Rs 2.65 lakh.
Triumph Tracker 400
It’s a Speed 400-based iteration with flat-track-inspired styling.
Positioned as a flat-track-inspired road motorcycle, the Tracker 400 adds a new body style and moniker to Triumph’s small-capacity range in India. Much like the entire range, the Tracker, too, comes with a downsized engine based on the earlier KTM-derived 398cc mill.
The Tracker 400 comes in a higher 40hp state of tune, the same as the Thruxton. However, at 32Nm, the torque remains the same as other models, and this engine continues to be mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Compared to the international-spec bike, the India-spec Tracker is down by 2hp.
The Tracker runs on 17-inch wheels that have a new style compared to other small-capacity Triumphs, shod with MRF REVZ FD1 tyres. It gets a USD fork and a monoshock setup, similar to the entire range except the Speed T4. And at 181kg, the Tracker 400 is 2kg heavier than the new Speed 400.
Priced at Rs 2.46 lakh, it sits squarely between the Speed 400 at the lower end and the Scrambler 400 X at the pricier end of the price spectrum.
All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
Ved Janve
Dinshaw Magol
