Triumph Speed vs Thruxton vs Scrambler: Which 400cc bike is right for you?

With the launch of the Triumph Thruxton 400, the brand’s 400cc line-up has grown to five distinct models. In this article, we break down what sets each one apart and help you figure out which Triumph 400 is right for you.

Triumph Speed T4

The most affordable way to experience the Triumph 400 platform.

The 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 399cc single-cylinder TR-Series engine on the T4 produces a lower 31hp and 36Nm – 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 44,000 less than the Speed 400. Triumph recently announced that it is offering accessories worth Rs 11,500 free of charge until January 31, or while stocks last; this offer is valid only for the Speed T4 and its sibling, 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 full-fat version of the TR-Series engine, producing a lively 40hp and 37.5Nm. That’s more than enough grunt for city commutes and highway sprints. It also gets higher-spec hardware and features compared to 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 exceeds 350cc, the tax rate on it rose to 40 percent under GST 2.0. Bajaj chose to absorb this additional tax burden to keep pricing competitive and even introduced a discount that brought the price down to Rs 2.34 lakh. In January, the price was revised upwards again to Rs 2.39 lakh, which is still well below the earlier Rs 2.50 lakh. To soften the impact of this increase, Bajaj is offering accessories worth Rs 11,500 free with the Speed 400.

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 2.70 lakh following a recent Rs 2,500 hike.

Triumph Scrambler 400 XC

The XC is based on the X but gets cross-spoke wheels and a few body coloured elements that add to 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 2.97 lakh, the 400 XC costs Rs 27,000 more than the 400 X and is the most expensive model in the Triumph 400 range.

Triumph Thruxton 400 

The latest and most powerful iteration in the Triumph 400 family.

The Thruxton 400 is the latest – and easily the most distinctive – addition to Triumph’s 400cc family. With its 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 this price point.

It features clip-on handlebars, a redesigned front end with a new tank and half fairing, and 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 different state of tune – 42hp and 37.5Nm, 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 priced at Rs 2.76 lakh.

All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.