The all-new Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X have been officially unveiled. These are the first bikes to come from Triumph's partnership with Bajaj, and they will be built by the latter, here in India. The Speed 400 borrows its styling cues from the Speed Twin 900 (formerly called the Street Twin), while the Scrambler 400 X's design is derived from the Scrambler 900.
- Both powered by a new 398cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine
- Output stands at 40hp and 37.5Nm
- Speed weighs 170kg while Scrambler weighs 179kg
Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X: engine
At the heart of these two new machines is an all-new single-cylinder motor that Triumph is calling the TR-series engine. This is a liquid-cooled unit that features DOHC architecture and displaces 398cc. Output stands at 40hp at 8,000rpm and 37.5Nm at 6,500rpm, which puts the Triumphs quite close to KTM's 390 line-up in terms of power and torque, but the British bikes do make their peak figures earlier in the rev range. Like the KTMs, the Triumphs also get a 6-speed gearbox. Interestingly, Triumph's larger 900cc twin-cylinder models continue to sport a 5-speed gearbox.
Despite the presence of liquid cooling, the engine features a few cooling fins that sport a neat machined finish and are mostly there for aesthetic purposes. The overall appearance of the engine bears some resemblance to Triumph's larger modern classic models, especially with the triangular engine cover on the right side.
Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X: chassis
Triumph is describing the frame on these new bikes as a hybrid spine/perimeter frame built from tubular steel. While the engine is identical across the two bikes, there are considerable differences in the chassis department, with Triumph claiming each bike benefits from a dedicated chassis and suspension setup. For starters, the Speed 400 rolls on 17-inch wheels at both ends, wrapped in some rather premium and sporty Metzeler Sportec M9RR rubber. The Scrambler, meanwhile, gets a 19-inch/17-inch alloy wheel combo, and comes shod with Metzeler Karoo Street tyres.
While both bikes have the same basic suspension format – a 43mm big-piston fork and a monoshock – the Scrambler gets slightly more suspension travel than the Speed. On the Scrambler, you get 150mm of travel at each end, while the Speed gives you 140mm at the front and 130mm at the rear. Brakes are also slightly different, with the Scrambler sporting a slightly larger 320mm front disc compared to the Speed's 300mm unit. This is perhaps down to it being the slightly heavier bike, at 179kg, compared to the Speed's 170kg kerb weight.
As a result of its taller stance and longer suspension travel, the Scrambler will also seat you higher off the ground, at 835mm, compared to the Speed's rather accessible 790mm seat height.
Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X: features
As is usually the case with Triumph, these two new 400s are fairly feature-rich motorcycles. Standard equipment includes all-LED lighting, ride-by-wire, switchable traction control, dual-channel ABS, an immobiliser, an assist clutch, a USB-C charging port and semi-digital instrumentation. The dash features a large analogue speedometer with a small LCD screen placed adjacent to it. On the screen are readouts for a digital tachometer, a gear position indicator, trip data and a fuel gauge. Interestingly, a heated grips symbol is also seen here, and perhaps Triumph could offer this as an optional accessory. In the case of the Scrambler, the company says that the dual-channel ABS is also switchable for off-road use.
Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X: launch date, expected price
The official India launch and price announcement of the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X will take place on July 5. Considering the fairly impressive specs and equipment levels on offer here, as well as the brand value that Triumph commands, you can expect the Speed 400 to be priced around the Rs 3 lakh mark (ex-showroom), while the Scrambler 400 X will be a little higher.
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
Dinshaw Magol
