Triumph has launched a new entry-level motorcycle called the Speed T4, priced at Rs 2.17 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). There are a number of mechanical and equipment differences on the T4 that mark it out from the Speed 400 as the more affordable variant.
- Largely based on the Speed 400
- Uses simpler components in a number of areas
- Same engine but in a different state of tune
At first glance, the T4 will look quite similar to the Speed 400, with the biggest visual differences being a simpler and more cost effective telescopic fork up front, and conventional mirrors as opposed to the Speed’s neater-looking bar-end units. However, a closer look reveals that the T4 gets a simpler axially mounted front brake caliper, more basic gearshift and rear brake levers, and a cheaper-looking handlebar that misses out on the sandblasted finish that the Speed 400 gets. It also sports cheaper bias-ply MRF Zapper tyres and non-adjustable hand levers, as opposed to the Speed 400, which, after its MY25 update, gets Vredestein radial tyres and adjustable levers.
While the engine itself is the same 399cc TR-series motor from the Speed 400, it features drastic revisions in an attempt to give it a different character. Peak output is down from 40hp and 37.5Nm to 31hp and 36Nm, but that doesn’t quite paint the full picture. From 3,500rpm to 5,500rpm, the T4 actually makes more torque than the Speed, backing up Bajaj’s claims of a focus on low RPM rideability and a more easygoing nature. To that end, sprocketing has also been revised, with the rear sprocket taking a big jump from 43 to 39 teeth. The drop in engine output has also prompted Bajaj to exclude traction control, further helping cut costs.
The end result is a sticker price that’s Rs 23,000 cheaper than the Speed 400, which now costs Rs 2.40 lakh after the update. Quizzed about concerns regarding cannibalisation between the two models, Bajaj Auto’s executive director Rakesh Sharma and president (ProBiking) Sumeet Narang remained optimistic. Narang conceded that there was a possibility of a Speed 400 buyer finding the T4 to have everything he needs and switching his choice, but also felt there would be as many T4 prospects who could be upsold to the Speed 400. Sharma went on to state that they were not so concerned about in-fighting between the two models but more on the headroom that they have in this segment, with a focus on growing the overall space, which he insists has stagnated somewhat in recent years.
Only time will tell how the market plays out and sales distribute themselves between the two models. When asked about the possibility of the Scrambler 400 X also getting similar treatment and receiving a more affordable version, Narang remarked that their current focus was on the street bike segment and not the Scrambler.
Do you think the difference in features and equipment is tantamount to the difference in price? Tell us in the comments below.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
