Triumph Speed 400 : You’re cruising down a winding country road, the wind whipping through your hair (well, helmet), and the satisfying purr of an engine beneath you.
But here’s the twist – you’re not astride a hulking beast of a motorcycle. No, you’re piloting the nimble, punchy Triumph Speed 400.
It’s a bike that’s been turning heads and challenging preconceptions since its debut, and today, we’re going to dive deep into what makes this little marvel tick.
Triumph Speed 400 A Brief History: Triumph’s Small Bike Revolution
Triumph, a name synonymous with British motorcycling excellence, has long been known for its larger displacement bikes.
The iconic Bonneville, the muscular Rocket 3, the agile Street Triple – these are the machines that typically spring to mind when you hear “Triumph.”
But the folks at Hinckley had a trick up their sleeve, and in 2023, they unveiled their masterstroke: the Speed 400.
This wasn’t just another small bike. It was Triumph’s declaration that they could bring their signature style, quality, and riding experience to the sub-500cc category. And boy, did they deliver.
Triumph Speed 400 First Impressions: More Than Meets the Eye
When I first laid eyes on the Speed 400 at my local Triumph dealership, I’ll admit, I was skeptical. “How good could a 400cc Triumph really be?” I wondered.
But as I circled the bike, taking in its classic lines and modern touches, I realized this was no half-hearted attempt at a small bike.
The Speed 400 borrows heavily from its bigger siblings in the Modern Classics range. The round headlight, the sculpted tank, the upswept exhaust – it’s all unmistakably Triumph.
But there’s a youthful energy to the design, a sense of playfulness that sets it apart. It’s like the cool younger cousin who shows up at family gatherings with a new tattoo and stories of backpacking across Europe.
Triumph Speed 400 Heart of the Matter: The Engine
At the core of any motorcycle is its engine, and the Speed 400 doesn’t disappoint. Triumph has developed an all-new 398cc single-cylinder engine for this bike, and it’s a peach.
Producing a respectable 40 horsepower and 37.5 Nm of torque, it’s not going to set any land speed records, but that’s not the point.
This engine is all about character. It’s got a lovely, tractable power delivery that makes it a joy to use in real-world conditions.
Whether you’re zipping through city traffic or enjoying a leisurely Sunday ride, the Speed 400’s motor always feels eager and willing.
One of my favorite aspects of this engine is its sound. Triumph has done a fantastic job with the exhaust note.
It’s got a throaty growl that belies its small displacement, especially when you open it up. More than once, I’ve had fellow riders do a double-take when they realize the great sound is coming from a 400cc bike.
Triumph Speed 400 On the Road: Nimble and Confidence-Inspiring
Now, reading about a bike is one thing, but the real test comes when rubber meets road. I was fortunate enough to spend a week with the Speed 400, putting it through its paces in a variety of conditions.
And let me tell you, this little bike impressed at every turn.
In the city, the Speed 400 is in its element. Its light weight (170 kg wet) and compact dimensions make it a breeze to maneuver through traffic.
The upright riding position gives you a great view of your surroundings, and the wide handlebars provide plenty of leverage for quick direction changes.
But don’t think this bike is just a city slicker. Take it out on some twisty back roads, and the Speed 400 really comes alive.
The chassis is beautifully balanced, inspiring confidence in corners. You can really throw this bike around, and it rewards you with precise, predictable handling.
One particular memory stands out. I was riding on a favorite stretch of road, a series of sweeping bends followed by some tighter switchbacks.
As I leaned into the first corner, the Speed 400 felt planted and stable. Coming out of the bend, a quick twist of the throttle had the bike surging forward eagerly.
By the time I reached the tighter sections, I was grinning ear to ear inside my helmet.
The Speed 400 might not have the outright pace of larger bikes, but in terms of pure riding enjoyment, it’s right up there with the best of them.
Triumph Speed 400 Brakes and Suspension: Punching Above Its Weight
When it comes to stopping power, the Speed 400 is well-equipped. The single 300mm front disc with a four-piston radial caliper provides strong, progressive braking.
The rear 230mm disc does its job without fuss. ABS comes standard, adding an extra layer of safety.
The suspension setup is similarly impressive. Up front, you’ve got 41mm forks, while the rear features a preload-adjustable monoshock.
It’s not the most sophisticated setup out there, but it’s well-tuned for the bike’s intended use.
The ride is firm enough to provide good feedback, but not so stiff that it becomes uncomfortable on longer journeys.
Triumph Speed 400 The Little Things: Details That Matter
It’s often said that the devil is in the details, and this is where the Speed 400 really shines.
Despite its entry-level positioning, Triumph hasn’t skimped on the small touches that elevate the overall experience.
The instrument cluster, for instance, is a neat combination of an analog tachometer and a digital display. It’s clear, easy to read, and provides all the information you need at a glance.
The switchgear feels solid and well-made, not the flimsy plastic you sometimes find on cheaper bikes.
Then there’s the lighting. Full LED lights come standard, providing excellent visibility and giving the bike a premium look.
The taillight, in particular, is a work of art, with its distinctive shape adding a modern touch to the classic silhouette.
Triumph Speed 400 Living with the Speed 400: Practicality Meets Fun
Over my week with the Speed 400, I used it for everything from commuting to weekend joyrides. And you know what? It never felt out of its depth.
The comfortable seat and relaxed ergonomics make it a great daily rider. The fuel efficiency is impressive too – I was consistently getting around 70 mpg, which means fewer stops at the pump and more time on the road.
One aspect that particularly impressed me was the low-speed maneuverability. Filtering through traffic or navigating tight parking spots is a breeze, thanks to the light clutch and well-balanced chassis.
It’s the kind of bike that makes you look for excuses to ride, even if it’s just a quick trip to the grocery store.
Triumph Speed 400 Not Just for Beginners
While the Speed 400 is an excellent choice for new riders, it would be a mistake to pigeonhole it as just a beginner’s bike.
Yes, it’s approachable and easy to ride, but there’s enough performance and character here to keep more experienced riders entertained.
I’ve been riding for over two decades, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying every moment on the Speed 400.
It’s a bike that encourages you to ride it hard, to explore its (and your own) limits. There’s a purity to the experience that you don’t always get with larger, more complex motorcycles.
Triumph Speed 400 The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
Of course, the Speed 400 doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s entering a competitive segment, going up against bikes like the Royal Enfield Classic 350, the Honda CB350, and the KTM 390 Duke. Each of these bikes has its strengths, but I believe the Triumph offers a unique proposition.
It combines the retro charm of the Royal Enfield with more modern performance. It matches the refinement of the Honda while offering a more engaging ride.
And while it might not have the outright performance of the KTM, it counters with better build quality and a more versatile character.
The Verdict: A Triumph in More Ways Than One
After spending quality time with the Speed 400, I can confidently say that Triumph has hit it out of the park with this one.
It’s a bike that manages to be many things at once – a stylish urban commuter, a fun weekend toy, a capable all-rounder, and a worthy bearer of the Triumph badge.
Is it perfect? No bike is. Some might wish for a bit more power, others might find the seat a touch firm for long-distance touring. But these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things.
What Triumph has created here is more than just a motorcycle. It’s a gateway drug to the world of classic biking, a testament to the fact that good things do come in small packages, and a reminder that motorcycling, at its core, is about the sheer joy of the ride.
The Speed 400 is a triumph of engineering, design, and most importantly, of spirit. It’s a bike that makes you smile every time you ride it, and isn’t that what motorcycling is all about?
So, if you’re in the market for a new bike, whether you’re a seasoned rider looking to downsize or a newcomer ready to start your two-wheeled journey, do yourself a favor.
Head to your nearest Triumph dealer and take a Speed 400 for a spin. Just be warned – you might find yourself leaving with a new bike and a big grin on your face. I know I was tempted!