Triumph has been ruling the roost in the retro motorcycle scene with its 900cc and 1200cc modern classic bikes, but there’s been a hole in the lower capacity end of the range. Not anymore! Triumph has just pulled the covers off its new 400cc bikes, the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400 X.
The Speed 400 roadster is the A2 licence-friendly option in the modern classic line-up, with the Speed Twin 900 and the Speed Twin 1200 as the natural progression routes if you want a step up the cc-ladder.
Similarly, the Scrambler 400 X is the baby in the scrambler family with the Scrambler 900 and 1200 as the bigger options.
Both bikes are brand-new, designed from ground up in cooperation between Triumph and Indian automotive heavy-hitter Bajaj. Triumph says that the models are designed to deliver a fun, agile and confidence-inspiring ride for riders of all ages and experience levels.
The bikes have a distinct Triumph look about them. There are nice design touches such as the finned cylinder head and traditional exhaust header clamps, concealed liquid-cooling and a flowing exhaust run with hidden primary silencer. Black powder-coated engine casings, gold anodised forks, and bold graphics complete the looks.
Powering both models is the all-new fuel-injected and liquid-cooled 398cc single-cylinder engine, with four-valves, DOHC cylinder head and a crankshaft that has been weighted and balanced to optimise inertia for low-speed rideability. Power output is a claimed 39.5bhp (29.4kW) at 8,000rpm, and there’s 37.5Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. A six-speed gearbox, and chain final drive transfer the power to the back wheel.
Both models feature their own chassis set-up, with a shared new frame, bolt-on rear subframe and cast-aluminium swingarm.
The Speed and Scrambler are slightly different sizes, with seat heights 790mm and 835mm respectively and weights 170kg/179kg.
The bikes feature 43mm big-piston upside-down forks, and a mono-shock with external reservoir, with the Scrambler getting longer suspension travel both front and rear.
The Speed 400 has lightweight 17-inch wheels and roadster-specific geometry and wheelbase, while the Scrambler 400 X features a longer wheelbase, longer travel suspension, larger 19-inch front wheel and wide handlebars. Brakes are slightly different too, with the Speed equipped with four-piston radial front brakes with a 300mm front disc and braided lines, as opposed to the Scrambler’s larger 320mm front brake disc and optimised pad compound.
In terms of technology, you have ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control and dual-channel ABS on both bikes. On the Scrambler you can also switch the ABS off for better offroad control. Instruments feature an analogue speedometer and an LCD screen with a tachometer, fuel range and gear indicator. There’s also a USB-C charging socket. Lights are all LEDs, and there’s an anti-theft immobiliser as standard.
There are more than 25 genuine accessories available for the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X from styling and comfort to luggage and security.
There’s no details about pricing yet, but Triumph promise the pricing to be extremely competitive for the bikes with 10,000 miles service intervals and two-year unlimited mileage warranty when the UK sales start in December 2023.
