NEW DELHI – In a landmark move for the Indian two-wheeler market, British iconic motorcycle manufacturer Triumph has launched the Speed 400, a model strategically designed to shatter the barriers to premium brand ownership. With an aggressive ex-showroom starting price of ₹2.33 lakh, the Speed 400 is Triumph’s most accessible model globally, signalling a direct challenge to the dominion of established players like Royal Enfield and the newer entrants like Hero Mavrick 440. This isn’t just a new bike; it’s a calculated offensive, aiming to capture the hearts and wallets of a new generation of riders seeking a blend of everyday practicality, modern performance, and undeniable British character.
The Speed 400 emerges from a collaborative partnership between Triumph and Bajaj Auto, leveraging Bajaj’s extensive manufacturing and distribution prowess to achieve this disruptive price point. It represents a pivotal moment, asking a compelling question to the market: Why settle for a legacy brand’s iteration when you can own a global premium brand’s innovation for a comparable price?
Triumph Speed 400: Key Specifications at a Glance
| Specification Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 398.15cc, Single-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4-Valve |
| Max Power | 39.5 BHP @ 8,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 37.5 Nm @ 6,500 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-Speed, Assist & Slipper Clutch |
| Frame | Tubular Steel Trellis Frame |
| Front Suspension | 43mm USD (Upside-Down) Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Gas-charged Mono-shock, Pre-load Adjustable |
| Front Brake | 300mm Disc, Radial 4-Piston Caliper |
| Rear Brake | 230mm Disc, Single-Piston Caliper |
| ABS | Dual-Channel Standard |
| Tyre Size (F/R) | 110/70 R17 / 150/60 R17 |
| Kerb Weight | 170 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 Litres |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | Starts at ₹ 2,33,000 |
Strategic Pricing and Market Positioning: The Masterstroke
Triumph’s pricing strategy for the Speed 400 is nothing short of a masterstroke in market penetration. By positioning its starting price at ₹2,33,000, Triumph has placed itself squarely in the crosshairs of the immensely popular 350-450cc segment, long dominated by Royal Enfield’s Classic and Hunter models.
This aggressive pricing does several things simultaneously: it makes the aspirational Triumph brand name suddenly attainable for a vast pool of young professionals and first-time premium bike buyers; it forces competitors to re-evaluate their own value propositions; and it establishes a new benchmark for what consumers can expect in terms of performance and features at this price point. The bike is offered in multiple colour options—including Carnival Red, Caspian Blue, Silver Ice, and Phantom Black—ensuring wide appeal without complicating the choice with multiple variants.
Engine and Performance: Redefining Segment Expectations
At the heart of the Speed 400 lies a completely new, 398.15cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. This is a significant technological leap over the air-cooled units that are commonplace in this segment. The engine features a double-overhead camshaft (DOHC) and four valves, engineered for efficiency and high-revving performance.
It produces a class-leading 39.5 BHP of power and a robust 37.5 Nm of torque. However, the real engineering triumph is in the torque delivery. Triumph claims that a massive 85% of the peak torque is available from just 2,500 RPM. This translates into phenomenal low-end and mid-range punch, making city riding an absolute breeze. Overtaking slow-moving traffic requires merely a twist of the wrist, and the bike pulls cleanly without vibration, a testament to its refined character.
The power is managed through a smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox, complemented by an assist and slipper clutch. This clutch reduces lever effort by approximately 30%, drastically reducing rider fatigue in stop-and-go traffic. The slipper function prevents rear-wheel hop and instability during aggressive downshifts, adding a layer of safety and confidence for enthusiastic riding.
Chassis, Suspension, and Handling: Built for Confidence
The Speed 400 is built around a lightweight yet rigid tubular steel trellis frame, which forms the foundation for its agile and predictable handling characteristics. The suspension setup is premium for this category. The front employs 43mm USD (Upside-Down) forks, which offer superior rigidity and damping performance compared to conventional telescopic forks, resulting in sharper steering and better feedback.
At the rear, a gas-charged mono-shock handles damping duties and is adjustable for preload, allowing riders to tailor the setup to their weight or riding style. With a kerb weight of just 170 kg and a low seat height of 790mm, the Speed 400 feels incredibly light and manageable, inspiring confidence in both new riders and seasoned veterans navigating urban jungles.
Braking, Safety, and Wheels: assured stopping power
Safety and performance are handled by a competent braking system. A large 300mm disc at the front is gripped by a high-performance radial 4-piston caliper, providing exceptional stopping power and feel. The rear uses a 230mm disc with a single-piston caliper. Crucially, dual-channel ABS is standard across the board, ensuring controlled and stable braking even on surfaces with varying grip.
The bike rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with tubeless tyres—a 110/70 section at the front and a wider 150/60 section at the rear. This combination provides a great balance of quick steering agility and stable cornering grip, making the bike as capable on a winding road as it is in the city.
Design and Craftsmanship: Undeniably a Triumph
The design language of the Speed 400 is a masterclass in distilling Triumph’s iconic modern classic DNA into a compact and accessible form. From every angle, it is unmistakably a Triumph. The signature round LED headlamp, the muscular 13-litre fuel tank with deep knee recesses, the clean and minimalist tail section, and the classic twin-pod instrument cluster (featuring a large analogue speedometer and a digital inset for trip, odometer, and gear indicator) all pay homage to the brand’s rich heritage.
The fit, finish, and perceived quality are tangible and immediately apparent. The paint quality is deep and lustrous, the switchgear feels robust and precise, and the overall assembly exhibits a level of craftsmanship that clearly differentiates it from its more mass-market competitors. It feels premium, solid, and built to last, justifying its price through substance rather than just the badge.
Features and Practicality: Smartly Equipped
Triumph has adopted a philosophy of “right-featuring” the Speed 400. Instead of loading it with unnecessary electronics that would inflate the cost, it focuses on what truly enhances the riding experience and safety:
- Full LED Lighting: The headlamp, tail lamp, and turn indicators are all LED, offering superior illumination, longer life, and a modern aesthetic.
- Digital-Analogue Instrument Cluster: Provides all essential information with clarity and a classic look.
- Assist & Slipper Clutch: A critical feature that enhances both comfort and performance.
- Dual-Channel ABS: A non-negotiable safety feature for modern motorcycles.
- USB Charging Port: A practical and welcome addition for navigating or charging devices on the go.
Notably, it forgoes ride modes and traction control, a decision that keeps the bike simple, engaging, and, most importantly, affordable. The 13-litre fuel tank offers a practical range for daily commutes and weekend rides.
The Competitive Landscape: A Direct Challenge
The Speed 400 enters one of the most competitive battlegrounds in motorcycling.
- vs. Royal Enfield Hunter 350: The Speed 400 offers nearly double the power, a more refined liquid-cooled engine, premium USD forks, and superior braking hardware. It caters to Hunter buyers looking for more performance and modern engineering without sacrificing classic style.
- vs. Hero Mavrick 440: Based on the Harley-Davidson X440 platform, the Mavrick is a key rival on paper. The Speed 400 matches it on performance and undercuts it on price, while offering a distinctively British classic aesthetic compared to the Mavrick’s more neutral modern-retro look.
- vs. Jawa 42 & Yezdi Roadster: While Jawas and Yezdis have their charm, they often can’t match the refinement, reliability, and modern feature set of the Triumph. The Speed 400’s overall package is significantly more contemporary.
The Final Verdict: A Segment Redefined
The Triumph Speed 400 is not just another motorcycle; it is a watershed moment. It successfully demonstrates that a global premium brand can deliver a high-quality, high-performance, and desirable product at a highly competitive price point. It is a near-perfect blend of heritage styling, modern engineering, accessible performance, and everyday usability.
It is the ideal choice for:
- The aspiring premium bike owner taking their first step into the world of Triumph.
- The urban commuter seeking a stylish, manageable, yet powerful machine for daily use.
- The enthusiast looking for a lightweight, engaging, and fun-to-ride modern classic.
By offering an irresistible combination of brand prestige, cutting-edge engineering for its class, and disruptive pricing, the Triumph Speed 400 doesn’t just join the competition—it effectively raises the bar, forcing the entire segment to evolve. It is, without doubt, the most significant and compelling launch in the mid-capacity segment this year.
