Why You Should (or Shouldn’t) Buy the Triumph Speed 400: A Balanced Review of Its Strengths and Weaknesses

Triumph Speed 400 Pros:

• A classic Triumph look that matches well with its modern retro siblings • High-quality craftsmanship, materials and finish - possibly the best in its wide segment

• Amazing value for money! Bajaj and Triumph have priced it very competitively to make it a huge hit

• 39.5 BHP engine is fairly flexible with a strong surge. Smooth & refined delivery at a kerb weight of ~176 kg, resulting in a lively performance with a smooth 6-speed transmission

• Good ground clearance in real-world conditions, along with a comfortable ride

• Fun but not scary - the bike is very user-friendly and will appeal to new riders as well as old ones who want some relaxed riding after a break

• A generous 16,000 km / 1-year service interval. Parts and service costs are also likely to be affordable

Triumph Speed 400 Cons:

• Lack of some features like smart tech, riding modes etc. • Very tall people may prefer the Scrambler 400. The Speed 400 looks a bit small for very bulky / very tall riders

• Non-adjustable brake and clutch levers, though they are light and easy to use. Adjustable levers would have been a nice addition

• Analogue + Digital speedometer doesn’t fit the bike’s personality. They should’ve chosen either the simple round style like the Trident or the beautiful twin dials of the 1200 classic

• Only single-sided saddle bag luggage is available from Triumph as of now. You will have to explore aftermarket options for double-sided saddle bags

• The whole service experience is unknown with Triumph having a poor reputation on this front in some parts of the country. Whether one can expect a positive dealership experience under Bajaj’s supervision is something that remains to be seen.

• Triumph Speed 400 Pricing

• It's safe to say that the majority of media outlets anticipated ex-showroom pricing ranging from Rs. 2.70 to 3.0 lakh. Launching the Speed at the amazing price of Rs. 2.33 lakh ex-showroom (Rs. 2.23 lakh for the first 10,000 bookings) is nothing short of plucking the proverbial rabbit out of the hat. Let's take a closer look at this figure: the Speed 400 is currently more affordable than the Dominar at its initial pricing! It is less expensive than the Harley Davidson 440X's intermediate model, which it meets or outperforms on paper in most respects.

• Bajaj did clarify that, while the pricing is disruptive, it is still profitable. Math is straightforward. There is no doubt that the alliance is putting everything they have into the 400 twins and is ready to build this up using the most aggressive tactic available. The irony is that it has also presented them with their first obstacle in providing a seamless customer experience. Despite the high stakes, we are confident that Bajaj will actively manage the brand experience that is provided by its dealers.

• A few days after the launch event, a slightly inflated on-road price sheet circulated. It was necessary for the partners to act quickly and emphasize that they would soon formally disclose on-road prices across India. Fair enough, though, that the stakes are enormous, and we have great hopes that Bajaj would actively monitor the brand experience that is provided through its dealers.

• Conclusion:

The Triumph Speed 400 is a great bike for those who love the classic look, the smooth performance, and the value for money. It has a lot of pros, such as the quality, the power, the ride, and service interval. However, it may not suit those who want more features, more space and more assurance. It has some cons, such as the lack of smart tech, the size, the speedometer, and the service experience. Ultimately, it depends on your preferences and expectations whether you should buy it or not.