Iconic British motorcycle brand Triumph has launched its smallest and most affordable motorcycles yet in the Indian market. Following their global unveil in London in June, the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X were launched in India last month in Pune. The bikes are designed by Triumph and will be produced in Bajaj Auto’s new Chakan plant. The Speed 400 roadster joins Triumph’s most successful modern classic line-up, the Speed Twin 900 and 1200 while the Scrambler 400 X takes its rugged design cues from the Scrambler 900 and 1200.
Design
The bikes get signature sculpted fuel tanks and classic engine profiles. Traditional touches, like the distinctive finned cylinder head and exhaust header clamps are provided with an upswept silencer and bold graphics. You also get the trademark black powder-coated engine casings, gold anodised forks and high-quality logo detailing. The Speed 400’s two-tone paint schemes include Carnival Red, Caspian Blue and Phantom Black options. The Scrambler 400 X meanwhile gets protection for the headlight, radiator and sump, as well as handguards, a handlebar brace with pad and a longer front mudguard. It is available in three Matt Khaki Green and Fusion White, Carnival Red and Phantom Black, and Phantom Black and Silver Ice colours.
Features
The instrument cluster gets a large analogue speedometer and integrated LCD screen which includes a digital tachometer, a fuel range remaining and a gear indicator. All this functionality is accessed via a handlebar-mounted scroll button, and the display is pre-enabled to show the status of accessory fitted heated grips, if fitted. A conveniently located USB-C charging socket is provided too. You also get an all-LED lighting, which includes a Triumph DRL signature and taillight. Both bikes also come equipped with a steering lock and an anti-theft immobiliser as standard. More than 25 genuine accessories are available for the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X.
Engine
This all-new fuel-injected and liquid-cooled 398cc single-cylinder engine does the duty on both these bikes. It makes 40 PS peak power and 37.5 Nm peak torque and works with a six-speed gearbox. Triumph is promising this setup delivers light, precise gear selection with ratios perfectly spread to make the most of this characterful and torque-rich engine. The brand also says that ergonomics are designed for optimum comfort and control, and the bikes benefit from a slim waistline which combines a seat height of 790 mm and 835 mm respectively and a low weight of 170kg / 179kg to ensure assured low-speed handling and easy feet-down manoeuvres.
Both models get their own model-specific chassis set-up, with a new frame, bolt-on rear subframe and cast-aluminium swingarm paired with suspension set-ups tailored to each use case. The Speed 400 features large 43mm big-piston upside-down front forks, a mono-shock rear suspension unit with external reservoir, lightweight 17-inch wheels and roadster-specific geometry and wheelbase. The Scrambler 400 X gets a longer wheelbase and travel suspension, larger 19-inch front wheel and wide handlebars for greater stability and control when riding on loose surfaces. While the Speed 400 gets 300 mm front brake disc, the Scrambler gets a bigger 320 mm size.
Some of new-age tech being provided on these bikes include Ride-by-wire throttle, Traction Control and ABS. The traction control system on both models is switchable, so the rider can quickly and easily deactivate the intervention.
The dual-channel ABS system is from Bosch and on the Scrambler 400 X it can also be deactivated for enhanced control when riding off-road. The Torque-assist clutch on the bikes reduces clutch lever effort to reduce fatigue during stop/start riding and prevents rear wheel locking during downshifts.
Prices
The Triumph Speed 400 has been launched at a starting price of Rs. 2.33 lakh (Ex showroom, Delhi) but the company announced a special inaugural price of Rs. 2.23 lakh for the first 10,000 customers and that number has now already been crossed. The Scrambler 400x will be available in showrooms by October and its price will be declared closer to its start of sales. Importantly the bikes will come with a 16,000 Km service interval with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty and extended warranty for another three years.
The author is a Senior Editor at carandbike.com.