19 votes

Triumph announces new Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X motorcycles

25 comments

  1. [2]
    st3ph3n
    Link
    Hopefully they maintain the same level of quality as the larger non-Bajaj-based Triumphs. I wonder if they’ll sell these in the US? It would be cool to have a retro styled competitor to the Ninja...

    Hopefully they maintain the same level of quality as the larger non-Bajaj-based Triumphs.

    I wonder if they’ll sell these in the US? It would be cool to have a retro styled competitor to the Ninja 400/R3 in the beginner segment.

    5 votes
    1. dave1234
      Link Parent
      The new bikes are already listed on the USA Triumph website, so it looks like they'll be heading to the USA too. I think they're launching in India first - even before the UK. Makes sense if...

      The new bikes are already listed on the USA Triumph website, so it looks like they'll be heading to the USA too.

      I think they're launching in India first - even before the UK. Makes sense if they're being manufactured there.

      2 votes
  2. [2]
    X08
    Link
    I hope they'll be reasonably priced, but due to inflation the numbers only keep climbing sadly. @dave1234 I think you made a slight oopsie with the weight, under 280kg is not much of an...

    I hope they'll be reasonably priced, but due to inflation the numbers only keep climbing sadly.

    @dave1234 I think you made a slight oopsie with the weight, under 280kg is not much of an achievement. I believe you meant 180kg :)

    4 votes
    1. dave1234
      Link Parent
      Yes thanks, I've fixed the post now. Good thing they aren't 280 kg, that'd make for a fairly impractical scrambler! As the the price - I understand these will be manufactured in India. I'm not...

      Yes thanks, I've fixed the post now. Good thing they aren't 280 kg, that'd make for a fairly impractical scrambler!

      As the the price - I understand these will be manufactured in India. I'm not under any illusion that they'll be as affordable as Royal Enfield, but I'm expecting them to be a lot cheaper than the typical Triumph.

      2 votes
  3. [13]
    dave1234
    (edited )
    Link
    Official product pages: Speed 400 Scrambler 400 X Some key stats: 398 cc single cylinder 40 HP 6-speed transmission Liquid cooled Ride by wire throttle ABS (toggleable on the Scrambler) Traction...

    Official product pages:

    Some key stats:

    • 398 cc single cylinder
    • 40 HP
    • 6-speed transmission
    • Liquid cooled
    • Ride by wire throttle
    • ABS (toggleable on the Scrambler)
    • Traction control
    • Under 180 kg (397 lbs) wet weight

    My thoughts:

    This is exciting news.

    Triumph is perhaps best known for its 900+ cc Modern Classics like the Bonneville. Now they're expanding their Modern Classics lineup with cheaper, smaller, and lighter options suitable for beginner riders and those looking for classic aesthetics in a compact size.

    This will be particularly welcomed by Australians, where in most states, new riders are limited to motorcycles with engines no larger than 660 cc for their first two years. These 400 cc bikes will be the first from Triumph's Modern Classics lineup to be available to new riders.

    For me personally, the Scrambler 400 X is very tempting. I want a good-looking modern classic bike with great highway performance that will be comfortable with light offroading, all without being too big or heavy. There are a lot of 300 cc adventure bikes that tick most of those boxes, but the Scrambler 400 X also looks great. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    What do you think?

    2 votes
    1. [7]
      Pioneer
      Link Parent
      The EU has some similar regs where you end up with "A2" bikes that are restricted versions of their big brothers. These would be awesome city bikes as well. Being able to zip quickly, quietly,...

      This will be particularly welcomed by Australians, where in most states, new riders are limited to motorcycles with engines no larger than 660 cc for their first two years.

      The EU has some similar regs where you end up with "A2" bikes that are restricted versions of their big brothers.

      These would be awesome city bikes as well. Being able to zip quickly, quietly, effeciently AND with a decent amount of material cost means you're not just getting big 125 systems.

      2 votes
      1. [6]
        dave1234
        Link Parent
        Our regulations in Australia are similar to the A2 scheme, but unfortunately not as friendly. The key difference is that the A2 scheme allows large displacement bikes to be restricted by the...

        Our regulations in Australia are similar to the A2 scheme, but unfortunately not as friendly.

        The key difference is that the A2 scheme allows large displacement bikes to be restricted by the owner. In Australia, a bike may only be restricted by the manufacturer. For example, you can buy a Kawasaki Ninja 650 pre-restricted to around 45 HP; but if not for that, there'd be no legal way for a beginner to ride one.

        Once a restricted bike is derestricted, it can never legally be restricted again - so derestricting is a good way to permanently ruin a bike's resale value. There's almost no point in derestricting a bike since, by the time you're allowed to derestrict it, you could simply sell it and upgrade to any bike you want.

        So, to me, the fact that the new Triumph 400s are both legal for beginners and aren't restricted makes them very attractive. They're pretty close to the legal limit for beginners here, without paying extra for power I'd probably never be able to use.

        2 votes
        1. [5]
          Pioneer
          Link Parent
          Oh I know. My wife is an Aussie and has explained the nightmare hellscape that is your licencing structure. You have nothing but my hatred from Aussie paperwork.

          Oh I know. My wife is an Aussie and has explained the nightmare hellscape that is your licencing structure.

          You have nothing but my hatred from Aussie paperwork.

          2 votes
          1. [4]
            dave1234
            Link Parent
            Australia loves regulation. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's excessive. Our motorcycling regulations are definitely on the excessive side.

            Australia loves regulation. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's excessive. Our motorcycling regulations are definitely on the excessive side.

            1 vote
            1. [3]
              Pioneer
              Link Parent
              Your tabacco import ones are up there as well ha.

              Your tabacco import ones are up there as well ha.

              1 vote
              1. [2]
                dave1234
                Link Parent
                In Australia, tobacco is a very expensive vice. I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, the high taxes do seem to deter usage - although not as much as plain packaging and the ban on...

                In Australia, tobacco is a very expensive vice.

                I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, the high taxes do seem to deter usage - although not as much as plain packaging and the ban on advertising smoking products.

                On the other hand, those taxes disproportionately hurt low earners, especially those with mental health challenges or addiction.

                1 vote
                1. Pioneer
                  Link Parent
                  Yeah, that's pretty spot on. I'm a cigar smoker, it can be frustrated to be clumped into those taxations as if it's some henious thing that you shouldn't do. There's plenty of crap we shouldn't do...

                  Yeah, that's pretty spot on.

                  I'm a cigar smoker, it can be frustrated to be clumped into those taxations as if it's some henious thing that you shouldn't do. There's plenty of crap we shouldn't do (Such as pollution) but gets a pass because <reasons>. Frustrating.

                  3 votes
    2. [4]
      Tryptaminer
      Link Parent
      I remain unconvinced where 300cc bikes are concerned. I'm glad to see serious small-displacement options for beginners and anyone else who wants them, but I do wonder who exactly we're trying to...

      There are a lot of 300 cc adventure bikes that tick most of those boxes

      I remain unconvinced where 300cc bikes are concerned. I'm glad to see serious small-displacement options for beginners and anyone else who wants them, but I do wonder who exactly we're trying to please by going smaller. A 30 horsepower dirt bike on a highway is a terrifying prospect in this one man's opinion.

      These Triumphs, however, I'm into it. ABS, traction control, 40 horsepower and a 6-speed in a 398cc package kicks ass. That's legitimately usable on highways. Hell I daily a Gen 2 KLR, either one of those Triumphs would make a better commuter lol

      2 votes
      1. [3]
        dave1234
        Link Parent
        "300 cc adventure bikes" was a bad choice of words. What I had in mind was small-displacement adv bikes in general, ranging from around 300 to 500 cc. They often have comparable weight and power...

        "300 cc adventure bikes" was a bad choice of words. What I had in mind was small-displacement adv bikes in general, ranging from around 300 to 500 cc. They often have comparable weight and power to the new Triumphs - but, in my opinion, don't look anywhere near as good.

        The new Triumphs definitely hit a sweet spot. I'm looking forward to seeing the reviews.

        1 vote
        1. [2]
          Tryptaminer
          Link Parent
          Oh you're good, I might be a little critical of small "adventure bikes" due to the CRF300L infestation plaguing moto YouTubers. I agree, it's a spot that, until now, has been largely supermotos...

          Oh you're good, I might be a little critical of small "adventure bikes" due to the CRF300L infestation plaguing moto YouTubers.

          I agree, it's a spot that, until now, has been largely supermotos and dual sports. Now I'm all about some motards, but I think it's great to see some more mature street options in the same displacement range.

          1 vote
          1. dave1234
            Link Parent
            Not gonna lie, I am enticed by the CRF300 Rally. At 153 kg and 23 HP, it can't be much sketchier on the highway than my Honda Grom (106 kg and 9 HP). But the reality is that I'll be doing far more...

            Not gonna lie, I am enticed by the CRF300 Rally. At 153 kg and 23 HP, it can't be much sketchier on the highway than my Honda Grom (106 kg and 9 HP).

            But the reality is that I'll be doing far more on-road riding than off-road, and I want to occasionally take a pillion. It's certainly not the best choice for that.

            1 vote
    3. 3rdcupcoffee
      Link Parent
      I can absolutely agree that both these bikes look great, and i think it’s good to have more options in that market segment.

      I can absolutely agree that both these bikes look great, and i think it’s good to have more options in that market segment.

      1 vote
  4. [3]
    PantsEnvy
    Link
    I am really confused by this name - Triumph Speed 400 The Triumph Street Triple is fast. Around 675 CC's. The Triumph Speed Triple is the Street's bigger brother at 1200 CC's. It seems really...

    I am really confused by this name - Triumph Speed 400

    The Triumph Street Triple is fast. Around 675 CC's.

    The Triumph Speed Triple is the Street's bigger brother at 1200 CC's.

    It seems really weird to call this new little brother to the Street Triple a Speed 400 instead of a Street 400.

    1 vote
    1. [2]
      dave1234
      Link Parent
      I think it's intended to be a little brother to the Speed Twin. Both are part of the Modern Classics line, and have similar designs.

      I think it's intended to be a little brother to the Speed Twin. Both are part of the Modern Classics line, and have similar designs.

      1. PantsEnvy
        Link Parent
        I understand that from a design perspective, I ride a Triumph Street Triple, but from a product branding perspective I think it's terrible.

        I understand that from a design perspective, I ride a Triumph Street Triple, but from a product branding perspective I think it's terrible.

  5. [4]
    burntcookie90
    Link
    (i'm an RE rider) this seems like a good competition to the RE Scram 411, but I think i still prefer the RE option in this segment.

    (i'm an RE rider) this seems like a good competition to the RE Scram 411, but I think i still prefer the RE option in this segment.

    1 vote
    1. st3ph3n
      Link Parent
      The much higher power output of the Triumph 400 might put some hurt on RE if they price it cheap enough, though.

      The much higher power output of the Triumph 400 might put some hurt on RE if they price it cheap enough, though.

      2 votes
    2. [2]
      dave1234
      Link Parent
      It's definitely a personal choice. I feel like the Scram/Himalayan would be a lot more durable, and easier to maintain. It's also certainly going to be a lot cheaper. On the other hand, the...

      It's definitely a personal choice.

      I feel like the Scram/Himalayan would be a lot more durable, and easier to maintain. It's also certainly going to be a lot cheaper. On the other hand, the Scrambler 400 X has a fair bit more power, and I prefer its aesthetics.

      I'd be very interested to see a RE scrambler built on the Interceptor platform. I know RE have showed off experimental models. Maybe we'll see one for consumers in the future. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing the upcoming Classic 650.

      1. burntcookie90
        Link Parent
        Yeah I ride a GT 650, would love a scram 650 but it would be so heavy

        Yeah I ride a GT 650, would love a scram 650 but it would be so heavy

  6. Plik
    Link
    Would love to have the scrambler. Looks really nice. Overall I've found scrambler dimensions/traits to be just about perfect for easily jumping between street riding, and mild dirt road amd grass...

    Would love to have the scrambler. Looks really nice. Overall I've found scrambler dimensions/traits to be just about perfect for easily jumping between street riding, and mild dirt road amd grass riding (I wouldn't take one off any sweet jumps though).

    ADV/dirtbike models are just a bit too off road for daily use if you ride on both streets, and shitty dirt roads on a daily basis IMO, e.​g.:

    LA - Street bike all the way
    Australian Outback - ADV/dirtbike
    British countryside - Scrambler

    1 vote