Triumph Speed 400: The motorcycle press world has been in a frenzy ever since the Triumph Speed 400 arrived.
This portable but effective machine has won the affections of both beginner and devotee alike. Let’s go deep into what the features of the Triumph Speed 400 make it stand out in its segment.
Striking Design and Build Quality
The Speed 400 is certainly a Triumph, feeling distinctly Triumphant in every curve and line. Its traditional roadster shape is imbued with contemporary characteristics, resulting in an atemporal look that always attracts attention wherever it goes.
Besides looking sleek, the fuel tank and its molded knee recesses not only look nice, but offer outstanding ergonomics for the rider. This round headlamp, a tribute to Triumph’s heritage, is equipped with LED technology to provide increased daytime visibility.
The level of care in the finish is clear, with brushed aluminum trim, elegant exhaust design and a precise fit and finish that screams luxury.
Heart of the Beast: The TR-Series Engine
At the core of the Speed 400 lies its beating heart the all-new TR-Series engine. This 398cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine is a dream in the field of modern engineering.
It gyrates a punchy 40 hp at 8,000 rpm and 37 Nm (4,973 in lbs ft) at 6,500 rpm, offering enough grunt for daily urban riding as well as highway travelling.
The engine’s character is quintessentially Triumph smooth yet responsive, with a delightful exhaust note that’s music to any motorcyclist’s ears.
The power delivery is linear, making it easy for newer riders to manage while still offering enough excitement for more experienced hands.
Chassis and Suspension: Agility Meets Stability
Triumph has found its sweet spot with the chassis of the Speed 400’s design. The hybride spine/perimeter frame made of tubular steel provides the optimal combination of stiffness and bending.
This translates to confident handling in various riding conditions.
The suspension setup is equally impressive. To start with, there are 43mm upside-down big piston forks offering 140mm of wheel travel.
At the rear, a gas monoshock with an external reservoir and preload adjustment offers 130mm of travel. This package guarantees a comfortable ride on bad road surfaces, whilst keeping it stable while cornering aggressively.
Braking System: Safety First
In terms of effective stopping power, the Speed 400 does not disappoint. The front-end is powered by a 300 mm disc which is clamped by a four-piston radial caliper and the rear 230 mm discs via a floating caliper.
Both are controlled by a double channel ABS system, which offers stable and predictable braking performance in different contexts.
The brakes offer excellent feel and modulation, instilling confidence in the rider whether they’re navigating busy city streets or enjoying twisty back roads.
Technology: Modern Conveniences
Despite its classic looks, the Speed 400 is packed with modern technology. The ride-by-wire throttle control provides accurate fuel and a smooth power delivery.
Switchable traction control provides one more level of safety, especially in wet or slippery environments.
The instrument cluster is a combination of analogue and digital readouts. A conventional speedometer is combined with an LCD screen which displays a wide variety of information, a gear scale, fuel level, trip meters, and so on.
Use of the controls is intuitive, meaning that the rider can interact with the many features of the riding board without having to take his/her hands off the handlebars.
LED lighting is adopted throughout, and even the unique daylighting running light, which improves visibility and lends the Speed 400 a distinctive appearance in traffic.
Ergonomics: Comfort for All

Triumph has engineered the Speed 400 for all kinds of riders. Based on the 790mm seat height, it is suitable for shorter riders, and the ergonomic design feature provides comfortable seating for taller riders.
The handlebar mount condition encourages an upright riding position, which, combined with a longer ride time, limits fatigue.
The seat is also well-padded and contoured to give support in riders of long durations.
Footpeg position offers a compromise between intense and comfortable, easy to turn in traffic whilst maintaining a comfortable riding position on the highway.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
Efficiency is essential today, and the Speed 400 does so as well. With an announced fuel economy of about 30 km/l (70 mpg) it is a practical option for the commute.
The 13-liter tank capacity allows for a reasonable reserve, so weekend trips are effortless so as not to interrupt every few miles.
Customization Options
Triumph understands that riders love to personalize their machines. The Speed 400 is packed with a variety of authentic accessories, so the bike can be customized to the owner’s liking.
Including luggage choices, protective accessories and cosmetic enhancement, there is something for each one.
Reliability and Maintenance
Triumph has traditionally been associated with reliability and the speed 400 is a design that is intended to maintain that reputation. The 16,000 km (10,000 mi) service interval (service intervals) implies less time in the workshop and more time in the field.
Reassuring owners, the 2-year (rail) unlimited mileage warranty also brings peace of mind to the owner.
Performance on the Road
On the move, the Speed 400 truly shines. Due to the lightweight chassis (wet 170 kg) and a torquey engine, the vehicle can be driven in a slick and lively manner.
It also fits in, comfortably sifting through the urban traffic as it does carving through the tight mountain roads.
Gear ratios are sufficiently spaced to provide spirited acceleration and sedate cruising.
Slipper clutch not only m minimizes the effort required with levers but also eliminates rear wheel hop under high downshifts, it characteristics of the sports bike.
+Value Proposition
When considering the overall package the premium build quality, advanced features, and the prestigious Triumph badge the Speed 400 represents excellent value for money.
It’s a motorcycle catering to the requirement of the novice and boasting enough performance and character to entertain the veteran motorcyclist.
The Triumph Speed 400 is not just entry level bike; it is a capable machine that it’s beating every weight segment.
It brings the elegance of traditional styling into the modern age of technology, performance that compels without appearing hostile, and quality and prestige associated with the Triumph brand.
Whether you’re a new rider looking for your first “big” bike, a commuter seeking a stylish and efficient ride, or an experienced motorcyclist in search of a fun weekend toy, the Speed 400 has something to offer.
It is an indication of Triumph’s ability to deliver motorcycles that not only fulfil but also overpromise, leading to a new benchmark in the sub-400cc segment.
The Triumph Speed 400 is not just a motorcycle, it is an experience, a statement and most of all, a door to pure riding bliss.
It’s a bike that reminds us why we fell in love with motorcycling in the first place the freedom, the excitement, and the sheer pleasure of the open road.