Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 ($4,995). (Triumph Motorcycles/)Triumph’s Modern Classic new motorcycle lineup is nostalgic, yet advanced. The streetbikes retain retro styling that makes them stand out in a market full of sharp edges, polarizing colors, and irregularly shaped headlights. Looking at a Scrambler 1200 or Speed Twin 1200 is reminiscent of the Bruce Brown film, On Any Sunday. Captured in the golden era of motorcycling when Steve McQueen, Mert Lawwill, and Malcolm Smith rode with so much style they inspired an entire motorcycle category. But looking like Steve McQueen on a Triumph Modern Classic cost $10,000. That is until the introduction of the 2024 Speed 400 ($4,995) and Scrambler 400 X ($5,595).The 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X ($5,595). (Triumph Motorcycles/)The Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X are all-new and built from the ground up. Triumph started a partnership with Indian vehicle manufacturer Bajaj to assemble both models, but ensured that both bikes remain an official Triumph Motorcycles product. Chief engineer Stuart Wood admitted it was a tough ask for Bajaj to deliver a bike with the same quality and detailing as any other Triumph while still maintaining a low price.How They Are Alike and How They DifferDespite the Scrambler 400 X’s low MSRP it still maintains premium Triumph quality. (Triumph Motorcycles/)On paper, the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X have some similarities, but there are a few key differences designating one as a roadster and one as a scrambler. On the road, these changes result in a fairly different riding experience. But the one commonality between the two is the shared 398cc DOHC liquid-cooled four-valve single-cylinder engine. Claimed peak power for both models is 39.5 hp at 8,000 rpm and 27.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,500 rpm. Tuning is identical, but the Scrambler is geared slightly shorter for off-road excursions.A 43mm inverted Big Piston Fork and monoshock are fitted on both bikes but each model receives its own tuning and wheel travel. The Scrambler 400 X offers 5.9 inches of travel front and rear whereas the Speed 400 is reduced to 5.5 inches of travel up front and 5.1 inches at the back. Suspension adjustability is limited to spring preload on the shock.The Triumph Speed 400 is worthy of a parking spot at any café. The new roadster looks just like its old brother, the Speed Twin 1200. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Chassis geometry is also unique to each model. They both utilize a steel tube frame with a bolt-on subframe, but the Scrambler’s head stay is extended by roughly 1 inch to allow for the X’s larger 19-inch front wheel as well as to create a longer wheelbase (55.8 inches) and more relaxed steering geometry of 23.2 degrees. The Speed 400 has a 54.2-inch wheelbase and 24.6-degree rake. Claimed wet weight is a separator as well. The Speed 400 is lighter at 375 pounds while the taller, longer scrambler is 395 pounds, according to Triumph.A relatively long wheelbase of 55.8 inches helps maintain drive on loose uphills. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Increased weight can be attributed to the Scrambler’s longer frame; larger front wheel (17-inch on the Speed); increased suspension; taller, wider handlebar; and additional styling pieces such as a headlight guard, wraparound hand guards, and a dual exit muffler. These chassis differences not only create different riding sensations but affect the seat height as well. The Scrambler 400 X stands tall with a 32.9-inch seat height. The Speed 400 is more approachable at 31.1 inches.A roomy cockpit allows the rider to shift their weight back and forth entering corners off-road. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Braking components are similar, both models utilize a ByBre four-piston caliper up front, but the Scrambler has a larger 320mm disc whereas the Speed uses a 300mm rotor. Triumph fits the Scrambler with a more progressive brake pad compound for better modulation off-road while the roadster receives a more aggressive brake pad compound. Rear braking components are identical.Both models share hard parts including the 3.4-gallon fuel tank, LED lighting, analog/LCD dash, levers, switch gear, and grips.The Scrambler’s full braking potential is attainable with ABS disabled at both wheels. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Triumph didn’t build one motorcycle and dress it up in two different fashions. It utilized the same frame, suspension, brakes, and the engine but tailored them specifically for each model. And what you get is two very accessible motorcycles with premium quality, unique styling, and individual personalities.Riding ImpressionIs the Triumph Speed 400 the best-looking lightweight motorcycle in the class? We think so. (Triumph Motorcycles/)The TR-Series engine is highly impressive in both models with its class-leading figures. This single provides a broad spread of power, but does its best work in the midrange. Throttle response is direct, yet smooth. But when modulating on and off the gas at low rpm in gears one and two, the fueling is snatchy and abrupt. Alleviating this sensation requires riding a gear high or feathering the slipper/assist clutch. Short-shifting to third and even fourth gear at relatively low speeds eliminates the twitchy throttle while still providing smooth, tractable power. Even on twisty mountain roads, staying a gear high (third) in tight corners provides predictable roll-on power that is easy to modulate without sacrificing too much exit speed.Riding a gear high through the urban landscape of Valencia, Spain, alleviated the snatchy throttle response. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Both models provide similar engine response in the twisties, but the shorter-geared Scrambler 400 X gains rpm a little more quickly. On straight stretches of pavement, the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X have legs to run. Clicking off highway miles is comfortable and unaccompanied by excessive buzzing or vibrating. The engine’s flexibility at nearly any rpm allows the rider to short-shift the slick six-speed gearbox for a comfortable cruise or rev it out to its roughly 12,000 rpm redline for maximum speed. For a lightweight, this 400 can do it all.The engine’s linear power delivery generates practicable slides in the dirt. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Suspension action of the two models is similar but the Scrambler 400 X provides a little more initial comfort in the beginning of the stroke. The X is soft and supple, absorbing road imperfections easily but still has enough holdup for aggressive riding. On and off throttle, the Scrambler’s suspension generates minimal weight transfer that doesn’t affect handling performance. Traversing tight, twisty backroads, the Scrambler’s suspension provides lots of holdup in the mid-stroke maintaining a precise, balanced ride. Under hard braking, the fork offers excellent bottoming resistance that encourages getting on the binders late. The road-biased Metzeler Karoo ADV tires don’t follow the ground as well as the Metzeler Sportec M9 RR tires found on the Speed 400. But their off-road versatility makes up for this shortcoming.Taut suspension encourages charging from one corner to the next. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Our riding time off-road on the Scrambler was limited, but the short stint we did experience the 400 X was promising. Similar to its on-road performance, the Scrambler 400 X’s engine is easy to manage off-road but has just enough excitement to throw roost and slide corners. The suspension is highly impressive with its ability to absorb small bumps comfortably but still have enough holdup and bottoming resistance for spirited scrambler riding. Ergonomics are spacious on the 400 X and the tall, wide handlebar is positioned just right for standing in the saddle.Steering with the rear on the 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Unlike other “scramblers’’ or “adventure bikes” in the lightweight category, standing up while riding the Triumph Scrambler 400 X feels natural and proper. The pegs are low, large, and positioned right. Gripping the bike with your legs is comfortable and there are no intrusive heat shields or passenger amenities jabbing at your heels or calves. With an aggressive knobby tire, this scrambler might keep a KLX300 or CRF300L honest in favorable conditions. And to top it off, the 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X comes with “off-road” mode that completely disables traction control and ABS at both wheels. The Speed 400 only offers switchable traction control.It doesn’t matter which 400 you’re on as long as the road is twisty. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Triumph’s Speed 400 is clearly superior for canyon carving. Initiating a lean angle is effortless. Rolling onto the side of the tire is undramatic and the Speed 400 stays glued to the ground. Transferring from one corner to the next, the chassis doesn’t wallow or flex, inviting aggressive riding that is very rewarding. Shedding speed, the suspension maintains a balanced ride and provides enough resistance under hard braking. Getting on the binders deep into a corner, the Speed 400′s braking components proved to be superior to the equipment on the Scrambler 400 X with the aggressive brake pads’ sharper bite. Whether it’s the lighter weight, smaller-diameter front wheel, shorter wheelbase, road rubber, lower center of gravity, or a combination of all, the Speed 400 provides sharper handling than its dirt-curious sibling.Which Is Better?Banging shifts and rounding corners in a group of 400s felt just short of a Moto3 race. (Triumph Motorcycles/)On paper, choosing between the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X seems easy enough. It’s just styling that separates the two, correct? Not necessarily. Yes, the two models are clearly styled to their respective disciplines, but each model provides their own unique riding experience.The Scrambler 400 X has a full-size shoe print. Whether it’s parked on the sidestand or cruising down the road, the X has big bike status. For a newbie, this might be important but it’s accompanied with a tall seat height. The Scrambler’s versatility is invaluable. Having the ability to tackle nearly any terrain a mixed surface ride may present is something the Speed 400 simply doesn’t offer. But this does compromise the scrambler’s cornering ability to a small degree. The Scrambler 400 X is not massively hindered by its dual-purpose equipment, but the Speed 400 will certainly slice up a twisty road with less effort.Despite the Scrambler 400 X’s inferior handling on the pavement compared to the Speed 400, dragging foot pegs are still in the cards. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Ultimately, it comes down to the pilot. What kind of riding do you see yourself doing? If little to no dirt is in your future, the Speed 400 is the better option. But as comparable as these two models are on road, for some styling might be the overriding factor. Yes there is a compromise either way you go, but the real decision comes down to rider identity. Do you wanna look like Steve McQueen on the Scrambler 400 X or James Bond on the Speed 400?Initiate the slide. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Screw on the throttle. (Triumph Motorcycles/)More… (Triumph Motorcycles/)More… (Triumph Motorcycles/)A little bit more. (Triumph Motorcycles/)Now full throttle. (Triumph Motorcycles/)2024 Triumph Speed 400 Technical Specifications and Price
MSRP:
$4,995
Engine:
DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4-valve
Displacement:
398cc
Bore x Stroke:
89.0 x 64.0mm
Compression Ratio:
12.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/X-ring chain
Claimed Horsepower:
39.5 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Claimed Torque:
27.7 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm
Fuel System:
Bosch electronic fuel injection w/ electronic throttle
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate slipper/assist
Frame:
Hybrid spine/perimeter, tubular steel, bolt-on subframe
Front Suspension:
43mm upside down Big Piston fork, 5.5 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
Gas monoshock RSU w/ external reservoir, spring preload adjustable, 5.1 in. travel
Front Brake:
4-piston radial caliper, 300mm fixed disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:
Floating caliper, 230mm fixed disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:
Cast aluminum alloy, 10 spoke; 17 x 3 in. / 17 x 4 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:
110/70R-17 / 150/60R-17
Rake/Trail:
24.6°/4.0 in.
Wheelbase:
54.2 in.
Ground Clearance:
N/A
Seat Height:
31.1 in.
Fuel Capacity:
3.4 gal.
Average MPG:
N/A
Claimed Wet Weight:
375 lb.
Contact:
triumphmotorcycles.com
2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X Technical Specifications and Price
MSRP:
$5,595
Engine:
DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4-valve
Displacement:
398cc
Bore x Stroke:
89.0 x 64.0mm
Compression Ratio:
12.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/X-ring chain
Claimed Horsepower:
39.5 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Claimed Torque:
27.7 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm
Fuel System:
Bosch electronic fuel injection /w electronic throttle
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate slipper/assist
Frame:
Hybrid spine/perimeter, tubular steel; bolt-on subframe
Front Suspension:
43mm upside-down Big Piston Fork; 5.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
Gas monoshock RSU w/ external reservoir, spring preload adjustable; 5.9 in. travel
Front Brake:
4-piston radial caliper, 320mm fixed disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:
ByBre 1-piston floating caliper, 230mm fixed disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:
Cast aluminum alloy, 10 spoke; 19 x 2.5 in. / 17 x 3.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:
100/90R-19 / 140/80R-17
Rake/Trail:
23.2°/4.25 in.
Wheelbase:
55.8 in.
Ground Clearance:
N/A
Seat Height:
32.9 in.
Fuel Capacity:
3.4 gal.
Average MPG:
N/A
Claimed Wet Weight:
395 lb.
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