They have been spotted in the wild more than once during testing, but now Triumph has officially lifted the curtain on the little one Triumph. Or rather: small ones, because the British immediately made two models: the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X.
No brand has managed to market its heritage as well as Triumph, one of the world’s oldest brands, with a rock-solid history and many milestones in the early years of the motorized era, including the original roadster that gave it the appearance of motorcycling changed, the original scrambler that has gone down in history as the world’s first production scrambler, and the original café racer, named after the home of speed.
No other brand has managed to attract so many icons, from Marlon Brando who rode his own Triumph in the iconic 1950s film “The Wild One” to “King of the Cool” movie star Steve McQueen, whose Triumph motorcycles were auctioned for extortionate amounts of money change hands, to Elvis Presley gifting everyone in his Memphis Mafia crew with a 1968 Bonneville.
History and heritage is in Triumph’s DNA, so it is not surprising that the British initially went for that segment for the completely new platform. Descended from an unrivaled bloodline, the Speed 400 joins the most successful Modern Classic line-up: The Speed 900 and 1200. The Scrambler 400 X borrows its rugged design from the Scrambler 900 and 1200, whose pedigree dates back to the first factory scramblers from the 1950s.
These new models were built from the ground up on a completely new engine platform, the project started 5 years ago. Conceived and designed in Hinckley, UK and developed with meticulous attention to detail in conjunction with Indian partner Bajaj Auto. The end result is two fun and agile bikes that provide a confidence-inspiring riding experience for riders of all ages and experience levels.
Together, these new models offer industry-leading capabilities with rider-focused technology, premium quality and attention to detail. Thanks to them
high-quality standard equipment, long service intervals and a comprehensive warranty, these accessible new models offer incredible value for money. They bring Triumph’s iconic style, quality and performance to a whole new generation of Triumph riders.
At the heart of the new 400 platform is a 398cc single-cylinder with a claimed peak power output of 39.5PS at 8,000rpm and peak torque of 37.5Nm at 6,500rpm, which the British claim delivers responsive, fun and characterful power delivery and an evocative, rich and distinctive exhaust note.
Technical highlights include a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) cylinder head, four valves and a perfectly balanced crankshaft that optimizes low-speed balance. The rocker arm valve actuator has a low mass and a DLC coating that reduces friction. The six-speed gearbox offers light, precise gear selection with perfectly spaced gear ratios to get the most out of this characterful and torquey engine.
The Bosch engine management system with ride-by-wire throttle provides a linear and intuitive throttle response. The power delivery is perfectly predictable and provides improved driveability, safety and control. Both models are not only equipped with ABS, but also with traction control, the latter can be easily switched off with an on/off button. The two-channel Bosch ABS can only be turned off on the Scrambler.
With ergonomics designed for optimal comfort and control, the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X benefit from a slim build. Their low seat heights of 790mm and 835mm respectively and limited weight of 170kg/179kg further ensure a confidence-inspiring
manageable feel at low speeds and simplify feet-on-the-ground maneuvers.
Both models benefit from their own specific chassis consisting of a new bolt-on frame and subframe, cast aluminum swingarm and bespoke suspension. That combination gives both models that easy, agile and dynamic handling that is Triumph’s hallmark.
The Speed 400 features beefy 43mm inverted Big Piston forks, remote-reservoir monoshock rear suspension, lightweight 17-inch wheels, and roadster-specific geometry and wheelbase. This provides a compelling and intuitive ride and a comfortable, neutral riding position that inspires confidence in riders of all heights and abilities. Powerful four-piston radial calipers with a 300mm front disc and braided lines provide a responsive braking feel for increased rider confidence.
The Scrambler 400 X has a longer wheelbase, longer-travel suspension, and a larger 19-inch front wheel. This model also features wide handlebars for greater stability and control on loose surfaces, as well as a more upright, more powerful Scrambler riding position. The large cast-steel brake pedal and low-positioned, wide, high-grip footpegs also provide a more natural-feeling standing position when riding off-road. A larger 320mm front disc brake and an optimized brake pad compound ensure consistent, progressive braking performance in all conditions.
With the new 400 platform, Triumph is targeting new bikers of all ages on the one hand, but also the experienced hands who want it as a second bike in the garage for fun. Both models will initially be marketed in India, where they will be available in August, here in Europe we will have to wait until the end of this year. How much they will cost is not yet known, but Triumph says prices will be very competitive.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.