Triumph Speed 400 Test 2024 - modern, classic and affordable

Upon first glance in the hotel parking lot, the new Triumph Naked Bike, the Triumph Speed 400, exudes a casual and confident aura as it rests on its side stand. The glossy paintwork, high-quality plastics, and matte black surfaces come together to form a harmonious and sophisticated overall look. There is no hint of cheapness here, except perhaps for the price tag. True to its Hinckley roots, this modern-classic motorcycle features a classic round LED headlight, albeit slightly smaller in size. The moment you stand in front of it, the urge to hop on is irresistible. And so you do. Finding a comfortable position on the sleek Triumph Speed 400 is effortless. The wide yet not overly high handlebars, along with the overall ergonomics, strike a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. Good news for shorter riders: At a height of 1.68 meters, a secure stance is assured (with a seat height of 790 millimeters), thanks to the pleasantly narrow yet well-padded seat. As expected of a classic naked bike, there is no wind protection, although this can be added as an accessory.

With a displacement of 398 cubic centimeters, the single-cylinder engine expands Triumph's Naked Bike lineup. Producing 40 hp at 8000 rpm and 37.5 Nm at 6500 rpm, the Speed 400 is A2-compatible. Despite its classic appearance with cooling fins, it possesses a spirited character, as demonstrated during the initial test ride in Spain. The four-valve single emits a pleasant 89 dB(A) idle noise and a deep, pleasing sound that becomes more pronounced from 3500 rpm and accelerates noticeably at 6000 rpm. It delivers a comfortable ride from the lower to upper mid-range, reaching over 9200 rpm before hitting its limit. This wide usable rev range is impressive for a 400 cc engine, with a top speed of 145 km/h proving more than sufficient. While the single-cylinder engine exhibits typical vibrations in the upper range, these are pleasantly absent during normal riding in the medium speed range. The throttle response is slightly delayed but smooth, without any abrupt movements. Riders quickly adapt to this delay after a few kilometers. The clutch, equipped with an anti-hopping function, and gearbox operate smoothly with minimal effort, offering a user-friendly experience. Additionally, the fuel consumption is economical at 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers. With a 13-liter tank, the Speed 400 can theoretically achieve a range of over 350 kilometers. During the initial dynamic test ride, the Speed 400 averaged 3.6 liters per 100 kilometers, confirming the realism of the factory specifications.

The Triumph Naked Bike excels in handling, showcasing its best side. Weighing in at 170 kilograms, this mini Speedy effortlessly navigates corners while maintaining a neutral stance. Lean angle adjustments are smooth, with ample clearance for aggressive cornering. The comfortable chassis is responsive and provides a stable ride, surpassing others in its class with Endurance suspension components. With a maximum load capacity of 176 kilograms (including rider), the supple chassis delivers excellent feedback, making long rides a true pleasure.

The well-proportioned brakes (300-millimeter single disc, four-piston fixed caliper) on the Triumph Naked Bike are also impressive with their user-friendly design. They don't grab too aggressively at first, providing a smooth and responsive lever feel, and can bring the bike to a quick stop in emergency situations. The ABS system kicks in to prevent the front wheel from locking up in such instances.

In addition to the standard ABS, the Triumph Naked Bike also features a switchable traction control system. While the performance may be moderate, this added safety feature will be appreciated by beginners, especially in emergency situations. The high-quality cockpit includes an analog speedometer and an additional LCD display that can be easily operated using the handlebar switches. Equipped with a gear indicator, fuel range display, and other essential information, it provides all the necessary details for the rider. The optional heated grips are seamlessly integrated into the display, along with a convenient USB-C charging socket. Riders can personalize their bike with original accessories such as mirrors, luggage solutions, and a compact windshield, catering to individual preferences and budgets.