Bajaj Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X unveiled in London

The largest UK-owned motorcycle manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles in collaboration with Bajaj, has officially unveiled its latest offerings – the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X. These motorcycles mark the beginning of Triumph’s partnership with Bajaj and will be manufactured in India. The Speed 400 draws inspiration from the Speed Twin 900, formerly known as the Street Twin, while the Scrambler 400 X takes its design cues from the Scrambler 900.

Triumph has introduced a hybrid spine/perimeter frame made of tubular steel for these new bikes. While the engine remains the same across both models, there are significant differences in the chassis department. Triumph claims that each bike benefits from a dedicated chassis and suspension setup. The Speed 400 is equipped with 17-inch wheels on both ends, wrapped in premium and sporty Metzeler Sportec M9RR rubber. On the other hand, the Scrambler 400 X features a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, both made of alloy and fitted with Metzeler Karoo Street tires.

Both bikes share a similar suspension format, comprising a 43mm big-piston fork and a monoshock. However, the Scrambler offers slightly more suspension travel, with 150mm at each end, compared to the Speed’s 140mm front and 130mm rear travel. Additionally, the braking systems differ slightly, with the Scrambler boasting a larger 320mm front disc compared to the Speed’s 300mm unit. The Scrambler’s weight of 179kg makes it slightly heavier than the Speed’s 170kg kerb weight. Consequently, the Scrambler’s taller stance and longer suspension travel provide a higher seat height of 835mm, while the Speed offers a more accessible 790mm seat height.

In terms of the features these new 400cc motorcycles come equipped with an array of features. Standard equipment includes all-LED lighting, ride-by-wire, switchable traction control, dual-channel ABS, an immobiliser, an assist clutch, a USB-C charging port, and semi-digital instrumentation. The instrument panel features a large analogue speedometer accompanied by a small LCD screen, providing a digital tachometer, gear position indicator, trip data, and fuel gauge. Interestingly, the display also features a symbol for heated grips, hinting at a potential optional accessory. In the case of the Scrambler, Triumph has stated that the dual-channel ABS is switchable for off-road use.

As for the powerplants on these bikes, these two new machines get the revolutionary TR-series engine, a brand-new single-cylinder powerplant developed by Triumph. This liquid-cooled engine features DOHC architecture and boasts a displacement of 398cc. With an output of 40hp at 8000rpm and 37.5Nm of torque at 6500rpm, the Triumph motorcycles are set to compete with KTM’s 390 lineup in terms of power and torque.

Notably, the British bikes achieve their peak figures earlier in the rev range. Both motorcycles are equipped with a 6-speed gearbox. Despite the presence of liquid-cooling, the engine retains a touch of classic styling with cooling fins featuring a refined machined finish. The overall appearance of the engine resembles Triumph’s larger modern classic models, accentuated by the triangular engine cover on the right side.

On July 5th, the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X will be officially unveiled in India, along with their prices. The Speed 400 is anticipated to cost roughly Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom), with the Scrambler 400 X being significantly more expensive.