The Triumph Speed 400 took us by storm when it was released. Everyone scrambled — pun intended — to get their hands on the bike, and the customers flocked to the dealerships to get their test rides. We were one of them. After waiting 15 minutes for the salesperson to approach us, take down our information for record-keeping (and marketing), and get a 10-second rundown of the controls, off we went on the Speed 400. Not good customer service, but can't blame them; the shop was crowded.

We got to ride this scaled-down Triumph motorcycle for a mile or two, but the short distance was enough to get acquainted with the motorcycle. The Speed 400 is a terrific urban motorcycle that you wouldn't mind spending your money and time on, but don't expect outright performance. We are focusing on the bike's ability to take you from your home to your workplace and back, aka commuting. It's what many of us will use this bike for, with an occasional ride into the mountains or the back roads.

Related: 2024 Triumph Speed 400: Performance, Price, and Photos

Linear Power Delivery In The Mid-Range

Faster than the KTM 390 Duke and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 in the real world!

The first thing that stands out about the Speed 400, and hopefully, the same will apply to Scrambler 400 X, is how the engine delivers its power. Given the long history between Bajaj and KTM, many expected the Speed 400 engine to have a similar character to the KTM 390 engine, but it's everything but like a KTM. We rode it for a short distance, but in the hot, congested Mumbai traffic, the engine stood out from many of its sub-400cc rivals.

The 398cc single-cylinder engine is smooth, flexible, and tractable. Right off the bat, the engine makes a good impression as you let out the light clutch and accelerate. Under 3,000 rpm, the engine picks up smoothly, but post-3,000 rpm is where it comes into its own. The mid-range is strong on this bike — entertaining — and it's so smooth you'd mistake it for a proper British-made engine. The dash indicated a fuel efficiency of around 60 miles per gallon, so it seems pretty efficient, too.

The clutch is light, the gear shifts are easy and slick, and the gear ratios optimize the engine's tractability. For example, the bike rides smoothly at 10 mph, even in third gear, without lugging. It's happy to sit at a low RPM, unlike the KTM 390 engine, and when you twist the throttle, it will happily punch its way up to 6,000 rpm in a linear motion. It's happy in the mid-range, but unlike the relaxed long-stroke Royal Enfield engines that are slow to rev, the Speed 400 revs fast.

Engine Specifications

Handles Like A Much More Expensive Bike

If there's one thing you should buy this bike for, it's the suspension

Yes, the Speed 400's engine is smooth and all, but what we love the most about the Speed 400 is its suspension setup and handling dynamics. This bike has one of the best suspension setups in the sub-400 segment — *Chef's Kiss*. Sure, it's not the most sophisticated or sporty suspension; it's tuned on the softer side — at least the ones specced for Indian roads. The suspension soaks up all the bumps without tossing you off the seat or giving you a backache.

The Speed 400 is easy, neutral, and predictable to handle. Remember, it's a compact bike, and it handles like one — it steers quickly without being too twitchy or scarily sharp — and it takes your inputs like an obedient dog. Riding it through traffic is as easy as riding a typical 100cc commuter motorcycle, but twist the throttle, and the engine wakes up, sending you flying past traffic.

Suspension and Chassis Specifications

Feels Like Sitting On A Soft Cushion

You'll feel at home on this bike... for about an hour

You might think this small bike may not have enough room for you, but you'd be wrong. The Speed 400 is a spacious motorcycle for commuters. The seat is large enough to accommodate taller riders, and the ergonomics are pretty comfy. The handlebar is wide and tall, keeping your arms relaxed and back upright, and the pegs are slightly rear-set. You sit in a commanding yet comfortable stance that will keep you engaged enough not to feel bored on your commute, but it's not sporty enough to tire you out by the time you reach your workplace.

As for the seat, it's soft and comfortable for short distances. Paired with the relaxed ergonomics, the Speed 400 comes across as a mature commuter motorcycle that will keep you comfortable and entertained on your commute. The seat can also accommodate your luggage, and it's comfortable for the pillion, too. The rear foot pegs and a flat seat offer relaxed ergonomics for the pillion, but they will start complaining after a while.

Ergonomics Specifications

Related: Why Waiting For The Triumph Speed 400 Is Better Than Buying A Kawasaki Z400 Now

So, What's The Catch?

You win some, you lose some

The Triumph Speed 400 is a terrific commuter bike by the looks and feel of it, and we can't stop singing praises of its engine's strong mid-range, superb suspension, and relaxed ergonomics. But there has to be a catch, right? The Speed 400 is not the best motorcycle for touring or spirited riding. It's more suited to the urban environment and will likely feel out of place on the open highways or the twisties. The Achilles heel of the Speed 400 is its engine, which is smooth and linear in the mid-range, but push it past 6,500-7,000 rpm, and you'll feel the vibrations creeping up on the handlebars and foot pegs, which get progressively worse as you approach the redline. It screams at high revs, and not in a good way. This is an engine that needs to be enjoyed in the mid-range.

The suspension isn't perfect, either. While the suspension does a terrific job of soaking up bumps and undulations in the road, it could be more confidence-inspiring in corners. It does feel a little willowy if you push it hard. It can handle tight corners, no doubt about it — the chassis, suspension, and tires are more than capable — but you won't feel the same level of confidence you'd feel on other sub-400cc bikes. Again, consider this bike a competitor of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Harley Davidson X 440, not the KTM 390 Duke and BMW G 310 R.

Let's nitpick a little further. The seat is soft, but it's only good for shorter commutes. On long rides, your butt will sink in and start hurting, so you'll either have to take a break or move positions on the seat. The only way to fix this would be to get a harder aftermarket seat or butt implants. Another problem with the bike is its sound — it does not sound evocative at all, especially when compared to the Hunter 350, which sounds soothing at low revs.

Speed 400's More Like Commute 400

It's excellent but not perfect

The Triumph Speed 400 is a unique proposition in the sub-400cc segment as it sits between the easygoing long-stroke motorcycles like the Hunter 350 and the frenzied ones like the KTM 390 Duke. Thanks to its smooth engine with a punchy mid-range, surprisingly mature suspension setup, and comfortable ergonomics, it offers the perfect balance between the two sub-segments.

But it also sacrifices a few things, like a vibe-free, exciting top-end, long-range comfort, and the sheer thrill you'd expect from a Triumph motorcycle. In many ways, the Speed 400 suffers from more or less the same problems that many have found in the Trident 660. But if you are looking for a commuter motorcycle that looks dashing, offers everyday fun without sacrificing horsepower, and ergonomics that you wouldn't complain about during rush hour traffic, hardly any bike comes close to the Speed 400.