We've all heard about the baby Triumph motorcycles featuring 300cc engines packed in a body oozing with modern classic styling.
To be honest, I didn't pay much attention to it and thought Triumph was simply attempting to develop smaller-engined motorcycles to fill a need in the market.
However, with the launch at Hinckley, England, last week and a flood of photographs of the new Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X on the internet, I have to agree that Triumph is doing a fantastic job and that it was an excellent decision to build these two models on a 400cc, rather than a 300cc, platform.
The Thai government is working on a new "Big Bike" riding permit that would require owners of motorcycles larger than 400cc to take a new advanced test that includes both written and riding skills. While this could discourage certain buyers from going for large-engined bikes due to the extra hassle, it could also help boost the market for bikes with 400cc and under engines.
The new Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 are built with the DNA of the larger and faster Speed Twin 900 and 1200, while the Scrambler 400 takes its rugged design cues from the Scrambler 900 and 1200, with an off-road pedigree that goes back to the first factory Scramblers of the 1950s.
Triumph says these new models are developed from the bottom up with a brand-new single engine architecture to give a fun, agile and confident ride, together with rider-focused technology and category-leading quality and detail, and a high level of standard specification plus excellent value for money (pricing in Thailand has yet to be announced).
According to Triumph, these two new additions to the modern classics line-up have been developed with the same exacting attention to detail as the brand's most celebrated models.
"They are instantly recognisable thanks to their timeless Triumph silhouettes, signature sculpted fuel tanks and classic engine profiles and have been designed with traditional touches. The distinctive finned cylinder head and traditional exhaust header clamps combine with contemporary details like the upswept silencer, bold graphics and sensitively-incorporated technology that includes concealed liquid-cooling and a flowing exhaust run with hidden primary silencer.
The high-quality finish and detailing continue with the trademark black powder-coated engine casings, tough gold anodised forks, high-quality paint and logo detailing which ensure the finish on these new models is premium throughout.
SPEED 400
The Speed 400's two-tone paint schemes, each featuring a prominent Triumph tank graphic, reflect its dynamic roadster style, with Carnival Red, Caspian Blue and Phantom Black colours available, it comes with an accessible seat height of 790mm and weighs only 170kg.
The Speed 400 features large 43mm big-piston upside-down front forks, mono-shock rear suspension unit with external reservoir and lightweight 17in wheels, plus roadster-specific geometry and wheelbase. The Speed delivers an engaging and intuitive ride along with a comfortable, neutral riding position that inspires confidence for riders of all sizes and skill levels.
SCRAMBLER 400 X
The Scrambler 400 X's all-road attitude means lots of purposeful and practical features, including protection for the headlight, radiator and sump, as well as handguards, a handlebar brace with pad and a longer front mudguard. Seat height is 835mm and weight is 179kg.
The Scrambler 400 X is available in three stylish and contemporary colour schemes, each featuring Triumph's distinctive Scrambler tank stripe and triangle badge, with Matt Khaki Green and Fusion White; Carnival Red and Phantom Black; plus Phantom Black and Silver Ice options.
Other features include a longer wheelbase and suspension travel, a larger 19in front wheel and wide handlebars for greater stability and control when riding on loose surfaces, as well as providing a more upright and commanding Scrambler riding position. A larger cast steel brake pedal and high-grip foot pegs that are positioned lower and wider also make for a more natural standing riding position when riding off-road.
Meanwhile, a large 320mm front brake disc, four-pot caliper and optimised pad compound deliver reassuringly progressive braking performance in all conditions. The exhaust design has that Scrambler look, but it would be more handsome if it was the higher design as featured on the bike's bigger brothers.
NEW ENGINE
The all-new TR Series engine is named to celebrate the historic Triumph Trophy bloodline, whose roots can be traced back to the racing singles of the early 20th century, and in particular the Six Day Trial offroad competition.
This all-new fuel-injected and liquid-cooled 398cc single-cylinder engine combines Triumph's trademark modern classic style. There is a 4-valve, DOHC cylinder head and a crankshaft that has been perfectly weighted and balanced to optimise inertia for low-speed rideability.
Meanwhile, a finger-follower valvetrain with a low reciprocating mass and DLC coatings that reduce friction also contribute to this free-revving yet tractable engine's capacity-defying performance. The 6-speed gearbox delivers light, precise gear selection with ratios perfectly spread to make the most of this characterful and torque-rich engine.
There is one very important issue in the engine specification. As we all know, Triumph's Street and Scrambler models have a completely different attitude. Street models like the Speed 400 should have their own engine mapping is tuned for a smooth ride and best performance at high speeds. And Scramblers like the 400 X should have more torque from low to middle engine speeds.
But looking into the specifications, both models seem to have exactly the same engine configurations. If this is true, it might be a little bit disappointing for Scrambler fans. And while Triumph intends to offer more affordable products in order to increase its customer base, we'll have to wait and see the pricing of these two new models.
Key features
- 40PS peak power and 37.5Nm peak torque
- Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, exceeds Euro 5 emissions
- Concealed liquid-cooling and machined cooling fins
- Trademark black powder-coated engine casings
- Characterful, compelling and responsive power delivery
- Evocative, rich and distinctive exhaust note
- 6-speed gearbox
- A high level of rider-focused technology
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Switchable Traction Control on both models
- Dual-channel ABS (switchable on Scrambler 400 X for off-road use)
- Torque-assist clutch
- Stylish new dual format instruments
- All-LED lighting
- Immobiliser
CUSTOMISATION
More than 25 genuine accessories are available for the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X.
Owners can configure their new motorcycle in the easy-to-use online configurator or they can purchase accessories from any authorised Triumph dealer. All Triumph accessories are covered by the same two-year unlimited mileage warranty.
