PREVIEW - 2024 Triumph Speed 400 & Scrambler 400 X
Words: Mike Ryan
Photos: Triumph
At present, Triumph have only two models that are LAMS legal for Australia – the Trident 660 and a de-tuned version of the Street Triple. That’s soon to change, though, with a pair of all-new models to wear the famous Triumph badge due for local release later this year.
Badged as the ‘Speed 400’ and Scrambler 400 X,’ the upcoming models will be part of Triumph’s Modern Classics family, alongside the Scrambler 900/1200, Speed Twin 900/2100, Thruxton RS and various Bonneville variants. But where those models are exclusively for full licence holders, the Speed 400 and Scrambler 440 X will be road legal for learners.
The 400 pair are all-new from the ground up and run single-cylinder engines; a feature not seen on a Triumph in five decades.
Both singles have been created in partnership with Indian manufacturer Bajaj and are aimed primarily at taking a slice of Royal Enfield’s market share in India, launching over there in July. The fact that they’re also suitable for our LAMS market is just a neat coincidence.
Triumph says the new models are designed to “deliver a fun, agile and confidence-inspiring ride for riders of all ages and experience levels”. They add that each model has class-leading capability, a high level of standard specification, long service intervals and a comprehensive warranty.
All these features obviously come at a price, but what that price will be hasn’t been revealed yet and won’t be until closer to Australian arrival.
Small Style
Both upcoming models were designed in the UK and carry styling similar to that of the full-size models in the Modern Classics range. There’s a familiar look to things like the fuel tank, side covers, seat and headlight, with engine styling echoing the larger capacity models, too.
Gold forks and machined engine finning (even though the powerplants are liquid-cooled) give a premium look, as do elements like the paint finish and treatment of the exhaust system.
While the pair share a lot, there are some key differences between the two, reflecting each model’s intended application. The road-focussed Street 400 has its own wheel design (17-inch front and rear), along with its own front mudguard, sidecover detailing, silencer accents, seat treatments and mirror positioning.
The Scrambler 400 X runs a longer front mudguard, has its own wheel design, adds a 19-inch front wheel and changes detailing on the sidecovers and exhaust. It also adds a two-barrel muffler, two-piece seat, braced handlebar, larger, grippier footpegs and a larger brake pedal. Handguards, a headlight guard, radiator guard and engine sump guard are standard, too.
Each model also gets its own paint and graphic options, with the Speed 400 to be available in Carnival Red, Caspian Blue or Phantom Black. The Scrambler 400 X will be offered in two-tone options defined by the signature ‘Scrambler’ diagonal tank stripe in a choice of Fusion White over Matt Khaki Green, Carnival Red over Phantom Black or Phantom Black over Silver Ice.
Common to all colour options are blackout treatments for the frame, wheels, engine and other parts, like the fork yokes, subframe, switchgear, mirrors and seat.
Newly Single
Powering both of the upcoming junior models is a 398cc liquid-cooled single that’s completely new and not a cut-down twin or triple. In honour of the historic Triumph Trophy and its world-beating performance in Six Day Trial competition, the new engine is called the ‘TR Series’.
The four-valve, DOHC, fuel-injected single produces 29.4kW at 8,000rpm and 37.5Nm at 6,500rpm, with performance the same for both models. Triumph says the single has been optimised for low-speed rideability, while still being responsive to throttle input and offering a rich and distinctive exhaust note.
The gearbox is a six-speed, offering light, precise gear selection, with perfectly-spaced ratios. A slipper clutch (Triumph calls it ‘Torque Assist’) is standard.
The Base
To optimise their intended usage, both the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X have specific chassis set-ups and geometry. The Scramber 400 X has a longer wheelbase and is larger in all dimensions, with a different rake and trail, too, despite using the same frame and general suspension configuration as the Speed 400.
That frame is a hybrid spine/perimeter type, made from tube steel, with a bolt-on rear subframe and aluminium swingarm.
Both 400s feature a 43mm big piston USD fork up front and monoshock rear suspension that has a remote reservoir and pre-load adjustability. The differences come down to travel: the Speed 400 has 140mm front and 130mm rear; while the Scrambler 400 X has 150mm front and 150mm rear.
Braking consists of a single disc front and rear, but where the Speed 400 has a 300mm front disc, the Scrambler 400 X has a larger 320mm disc. A four-piston radial front caliper is common to both (impressive for a 400 single), as is a 230mm rear disc with single-piston rear caliper and ABS. The Scrambler 400 X has switchable ABS and also uses a different pad compound for what Triumph says is reassuringly progressive braking performance.
Metzeler tyres are standard fitment – Sportec M9RR for the Speed 400 and Karoo Street for the Scrambler 400 X.
The Speed 400 has a 790mm seat height, while the Scrambler 400 X is at 835mm. The larger front wheel and extra protective kit on the Scrambler means it’s also heavier, at 179kg wet, compared to 170kg for the Speed 400.
Ergonomics are fairly neutral and similar on both models, with a narrow cross section making these LAMS models easy to straddle. Triumph calls the riding position “comfortable and engaging” for the Speed 400 and “upright and commanding” for the Scrambler 400 X. The main differences are a wider handlebar and lower, wider pegs on the Scrambler 400 X.
Tech Set
Both upcoming 400s are fitted with a strong set of tech features as standard. In addition to the aforementioned ABS, there’s also switchable traction control, a ride-by-wire throttle and USB-C charge socket.
The ‘dual format’ instrumentation combines an analogue speedometer with LCD screen for the revcounter, gear indicator, fuel level and other information. The data displayed on this screen can be adjusted via a scroll button on the switchgear.
All lighting is LED and an anti-theft immobiliser is standard.
From launch, a range of 25 accessories will be available, including luggage, seat and security options, as well as cosmetic items. Triumph will also offer the ability for customers to personalise their bike using on online configurator.
Coming Soon
Triumph have yet to confirm pricing for the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, but they do say that both will be “extremely competitive”. Using the Royal Enfield singles (the most obvious rival) as a yardstick, the asking price should be something around the $9,000 mark.
The warranty has been confirmed, at two years and unlimited kms, while service intervals of 16,000km are described as class-leading.
Pricing won’t be announced until closer to the Australian launch, which is set for December, 2023.
Until then, further details can be found at: triumphmotorcycles, where you can also add your name to the mailing list for updates from Triumph as they’re released.
