1) Scram vs Speed gearing: individual gear ratios are indeed the same. Final drive is one tooth out on the Scram 2) Link to crazy exhaust noise on a Speed 400: ua-cam.com/video/00Bdndq7r3s/v-deo.html 3) Use code UA-cam to get 10% off BTGMoto clothing and accessories here: ua-cam.com/channels/CEHXtTTBJs8etxD9mr436g.htmlstore
Primary and internal ratios are identical between Speed & Scrambler. Front sprocket is one tooth different but only to compensate for the different rear wheel circumference. Overall gearing is, on paper, exactly the same.
@@Mufga81 Thanks mate! I was literally just on the phone to my guy and he told me the same thing. It was that first gear ratio that surprised me a lot, it's a real crawler and not what I'd expect on a road bike.
Somtimes it's nice to let a fast bike be itself and not hold it back so much too. Sort of relaxing into the power of a fast bike. I'm sure many would agree it's fun to ride any bike fast especially when they are built for it.
Not in the U.S. Our roads are so wide and straight that if you ain't doing at least 80mph, you're getting passed by old ladies and truckers like you're standing still. And getting blown around on a little buzzy bike like a hummingbird in a hurricane is no fun.
At the age of 77, i have just bought this as my first new bike in 60 years of motorcycling. Having been a staunch bmw fan, with k1300 gt as my last tourer, which got me and the missus to Sicily 5 years ago, i must say that this 400 s has been a fantastic choice and i would highly recommend it to any one wanting to downsize.
Don't forget the Triumph Bonneville of the 60's and early 70's was 'only' 46hp and yet it was the flagship bike of the period and still give modern machinery a run for their money.
Interesting, no wonder the old 60s Bonnevilles were loved so much. t120 2023, 520 lbs wet, 79 HP My friends dad had a couple of Harleys before going back to a 60s t120. Looks like the speed 400 is actually a lot more similar to the classic t120 when comparing HP and weight which I quite like myself. Might go for a ride here in Canada today on my Duke 390.
Vegplot. 1970 Triumph T120 0-60 mph in 5.2 secs or 0-100 kmh in 5.5 secs - Speed 400 is 7 secs 0-100 kmh so is the Fantic Cabellero , exactly the same at 40hp too.
I own a speed 400, been riding it for 5 months, done 9000 kms. It is a good bike. The gear ratio is good, surprised at the power on the 6th gear. The front USD suspension is good. The best thing I like is the Ride By Wire Throttle - great response. V K Kumar Bangalore, India
I've watched a lot of reviews for this bike on youtube, this was far the most useful - Thank you. At 68yrs old, my Bonneville SE is starting to feel a bit heavy and I keep thinking back to my days in my 20's when I rode and loved my 400 Kawasaki before moving on to GT750 Kettles. Time for a test ride I think.
This type of bike will be attractive to older seniors that still want to ride the scenic routes and are past the point in life that high speeds, overweight bikes and the need for 180hp machines to enjoy a day out cruising the curvy roads more towards the legal speedlimit ranges. As many of us continue to age we start losing muscle mass that makes riding bigger heavier bikes less comfortable in our older ages but we do not want to stay in the recliner either!
I think there's a whole video on this topic. Although my 72 year old Dad has just bought another Goldwing, after talking seriously about downsizing for a few months.
Having test ridden a Trident 660 it is a very fun an encouraging bike, quite agile and of course a great looker. Definitely worth a try, I had my heart set on the XSR700 though. I briefly sat on the Speed 400 in a UK dealer and was impressed by the quality and how big bike it felt.
Ancient Brit here. Had enough of bloody big heavy bikes over the decades. I scaled down to a Caballero 500 , very similar spec. I love it. 40 hp is great on a lightweight like this,,,, Although,,,, I bet there’s a couple more to be squeezed out of it with aftermarket pipe etc.!
I am 68yo and a motorcyclist for 55 years. There is an aging of motorcyclists here in the US, motorcycle manufactures are trying to change this, but even as they do riders like me are aging out of the sport. Older riders like me need a light weight motorcycle with a lower seat height; a bike that also has excellent handling and great brakes. For us old guys it’s this or a trike. I’m being serious, no joke. From this viewpoint light weight singles make a lot of sense for older guys . I would very much like to see you tweak the suspension on this Triumph Speed 400. Maybe chip the motor too. Triumph might even sponsor you in this effort, or at least provide guidance because they will be racing the Speed 400 in the 400 class I’m certain. I’d also like to see a comparison test: Triumph Speed 400 vs KTM 390 Duke vs Husqvarna Vitpilen 401. Cage match, winner take all!
Thanks for the considered comment, and thanks for the sub! Light bikes are essential to the market now more than ever. The trend for 250kg+ being normal is impractical, in my opinion
also 55 years riding with 51 on the street. i'm 5' 9" 165 lbs and chose the Trident 660 and could not be happier. Get enough bike to get away from stupid cagers.
Thanks for the great review. I ride a 2018 Speedmaster, and it's so nimble and responsive. I think Triumph is just nailing it with their production in the past few years.
First video ever watched, immediately subscribed! Love the sound of the engines and the reactions to the bike. I'm going to check out one of these on Tuesday this week as a possible first bike. The engine sounds like so much fun!
Test drove one for one hour 2 weeks ago, and now I own one since one week. So much fun. Using it at a second bike to just cruise, my BMW F900R always wants to push, this is just pure fun. And yes, I was like '40HP', pfff right. But that whole experience changed after a few minutes. It is really that good, esspecialy for the price. Made me forget the RE Interceptor in one afternoon. It is a special thing, gonna keep it with me for many years, just for FUN.
@@HumphreyvanLee It certainly looks like it is, but for me it's a bit important. As my current bike only tops out at 70, I was hoping to get something at least in the 90 range to fare better on the highway though.
My father-in-law has an original early 60s BSA Gold Star. It’s a 170kg bike with about 40hp. If the “new” BSA had been something like this instead of being a lardy 213kg with a 650cc engine developing only 45hp, then I would have considered one; but the 400s from Triumph absolutely knock them for six. I have ridden the Scrambler 400, paid my deposit, and am looking forward very much to getting it.
My W800 only has a bit more power than this and about another 40 kilos to haul around. I have no trouble keeping ahead of the traffic or following mates on Sunday rides. It has ample performance for the real world. What I love about these more "modest" motorcycles is that you can actually thrash them a bit and have a little fun without going warp speed. You can actually ride them the way that God intended. Honestly, I'd rather have something like the Triumph 400 than some horsepower monster. Nursing big horsepower bikes on public roads just isn't anywhere near as much fun as riding something like this, like you stole it. We've forgotten that. Add to that how easy bikes like this are to get on and off the stand, wheel around the shed etc and the low maintenance costs and you just can't go wrong, surely.
God intended me to ride fast. Different religion I guess. What traffic do you have to keep ahead, tractors ? Riding my 765 is waaay more fun than a w800, and I ride in the real world. You can thrash it, just keep in lower gears, overtake because of the power on tap and then have a clear road ahead. It also handles soooo much better round the bumpy country lanes. It’s beautiful at just pottering around as well, as being 40k !! light than yours it’s so nimble. When did heavier and less power become better ?
@@douglasalexander4348 765 what? Triumph? I'm not quite sure what point you're trying to make? My only contention is that you don't need 160+bhp to have fun and it can actually be a hinderance "in the real world". What you enjoy riding is up to you. It's good that you're happy with your bike.
It‘s always more fun to drive a slow bike fast as driving a fast bike slow… In the actual traffic 20hp from a RE Classic 350 or even a 125 scooter can be enough, so a 40hp bike with only 170kg is more then enough on B roads to make you smile from ear to ear! These big 1liter 200hp rockets have maybe their place on the race track, but on the road they are a pure stress to ride…
Came to your channel via a link to this review. Enjoyed it so subbed then blimey watched your day with a GS road trail track and thought absolutely no way will the little 400 cope with you ability or need for speed….. fun watching you take it to its limits though. Thanks for the content. Ride safe
I'm actual a simple man of simple pleasures. But the kid inside me will often take the controls. Hence why I sold the ZX10R so quickly. Anyway, you haven't seen me riding my built Suzuki 125 scram to work on the same route, it looks almost the same LOL
No issue with buying ex demo bikes, so long as they’re serviced etc you should have no more problems than buying out of the crate - possibly fewer as any issues will have been corrected before you get your hands on it. Sold loads of ex demo bikes without issue. During development the prototypes will get far more abuse than Joe Bloggs can give them.
@@btgmoto we used to say, if you want a fast bike thrash it from get go, if you want it to last forever then run in as per instructions. Most problems I encountered in my 25 years in the trade were caused by folk being over cautious with running in rather than being over enthusiastic.
I toured around the country pulling a trailer while riding a 50hp motorcycle (Suzuki Boulevard C50). My weight and the trailer weight probably totaled about 400-450 lbs. The bike handled it with no trouble. Though I did have to downshift to maintain speed on especially steep hills when I was fully loaded.
seems true/ the 50 in the Suzuki C50 refers to cubic inches if I remember correctly it is somewhere around 900 to 1000 cc,,, but I am not very quotable on that one.@@chrispekel5709
I am german and I also ride "UK style" ;-) Own Super Duke 3.0 and HD and love them both. I also enjoy small motorcycles, but I wouldn't want to give up the torque of the big ones. Great review👍🏻
an old triumph bonneville was 40 hp!.that was enough for most men.great review btw .also,i have a honda xl600r 1984 model,similar horsepower but less weight for some reason.
I just text-drove a Triumph 400 today, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I owned a 1968 Bonneville in 1968 and now I ride a 350 RE. The 350 is heavier than the Bonny was and under-powered. But, it looks -IMO - like a motorcycle should look. I got to ride the 400 around the lot and on some side streets, with a Triumph staff guy riding ahead of me. I found that it is indeed light and so easy to maneuver and, as other reviewers have said, jerky in acceleration in low gears. To put it bluntly the gearing is too high. Something you just have to get used to - slipping the clutch a lot riding slow in the city. I really liked the way it accelerated fast in 3d and 4th gear and the way it stopped fast. All the reviewers say this 400 is good-looking. I can't see it. For me the RE still looks like a motorcycle is supposed to look. To me the difference in cost - it was over $4,000.00 for the RE and less than 5,000.00 for the Triumph - makes the Triumph the better buy, clearly. Maybe I will make a deal before the end of the year - before Triumph raises the price. BTGmoto said the bike was great but he would change the suspension, both front and rear. Why? He said it handles great. I would change the gearing, if it could be done without a hell of a lot of trouble, after the break-in, warranty period. Find a rear sprocket with fewer teeth, I think. Make the take off in low gear more civilized and also make for a higher top speed, easier on the engine while cruising on the highways.
It 's actually one of the best looking bikes - regardless category or size. In an ideal world, I would have 2-3 bikes: One would be a MotoGuzzi V100 Mandello, and the other one would be Speed 400, for every day commuting or whenever I feel like relaxing or tired (but have to go somewhere).
I just traded my 130hp rocket for a 90 hp tiger. I still enjoy my wife’s new speed 400. Sure it doesn’t have the same acceleration but it’s got plenty enough power and torque to enjoy hills and back roads. I don’t think I’d like to do a road trip on it but as an everyday bikes is smile for miles.
Best ever video of all I've seen on this bike you rode it like you stole it, excellent sound from the pipe love the flashing rev counter now I see the attraction of buying one in fact I'm very excited and can't wait to spend the money I'm truly excited for the first time about this bike, thankyou for the best motivated video ever about the 400 Triumph 😂. Nice one dude.
I purchased a blue speed 400 this past week, and it is an absolutely incredible first bike. I did ride >200cc dirtbikes 15 years ago, but.. For a first proper bike, it is great. And no, my kill switch hasnt killed itself... Yet? Lol
Now I live in Germany, and back in the late eighties I owned a Honda NX 250 with 26 hp. And I toured most of Europe on that little bike. I had no problems at all on the autobahns, although even now with a bike capable of 150mph I still avoid riding on them. And changeing a sprocket in Germany means paper work, because it has to be put into the log book.
Haha I once got a ticket for having a 120/70 front on my ZX6R, because in the papers Kawasaki had put 120/65, even though that was a weird size that nobody even stocked.
40BHP is more than plenty, it might just be perfect as you get to use the full capabilities of the bike, not just 20-50%. I ordered mine back in October, and it should be ready for pickup in 1-2 weeks here in Denmark. Yes at least 1 tooth up on the front sprocket, it will only make it even more fun if you gear it to the point where you need to work the gears a bit more. Also, I don't want it to redline before 130 km/h as some roads in Dk calls for that 🙂 Great review
I was 9 stone when I started riding bikes on the road back in 1993 aged 16. I had a 125 with about 28hp derestricted. I'm now 11 stone. I think this bike would be perfect for some chilled out riding.
at my local motorcycle club of mostly retired gents (i'm not retired yet) - this bike is causing quite a stir, one is on order and he had to scour the country for a red one and everyone else is either looking forward to seeing it shortly or talking about getting one.... a bit too small for me because I'm tall, so I ride a Z650RS. Now if they made a taller 650 twin, that I'd be interested in. I'm going on a 150m trip to devon this summer on the Z650RS with panniers and I don't think I'd like to undertake that motorway trip on this bike. Enjoyed your video by the way, subscribing, thanks
Definitely not a great motorway bike, but it's far from impossible. But sticking to speed limits plus 10% is very easy, and enjoyable on every other road. A d cornering is *chef's kiss*
Oh yeah, legal 100 km/h on the right German B-roads. High time for some slightly warmer weather. I could ver well live with this bike. Mine is a Honda NT650GT Hawk/ Bros. About 58 bhp V-twin grunt with only 10 more kg but this would suit me as well. Real fun at reasonable speeds.
@@btgmoto I actually own two 650’s. One special with a Honda Fireblade upside down fork plus bodywork and fairing I designed and built myself. So I pumped it up / pimped it, so to speak. Out of gratitude it blew a valve. So I bought cheap extra one for parts. That one however runs like a clock so I kept it as well, which has further delayed getting my special back on the road. And yes, my life is always this complicated. 😁
I picked mine up about 5 weeks ago. Pretty much agree with all of your observations with the possible exception of the exhaust. I bought it for those "Gee, what a lovely day for a ride" days when I just didn't want to haul out 300 kilos of Tiger Explorer. And it looks absolutely gorgeous. I'm 78 and have been riding since 1961, so... Old saying: It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. This is the perfect weapon for riding the local back roads (B Roads for my friends across the pond). Have added a Dart flyscreen and have a tail tidy coming in from India tomorrow. I may drop a tooth or two off the rear sprocket - 1st gear is absurd - and probably won't mess with the suspension. I don't think that I'll be riding it hard enough to warrant the expense and effort.
What gradient will a 40 BHP bike cruise up at 60 mph? Only built up areas in Wales have the 20mph limits despite what knowitalls like you insist. It used to be called lying. .
Three years ago I bought a Husqvarna Svartpilen 125. 15hp, 150something kg. Pretty much the same bike as the 401, main differences being the engine, non-adjustable shocks and no quick shift. I had a blast on that bike, did over 4000km over the summer. But I did conclude that it should have had ~10hp more to be able to hit the motorway from time to time. Like the two stroke 125s of the late 80's. So yes, 40hp should be plenty enough for a fun ride along twisty roads. 25hp would've been enough for me on the roads I mostly ride on. I ended up trading it in for a Svart 701 -20. More power than what I need for my riding, but I don't mind too much :) And this bike is a keeper. Thumper life!
It seems to be the sort of bike that it would be the go to machine in your quiver. You’d still ride your other bikes for special occasions and going big distances but , like a new record that you play till it’s worn out, the 400 would be the one you mainly choose . It would be my choice for general motor biking.
Thanks for the effort on producing this review. Really helpful. Had a street triple about 10 years back and have been riding a 150cc scooter for commute in the city for the past 5 years.... really considering this as an option for the occassional commute and weekend trips as i dont feel like i want to maintain a big bike anymore ... Great review. Greetings from KL, Malaysia.
This is the best test ride of the Speed 400 I have séen. You ride the bike like anyone would like to. Other YT influencers are dawdling along too slow. I hope you have an opportunity to ride the Scrambler 400 for a comparison. Sub'd!
Often overlooked is where the engine makes its power and what reserve power is available at highway speeds. Probably 90 percent of bikes over 150 cc can manage secondary highway speeds and 350 cc bikes can do interstate speeds. Of course if you are riding into a 25 to 35 mph headwind you have a problem. Then you are in the mountains or steep hills and Still have that wind situation. Riding a bike comes with certain dangers and risks over which you have no control. So doing anything that increases these dangers and risks is not sound thinking or common sense. Around town or limited commuter use or as a starter bike on back roads OK. If you plan to do any traveling or get out on the big roads, you need a 20 percent power reserve above posted speed limit. This minimizes your performance losses due to headwind
The problem for someone like you, is the experience level you possess will leave you wanting for more horsepower the more you ride it, which is why so many manufacturers have built the 700 class parallel twins these days. Kinda like the sweet spot for power and performance.
Complaining about the weight of bikes while dismissing the fact that you are 100 kilos yourself. Also, you are clearly the kind of rider that wants to put unsociable exhausts on perfectly good existing exhausts (never mind disturbing everyone else with insufferable excessive noise). You've also just demonstrated that 40hp is more than adequate for almost all European roads, having overtaken every vehicle you came across with consumate ease. I wish you well with your channel which will no doubt grow if you can temper your hubris.
I rode on the first Dragon rally to Wales in 1962. It was icy. On the second stretch I tagged onto a pair riding a 500 BSA Gold Star. We had a fantastic ride along the curvy Welsh roads to the camp site. Pulled up very cold but happy. The chap on the Goldie looked at my bike with a smile and said "That goes well" The remark was for my 197cc 1958 James Captain, all 7hp😅. I was able to keep up with the Goldie on those twistie Welsh roads.
Hello from Sweden. Would be interesting to know how the Triumph handles when pushed hard. At the age of 78, I'm not as fast as I once was. Have a Ninja 300, about same power and weight as the Triumph. For a cheap bike surprises many how fast it goes in the corners. Have passed a lot of 1000cc sportbikes in corners on trackdays. But only 110 Mph on a straight line. Anyway, straight roads are just boring. Would be interesting to see how the Triumph would handle the bumpy northern part of the Mountain Course. The little Ninja didn't like it. Though the -59 350 Manx with 36 hp and 140kg is more entertaining. Handles well even by modern standards but completely empty under 4000 rpm. Makes it a bit tricky in hairpins.
If I had the money for a third bike, this would be it! What a beautiful machine! 😁 Two comments: Please reconsider making your bike louder by swapping the exhaust. There are already quite a number of popular routes that are closed for motorcycles because of the noise problem. And many more discussions going on, so stop giving those arguments , who want to ban us from beautiful and popular motorcycle roads! Second: No bike today is made for riders of 100kg, but maybe it`s time for manufacturers to reconsider their suspension design for different geographies of the world?
I am about 130kg and ride a cb400n (Superdream). I keep swapping the front cog, round town one tooth less is fab commuting and hooning around, but any distance on A roads and I am hunting for 6th. 400 wth 43bhp is just enough. I love that middle weight bikes are becoming a thing again.
Nice video! I bought my 765R from Mellow in Frankfurt, friendly motorcycle dealer, I test rode the Tiger Sport 660 whilst my bike was in for it's first service, anyway you need to update your BIO, congratulations on reaching 1000 subs...👍
You should definitely try the Trident 660, if you haven’t already, as an alternative to the Speed 400. It’s a much higher specification bike, but not necessarily better. You could buy the Speed 400 and save $3500 for gas, accessories and adventures. Also a better shock out back and stiffer springs up front, per your comment. As for tracking it? Why not?! They’ve had small displacement classes for as long as they’ve had racing. I’ve been riding almost 30 years, and I’ve got a definite itch to get one of these. I’ve never owned a brand new bike, and my first bike was a Suzuki GS500E, which was slow, but very light and flickable. This looks like it would be a great commuter and back road scratcher for me, without breaking the bank. Cheers 🍻!!
Great video, thanks! I'm 59 years old, said for decades that everything under 1 liter is not a bike. And now - after 184 HP - and in the best faith I'm seriously considering such a pimped wheelchair? My older me would probably put me in a retirement home right away!
Hi Dale, You might remember me, Marc from Canada and a little younger than you. I rented a Swift from you about 10 years ago, Nov 2013 and did some laps at the Ring. I've also done a little Sim racing with you a few years ago. Anyway, I just bumped into your YT channel. The new Speed 400 and Daytona look to both be great bikes. I have a 2021 Duke 390 with Akra and similar specs to the speed 400, I love it. The fun factor is very high since it's engaging going through the gears and you can ride it quite hard on the roads with less chance of penalties and still ride on the highways with no problem. The Twisties and trail braking into sharp turns is great fun. I do 2K KM a month on mine. Which one to buy? Flip a coin, they're all great. I'm headed to Tail of the Dragon this summer, I don't use my GoPro to collect evidence though 😂 Take care Dale. Almost forgot, funny you talked about gears, mine has 15t front and 45 rear sprocket and was looking at 16t front sprocket earlier today for a little longer gearing which some others use.
If it brings you joy, you should buy it. But How long will this joy last? That is the question you should ask yourself. I bought the ZX4RR. It brings me a lot of joy. I've had it for 3 months and it still is bringing me just as much joy as the first day I rode it home. Not too much and not too little. She is a real Goldilocks.
When I saw the 4RR get launched, I was so pleased. Not gonna buy one tho, mainly because I have a modded 600RR that does nearly the same thing. I had so many 400s in the past though, loved them all.
I had a small bike epiphany recently, thinking that on UK's congested, speed limited & pot holed roads no-one needed over 650cc. I bought a sexy looking SWM 440 on the basis of seeing one ridden on a German YT video. It was rubbish, had to be thrashed everywhere, a first gear good for about 5 metres before changing up, twitchy in the corners & not enough power to confidently overtake. I like the Triumph but fear I could make the same mistake, so I'm back with an SV650 for now. At least L have a local Triumph dealer so a test ride is on the cards this time.
I had a test ride on the little 400.. I was impressed by the lightness.easy to move about.yes it not quick but it's not everything. Knocks the spots off the royal Enfield though.and value for money.we done triumph
yes, 40 hp is more than enough. I had a CB 500 Four 1975 and it had 48 Hp in a very heavier bike and it was great on the open road. I haven't driven the 400 Speed yet but it is lighter and has good torque, I bet it will be fantastic on open road
Very nice video. I had already put down a deposit on a 2024 Vitpilen but now I booked a test ride on a Speed 400 for next weekend. Looks matter and the Vitpilen's design might look dated in the long run, meanwhile the Speed 400 looks like a motorcycle "should" look. I think it will remain beautiful for decades to come. At +50 I'm probably also a bit too old for the TFT display on Vitpilen, I like the analoge of the Triumph better. Will see after my test run. Cheers for the vid :)
Both are on my shortlist … I like how each looks, for different reasons. I’m a bit cold on what Japanese bikes became regarding the “angry insect” look, and their naked bikes mostly look like they’re missing the fairings.
Thanks for your honest and great review. I completely agree on many of your comments. My first great motorcycle love was - no, not my first bike a small 250 cc - but the then (1989) brand-spanking new Suzy GS 500 E with 46 odd horsepower and a massive, MASSIVE, 130/70 section rear tyre. That's wider than 1100s and 1300s of the time. Still to this day it gave me so much fun compared to say the overly obese and sluggish VFR 800 I owned a few years back. Weight is king and somewhere between 40 and 70 hp is perfect for the road.
Really enjoyed your review. Answered most of my questions. Test rode one today and bought it in blue. I'm 67 and was looking for something lighter and smaller than my R1200GS which has been getting bigger and heavier as each year goes by. Thanks.
My first new motocycle after Uni was a 1978 Honda CB400T1, a 39 HP twin. It was fun, quick, and just "big" enough to ride comfortably on the highway. I have to admit I fell for the siren call of horsepower and ended up with a carefully jetted Yamaha FZ1 that dyno'd a very real 129 hp. In my mind that was a truly great all rounder. It was fast and stable on the track and would tour comfortably all day long. A 400cc bike is nice but its a bit small for a great all-rounder.
Now that I'm old, I'm done being a boy racer, black leather hog rider, and am ready for just enough bike. 40hp moved the beetle along at a good clip, and a motorcycle weighs considerably less.
This Bike could get alot more people riding. In the old days I had friends that had single cylinder bikes that the gear shifter was on the right Norton maybe, they were some of the first bikes that I wanted. When I was Young.
Rode my 35bhp Moto Morini for 33k mls. South of France, Yugoslavia, 2 up (we're not big) . With an 8k red line it would hold 7k all day down the autobahn. Having hit 70 it's time to downsize from my vfr 800 and this is a real contender, just got to check if changing the gearing will fit with the warranty.
I have the Tiger 800 as well and have the 400x on order. Should be delivered here in Virginia around early March. Can’t image getting ride of the Tiger 800…look forward to using this for light off roading that will be more comfortable on the 400x than the Tiger. After a few months I’ll decide if it makes sense to keep both or if I can live without the Tiger…so many tough decisions.😊
I'm in the same boat with the Tiger 800, I've had mine since 2015. It's a great bike, and it's a handful off-road. I'm just an old guy (62) looking to continue riding as long as I can. A lighter bike would be the best choice if I want to continue to ride an occasional trail now and then. I'm caught up between the KTM 390 adv and the 400x. Both are very capable for what I want to do, I'll just have to make the time for a test ride with each one. Thanks for posting this review ✌️
I changed the 15 teeth sprocket for a 17 on my Tenere and I am STILL looking for the 7th gear every now and then. 1st is still short enough but feels much smoother with 17 teeth now.
I have an Mt03 321cc 41hp. Yes it is plenty, 4th 5th and 6th can all comfortably exceed current speed limits, i recently had use of a Cb500 my 321 is more fun and just as quick.
I am thinking about riding my 96 Goldwing with trailer to the dealership. They seemed interested. I live on a dirt road that gets a lot of sand after every rain. Not fun on a 1000 pound easy boy.
Hello again, I've already ridden a few hundred kilometers with my Triumph Speed 400, and I'm really attached to this motorcycle. Your observations about the short gear ratio are very accurate. I wonder if changing the sprockets would make a difference? The engine itself has a lot of potential, with sufficient torque and a great sound. The front brakes grip well, and personally, I find the chassis very good. It's assembled with high quality and worth every penny.
My first bike was a Yardman moped. 50cc and a top speed of 25 mph. Lots of fun in city traffic and I could Lane split where sports bikes couldn't. It was legal street racing 😉
Tried a 400 Scrambler last week, did not have enough power for me and I don’t consider myself a quick rider, I don’t think I need the power my current bike has but this is not enough for me.
Sounds great, brings out the hooligan, wouldn't bother with a new pipe the soundtrack is the "bike", why spend more, when you could spend it on heated grips (your going to need them in winter and autumn, a top box, or throw overs, and possibly a small screen, and hand guards, this bike reminds me of the Yamaha szr660 I had (weighs 159kg) and was a complete hoot to ride! About time triumph brought out more affordable offerings that are fun to ride and don't cost a mortgage to buy.
If it was a 600, and taller, Id actually like to buy one. I think 40hp is plenty to have fun but on the highway it sounds like youd need a 7th gear to cruise along. This seems like a perfect city bike!
It's nice to see Triumph giving some competition and choice in the smaller displacement marketplace. At a similar price point, this bike appeals to me more than the Royal Enfield 350s, and obviously out-performs them by a considerable margin.
Yeah, it's really up there on performance. I read that Honda will be doing more with the CB350 platform soon (ADV, etc). But it's only 22hp. This is much more useful.
Love the overall look of the bike with one exception, that horrid radiator that hides the engine and downpipe must have been designed the the Hammer House of Horrors, it really needs to go and be replaced with something with a bit of chrome about it and hopefully something smaller.
I find that reports on various bikes there’s no mention of rider comfort levels. At 77 with a Honda ADV350 the ride is fairly hard, the shock on the body travels up the spine. My question is how soft/comfortable is the triumph ?
My 1969 T120R 650 Bonneville is 363 lb wet and 46 hp doesnt have "Awsome" bar end mirrors tho , will reach over 110 + mph and just went to south of france and back on it:; Progress is a wonderful thing !
1) Scram vs Speed gearing: individual gear ratios are indeed the same. Final drive is one tooth out on the Scram
2) Link to crazy exhaust noise on a Speed 400: ua-cam.com/video/00Bdndq7r3s/v-deo.html
3) Use code UA-cam to get 10% off BTGMoto clothing and accessories here: ua-cam.com/channels/CEHXtTTBJs8etxD9mr436g.htmlstore
The Scrambler has one teeth less in the front sprocket.. Meaning it's shorter geared than Speed slightly..
@@pravinmurthy Which more or less compensates for the bigger wheel size on the Scrambler.
I heard somewhere that the X has a 14 where the Speed has a 15
Primary and internal ratios are identical between Speed & Scrambler. Front sprocket is one tooth different but only to compensate for the different rear wheel circumference. Overall gearing is, on paper, exactly the same.
@@Mufga81 Thanks mate! I was literally just on the phone to my guy and he told me the same thing. It was that first gear ratio that surprised me a lot, it's a real crawler and not what I'd expect on a road bike.
It's always better to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
words to live by!
It depends, if I was just riding local roads then yes but I like a bigger bike when doing long road trips.
Somtimes it's nice to let a fast bike be itself and not hold it back so much too. Sort of relaxing into the power of a fast bike.
I'm sure many would agree it's fun to ride any bike fast especially when they are built for it.
Not in the U.S. Our roads are so wide and straight that if you ain't doing at least 80mph, you're getting passed by old ladies and truckers like you're standing still. And getting blown around on a little buzzy bike like a hummingbird in a hurricane is no fun.
@@btgmoto Amen to that!! :D (and, straights are for fast bikes, corners are for fast riders... ;) :D )
At the age of 77, i have just bought this as my first new bike in 60 years of motorcycling. Having been a staunch bmw fan, with k1300 gt as my last tourer, which got me and the missus to Sicily 5 years ago, i must say that this 400 s has been a fantastic choice and i would highly recommend it to any one wanting to downsize.
Don't forget the Triumph Bonneville of the 60's and early 70's was 'only' 46hp and yet it was the flagship bike of the period and still give modern machinery a run for their money.
I would bet (haven't' checked) that it was probably twice the weight though! :( Weight is almost EVERYTHING!! ;) :)
@@mattmutane5502 The period T120 was 402 lb (182 kg) wet so slightly heavier.
Interesting, no wonder the old 60s Bonnevilles were loved so much.
t120 2023, 520 lbs wet, 79 HP
My friends dad had a couple of Harleys before going back to a 60s t120.
Looks like the speed 400 is actually a lot more similar to the classic t120 when comparing HP and weight which I quite like myself.
Might go for a ride here in Canada today on my Duke 390.
You where right, until you typed your last sentence...
Vegplot. 1970 Triumph T120 0-60 mph in 5.2 secs or 0-100 kmh in 5.5 secs - Speed 400 is 7 secs 0-100 kmh
so is the Fantic Cabellero , exactly the same at 40hp too.
I had a 20 minute test ride on the scrambler last Tuesday. I pick one up next Wednesday. No brainer for me. Loved it!!!
Enjoy the new ride!
Got the Speed 400 on 1st March
Tested the SPEED will do scrambler in few days.. Though I might wait check out the Enfield 450 Scram when it lands.
*Crap Game* 🎉
@@Plough78 Triumph has street cred
I own a speed 400, been riding it for 5 months, done 9000 kms.
It is a good bike. The gear ratio is good, surprised at the power on the 6th gear. The front USD suspension is good. The best thing I like is the Ride By Wire Throttle - great response.
V K Kumar
Bangalore, India
Thanks for the feedback! It's a great motorcycle
Thank you, I'm thinking of buying it. Either this or a Royal Enfield
I've watched a lot of reviews for this bike on youtube, this was far the most useful - Thank you.
At 68yrs old, my Bonneville SE is starting to feel a bit heavy and I keep thinking back to my days in my 20's when I rode and loved my 400 Kawasaki before moving on to GT750 Kettles. Time for a test ride I think.
Excellent demo of the bike. So much more informative than the UA-cam influencers we usually see.
Wow, thanks! I'm honoured. :)
This type of bike will be attractive to older seniors that still want to ride the scenic routes and are past the point in life that high speeds, overweight bikes and the need for 180hp machines to enjoy a day out cruising the curvy roads more towards the legal speedlimit ranges.
As many of us continue to age we start losing muscle mass that makes riding bigger heavier bikes less comfortable in our older ages but we do not want to stay in the recliner either!
I think there's a whole video on this topic. Although my 72 year old Dad has just bought another Goldwing, after talking seriously about downsizing for a few months.
Buy it! The upgrades and tuning will make great content. I have to believe you'll be one of the first UA-camrs to mod one.
That's been going through my mind a lot this week...
Do it , I’d love that
@@btgmoto Do it Do it Do it!!
@@btgmoto get the scrambler and enter a whole new world..offroadin
@@leeinwis I already have a Tuareg 660 for that, thanks! Loads of vids offroadin on my channel ;)
Having test ridden a Trident 660 it is a very fun an encouraging bike, quite agile and of course a great looker. Definitely worth a try, I had my heart set on the XSR700 though. I briefly sat on the Speed 400 in a UK dealer and was impressed by the quality and how big bike it felt.
Yeah, it has that 'big bike' feel, that's so much better than a lot of cheaper 125-500s.
Ancient Brit here. Had enough of bloody big heavy bikes over the decades. I scaled down to a Caballero 500 , very similar spec. I love it.
40 hp is great on a lightweight like this,,,,
Although,,,, I bet there’s a couple more to be squeezed out of it with aftermarket pipe etc.!
Same here, I went for the Ducati 400 Sixty2 model.
Now that's a rare machine!
Same for me too, after surgery having to ditch bigger bikes, just bought the triumph speed 400, can’t wait for it to arrive
@@helenm6474 Hi Helen and congratulations! 👍👍What is the waiting time now?
@@longjonwhite thanks! About five months, first bike I’ve bought without even testing it, so could be interesting!
I am 68yo and a motorcyclist for 55 years. There is an aging of motorcyclists here in the US, motorcycle manufactures are trying to change this, but even as they do riders like me are aging out of the sport.
Older riders like me need a light weight motorcycle with a lower seat height; a bike that also has excellent handling and great brakes. For us old guys it’s this or a trike. I’m being serious, no joke. From this viewpoint light weight singles make a lot of sense for older guys
.
I would very much like to see you tweak the suspension on this Triumph Speed 400. Maybe chip the motor too. Triumph might even sponsor you in this effort, or at least provide guidance because they will be racing the Speed 400 in the 400 class I’m certain.
I’d also like to see a comparison test: Triumph Speed 400 vs KTM 390 Duke vs Husqvarna Vitpilen 401. Cage match, winner take all!
Thanks for the considered comment, and thanks for the sub! Light bikes are essential to the market now more than ever. The trend for 250kg+ being normal is impractical, in my opinion
also 55 years riding with 51 on the street. i'm 5' 9" 165 lbs and chose the Trident 660 and could not be happier. Get enough bike to get away from stupid cagers.
Thanks for the great review. I ride a 2018 Speedmaster, and it's so nimble and responsive. I think Triumph is just nailing it with their production in the past few years.
Totally agree! If you think the Speedmaster is nimble, at 263kg, you won't believe the difference that dropping 100kg/220lbs makes :)
First video ever watched, immediately subscribed! Love the sound of the engines and the reactions to the bike. I'm going to check out one of these on Tuesday this week as a possible first bike. The engine sounds like so much fun!
Awesome! Thank you!
I love the sound of a single .. you could ride all day just listening to the melody and be happy ..
Thumper time!
Stop obsessing over hp and enjoy the bike for what it is.
Which is... a great liddle bike
But its not a nice looking bike - unlike the RE Classic 350
@@derekcostello1016 its a very nice looking bike. What are you going on about?!
@@teej1987 Awesome looking bike .
Test drove one for one hour 2 weeks ago, and now I own one since one week. So much fun. Using it at a second bike to just cruise, my BMW F900R always wants to push, this is just pure fun. And yes, I was like '40HP', pfff right. But that whole experience changed after a few minutes. It is really that good, esspecialy for the price. Made me forget the RE Interceptor in one afternoon. It is a special thing, gonna keep it with me for many years, just for FUN.
What's your top speed you've gotten it to?
@@Marina-bd4le Not important, it is just fun!
@@HumphreyvanLee It certainly looks like it is, but for me it's a bit important. As my current bike only tops out at 70, I was hoping to get something at least in the 90 range to fare better on the highway though.
Ah like that, it does 100kph easily
@@HumphreyvanLee I forgot to add it was 70mph. I hope it does a bit more, so 144kph where I'd love to be at.
My father-in-law has an original early 60s BSA Gold Star. It’s a 170kg bike with about 40hp. If the “new” BSA had been something like this instead of being a lardy 213kg with a 650cc engine developing only 45hp, then I would have considered one; but the 400s from Triumph absolutely knock them for six. I have ridden the Scrambler 400, paid my deposit, and am looking forward very much to getting it.
Congratulations!
My W800 only has a bit more power than this and about another 40 kilos to haul around. I have no trouble keeping ahead of the traffic or following mates on Sunday rides. It has ample performance for the real world.
What I love about these more "modest" motorcycles is that you can actually thrash them a bit and have a little fun without going warp speed. You can actually ride them the way that God intended. Honestly, I'd rather have something like the Triumph 400 than some horsepower monster. Nursing big horsepower bikes on public roads just isn't anywhere near as much fun as riding something like this, like you stole it. We've forgotten that. Add to that how easy bikes like this are to get on and off the stand, wheel around the shed etc and the low maintenance costs and you just can't go wrong, surely.
It's a great bike, and to be honest, most people don't need much more. But bikes are rarely about 'needs' and more about 'wants'
@@btgmoto Very true.
God intended me to ride fast. Different religion I guess. What traffic do you have to keep ahead, tractors ? Riding my 765 is waaay more fun than a w800, and I ride in the real world. You can thrash it, just keep in lower gears, overtake because of the power on tap and then have a clear road ahead. It also handles soooo much better round the bumpy country lanes. It’s beautiful at just pottering around as well, as being 40k !! light than yours it’s so nimble. When did heavier and less power become better ?
@@douglasalexander4348 765 what? Triumph? I'm not quite sure what point you're trying to make?
My only contention is that you don't need 160+bhp to have fun and it can actually be a hinderance "in the real world".
What you enjoy riding is up to you. It's good that you're happy with your bike.
It‘s always more fun to drive a slow bike fast as driving a fast bike slow…
In the actual traffic 20hp from a RE Classic 350 or even a 125 scooter can be enough, so a 40hp bike with only 170kg is more then enough on B roads to make you smile from ear to ear!
These big 1liter 200hp rockets have maybe their place on the race track, but on the road they are a pure stress to ride…
Came to your channel via a link to this review. Enjoyed it so subbed then blimey watched your day with a GS road trail track and thought absolutely no way will the little 400 cope with you ability or need for speed….. fun watching you take it to its limits though. Thanks for the content. Ride safe
I'm actual a simple man of simple pleasures. But the kid inside me will often take the controls. Hence why I sold the ZX10R so quickly. Anyway, you haven't seen me riding my built Suzuki 125 scram to work on the same route, it looks almost the same LOL
Best demonstration of why you should never buy an ex demo bike.
To be fair, all my bikes got ran in with heat cycles not miles. Never had a problem, and had some pretty high milage bikes too
No issue with buying ex demo bikes, so long as they’re serviced etc you should have no more problems than buying out of the crate - possibly fewer as any issues will have been corrected before you get your hands on it. Sold loads of ex demo bikes without issue. During development the prototypes will get far more abuse than Joe Bloggs can give them.
Modern metals and oil have made a significant difference.
@@btgmoto we used to say, if you want a fast bike thrash it from get go, if you want it to last forever then run in as per instructions. Most problems I encountered in my 25 years in the trade were caused by folk being over cautious with running in rather than being over enthusiastic.
Plenty of content online showing bikes with and without break in periods shows next to no difference in engine wear.
I toured around the country pulling a trailer while riding a 50hp motorcycle (Suzuki Boulevard C50). My weight and the trailer weight probably totaled about 400-450 lbs. The bike handled it with no trouble. Though I did have to downshift to maintain speed on especially steep hills when I was fully loaded.
Hahaha that sounds awesome
Yeah, look at the torque figures. It's not really comparable to be honest
seems true/ the 50 in the Suzuki C50 refers to cubic inches if I remember correctly it is somewhere around 900 to 1000 cc,,, but I am not very quotable on that one.@@chrispekel5709
I am german and I also ride "UK style" ;-) Own Super Duke 3.0 and HD and love them both. I also enjoy small motorcycles, but I wouldn't want to give up the torque of the big ones.
Great review👍🏻
Right on! Thanks mate!
To summarise this video in short:- NO 40 horsepower is not enough for daily use. It's only good for occasional track riding.
Agreed it's ridiculous.
42 is minimum
Guys real world riding 40bhp is plenty
I had so much fun watching you ride this bike!!!!!! I absolutely loved this video! Thank You!
Thanks!
an old triumph bonneville was 40 hp!.that was enough for most men.great review btw .also,i have a honda xl600r 1984 model,similar horsepower but less weight for some reason.
Cool, thanks! Yep, if you wanna go by the old standards, this bike is 'ton up' and therefore, officially, not slow.
They are @45/46. I have a 1960 T120
I just text-drove a Triumph 400 today, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I owned a 1968 Bonneville in 1968 and now I ride a 350 RE. The 350 is heavier than the Bonny was and under-powered. But, it looks -IMO - like a motorcycle should look. I got to ride the 400 around the lot and on some side streets, with a Triumph staff guy riding ahead of me. I found that it is indeed light and so easy to maneuver and, as other reviewers have said, jerky in acceleration in low gears. To put it bluntly the gearing is too high. Something you just have to get used to - slipping the clutch a lot riding slow in the city. I really liked the way it accelerated fast in 3d and 4th gear and the way it stopped fast.
All the reviewers say this 400 is good-looking. I can't see it. For me the RE still looks like a motorcycle is supposed to look. To me the difference in cost - it was over $4,000.00 for the RE and less than 5,000.00 for the Triumph - makes the Triumph the better buy, clearly. Maybe I will make a deal before the end of the year - before Triumph raises the price.
BTGmoto said the bike was great but he would change the suspension, both front and rear. Why? He said it handles great.
I would change the gearing, if it could be done without a hell of a lot of trouble, after the break-in, warranty period. Find a rear sprocket with fewer teeth, I think. Make the take off in low gear more civilized and also make for a higher top speed, easier on the engine while cruising on the highways.
The best review of it yet!
You're welcome!
Thinking about buying one myself at the age of 65, been riding bikes since I was 15. They look really great. Think you should buy one ❤
My pleasure, it's a great bike
Plenty fast enough for a 400cc thumper and that engine sounds so sweet😁👍
I do like the sound too!
It 's actually one of the best looking bikes - regardless category or size. In an ideal world, I would have 2-3 bikes: One would be a MotoGuzzi V100 Mandello, and the other one would be Speed 400, for every day commuting or whenever I feel like relaxing or tired (but have to go somewhere).
Having owned everything from a gsx1400 zrx1200 sv1000 my current bike is a 2007 cbf500 with 58hp and to be fair it's enough, thank you for the vid 👍
Thanks for watching!
I just traded my 130hp rocket for a 90 hp tiger. I still enjoy my wife’s new speed 400. Sure it doesn’t have the same acceleration but it’s got plenty enough power and torque to enjoy hills and back roads. I don’t think I’d like to do a road trip on it but as an everyday bikes is smile for miles.
I'm definitely not buying this to cross continents, but I do want a bike for the short ride to work and the occasional back lane blast.
Best ever video of all I've seen on this bike you rode it like you stole it, excellent sound from the pipe love the flashing rev counter now I see the attraction of buying one in fact I'm very excited and can't wait to spend the money I'm truly excited for the first time about this bike, thankyou for the best motivated video ever about the 400 Triumph 😂. Nice one dude.
Wow, thanks! Glowing praise. I'll take it :)
I purchased a blue speed 400 this past week, and it is an absolutely incredible first bike. I did ride >200cc dirtbikes 15 years ago, but.. For a first proper bike, it is great. And no, my kill switch hasnt killed itself... Yet? Lol
It's a very fun filled bike, even as a crusty old veteran, I loved it
@@btgmoto hats off to Bajaj, lol.. for real. I'm so proud for them.
Now I live in Germany, and back in the late eighties I owned a Honda NX 250 with 26 hp. And I toured most of Europe on that little bike. I had no problems at all on the autobahns, although even now with a bike capable of 150mph I still avoid riding on them. And changeing a sprocket in Germany means paper work, because it has to be put into the log book.
Haha I once got a ticket for having a 120/70 front on my ZX6R, because in the papers Kawasaki had put 120/65, even though that was a weird size that nobody even stocked.
What log book? Ticketed for modifying? Never heard of this before, what's that all about?
My dad stil owns a Ax-1 250. Which is basically the same as NX 250. Still have fun riding it. Motorcycling is about Passion. Not displacement.
@@wiseguy724 In Germany any technical mods on a motor vehicle must be recorded in the Fahrzeugbrief (Logbook)
40BHP is more than plenty, it might just be perfect as you get to use the full capabilities of the bike, not just 20-50%. I ordered mine back in October, and it should be ready for pickup in 1-2 weeks here in Denmark. Yes at least 1 tooth up on the front sprocket, it will only make it even more fun if you gear it to the point where you need to work the gears a bit more. Also, I don't want it to redline before 130 km/h as some roads in Dk calls for that 🙂 Great review
It's a nice feeling to max a bike out over a whole day's riding, something that's almost impossible on the higher performance bikes nowadays.
GREAT ride man! One of the best I've seen.
I was 9 stone when I started riding bikes on the road back in 1993 aged 16. I had a 125 with about 28hp derestricted. I'm now 11 stone. I think this bike would be perfect for some chilled out riding.
I tend to agree
Really enjoyed this review Dale, need to see you dragging knee on one round the nordschleife
Challenge accepted 🙌
@@btgmoto only sad I won't be able to follow
Rear suspension is NOT adjustable for damping. Just pre-load. A spanner comes with the owners pack.
Great video bud! Very much enjoyed 😊
Thanks!
at my local motorcycle club of mostly retired gents (i'm not retired yet) - this bike is causing quite a stir, one is on order and he had to scour the country for a red one and everyone else is either looking forward to seeing it shortly or talking about getting one.... a bit too small for me because I'm tall, so I ride a Z650RS. Now if they made a taller 650 twin, that I'd be interested in. I'm going on a 150m trip to devon this summer on the Z650RS with panniers and I don't think I'd like to undertake that motorway trip on this bike. Enjoyed your video by the way, subscribing, thanks
Definitely not a great motorway bike, but it's far from impossible. But sticking to speed limits plus 10% is very easy, and enjoyable on every other road. A d cornering is *chef's kiss*
Oh yeah, legal 100 km/h on the right German B-roads. High time for some slightly warmer weather. I could ver well live with this bike. Mine is a Honda NT650GT Hawk/ Bros. About 58 bhp V-twin grunt with only 10 more kg but this would suit me as well. Real fun at reasonable speeds.
I had the 400 Bros, the 650 and my dad built a 700, which I also rode a lot. Brilliant bikes.
@@btgmoto I actually own two 650’s. One special with a Honda Fireblade upside down fork plus bodywork and fairing I designed and built myself. So I pumped it up / pimped it, so to speak. Out of gratitude it blew a valve. So I bought cheap extra one for parts. That one however runs like a clock so I kept it as well, which has further delayed getting my special back on the road. And yes, my life is always this complicated. 😁
I picked mine up about 5 weeks ago. Pretty much agree with all of your observations with the possible exception of the exhaust. I bought it for those "Gee, what a lovely day for a ride" days when I just didn't want to haul out 300 kilos of Tiger Explorer. And it looks absolutely gorgeous.
I'm 78 and have been riding since 1961, so...
Old saying: It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. This is the perfect weapon for riding the local back roads (B Roads for my friends across the pond).
Have added a Dart flyscreen and have a tail tidy coming in from India tomorrow. I may drop a tooth or two off the rear sprocket - 1st gear is absurd - and probably won't mess with the suspension. I don't think that I'll be riding it hard enough to warrant the expense and effort.
Congratulations! And I totally agree!
40 horses is more than you need to reach Mr Drippfords speed limit here in Wales.
Yeah, those speed limits are really something, eh?
What gradient will a 40 BHP bike cruise up at 60 mph? Only built up areas in Wales have the 20mph limits despite what knowitalls like you insist. It used to be called lying. .
Three years ago I bought a Husqvarna Svartpilen 125. 15hp, 150something kg. Pretty much the same bike as the 401, main differences being the engine, non-adjustable shocks and no quick shift. I had a blast on that bike, did over 4000km over the summer. But I did conclude that it should have had ~10hp more to be able to hit the motorway from time to time. Like the two stroke 125s of the late 80's.
So yes, 40hp should be plenty enough for a fun ride along twisty roads. 25hp would've been enough for me on the roads I mostly ride on.
I ended up trading it in for a Svart 701 -20. More power than what I need for my riding, but I don't mind too much :) And this bike is a keeper. Thumper life!
It's all about perspective, as you've so rightfully reminded me here!
"Motorcycling is a broad church man"
It seems to be the sort of bike that it would be the go to machine in your quiver. You’d still ride your other bikes for special occasions and going big distances but , like a new record that you play till it’s worn out, the 400 would be the one you mainly choose . It would be my choice for general motor biking.
I think it would get ridden a LOT if it was in my garage, particularly on the commute
I just love the sound
It's a good little thumper!
your vid is so good have booked a test ride@@btgmoto
Thanks for the effort on producing this review. Really helpful.
Had a street triple about 10 years back and have been riding a 150cc scooter for commute in the city for the past 5 years.... really considering this as an option for the occassional commute and weekend trips as i dont feel like i want to maintain a big bike anymore ...
Great review. Greetings from KL, Malaysia.
Thanks!
This is the best test ride of the Speed 400 I have séen. You ride the bike like anyone would like to. Other YT influencers are dawdling along too slow. I hope you have an opportunity to ride the Scrambler 400 for a comparison. Sub'd!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for the sub
Often overlooked is where the engine makes its power and what reserve power is available at highway speeds. Probably 90 percent of bikes over 150 cc can manage secondary highway speeds and 350 cc bikes can do interstate speeds. Of course if you are riding into a 25 to 35 mph headwind you have a problem. Then you are in the mountains or steep hills and Still have that wind situation. Riding a bike comes with certain dangers and risks over which you have no control. So doing anything that increases these dangers and risks is not sound thinking or common sense. Around town or limited commuter use or as a starter bike on back roads OK. If you plan to do any traveling or get out on the big roads, you need a 20 percent power reserve above posted speed limit. This minimizes your performance losses due to headwind
The problem for someone like you, is the experience level you possess will leave you wanting for more horsepower the more you ride it, which is why so many manufacturers have built the 700 class parallel twins these days. Kinda like the sweet spot for power and performance.
Yep, looking at those now!
I agree so many modern bikes are too heavy. The little Triumph looks good, isn't costly and won't be expensive to run.
It's a cool little bike, and punches well above its weight!
Complaining about the weight of bikes while dismissing the fact that you are 100 kilos yourself. Also, you are clearly the kind of rider that wants to put unsociable exhausts on perfectly good existing exhausts (never mind disturbing everyone else with insufferable excessive noise). You've also just demonstrated that 40hp is more than adequate for almost all European roads, having overtaken every vehicle you came across with consumate ease. I wish you well with your channel which will no doubt grow if you can temper your hubris.
Thanks for the feedback!
I rode on the first Dragon rally to Wales in 1962. It was icy. On the second stretch I tagged onto a pair riding a 500 BSA Gold Star. We had a fantastic ride along the curvy Welsh roads to the camp site.
Pulled up very cold but happy. The chap on the Goldie looked at my bike with a smile and said "That goes well" The remark was for my 197cc 1958 James Captain, all 7hp😅. I was able to keep up with the Goldie on those twistie Welsh roads.
A James Captain! Wow!
@@btgmoto The Jimmy was very sure footed.
Great video 🎉
Thank you for showing me the roads! 😁
👍🏻
Fuel consumption, before and after the bakery please. Great video!
Great suggestion! Thanks
Hello from Sweden.
Would be interesting to know how the Triumph handles when pushed hard. At the age of 78, I'm not as fast as I once was. Have a Ninja 300, about same power and weight as the Triumph. For a cheap bike surprises many how fast it goes in the corners. Have passed a lot of 1000cc sportbikes in corners on trackdays. But only 110 Mph on a straight line. Anyway, straight roads are just boring. Would be interesting to see how the Triumph would handle the bumpy northern part of the Mountain Course. The little Ninja didn't like it.
Though the -59 350 Manx with 36 hp and 140kg is more entertaining. Handles well even by modern standards but completely empty under 4000 rpm. Makes it a bit tricky in hairpins.
Well, the Norton sounds lovely. Always wanted to do a spot of classic racing. Maybe one day!
If I had the money for a third bike, this would be it! What a beautiful machine! 😁
Two comments:
Please reconsider making your bike louder by swapping the exhaust. There are already quite a number of popular routes that are closed for motorcycles because of the noise problem. And many more discussions going on, so stop giving those arguments , who want to ban us from beautiful and popular motorcycle roads!
Second: No bike today is made for riders of 100kg, but maybe it`s time for manufacturers to reconsider their suspension design for different geographies of the world?
I am about 130kg and ride a cb400n (Superdream). I keep swapping the front cog, round town one tooth less is fab commuting and hooning around, but any distance on A roads and I am hunting for 6th. 400 wth 43bhp is just enough. I love that middle weight bikes are becoming a thing again.
Nice video! I bought my 765R from Mellow in Frankfurt, friendly motorcycle dealer, I test rode the Tiger Sport 660 whilst my bike was in for it's first service, anyway you need to update your BIO, congratulations on reaching 1000 subs...👍
Off to change it now mate!
You should definitely try the Trident 660, if you haven’t already, as an alternative to the Speed 400. It’s a much higher specification bike, but not necessarily better. You could buy the Speed 400 and save $3500 for gas, accessories and adventures. Also a better shock out back and stiffer springs up front, per your comment. As for tracking it? Why not?! They’ve had small displacement classes for as long as they’ve had racing. I’ve been riding almost 30 years, and I’ve got a definite itch to get one of these. I’ve never owned a brand new bike, and my first bike was a Suzuki GS500E, which was slow, but very light and flickable. This looks like it would be a great commuter and back road scratcher for me, without breaking the bank. Cheers 🍻!!
So I did try the Trident, and did a whole video with it. Definitely enjoyed the Speed 400 way more, despite it's lack of power!
Great video, thanks! I'm 59 years old, said for decades that everything under 1 liter is not a bike.
And now - after 184 HP - and in the best faith I'm seriously considering such a pimped wheelchair?
My older me would probably put me in a retirement home right away!
Hi Dale,
You might remember me, Marc from Canada and a little younger than you. I rented a Swift from you about 10 years ago, Nov 2013 and did some laps at the Ring. I've also done a little Sim racing with you a few years ago.
Anyway, I just bumped into your YT channel. The new Speed 400 and Daytona look to both be great bikes. I have a 2021 Duke 390 with Akra and similar specs to the speed 400, I love it. The fun factor is very high since it's engaging going through the gears and you can ride it quite hard on the roads with less chance of penalties and still ride on the highways with no problem. The Twisties and trail braking into sharp turns is great fun. I do 2K KM a month on mine.
Which one to buy? Flip a coin, they're all great.
I'm headed to Tail of the Dragon this summer, I don't use my GoPro to collect evidence though 😂
Take care Dale.
Almost forgot, funny you talked about gears, mine has 15t front and 45 rear sprocket and was looking at 16t front sprocket earlier today for a little longer gearing which some others use.
Hi Marc! Thanks for dropping by ;) You're right though, the bad bikes are few and far between these days
Do the 16 tooth swap. Made my 390 Duke much better to ride.
If it brings you joy, you should buy it. But How long will this joy last? That is the question you should ask yourself. I bought the ZX4RR. It brings me a lot of joy. I've had it for 3 months and it still is bringing me just as much joy as the first day I rode it home. Not too much and not too little. She is a real Goldilocks.
When I saw the 4RR get launched, I was so pleased. Not gonna buy one tho, mainly because I have a modded 600RR that does nearly the same thing. I had so many 400s in the past though, loved them all.
I had a small bike epiphany recently, thinking that on UK's congested, speed limited & pot holed roads no-one needed over 650cc. I bought a sexy looking SWM 440 on the basis of seeing one ridden on a German YT video. It was rubbish, had to be thrashed everywhere, a first gear good for about 5 metres before changing up, twitchy in the corners & not enough power to confidently overtake. I like the Triumph but fear I could make the same mistake, so I'm back with an SV650 for now. At least L have a local Triumph dealer so a test ride is on the cards this time.
I had a test ride on the little 400.. I was impressed by the lightness.easy to move about.yes it not quick but it's not everything. Knocks the spots off the royal Enfield though.and value for money.we done triumph
In the philippines we consider that as entry level big bike.. good for newbies
yes, 40 hp is more than enough. I had a CB 500 Four 1975 and it had 48 Hp in a very heavier bike and it was great on the open road. I haven't driven the 400 Speed yet but it is lighter and has good torque, I bet it will be fantastic on open road
Very nice video. I had already put down a deposit on a 2024 Vitpilen but now I booked a test ride on a Speed 400 for next weekend. Looks matter and the Vitpilen's design might look dated in the long run, meanwhile the Speed 400 looks like a motorcycle "should" look. I think it will remain beautiful for decades to come.
At +50 I'm probably also a bit too old for the TFT display on Vitpilen, I like the analoge of the Triumph better. Will see after my test run. Cheers for the vid :)
The Vitpilen is on my list to test ride next!
Both are on my shortlist … I like how each looks, for different reasons. I’m a bit cold on what Japanese bikes became regarding the “angry insect” look, and their naked bikes mostly look like they’re missing the fairings.
Thanks for your honest and great review. I completely agree on many of your comments. My first great motorcycle love was - no, not my first bike a small 250 cc - but the then (1989) brand-spanking new Suzy GS 500 E with 46 odd horsepower and a massive, MASSIVE, 130/70 section rear tyre. That's wider than 1100s and 1300s of the time. Still to this day it gave me so much fun compared to say the overly obese and sluggish VFR 800 I owned a few years back. Weight is king and somewhere between 40 and 70 hp is perfect for the road.
Thanks!
Good to see someone actually RIDING a bike!
Thanks!
Really enjoyed your review. Answered most of my questions. Test rode one today and bought it in blue. I'm 67 and was looking for something lighter and smaller than my R1200GS which has been getting bigger and heavier as each year goes by. Thanks.
Glad to hear it! Enjoy it!
My first new motocycle after Uni was a 1978 Honda CB400T1, a 39 HP twin. It was fun, quick, and just "big" enough to ride comfortably on the highway. I have to admit I fell for the siren call of horsepower and ended up with a carefully jetted Yamaha FZ1 that dyno'd a very real 129 hp. In my mind that was a truly great all rounder. It was fast and stable on the track and would tour comfortably all day long. A 400cc bike is nice but its a bit small for a great all-rounder.
Very cool! Both great bikes. There's a euro-version of the FZ1 close to me for cheap money. I had one when they were a brand new bike, and I loved it.
Now that I'm old, I'm done being a boy racer, black leather hog rider, and am ready for just enough bike.
40hp moved the beetle along at a good clip, and a motorcycle weighs considerably less.
Hahah that's one way of thinking about it. I had a 54hp car that could 100mph too
This Bike could get alot more people riding.
In the old days I had friends that had single cylinder bikes that the gear shifter was on the right Norton maybe, they were some of the first bikes that I wanted.
When I was Young.
Great test and very detailed explanation, good job!... I am getting mine in 2 weeks, seems to be a great cost/benefit bike for daily use...
Glad it was helpful!
Rode my 35bhp Moto Morini for 33k mls. South of France, Yugoslavia, 2 up (we're not big) . With an 8k red line it would hold 7k all day down the autobahn. Having hit 70 it's time to downsize from my vfr 800 and this is a real contender, just got to check if changing the gearing will fit with the warranty.
The old 350 twin? Great bikes!
Pick up mine in two days traded in my Tiger 800 wanted something light can’t wait to
I always found the Tiger 800 to be a bit top heavy, the 400 will feel so easy in comparison.
I have the Tiger 800 as well and have the 400x on order. Should be delivered here in Virginia around early March. Can’t image getting ride of the Tiger 800…look forward to using this for light off roading that will be more comfortable on the 400x than the Tiger. After a few months I’ll decide if it makes sense to keep both or if I can live without the Tiger…so many tough decisions.😊
I'm in the same boat with the Tiger 800, I've had mine since 2015. It's a great bike, and it's a handful off-road. I'm just an old guy (62) looking to continue riding as long as I can. A lighter bike would be the best choice if I want to continue to ride an occasional trail now and then. I'm caught up between the KTM 390 adv and the 400x. Both are very capable for what I want to do, I'll just have to make the time for a test ride with each one. Thanks for posting this review ✌️
I changed the 15 teeth sprocket for a 17 on my Tenere and I am STILL looking for the 7th gear every now and then. 1st is still short enough but feels much smoother with 17 teeth now.
Yes to Nürburgring with the speed 400!
I find the pegs a bit low ( too little ground clearance. What do you think?
I have an Mt03 321cc 41hp. Yes it is plenty, 4th 5th and 6th can all comfortably exceed current speed limits, i recently had use of a Cb500 my 321 is more fun and just as quick.
I am thinking about riding my 96 Goldwing with trailer to the dealership. They seemed interested.
I live on a dirt road that gets a lot of sand after every rain.
Not fun on a 1000 pound
easy boy.
Damn! That's a lot of weight!
Hello again, I've already ridden a few hundred kilometers with my Triumph Speed 400, and I'm really attached to this motorcycle. Your observations about the short gear ratio are very accurate. I wonder if changing the sprockets would make a difference? The engine itself has a lot of potential, with sufficient torque and a great sound. The front brakes grip well, and personally, I find the chassis very good. It's assembled with high quality and worth every penny.
Very nice!
What height are you? I'm 6"2 thinking of buying for first bike. Will it fit me?
My first bike was a Yardman moped. 50cc and a top speed of 25 mph. Lots of fun in city traffic and I could Lane split where sports bikes couldn't. It was legal street racing 😉
Tried a 400 Scrambler last week, did not have enough power for me and I don’t consider myself a quick rider, I don’t think I need the power my current bike has but this is not enough for me.
Sounds great, brings out the hooligan, wouldn't bother with a new pipe the soundtrack is the "bike", why spend more, when you could spend it on heated grips (your going to need them in winter and autumn, a top box, or throw overs, and possibly a small screen, and hand guards, this bike reminds me of the Yamaha szr660 I had (weighs 159kg) and was a complete hoot to ride! About time triumph brought out more affordable offerings that are fun to ride and don't cost a mortgage to buy.
I do agree that the bike market is moving in the right direction, with bikes that both experienced riders and beginners can enjoy (and insure!)
Reminds me of the old Manx Norton 500 singles they had it right then and Triumph has it right now.
If it was a 600, and taller, Id actually like to buy one. I think 40hp is plenty to have fun but on the highway it sounds like youd need a 7th gear to cruise along. This seems like a perfect city bike!
3.5L fuel per 100km
or 80 MPG
T120 (modern is about 4.1 or 60 MPG)
Cheaper , although not half price !
I'm not a big one to worry about fuel economy really, but I thought it was worth noting on this bike
The opening dialogue sounded like "can 40 horses satisfy me?", sounded a bit...sus XD
It's nice to see Triumph giving some competition and choice in the smaller displacement marketplace. At a similar price point, this bike appeals to me more than the Royal Enfield 350s, and obviously out-performs them by a considerable margin.
Yeah, it's really up there on performance. I read that Honda will be doing more with the CB350 platform soon (ADV, etc). But it's only 22hp. This is much more useful.
Love the vid. Good honest road riding. Fed up of those 360 cams.👍
Love the overall look of the bike with one exception, that horrid radiator that hides the engine and downpipe must have been designed the the Hammer House of Horrors, it really needs to go and be replaced with something with a bit of chrome about it and hopefully something smaller.
Haha now you've ruined it for me too, thanks 😂
I find that reports on various bikes there’s no mention of rider comfort levels. At 77 with a Honda ADV350 the ride is fairly hard, the shock on the body travels up the spine. My question is how soft/comfortable is the triumph ?
My 1969 T120R 650 Bonneville is 363 lb wet and 46 hp doesnt have "Awsome" bar end mirrors tho , will reach over 110 + mph and just went to south of france and back on it:; Progress is a wonderful thing !
Hahah! That's great!