TRIUMPH SPEED 400

Triumph's new entry-level motorcycle is a masterclass in collaborations

- BENJAMIN GRACIAS

Collaborations are a wonderful concept. Two entities coming together to develop something special and sometimes extraordinary. The Triumph Speed 400 can be termed as one such fine example. A product of the collaboration between Bajaj and Triumph, the Speed 400 is quite the interesting motorcycle. It enters the competitive entry-level retro motorcycle segment with a surprise — the highly competitive pricetag. But there is more than the price that should have you consider this motorcycle.

Triumph is known for making beautiful motorcycles, especially with its retro range. That fact has not changed with the Speed 400. At first glance, the Speed 400 looks like a scaled-down Speed Twin. While the lines are unmistakably retro, the Triumph Speed 400 is modern throughout. The round headlamp gets the LED treatment, as do the turn indicators. A cool design feature is the slim LED tail lamp that sits flush under the seat. Even the liquid-cooled engine is styled to look like an air-cooled motor with the radiator hidden between the front downtubes and coolant canister behind the sump guard for a cleaner look. Another cool feature is the chain and sprocket on the right side of the rear tyre, a design signature seen on Triumph’s retro range. Fit and finish levels are impressive and are up there with the larger Triumph motorcycles.