Triumph MY Speed 400 vs. Speed T4: Comparing Neo-Classic Roadsters in Triumph’s 400cc Lineup

Triumph Motorcycles is a renowned British motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Triumph is known for its iconic bikes, quality craftsmanship, and global presence. Keeping history and other factors in mind, Triumph has launched two new exemplary neo-classic roadsters, namely the updated Speed 400, which is the progression of the previous year's collaborative product between Bajaj and Triumph motorcycles along with the debutant Speed T4. Let’s unravel the features and specifications.

Design & Styling

​Both bikes carry similar overall designs regarding rounded LED headlights, single piece seats and 13L sculpted tanks along with a sleek LED tail profile. While the T4 is available in three color variants such as Metallic White, Phantom Black and Cocktail Red Wine, the MY25 Speed 400 can be availed in four duet colours such as Racing Yellow & Pearl Metallic White, Phantom Black & Pewter Grey, Pearl Metallic White & Pewter Grey, Racing Red & Metallic White.

The Speed T4 and the MY25 Speed 400 also highlights an additional “400” graphic on the tank along with a visibly large Triumph emblem.

The fender on the front of the T4 is black in color while the front fender in MY25 Speed 400 is given a matt silver finish. Another distinct color feature of the T4 is the rear fender, which is matched with the tank while the rear fender of the MY25 Speed 400 themes the same matte silver finish for all colour variants. The T4 and the MY Speed 400 have obtained a batwing styled DRL’s (daytime running lights). The stock LED side blinkers in the T4 and MY Speed 400 are customisable according to the rider’s needs.

The T4 is equipped with a black plastic headlight bracket instead of the aluminium unit in the MY25 Speed 400. The mirrors on the T4 are handlebar mounted units, which ergonomically is more suited to the diversified riding conditions, where the Speed 400 sports bar-end mirrors.

Underpinning

Triumph MY25 Speed 400 and the Triumph T4 are underpinned by the TR-series platform, specifically developed for Triumph's small-capacity bikes in collaboration with Bajaj.

This platform also supports the Triumph Scrambler 400 X, and both models share the same frame, engine, and basic architecture, tailored for different riding experiences.

The TR-series platform is designed for a balance between performance, comfort, and practicality in urban and light off-road conditions.

The Triumph MY25 Speed 400 and the T4 feature a hybrid spine/perimeter tubular steel frame.

While the chassis itself doesn't have a specific "name," this frame design is key to the bike's lightweight handling and rigidity.

The frame is paired with a bolt-on subframe and dual sided aluminium swingarms, which further enhances its overall dynamics and stability.

This combination ensures a nimble, responsive ride, ideal for both urban commuting and highway cruising.

Hardware & Electronics

The Triumph Speed T4 and the MY25 Speed 400 are similarly powered by 398.15cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4 valve motors. The notable difference identifies as the power and torque output from the motor in both bikes. While in the MY25 Speed 400, the motor produces 40PS at 8,000rpm and 37.5Nm at 6,500rpm and in the Speed T4, it produces 31PS at 7,000rpm and 36Nm at 5,000rpm. Both the roadsters carry an exposed chain drive and single barrel exhausts.

The motor in the revs higher than the T4 and the flywheel in in T4 is heavier than the updated 400. The motor in the T4 also produces a higher torque giving an output in the 3,000-5,500rpm range which shows that it should have better low and mid-range grunt than the MY25 Speed 400.

Both roadsters feature a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. The T4 boasts a mechanical throttle while the MY25 Speed 400 equips a ride-by-wire throttle.

The T4 keeps a smaller 39-tooth rear sprocket while the MY25 Speed 400 cops a 43-tooth rear sprocket, resulting the overall gearing being taller. This shows that for the same speeds in the same gears, the T4’s engine will be running at a lower rpm.

The hardware in both the neo-classics is different along with the dimensions of both as well. The Triumph Speed T4’s suspension setup comprises of a 43mm conventional telescopic fork with 140mm wheel travel and a gas-charged mono-shock with 120mm wheel travel which are well suited for Indian riding conditions.

The MY25 Speed 400 on the other hand holds a 43mm non-adjustable up-side down fork (USD) with 130mm wheel travel and a gas-charged pre-adjusted mono-shock with 120mm wheel travel.

The result in the end being the front fender mounts on both bikes are varied too. The braking setup is similar as a 300mm front disc brake and a 230mm rear disc brake, with dual-channel ABS. The difference between both is that the T4 elicits an axial calliper at the front while the MY25 Speed 400 parlays a radial calliper.

As the powertrain does not see any change of components and it pretty much remains the same in both the neo-classics, the fuel economy figures do not vary. The OEM claims an approximate mileage figure of 30.0 Kmpl while the ARAI certified mileage has come out to be 29.8 Kmpl which conflicts with the owner and the experts reported mileage of 28.0 Kmpl. However, the ARAI certified mileage aligns with the expert reported fuel economy figures. With a 13 litres of fuel capacity, both roadsters can run up to 387 Kms on a full tank. Another indication of an exhilarating performance of both specimens is the ability to chase a top speed of 160-170 Kmph.

Talking about the roadster’ tubeless tyres, the Speed T4 runs on a 110-section front and 140-section rear MRF Zapper-FX2 bias-ply tyres with 17-inch cast wheels at both ends while the MY25 Speed 400 wangles a110-section front and 150-section rear radial tyres from Vredestein with 17-inch cast wheels at both ends. The tyre height on the T4 is a bit on the shorter side than that of the MY25 Speed 400. The T4 springs up a seat height of 806mm, a wheelbase of 1,406mm, a kerb weight of 180kg, and a ground clearance of 170mm.

Features

The T4 and the MY25 Speed 400 boast a semi-digital single pod instrument console with a combination of an analogue speedometer and an LCD screen that shows tachometer, odometer, trip meter and other regular readouts along with additionally offering a type-C charging port.

Adding to the notch, the MY25 Speed 400 reaps a switchable traction control, an engine immobiliser and an adjustable brake and clutch levers, all of which the T4 unfortunately doesn’t receive.

Pricing

Buying the Triumph Speed T4 will cost you at Rs 2,17,000 while the Speed 400 is priced Rs 2,40,000. The Speed T4 is not just an affordable version of the Speed 400 but an entirely different roadster in its entirety. T4 is the most affordable Triumph motorcycle currently which is a new option for riders looking for a budget friendlier bike within the Triumph’s 400cc lineup.

Verdict

In my opinion and were I given a choice; I would choose the MY Speed 400 over the T4 because MY Speed 400 is offering a lot more to the table even if T4 is a bit on the budget friendlier side. With a Rs 23,000 price difference and a plus point of saving 10%-11%, the buyer will be sacrificing a lot of features for the same.