Triumph Speed 400 (2024) A New Contender for A2 Riders

Stats:

• Price: £4,995
• Power: 39.5bhp
• Capacity: 400cc
• Weight: 170kg

We were lucky enough to get our hands on Triumph’s much anticipated Speed 400 for a test ride. This bike is a newcomer to the scene, having been released in February 2024, and stands as a strong entry-level contender with affordable pricing from £4,995.

As an A2 licence bike, it’s designed to inspire confidence for riders of all ages and sizes, making it an accessible choice, even for less experienced riders.

So, how did it fare?

Style and handling

It's clear this bike isn't afraid to turn heads. It seamlessly blends retro aesthetics with modern engineering, and the build quality is impressive from the first glance. Every detail feels meticulously crafted, giving the impression of a machine well beyond its price tag.

Triumph promises this bike can handle anything you throw at it, whether you're cruising city streets or tearing through winding roads, and it definitely feels powerful enough to back up that claim. The 400 comes equipped with a suspension system, brakes, and handling that should inspire confidence in any rider.

We rode a mixture of country roads, the seaside and city streets, but the bumps, loose pebbles and imperfections in the road were soaked up with ease. When it came to cornering, the Triumph 400 felt planted and composed, meaning we could push the limit comfortably. The brakes felt powerful and responsive, providing a confident grip and good control through the lever, even though it's not adjustable. When braking hard on tight turns, the bike's frame remained steady and well-supported by the forks.

Gearing & Throttle

But, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Despite its prowess on the open road, the Triumph Speed 400 does have its quirks. The short gearing meant the engine sometimes felt a bit too eager on the motorway, requiring frequent gear changes to keep a smooth pace. This might be a minor inconvenience for some, but for those who enjoy long-distance touring, it could become tiresome.

Another area where the Speed 400 came up short was the low-speed throttle response. In first gear, the throttle felt a bit abrupt, making slow-speed manoeuvres slightly tricky, especially in congested urban environments. It took some finesse to modulate the throttle smoothly to avoid jerky movements.

Lastly, while the analog/LCD dash shows the essentials such as speed and RPM, it lags behind the latest advancements in connectivity features. In an age where riders expect seamless integration with their smartphones and other devices, the Speed 400 felt a bit dated in this regard.

Triumph Speed 400 (2024): The Verdict

Triumph’s Speed 400 is a motorcycle that demands attention and delivers excitement in equal measure. Its flawless build quality, potent performance, and superb handling make it a standout in the retro segment. This is especially impressive given that Triumph have never made a sub-600cc road bike before.

However, its quirks, such as the short gearing and abrupt throttle response, may give some riders pause. Despite these drawbacks, the Speed 400 remains a compelling choice for those who crave a blend of classic style and modern performance on an A2 licence.

Like what you see? Book a test ride with a dealer near you.