6 Months with My Triumph Speed 400: A Delhi Rider’s Raw Take

Delhi’s roads are no joke—potholes that could swallow a car, traffic that’s more like a parking lot, and heat that can turn a ride into an endurance test. But then there’s the Triumph Speed 400—sleek, British, and deceptively affordable. Sounds perfect, right? After six months of riding over 3,000 km of city chaos and weekend escapes, here’s my honest review of this British beast.

Triumph Speed 400 First Impressions

Let’s start with the obvious: the Speed 400 looks premium. The matte black paint, retro-modern lines, and that chunky exhaust had my neighbours asking, “Kitna deti hai?” But the real shocker? The price tag. At ₹2.4 lakh ex-showroom, it’s cheaper than a KTM 390 Duke and still feels like a proper Triumph.

What I loved:

• Style for days: Park it beside a Royal Enfield Hunter 350, and the Speed 400 looks like it’s wearing a tailored suit.
• Ergonomics: The seat height (790mm) is perfect for Delhi’s stop-and-go traffic. Even my 5’6” friend could flat-foot it.
• Features: Ride-by-wire, traction control, dual-channel ABS—tech that’s rare in this segment.

What irked me:

• No adjustable levers: My hands aren’t Shaq-sized. Reaching the clutch in bumper-to-bumper traffic felt like a thumb workout.
• Suspension issues: My bike’s rear suspension was squealing like crazy until I got it lubed up. Looks like some of them come from the factory without enough grease.

City Riding

Pros:

• Nimble AF: Weaving through traffic in Chandni Chowk felt like playing Temple Run on two wheels. The bike’s 175 kg weight is a blessing.
• Engine smoothness: The 398cc single-cylinder is butter below 4,000 RPM. Perfect for crawling behind DTC buses without stalling.
• Heat management: Yes, your legs will feel the engine’s warmth, but it’s not a thigh grill. Unlike some Royal Enfields, I’ve ridden.

Cons:

• Mileage woes: In peak traffic, I averaged 22 kmpl. Not terrible, but my friend’s RE Hunter 350 sips fuel like nimboo pani.
• No temp gauge: Triumph, why? I’d rather know if my engine’s about to melt than play guessing games.

Monsoon Tip: Swap the stock tires. The MRF Revz-Cs are meh in the rain. I nearly kissed a puddle near India Gate—upgrading to Michelin Road 5s saved my sanity.

Riding the Triumph Speed 400

Highway Performance

I took the Speed 400 on a 300 km round trip to Neemrana Fort. Here’s the breakdown:

• Stability: Rock-solid till 100 km/h. Cross that, and windblast hits like a jhadoo to the face. Tall riders (I’m 5’11”) will feel like human sails.
• Suspension: Smooth on highways, but with a pillion, the rear suspension bottoms out on bumps. Pro tip: Adjust preload if you’re carrying +1.
• Engine thrill: The 40 PS power peaks at 8,000 RPM. Redline it, and the exhaust note turns from ghazal to heavy metal.

Pillion Alert: The seat’s firm. My girlfriend compared it to “sitting on a wooden charpai.” A 1100 rupees gel seat cover from Karol Bagh fixed that.

Ownership Costs

Let’s talk money—because Triumph isn’t Hero MotoCorp.

Service Costs:

• First two services: Free (labour charges waived).
• Third service: ₹2,100 for labour + ₹1,353 for oil/filter. Not too bad.

DIY Hacks:

• Chain maintenance: Delhi’s dust is brutal. Lube every 500 km or kiss your chain goodbye. I use Motul C1 Chain Cleaner + C2 Lube.
• Rust prevention: Monsoons rusted my chain. Regular WD-40 sprays and cleaning keep it in check.

Fuel Efficiency:

• City: 22–24 kmpl
• Highway: 28–30 kmplPro tip: Gentle throttle inputs and short-shifting can squeeze out 2–3 extra kmpl.

Check Out: Triumph Speed 400 vs KTM Duke 390: What It Really Costs to Own These Bikes.

The Niggles

• Fuel gauge lies: The “low fuel” light once blinked with 3 litres left. Trust the trip meter, not the gauge.
• Random ABS alerts: The ABS and TC lights occasionally malfunction. Triumph says it’s a sensor glitch—fixable under warranty.

Mods & Customization

Delhi’s Triumph scene is booming. Here’s what riders are adding:

• Crash guards: ₹8k–₹12k. Saved my engine when a cow decided to photobomb my ride.
• Fly screen: ₹5k. Cuts windblast by 30% on highways.
• Tail tidy: ₹3k. Because the stock fender looks like a mustache gone wrong.

Alternatives? Let’s Compare

Verdict: The Speed 400 splits the difference between the Hunter’s budget charm and the Duke’s hooliganism. It’s the Goldilocks of 400cc bikes.

Read: From KTM Duke 390 to Triumph Speed 400: Why I Switched & What I Miss

triumph speed 400 parked

Would I Buy It Again?

Absolutely. The Speed 400 isn’t flawless—expect minor quirks and maintenance. But for ₹2.4L, you get Triumph’s badge, a peppy engine, and a bike that turns heads at India Gate and Gurgaon toll plazas.

Best for: Riders who want style + substance without selling a kidney. Skip if You crave KTM-level madness or RE’s old-school vibe.