PowerSports Business August 2023 | Page 28

28 • August 2023 • Powersports Business

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Triumph enters mid-weight segment with Bajaj-built Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X

The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 will be available in the U . S . in 2024 .
Photos courtesy of Triumph
Triumph has announced that two all-new models featuring a single-cylinder , 4−valve , liquid-cooled engine will join the company ’ s Modern Classics lineup for 2024 . The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 joins the larger Speed Twin 900 and Speed Twin 1200 , while the 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X takes its design cues from the Scrambler 900 and Scrambler 1200 , with an off-road pedigree that goes back to the first factory scramblers of the 1950s .
Triumph says the new bikes are designed to deliver a “ fun , agile , and confidenceinspiring ride for riders of all ages and experience levels .”
James Wood , Triumph ’ s global product marketing manager , said when unveiling the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X that the company ’ s ambition with creating the small-bore bikes was to give a “ whole new generation of riders the opportunity to own a Triumph .”
“ This means that the brief we stepped out to deliver on was all about creating a new 400cc capacity choice for our iconic Speed and Scrambler lineups ,” he said . “ These would , of course , need to be genuine Triumphs but even more accessible .”
The Scrambler 400 X features a longer wheelbase , longer travel suspension , larger 19-inch front wheel and wide handlebars for greater stability and control when riding on loose surfaces .
TR-SERIES ENGINE The new TR-Series engine is a fuel-injected , liquid-cooled 398cc single-cylinder engine making a claimed 39.5 hp at 8,000 rpm and 27.7 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm and mated to a 6−speed gearbox , a slip / assist clutch , and chain final drive .
Wood said the “ TR-Series ” name was chosen to celebrate Triumph racing singles of the early 20th century : “ Six Day Trialwinning machines that went on to inspire the TR-trophy racing bloodline of Singles and Twins that followed .”
Technical highlights include a 4−valve , DOHC cylinder head and a crankshaft that has been weighted and balanced to optimize inertia
for low-speed rideability , as well as a fingerfollower valvetrain with a low reciprocating mass and DLC coatings that reduce friction .
Triumph says the new engine delivers “ responsive , fun , and characterful power delivery along with an evocative , rich , and distinctive exhaust note .”
Wood said a key part of the company ’ s planning with the new range was to “ really understand what riders want and value in this world .”
“ What riders have told us is that style matters a great deal to them , thereby it must be beautiful , but it also must be authentic ,” he said . “ They want something that ’ s very easy to maneuver , with a height that they feel comfortable on and in control of , and to have a ride that is unintimidating and fun but that also comes with a responsive , usable plan for power delivery , plus a great sound . On top of all that , they demand a very high level of quality and reliability , preferably from a brand with credibility and desirability , and of course , all for a price that represents genuine value for money .”
Beyond the new TR-Series engine , the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X share some of the latest rider-focused technology tailored to suit each model , including throttle-by-wire , switchable traction control , and Bosch dual-channel ABS , which can be deactivated on the Scrambler 400 X when riding off-road .
Dual format instruments feature a large analog speedometer and an integrated LCD screen that includes a digital tachometer , fuel range remaining , and a gear indicator . The display is also pre-enabled to show the status of accessory heated grips , if fitted , and there is a USB-C charging port .
Both the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X benefit from a slim standover with an accessible seat height of 31 inches on the Speed 400 and 32.9 inches on the
Scrambler 400 X and low weights of 375 lb and 395 lb , respectively . Both models also have their own model-specific chassis , with a new frame , bolt-on rear subframe , and castaluminum swingarm paired with suspension set-ups tailored to each use .
The Speed 400 features a 43mm inverted fork offering 5.5 inches of travel , a monoshock rear suspension unit giving 5.1 inches of travel , lightweight 17−inch wheels , and roadster-specific geometry and wheelbase , all of which Triumph says offer “ an engaging and intuitive ride along with a comfortable , neutral riding position that inspires confidence for riders of all sizes and skill levels .” Stopping power comes from a 4−piston radial front brake caliper with a 300mm front disc and braided lines and a floating caliper and 230mm disc in the rear .
The Scrambler 400 X features a longer wheelbase than the Speed 400 ( 55.8 inches vs . 54.2 inches ), longer travel suspension ( 5.9 inches front and rear ), and a larger 320mm front brake disc . A larger 19−inch front wheel and a wide handlebar provide greater stability and control when riding on loose surfaces . It also has a more upright riding position , and the larger cast steel brake
pedal and high-grip footpegs are positioned lower and wider for a more natural standing riding position when riding off-road .
TRIUMPH DESIGN DNA WITH CONTEMPORARY POISE
Stuart Wood , Triumph ’ s chief engineer , said at the unveiling that it was more than just the specifications . “ We ’ ve put our heart and soul into setting these bikes up to give you all the character and performance you expect from us ,” he said . “ So they ’ re really fun bikes , really great response , a little bit more power than the others as well . They really are fun to ride .”
However , Triumph says that both bikes are still “ instantly recognizable .” Traditional touches , like the distinctive finned cylinder head and traditional exhaust header clamps , combine with contemporary details like the upswept silencer , graphics , and “ sensitively incorporated technology ,” such as concealed liquid-cooling and a flowing exhaust with a hidden primary silencer . They also feature the trademark black powder-coated engine casings , tough gold anodized forks , and high-quality paint and logo detailing .
The Scrambler 400 X ’ s all-road attitude is accentuated by protection for the headlight , radiator , and sump , as well as handguards , a handlebar brace with pad , and a longer front fender .
The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 will be offered with three two-tone paint schemes – Carnival Red , Caspian Blue , and Phantom Black – each featuring a prominent Triumph tank graphic .
The Scrambler 400 X is also available in three color schemes , each featuring Triumph ’ s distinctive Scrambler tank stripe and triangle badge : Matte Khaki Green and Fusion White , Carnival Red and Phantom Black , and Phantom Black and Silver Ice options .
While pricing has not yet been announced , Triumph says both the 2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X will be attractively priced versus the key competitors in each market .
James Wood said the bikes are the result of a “ major five-year collaboration ” with Bajaj Auto in India .
“ Based on Triumph ’ s concept and design , Bajaj has worked hand-in-hand with our engineering team here in Italy to add that expertise in large-scale efficient and cost-effective manufacturing to our leading engineering and design capabilities .”
Wood added that the bikes will be built by Triumph factories in Thailand and Brazil , as well as Bajaj Auto in India , where both models will launch starting in July 2023 . They will be on sale in all other markets in early 2024 , when prices for these markets will be announced .