Triumph 400 Scrambler vs Speed; an unexpected opportunity for a back to back comparison.

Taking my Triumph 400X Scrambler for its first service, Chiang Rai Triumph kindly offered me a Triumph 400 Speed to test ride, providing an opportunity for a direct comparison. The moment I sat on the Speed, I was amazed at how much it differed from the Scrambler, and the more I rode it, the more differences became apparent, most strikingly, the size; the Scrambler has a higher seat height and a more spacious cockpit, achieved through different handlebars and footrests. I also realised a few things I had previously not been aware of, such as how Triumph lengthen the wheelbase, the difference between the front forks and how the trail is altered.
So, for anyone wondering which model is most suitable for them, I offer my thoughts and observations.
For Triumph motorcycles in northern Thailand, Triumph in Chiang Rai can be found here maps.app.goo.gl/z9TWtiLShnSG1...

[@tormodguldvog8405]

Nice video! I got the Speed 400. I am 53 and 171 cm. Due to health issues I needed to trade down from a Yamaha Tracer 900 and the size and agility of the 400 won me over on the test ride…I bought it on the spot. I have not tested the Scrambler 400 but it does look quite a bit larger. The Speed 400 is simply perfect as a city bike that occasionally gets taken out for country rides.

[@PaintedRoads]

Good news you found a suitable replacement. At 1.71M the Speed was probably the better choice; I think you will be happy with the peed 400 outside of the city too. Happy riding.

[@hfxfirefighter]

Nice video. I bought the Speed but only spent a couple days on it so far. Most of my riding has been on street bikes and cruisers and I felt that the Scrambler sat higher and was more of an adjustment from what I was used to. One thing I noticed about my Speed is that the suspension was much more forgiving that my other bikes. It soaks up speed bumps and potholes quite well. Being 6'1" (186) I'm ok with the size but, I might look into handlebar risers in the future to give a more relaxed/upright position. Goodluck with your videos and keep posting :)

[@PaintedRoads]

Many thanks for commenting and sharing your experience with the Speed. It sounds as though you and I are the same height, and I fully understand that you feel well at home on the Speed after riding other street bikes. Although not quite as spacious as the Scrambler, I did not find the Speed cramped - it was the difference between the two that surprised me and prompted the video. Coming from street bikes, I expect you will also prefer the slightly quicker steering of the Speed; my other motorcycle is a Honda 300Rally, so I am used to the upright position and handling of a dirt-road-focused machine. Like you, I found the suspension very compliant on the Speed; I expect it was in my head (after all, I only had an hour or so on the bike) but if anything, I found the Speed a tad more compliant than the Scrambler (which seems unlikely). Many thanks for the encouragement to make more videos; I am off for a few days exploring a beautiful and little-visited area on the Lao in Thailand's far north tomorrow, so there should be two or three videos from that trip. Enjoy your Speed; I am sure that with a few miles behind you, you will be happy with the riding position as is.

[@AndyPat239]

55 y.o. Aussie here, long time motorcyclist and visitor to the land of smiles over the past 7 years. I reckon this would be a beaut bike for riding over there 😊

[@PaintedRoads]

Many thanks for commenting. Yep, it's an ideal machine for Thailand; not too fast, not too slow, comfortable for one person or two, it's economical and has the ability to explore the wonderful unsealed routes; oh, and the all-important classic style that Thai folks so love. I am sure you will be able to rent one next time you are here.

[@paulharding5042]

Splendid video Mr Walker

[@PaintedRoads]

Cheers old fellow; very kind of you.

[@person.X.]

They are both really nice looking bikes. It is good to see that Triumph have made the effort to put out a couple of smaller machines. I wonder if the bike rental companies in Chiang Mai have them? They would be perfect for me. I always get a bit caught out in Thailand as they have either scooters or big bikes with not much in between.

[@PaintedRoads]

I was in Chiang Mai a couple of months back, at least one rental place had a 400 Scrambler and that was when they were still fairly scarce in the north (I was still waiting for mine). I expect there will be a fair supply of them in CM soon, if not already. Chiang Mai has many motorbike rental places and a good varied selection of machines, it's probably worth a day checking out the different shops. Happy riding.

[@person.X.]

@@PaintedRoads Very helpful, thanks! I looked at Pops Big Bikes and he doesn't have any listed yet. I'll have a scout on the internet to see if I can find some.

[@PaintedRoads]

@@person.X. I think the place I say a Scrambler for rent was here maps.app.goo.gl/7GQ4HkKZHYgUciDMA I am not certain, but it was on this side of the road and in this area.

[@person.X.]

@@PaintedRoads Many thanks. I know that area of CM well. I have found their FB page and they do indeed have Triumph Scramblers 🙂

[@PaintedRoads]

@@person.X. good luck, I hope you find a Scrambler for rent.

[@zafi1976]

wow you are very special. Nice video

[@PaintedRoads]

Thanks you, I am pleased you like the video.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I live in Chiang Rai. Do you live there? I have subscribed. Nick SCR950, 390 Duke, Aerox 155.

[@PaintedRoads]

Many thanks for subscribing, it is appreciated. Yes, I live in CR. That's a nice selection of bikes you have, the SCR950 is interesting and quite unusual; if I see you on the road I will be sure to say hello.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

@@PaintedRoads CR city or outside it? We live in a village 7.5 miles north of the clock tower.

[@PaintedRoads]

@@user-sw2lv3zp6o Sounds as though you're close to Bandue, Phrabat Hot Springs or similar. I am outside the city enough to be straight out onto trails, yet close enough to town to be able to grab a pizza or a Guinness; one of the great things about CR.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

@@PaintedRoads Yes, just south of Bandu.

[@PaintedRoads]

@@user-sw2lv3zp6o I will keep an eye open for you cruising around, they're both fairly unusual bikes you have. Happy riding 😊.