I am from the US and recently purchased the speed 400. I really love the look of the bike, kind of classic kind of modern and I love the fact that it’s a completely new engine design specifically as part of the package.I am a petite older female, with a 28 inch inseam at best, who really appreciates a lighter more nimble bike. I have lowered the 400 with a Metisse lowering system and I also shaved my seat down. I absolutely love this bike. Where I live in Virginia, we have a ton of twisty paved roads, and some gravel and this bike fits the bill precisely for the type of road I like to ride! Thanks for your review. It’s fun to hear everybody’s thoughts. Keep up the good work!
@martindunleavy7987 ай бұрын
I’m in the United states I bought a 400 X absolutely love it hit the dirt maybe 10% of my miles wanted to downsize from bigger bikes as I am getting older runs on the highway. I commute back-and-forth to work occasionally on this bike love it on the back roads and it’s great on dirt roads.
@davidbrayshaw35297 ай бұрын
Great review! Both bikes appear to offer exceptional value for the money. I might get carted off to the asylum for suggesting this, but I've got a gut feeling that bikes at this price point and level of performance are going to grow in sales in Australia. They make so much sense for so much of the market, with the way that the market is evolving, here. The horsepower wars are run, won and done, and at great expense. In these more austere times, bikes like these should do well.
@MotoJournoKris7 ай бұрын
I think you're right, they sit at enough performance that you can have plenty of fun without going over the top. More tech than the old mid-weights and in many cases comparable brakes/suspension if not better, and the buy-in is very reasonable, and on-roads on an ongoing basis will be easier to bear, especially if you've also got a car. They should hold value well, with the LAMS segment keeping up demand.
@davidbrayshaw35297 ай бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris They've obviously got the LAMS segment well and truly covered. I wonder how many will rush to "upgrade" once their license restrictions are up? In the "real world", a bike like this or other bikes in the smaller to mid capacity bracket are well suited to a lot of rider's needs. Australia's growing Indian population aren't going to think twice about buying a bike like this, either. I also wonder if bikes like this aren't going to appeal to returning riders with both a budget in mind and the fact that they're no longer 22 years old and the only real experience they've got on a bike was the SR 175 that they rode at uni.
@rsan17047 ай бұрын
Hey Kris, Speed 400 or Svartpilen 401 for first time rider?
@MotoJournoKris7 ай бұрын
Both are great, I'd consider looks, and of course whether the dual purpose tyres will be useful for you as to the final decision. Either would be amazing to get started on.
@howardneely25737 ай бұрын
Great comparison Kris.
@jaypod7 ай бұрын
Nice one again mate. Would you recommend these over the Honda CL500 or the CB500X? The CL500 is almost the same price but comes with Honda assurance, I reckon! But having ridden both what would you personally buy?
@MotoJournoKris7 ай бұрын
Probably comes down to where your priorities are on that one. CB500X is the most adventure themed of course, but the Scrambler 400 X is the closest match and benefits from a more modern loadout, so I'd say there's good competition between the two. The CL500 is a bit more relaxed than both, in the scrambler theme and will probably suit someone a little less focused on performance/sportyness. The Speed 400 is a bit of an odd one out, in being a pure road bike, more like the CB500F. Honda naturally have a big advantage in the reliability stakes, with their machines being around for a while and it being a particular brand strength. Obviously we'll have to wait and see how the new Triumph 400s go on that front.
@hydrotricine7 ай бұрын
One is lightweight and beautiful the other is a boring Honda that looks like a fat microwave and probably has the reliability of one. For me the choice was obvious , ordered the Triumph 😊
@jaypod7 ай бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris thanks Kris. Surprised to hear that the Triumph is a closer match to the CB500X. I find the CB500X to be a bit boring. The CL500 does look a a bit relaxed and probably will be a good fit for riding around in the city. Thanks again for the replies.
@jaypod7 ай бұрын
@@hydrotricine you’re not wrong about the Hondas. I believe the latest Triumphs are quite reliable. But the I’ve been asking around a bit and the owners usually complain about parts not being available and it takes a long time to source them here in Australia! I could be wrong. Also a bit concerned that these two bikes are pretty new from Triumph and aren’t manufactured in their UK factory. I might stick the Honda but will definitely test ride both. :)
@MotoJournoKris7 ай бұрын
@@jaypod I think that holds true as far as being a bit adventure centric, the CB500X goes the full hog there, where the Scrambler 400 X is a bit more road based, but more similar than the other two comparisons in my mind anyway.
@1990-t1j7 ай бұрын
I'd rather have a CL500. I'll doubtless keep my 390, though. Secondhand KTM prices have dropped as the Thai importer has pulled out. Nick
@jaypod7 ай бұрын
I’m hoping to buy one soon. But all depends on the test ride. Hopefully my wife likes being on the pillion seat! Don’t want to get any bigger than a 500!
@TheOverlordOfProcrastination7 ай бұрын
I love the looks of the Speed 400… until someone sits on it. Then it looks like a mini bike and anyone around 6ft looks completely ridiculous. Shame.