Triumph Speed 400 Ride & Review!

We ride the 2024 ‪@OfficialTriumph‬ Speed 400 motorcycle for a couple of weeks, to get a true feel for this diminutive "Bonneville's Little Brother."
Does it live up to the hype?
Is it as good or better than the competition?
Is it worth the investment?
Ride along and see what we think!
For our story on the Speed 400 with specs and photos, click here:
roaddirt.tv/tr...
Special thanks to our sponsor, ‪@LawTigers‬!
Sponsored Gear:
‪@REVITusa‬ Restless Jacket
‪@TraxNYCDiamondJewelry‬‪@gusset‬ Armored Riding Jeans
‪@BellHelmetsOfficial‬ Stockwell Eliminator Helmet
‪@Saintcc-RideFastRideFree‬ Motowear Leather Riding Gloves
‪@Knockaround‬ Flying Tigers Sunglasses
Check us out on Social!
Facebook: / roaddirttv
Instagram: / . .
Twitter: / roaddirttv
Anchor Podcast: anchor.fm/road...
Spotify Channel: open.spotify.c....

[@roadrunner2757]

I am lucky to own this wonderful "Pocket Rocket". Dont judge this motorcycle from borchure. This bike is best single cylinder motorcycle which is born to make you smile even when you ride in Traffic. Clocked 10K km's already.

[@josedjguty789]

Hola, cuanto es el precio de los mantenimientos? Gracias.

[@roaddirttv]

We totally agree!

[@roadrunner2757]

@@josedjguty789 can you ask your question in English

[@josedjguty789]

Hello, how much is the price of maintenance? thank you

[@roaddirttv]

@@josedjguty789 it’s got a 10,000 mile service interval, so that’s pretty good.

[@tomellis487]

Have one on order. Had test ride. Loved it. Will go to Portugal from North of Scotland in June. Have done the ride twice with less power. People have gone around the world on tiny bikes.

[@roaddirttv]

You are so right. And this is a fantastic motorcycle, you’ll be well-pleased with it. I’ve got deep family roots in north highlands Scotland. The land of my heritage.

[@GenXPertChannel]

I bought one yesterday. We looked at EVERYTHING in the size range for my wife to try as her own, although she likely will still likely prefer riding on the back of the other bikes. Doesn't matter- if she doesn't want to ride it, I will! After looking at everything, if you are a small rider and want the confidence of getting feet securely on the ground- THIS is the bike. We tried lowering a BMW G310GS and it was still tall and felt topheavy, despite lowering it ruins the capability. The 310R is not as relaxed of a riding position and less power. The Royal Enfields are chunky, awesome bikes- but fall short with what I'd just call a "crudeness" in comparison to the Speed 400. We pick it up later this week and can't wait!

[@roaddirttv]

Fantastic! We think you’ll both be happy with it, for a long time.

[@roadrunner2757]

@@GenXPertChannel nice choice mate. God Speed 400 to you !!

[@oddsox-sensei]

I’ve been going back and forth on Triumph Speed400 or the one of the Royal Enfields since I heard about the baby Triumph. I’ve ridden every RE bike and narrowed it down to the Scram411 or GT650. About a month ago I finally got to test ride the Speed 400. The Speed 400’s engine put the RE’s 350s & Scram411 to shame power wise. So now I was juggling against a used RE GT 650. It was a hard choice since I love the GT Continental, but Triumph Speed 400 won with a lower weight of 375lbs vs GT 471lbs. Although I do admit riding the GT, it doesn’t feela full 100 lbs heavier.

[@roaddirttv]

We love all the REs we've ever ridden, but agreed, that Speed 400 is something special.

[@leeinwis]

390 Duke ?

[@roaddirttv]

@@leeinwis haven’t ridden one yet. However, the little KTM is a naked sportbike, whereas the Speed 400 & RE Hunter 350 I’d call modern retros. Similar displacements, but different classes of motorcycles.

[@N13J]

imo I would pick Speed 400 mainly because of the better speed performance and extra safety from slipper clutch and traction control. But RE bikes are gorgeous and affordable so can’t go wrong with either of them.

[@roaddirttv]

@@N13J agreed.

[@tk421trading6]

Having owned close on to 50 bikes... small bikes are just more fun. They can be ridden to the limit without them trying to kill you... i've had Harleys to Fireblades, off road beemers to classic Vespa's but i've had more fun on my smaller capacity bikes in the real world.... I've also ridden around most of the world and ride 365 sun or snow... I've currently (amongst other things) got a new classic RE 350 and she puts more smiles on my face than my Fireblade ever did... This 400 has been added to my list... just need to do a bit of overtime!

[@roaddirttv]

50 bikes! Yeah, the older I get, the more I love these under 500cc bikes. Rock on!

[@tk421trading6]

@@roaddirttv too true mate! Don't get me wrong I LOVE fast powerful bikes! But can I find their limit on a ride on the road.... erm nope... I can find the ER room pretty quickly though!

[@roaddirttv]

@@tk421trading6 True!

[@garrysmith9246]

Looks and sounds like a great bike. Thanks for the review, you look to have some great roads to ride. 👍

[@roaddirttv]

We do! We’re up above Atlanta, in the woods and lower hill country, so lots of beautiful riding.

[@randycarter5410]

Love these bikes and haven't even rode one yet, I'm currently in the Philippines and riding a 150 scooter, I have had plenty of bikes in my life, I'm 63, and this bike is on my super short list for when I get back in few months,😎👍😎👍

[@roaddirttv]

Get you one, Randy!! 🏍️

[@JohnnyLREACTS]

This is my next bike. No doubt about it. Started on a Honda Trail 125. I want to keep it actually but need more power.

[@roaddirttv]

You’ll have it in the Speed 400, no doubt.

[@yamahacody]

small bikes are super fun to ride, something about having it pinned almost all the time just does it for me

[@roaddirttv]

True- more fun to ride a small slow bike fast, than a big fast bike slow.

[@yamahacody]

Very true indeed. Even my Yamaha MT07 is more than I can use and too fast for the street most the time.

[@garrettpeerbolte3973]

Im taking the msf class next week, and im thinking this is gonna be my first bike. Really excited! Thanks for the review.

[@roaddirttv]

Fantastic, Garrett! Good on ya. Agreed, this would be a great first bike, that you won’t soon get tired of.

[@JustPete-wm1fy]

That’s what I did. Got it and love it. Learn how to ride now.

[@roaddirttv]

@@JustPete-wm1fy good on ya, Pete!

[@gregoryeverett1369]

@@JustPete-wm1fy @garrettpeerbolte3973 Me too! Took the MSF course three weeks prior. Had been scouring the internet for months and found the 400X to be the best bike overall. Plus it looks great. The test ride confirmed it. It'll be showing up at my front door in 52 hours . . .

[@josephxanthopoulos]

I was in "love" with Hunder , but Traction , power and better pair tires to SPEED 400 ............... make the deference !!!!

[@roaddirttv]

The Hunter is a great bike, for sure, but this Speed 400 is outstanding for the class.

[@fredstraw]

I have a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and it's great fun riding fast. I live in Conrwall England all small lanes.

[@roaddirttv]

Great motorbike! We reviewed one a few years ago- roaddirt.tv/riding-the-royal-enfield-int650-interceptor/

[@fredstraw]

@@roaddirttv Yes perfect for me i have rode bikes since i was 12 and now 63

[@roaddirttv]

@@fredstraw yeah, rock on!!

[@markusthedrummer8143]

Just test drove one today and it’s a very pleasant motorcycle. You said it was a beast and I disagree, that’s a total overstatement.My Kawasaki Z 400 could be considered closer to being a beast. I absolutely love my Z400 however the forward leaning riding position is starting to bother my hands and wrists, which is why I went to test drive this triumph. My Z400 keeps me on my toes, I am never without power and third gear is my favorite gear to ride in and wind up the RPMs. This triumph is so different. I am concerned it might become too tame and too boring for me. I welcome any Input.

[@roaddirttv]

I’m sure compared to your Z400, with the gearing and tune so different, I can understand why you feel it’s closer to “beast” mode than this Speed 400. However, having ridden this one for several weeks, from curve carving to open highway, it’s quite the little beast itself, for a Triumph standard. Thanks for the feedback!

[@andymushlarky7819]

Nice review fella, your intro is brilliant that old BMW being ridden looks the dogs!! do you know what it is?

[@roaddirttv]

Thanks Andy! Appreciate the kind words. The old Beemer in our intro we think is an old 1980s era R60 or R90.

[@churchofbrap876]

I love these new small inexpensive retros !

[@roaddirttv]

Oh yeah, we want a garage full of them!

[@vinceskalicky8313]

The biggest reason for the small displacement is that in Europe bike licenses are divided into categories.

[@genegoodwin8925]

I am 70 years old and just sold the last Harley I will ever own. I am interested in the Triumph Speed 400, but wonder what it feels like to ride. Does it feel more like a street bike like a small Speed Twin, or a samll Bonneville, or does it feel more like a dual sport bike? Please help me decide. I have never seen one in person, yet. All I've done was watch You Tube videos and look at Triumph's web site.

[@roaddirttv]

Hi Gene, It honestly feels like a small displacement Bonneville or 900 Speed Twin, in our opinion. Super easy to ride, but with surprising power for a 400. As you can see in the video and our full writeup on it, we’re very impressed. roaddirt.tv/triumph-speed-400-ride-review/

[@genegoodwin8925]

@@roaddirttv Thank you for the reply. Now I have to drive to Colombus, Ohio (100 miles) to see one in person and sit on it. I was thinking about a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 but the Triumph Speed 400 has a better top end and will proabably do better on the highways. We travel some divded highways to get where we want to go and the speed limits are 70 mph. I usuallly hold back a little at 65mph, I've owned motorcycyle since 1967 mostly Japanese models and four Harleys.. I just sold the last Harley I will ever own. I paid $37,000 for it and it broke down four times within the first year. My wife and I have rode well over 300,000 miles on motorcycles and camped out along our way in a 7X7 pup tent. Great fun. But my wife has battled cancer eight times, had 12 surgeries, maxed out on chemo, radiation, and cyber knife treatments. She is currently on immunotherapy and will be every 28 days for the rest of her life. We went to a HD Tri-Glide when one of the spots of cancer in her brain (she had six places) caused her to have seizures. She had brain surgery to remove that spot and hasn't had a seizure since, so now I want to return to two wheels. Wish me good luck. Ride safely and enjoy every journey.

[@roaddirttv]

@@genegoodwin8925 wow, y’all have been through it. Thanks for confiding your story in us. Prayers and well-wishes for your beloved wife, and we hope you get a good test ride on that Speed 400. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Glad you’re still riding, after all these years and bikes you’ve owned. Blessings and best to ya!

[@genegoodwin8925]

@@roaddirttv Just another note about us. I knew my wife when she was in the third grade. We started dating when she was 14 and married one week after she finished high school in 1974. When I was young I learned how to fix things instead of throwing things away. Same goes with a relationship. We fix things, we do not throw things away that are worth keeping. May God Bless you and yours.

[@roaddirttv]

@@genegoodwin8925 right on, Gene! We live in a “disposable” culture, but I’m with ya, the most important things are worth the work, the maintenance, and the nurture. God bless you and yours as well.

[@bfarm44]

I really love this bike but I’m hoping to add the new Kawasaki Ninja 500 to the stable this year but this thing is giving me the figgits something fierce.

[@roaddirttv]

😆

[@yesJLY]

Great video Rob, quick question, how you you compare (other than the obvious) this bb400 to the Triden you tested back on May 2021?

[@roaddirttv]

Thanks Tony! I’d say the Trident really felt more like a naked sportbike, with that high revving triple, higher pitched whining exhaust note, and quickshifter. That 660 mill will scream, but I honestly enjoyed this Speed 400 better. Really felt more like a Triumph to me, in terms of that Bonneville feel and sound.

[@BattleToads]

I'm a big guy - 6 ft 220 lbs, would I look goofy on this bike? I think I would. I'm leaning more toward a RE classic 350 but really like the performance of this bike...

[@roaddirttv]

We’ve got a writer/photographer named Phil who’s 6’2”, about 230, and he felt like, to put it in his words, “a gorilla on a minibike” with it. It’s a much better performer than the 350s in RE’s lineup, for sure. Have you considered one of the 900 or 1200 Triumph Bonnevilles? Or RE’s 650s? Those might suit your size a bit better. Just some thoughts,

[@BattleToads]

@@roaddirttv I have, I just really love the looks of the Classic 350. The Int 650 is growing on me, though. I think they are releasing a Classic 650 in late 2026 but I doubt I can wait that long. That Int 650 in Barcelona blue is a beauty.

[@roaddirttv]

@@BattleToads RE’s Shotgun 650 is a looker too.

[@dave9060]

Most things I hear about this bike are positive. The only thing I’ve heard negative towards it is that when you hit 65 to 75 there can be vibration in the handle bars? What is your take on this? And did you feel that at all while riding?

[@roaddirttv]

Slight vibration closer to 75 and above, mostly in the mirrors. Not bad for small displacement single thumper.

[@xNemesiSxPR]

Talking about the looks, is a pretty cool bike but there is something about the colors that dont like. Those gold tubes in the front mmmm.

[@Brettmotorcycles]

Bought the scrambler fun little bike but will probably trade in for the rr/thruxton version they are releasing next year…they are fashion exercises

[@roaddirttv]

That promises to be an amazing bike as well 👍🏻.

[@filipluneski0204]

How would you compare the Trump Speed 400 to the Honda 300 Rebel? Anyone? Thanks

[@ericweber1969]

Really different riding positions between the triumphs and the Rebel; I’d be more inclined to compare them with Honda’s CB300R.

[@orange42]

Interesting. Other reviews say you can't turn *both* abs and TC off.

[@roaddirttv]

We didn’t switch them off, but were informed by the Triumph rep when we picked it up that both were switchable.

[@orange42]

@@roaddirttv cool! Thanks. Not that I'm planning to turn them off. 😂 Good review thanks. Couple of weeks away here.

[@MrKajakhaj]

They can both be switched off on the Scrambler 400x only, not on the Speed 400. Which makes sense. From a Scrambler 400x owner ;-)

[@orange42]

@@MrKajakhaj that's what I'd heard

[@bfarm44]

Twice the hp of the RE 350

[@roaddirttv]

And only about 50cc more in displacement. Mind blown. 🤯

[@thisandthat1265]

There are too many problems . Look at the forums.

[@leeinwis]

"It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than it is to ride a fast bike slow"

[@gbtriumph3216]

"That's due to tuning..." OR...the bike needs to be broken in before we make grand pronouncements!

[@roaddirttv]

A Triumph rep actually told me they were still tweaking the mapping on some of the 400s, so yeah, tuning. The bike we were given was from the demo fleet, and already had about 1000 mi on it.

[@jasonlawrence8302]

stupid fast, pocket rocket??????? u r kidding right!!

[@roaddirttv]

I didn’t make the “pocket rocket” comment, but for a 398cc single cylinder motorcycle, that we hit 92 mph with at 10k rpm, yeah, it’s “stupid fast” for its size.

[@cyborg5407]

How about build quality? Is it at par with the Hunter 350?

[@roaddirttv]

It’s a Triumph, so build quality is solid. Great attention to detail.

[@xNemesiSxPR]

I been seen lot of moto video. RE is xoming out w a new mbike called guerilla. That is probably more the competition for this one since they r both in the 400 cc.