TESTING a 2024 Triumph Speed 400 on the road? Too slow for Germany?
I'm buying another new motorcycle! This time a #dailyrider, a commuter bike, that can also have fun on the twisties. Is the new 2024 Triumph Speed 400 a motorcycle that can fulfil that role? Is it a budget motorcycle worthy of my money, or a gutless styling exercise with no sporting credentials whatsoever?
It was a cold day, but we did over 100kms on a round trip to the old Schottenring, a disused road-racing course!
Frankfurt-based Mellow Motorcycles offered me one of the first demo motorcycles in the country, so I could upload what I think is the first Triumph Speed 400 Review from Germany!
0:00 Introduction at Triumph Frankfurt North (Mellow Motorcycles)
1:26 Seat height is 790mm, riding the 2024 Triumph Speed 400 for the first few meters!
3:17 Overtaking traffic in top gear on the Speed 400 is actually OK?!
4:01 Anti-social, irresponsible... let's talk about race exhausts on the Triumph 400 LOL
7:08 Braking by ByBre (By Brembo)
11:46 Riding the old Schottenring with a friend
17:30 Riding the B276 from Schotten to Geyden (famous biker road in Hessen)
22:09 Taking photos and talking Triumph Speed 400 Horsepower
23:32 Nurburgring laptimes on a Triumph Speed 400? Why not!
24:45 Refuelling the Speed 400 and working out fuel economy
25:25 Should I buy it? (conclusion and outro!)
You can buy, test-ride or modify your Triumph with www.mellowmoto...
Prices to buy a Triumph Speed 400 in Germany from Mellow are here: triumph-frankf...
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#triumph #triumphmotorcycles #triumphspeed400 #mellowmotorcycles
Пікірлер: 980
1) Scram vs Speed gearing: individual gear ratios are indeed the same. Final drive is one tooth out on the Scram 2) Link to crazy exhaust noise on a Speed 400: kzread.info/dash/bejne/YmR2xtCdoZrYY9Y.html 3) Use code KZread to get 10% off BTGMoto clothing and accessories here: kzread.info/dron/CEHXtTTBJs8etxD9mr436g.htmlstore
@pravinmurthy
6 ай бұрын
The Scrambler has one teeth less in the front sprocket.. Meaning it's shorter geared than Speed slightly..
@MrKajakhaj
6 ай бұрын
@@pravinmurthy Which more or less compensates for the bigger wheel size on the Scrambler.
@ribianphoto
6 ай бұрын
I heard somewhere that the X has a 14 where the Speed has a 15
@Mufga81
6 ай бұрын
Primary and internal ratios are identical between Speed & Scrambler. Front sprocket is one tooth different but only to compensate for the different rear wheel circumference. Overall gearing is, on paper, exactly the same.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
@@Mufga81 Thanks mate! I was literally just on the phone to my guy and he told me the same thing. It was that first gear ratio that surprised me a lot, it's a real crawler and not what I'd expect on a road bike.
At the age of 77, i have just bought this as my first new bike in 60 years of motorcycling. Having been a staunch bmw fan, with k1300 gt as my last tourer, which got me and the missus to Sicily 5 years ago, i must say that this 400 s has been a fantastic choice and i would highly recommend it to any one wanting to downsize.
It's always better to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
words to live by!
@marksimpson5218
6 ай бұрын
It depends, if I was just riding local roads then yes but I like a bigger bike when doing long road trips.
@meemee8041
6 ай бұрын
Somtimes it's nice to let a fast bike be itself and not hold it back so much too. Sort of relaxing into the power of a fast bike. I'm sure many would agree it's fun to ride any bike fast especially when they are built for it.
@jakeviolet2195
6 ай бұрын
Not in the U.S. Our roads are so wide and straight that if you ain't doing at least 80mph, you're getting passed by old ladies and truckers like you're standing still. And getting blown around on a little buzzy bike like a hummingbird in a hurricane is no fun.
@mattmutane5502
6 ай бұрын
@@btgmoto Amen to that!! :D (and, straights are for fast bikes, corners are for fast riders... ;) :D )
Don't forget the Triumph Bonneville of the 60's and early 70's was 'only' 46hp and yet it was the flagship bike of the period and still give modern machinery a run for their money.
@mattmutane5502
6 ай бұрын
I would bet (haven't' checked) that it was probably twice the weight though! :( Weight is almost EVERYTHING!! ;) :)
@Vegplot
6 ай бұрын
@@mattmutane5502 The period T120 was 402 lb (182 kg) wet so slightly heavier.
@KrazyKanucker
6 ай бұрын
Interesting, no wonder the old 60s Bonnevilles were loved so much. t120 2023, 520 lbs wet, 79 HP My friends dad had a couple of Harleys before going back to a 60s t120. Looks like the speed 400 is actually a lot more similar to the classic t120 when comparing HP and weight which I quite like myself. Might go for a ride here in Canada today on my Duke 390.
@enricohagn
6 ай бұрын
You where right, until you typed your last sentence...
@TheSaintrover
6 ай бұрын
Vegplot. 1970 Triumph T120 0-60 mph in 5.2 secs or 0-100 kmh in 5.5 secs - Speed 400 is 7 secs 0-100 kmh so is the Fantic Cabellero , exactly the same at 40hp too.
I own a speed 400, been riding it for 5 months, done 9000 kms. It is a good bike. The gear ratio is good, surprised at the power on the 6th gear. The front USD suspension is good. The best thing I like is the Ride By Wire Throttle - great response. V K Kumar Bangalore, India
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
Thanks for the feedback! It's a great motorcycle
@thetravelleaf
3 ай бұрын
Thank you, I'm thinking of buying it. Either this or a Royal Enfield
I had a 20 minute test ride on the scrambler last Tuesday. I pick one up next Wednesday. No brainer for me. Loved it!!!
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Enjoy the new ride!
@col8981
4 ай бұрын
Got the Speed 400 on 1st March
@Plough78
4 ай бұрын
Tested the SPEED will do scrambler in few days.. Though I might wait check out the Enfield 450 Scram when it lands. *Crap Game* 🎉
@leeinwis
4 ай бұрын
@@Plough78 Triumph has street cred
I've watched a lot of reviews for this bike on youtube, this was far the most useful - Thank you. At 68yrs old, my Bonneville SE is starting to feel a bit heavy and I keep thinking back to my days in my 20's when I rode and loved my 400 Kawasaki before moving on to GT750 Kettles. Time for a test ride I think.
Excellent demo of the bike. So much more informative than the KZread influencers we usually see.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Wow, thanks! I'm honoured. :)
Buy it! The upgrades and tuning will make great content. I have to believe you'll be one of the first KZreadrs to mod one.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
That's been going through my mind a lot this week...
@CryPto-ih5sd
6 ай бұрын
Do it , I’d love that
@michaelb6866
6 ай бұрын
@@btgmoto Do it Do it Do it!!
@leeinwis
4 ай бұрын
@@btgmoto get the scrambler and enter a whole new world..offroadin
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
@@leeinwis I already have a Tuareg 660 for that, thanks! Loads of vids offroadin on my channel ;)
Having test ridden a Trident 660 it is a very fun an encouraging bike, quite agile and of course a great looker. Definitely worth a try, I had my heart set on the XSR700 though. I briefly sat on the Speed 400 in a UK dealer and was impressed by the quality and how big bike it felt.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Yeah, it has that 'big bike' feel, that's so much better than a lot of cheaper 125-500s.
Ancient Brit here. Had enough of bloody big heavy bikes over the decades. I scaled down to a Caballero 500 , very similar spec. I love it. 40 hp is great on a lightweight like this,,,, Although,,,, I bet there’s a couple more to be squeezed out of it with aftermarket pipe etc.!
@leeandjancruise
6 ай бұрын
Same here, I went for the Ducati 400 Sixty2 model.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Now that's a rare machine!
@helenm6474
5 ай бұрын
Same for me too, after surgery having to ditch bigger bikes, just bought the triumph speed 400, can’t wait for it to arrive
@longjonwhite
5 ай бұрын
@@helenm6474 Hi Helen and congratulations! 👍👍What is the waiting time now?
@helenm6474
5 ай бұрын
@@longjonwhite thanks! About five months, first bike I’ve bought without even testing it, so could be interesting!
I love the sound of a single .. you could ride all day just listening to the melody and be happy ..
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Thumper time!
Test drove one for one hour 2 weeks ago, and now I own one since one week. So much fun. Using it at a second bike to just cruise, my BMW F900R always wants to push, this is just pure fun. And yes, I was like '40HP', pfff right. But that whole experience changed after a few minutes. It is really that good, esspecialy for the price. Made me forget the RE Interceptor in one afternoon. It is a special thing, gonna keep it with me for many years, just for FUN.
@Marina-bd4le
3 ай бұрын
What's your top speed you've gotten it to?
@HumphreyvanLee
2 ай бұрын
@@Marina-bd4le Not important, it is just fun!
@Marina-bd4le
2 ай бұрын
@@HumphreyvanLee It certainly looks like it is, but for me it's a bit important. As my current bike only tops out at 70, I was hoping to get something at least in the 90 range to fare better on the highway though.
@HumphreyvanLee
2 ай бұрын
Ah like that, it does 100kph easily
@Marina-bd4le
2 ай бұрын
@@HumphreyvanLee I forgot to add it was 70mph. I hope it does a bit more, so 144kph where I'd love to be at.
Thanks for the great review. I ride a 2018 Speedmaster, and it's so nimble and responsive. I think Triumph is just nailing it with their production in the past few years.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Totally agree! If you think the Speedmaster is nimble, at 263kg, you won't believe the difference that dropping 100kg/220lbs makes :)
First video ever watched, immediately subscribed! Love the sound of the engines and the reactions to the bike. I'm going to check out one of these on Tuesday this week as a possible first bike. The engine sounds like so much fun!
@btgmoto
5 ай бұрын
Awesome! Thank you!
Came to your channel via a link to this review. Enjoyed it so subbed then blimey watched your day with a GS road trail track and thought absolutely no way will the little 400 cope with you ability or need for speed….. fun watching you take it to its limits though. Thanks for the content. Ride safe
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
I'm actual a simple man of simple pleasures. But the kid inside me will often take the controls. Hence why I sold the ZX10R so quickly. Anyway, you haven't seen me riding my built Suzuki 125 scram to work on the same route, it looks almost the same LOL
I am 68yo and a motorcyclist for 55 years. There is an aging of motorcyclists here in the US, motorcycle manufactures are trying to change this, but even as they do riders like me are aging out of the sport. Older riders like me need a light weight motorcycle with a lower seat height; a bike that also has excellent handling and great brakes. For us old guys it’s this or a trike. I’m being serious, no joke. From this viewpoint light weight singles make a lot of sense for older guys . I would very much like to see you tweak the suspension on this Triumph Speed 400. Maybe chip the motor too. Triumph might even sponsor you in this effort, or at least provide guidance because they will be racing the Speed 400 in the 400 class I’m certain. I’d also like to see a comparison test: Triumph Speed 400 vs KTM 390 Duke vs Husqvarna Vitpilen 401. Cage match, winner take all!
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
Thanks for the considered comment, and thanks for the sub! Light bikes are essential to the market now more than ever. The trend for 250kg+ being normal is impractical, in my opinion
@stilldajoker
28 күн бұрын
also 55 years riding with 51 on the street. i'm 5' 9" 165 lbs and chose the Trident 660 and could not be happier. Get enough bike to get away from stupid cagers.
My father-in-law has an original early 60s BSA Gold Star. It’s a 170kg bike with about 40hp. If the “new” BSA had been something like this instead of being a lardy 213kg with a 650cc engine developing only 45hp, then I would have considered one; but the 400s from Triumph absolutely knock them for six. I have ridden the Scrambler 400, paid my deposit, and am looking forward very much to getting it.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Congratulations!
I had so much fun watching you ride this bike!!!!!! I absolutely loved this video! Thank You!
@btgmoto
Ай бұрын
Thanks!
Best demonstration of why you should never buy an ex demo bike.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
To be fair, all my bikes got ran in with heat cycles not miles. Never had a problem, and had some pretty high milage bikes too
@markgallagher2386
6 ай бұрын
No issue with buying ex demo bikes, so long as they’re serviced etc you should have no more problems than buying out of the crate - possibly fewer as any issues will have been corrected before you get your hands on it. Sold loads of ex demo bikes without issue. During development the prototypes will get far more abuse than Joe Bloggs can give them.
@rickkern5785
6 ай бұрын
Modern metals and oil have made a significant difference.
@markgallagher2386
6 ай бұрын
@@btgmoto we used to say, if you want a fast bike thrash it from get go, if you want it to last forever then run in as per instructions. Most problems I encountered in my 25 years in the trade were caused by folk being over cautious with running in rather than being over enthusiastic.
@ssbagley
6 ай бұрын
Plenty of content online showing bikes with and without break in periods shows next to no difference in engine wear.
GREAT ride man! One of the best I've seen.
Plenty fast enough for a 400cc thumper and that engine sounds so sweet😁👍
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
I do like the sound too!
I toured around the country pulling a trailer while riding a 50hp motorcycle (Suzuki Boulevard C50). My weight and the trailer weight probably totaled about 400-450 lbs. The bike handled it with no trouble. Though I did have to downshift to maintain speed on especially steep hills when I was fully loaded.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Hahaha that sounds awesome
@chrispekel5709
6 ай бұрын
Yeah, look at the torque figures. It's not really comparable to be honest
@bradaltemeyer4472
6 ай бұрын
seems true/ the 50 in the Suzuki C50 refers to cubic inches if I remember correctly it is somewhere around 900 to 1000 cc,,, but I am not very quotable on that one.@@chrispekel5709
My W800 only has a bit more power than this and about another 40 kilos to haul around. I have no trouble keeping ahead of the traffic or following mates on Sunday rides. It has ample performance for the real world. What I love about these more "modest" motorcycles is that you can actually thrash them a bit and have a little fun without going warp speed. You can actually ride them the way that God intended. Honestly, I'd rather have something like the Triumph 400 than some horsepower monster. Nursing big horsepower bikes on public roads just isn't anywhere near as much fun as riding something like this, like you stole it. We've forgotten that. Add to that how easy bikes like this are to get on and off the stand, wheel around the shed etc and the low maintenance costs and you just can't go wrong, surely.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
It's a great bike, and to be honest, most people don't need much more. But bikes are rarely about 'needs' and more about 'wants'
@davidbrayshaw3529
6 ай бұрын
@@btgmoto Very true.
@douglasalexander4348
6 ай бұрын
God intended me to ride fast. Different religion I guess. What traffic do you have to keep ahead, tractors ? Riding my 765 is waaay more fun than a w800, and I ride in the real world. You can thrash it, just keep in lower gears, overtake because of the power on tap and then have a clear road ahead. It also handles soooo much better round the bumpy country lanes. It’s beautiful at just pottering around as well, as being 40k !! light than yours it’s so nimble. When did heavier and less power become better ?
@davidbrayshaw3529
6 ай бұрын
@@douglasalexander4348 765 what? Triumph? I'm not quite sure what point you're trying to make? My only contention is that you don't need 160+bhp to have fun and it can actually be a hinderance "in the real world". What you enjoy riding is up to you. It's good that you're happy with your bike.
@SkysaxonDragonslayer
5 ай бұрын
It‘s always more fun to drive a slow bike fast as driving a fast bike slow… In the actual traffic 20hp from a RE Classic 350 or even a 125 scooter can be enough, so a 40hp bike with only 170kg is more then enough on B roads to make you smile from ear to ear! These big 1liter 200hp rockets have maybe their place on the race track, but on the road they are a pure stress to ride…
I am german and I also ride "UK style" ;-) Own Super Duke 3.0 and HD and love them both. I also enjoy small motorcycles, but I wouldn't want to give up the torque of the big ones. Great review👍🏻
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Right on! Thanks mate!
Stop obsessing over hp and enjoy the bike for what it is.
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
Which is... a great liddle bike
@derekcostello1016
2 ай бұрын
But its not a nice looking bike - unlike the RE Classic 350
@teej1987
2 ай бұрын
@@derekcostello1016 its a very nice looking bike. What are you going on about?!
@leeinwis
Ай бұрын
@@teej1987 Awesome looking bike .
at my local motorcycle club of mostly retired gents (i'm not retired yet) - this bike is causing quite a stir, one is on order and he had to scour the country for a red one and everyone else is either looking forward to seeing it shortly or talking about getting one.... a bit too small for me because I'm tall, so I ride a Z650RS. Now if they made a taller 650 twin, that I'd be interested in. I'm going on a 150m trip to devon this summer on the Z650RS with panniers and I don't think I'd like to undertake that motorway trip on this bike. Enjoyed your video by the way, subscribing, thanks
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
Definitely not a great motorway bike, but it's far from impossible. But sticking to speed limits plus 10% is very easy, and enjoyable on every other road. A d cornering is *chef's kiss*
Best ever video of all I've seen on this bike you rode it like you stole it, excellent sound from the pipe love the flashing rev counter now I see the attraction of buying one in fact I'm very excited and can't wait to spend the money I'm truly excited for the first time about this bike, thankyou for the best motivated video ever about the 400 Triumph 😂. Nice one dude.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Wow, thanks! Glowing praise. I'll take it :)
an old triumph bonneville was 40 hp!.that was enough for most men.great review btw .also,i have a honda xl600r 1984 model,similar horsepower but less weight for some reason.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Cool, thanks! Yep, if you wanna go by the old standards, this bike is 'ton up' and therefore, officially, not slow.
@colincampbell2153
4 ай бұрын
They are @45/46. I have a 1960 T120
I rode on the first Dragon rally to Wales in 1962. It was icy. On the second stretch I tagged onto a pair riding a 500 BSA Gold Star. We had a fantastic ride along the curvy Welsh roads to the camp site. Pulled up very cold but happy. The chap on the Goldie looked at my bike with a smile and said "That goes well" The remark was for my 197cc 1958 James Captain, all 7hp😅. I was able to keep up with the Goldie on those twistie Welsh roads.
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
A James Captain! Wow!
@haroldpearson6025
3 ай бұрын
@@btgmoto The Jimmy was very sure footed.
Thinking about buying one myself at the age of 65, been riding bikes since I was 15. They look really great. Think you should buy one ❤
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
My pleasure, it's a great bike
The best review of it yet!
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
You're welcome!
Having owned everything from a gsx1400 zrx1200 sv1000 my current bike is a 2007 cbf500 with 58hp and to be fair it's enough, thank you for the vid 👍
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
I was 9 stone when I started riding bikes on the road back in 1993 aged 16. I had a 125 with about 28hp derestricted. I'm now 11 stone. I think this bike would be perfect for some chilled out riding.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
I tend to agree
This type of bike will be attractive to older seniors that still want to ride the scenic routes and are past the point in life that high speeds, overweight bikes and the need for 180hp machines to enjoy a day out cruising the curvy roads more towards the legal speedlimit ranges. As many of us continue to age we start losing muscle mass that makes riding bigger heavier bikes less comfortable in our older ages but we do not want to stay in the recliner either!
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
I think there's a whole video on this topic. Although my 72 year old Dad has just bought another Goldwing, after talking seriously about downsizing for a few months.
Really enjoyed this review Dale, need to see you dragging knee on one round the nordschleife
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Challenge accepted 🙌
@ScORTED
6 ай бұрын
@@btgmoto only sad I won't be able to follow
Now I live in Germany, and back in the late eighties I owned a Honda NX 250 with 26 hp. And I toured most of Europe on that little bike. I had no problems at all on the autobahns, although even now with a bike capable of 150mph I still avoid riding on them. And changeing a sprocket in Germany means paper work, because it has to be put into the log book.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Haha I once got a ticket for having a 120/70 front on my ZX6R, because in the papers Kawasaki had put 120/65, even though that was a weird size that nobody even stocked.
@wiseguy724
4 ай бұрын
What log book? Ticketed for modifying? Never heard of this before, what's that all about?
@Dim4u
3 ай бұрын
My dad stil owns a Ax-1 250. Which is basically the same as NX 250. Still have fun riding it. Motorcycling is about Passion. Not displacement.
@geordiegeorge9041
3 ай бұрын
@@wiseguy724 In Germany any technical mods on a motor vehicle must be recorded in the Fahrzeugbrief (Logbook)
In the philippines we consider that as entry level big bike.. good for newbies
Thanks for the effort on producing this review. Really helpful. Had a street triple about 10 years back and have been riding a 150cc scooter for commute in the city for the past 5 years.... really considering this as an option for the occassional commute and weekend trips as i dont feel like i want to maintain a big bike anymore ... Great review. Greetings from KL, Malaysia.
@btgmoto
Ай бұрын
Thanks!
To summarise this video in short:- NO 40 horsepower is not enough for daily use. It's only good for occasional track riding.
@johnharris7353
3 ай бұрын
Agreed it's ridiculous.
@Toomanydays
2 ай бұрын
42 is minimum
@IanClarke-bi3se
Ай бұрын
Guys real world riding 40bhp is plenty
Great video bud! Very much enjoyed 😊
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Thanks!
40BHP is more than plenty, it might just be perfect as you get to use the full capabilities of the bike, not just 20-50%. I ordered mine back in October, and it should be ready for pickup in 1-2 weeks here in Denmark. Yes at least 1 tooth up on the front sprocket, it will only make it even more fun if you gear it to the point where you need to work the gears a bit more. Also, I don't want it to redline before 130 km/h as some roads in Dk calls for that 🙂 Great review
@btgmoto
5 ай бұрын
It's a nice feeling to max a bike out over a whole day's riding, something that's almost impossible on the higher performance bikes nowadays.
40 horses is more than you need to reach Mr Drippfords speed limit here in Wales.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Yeah, those speed limits are really something, eh?
@davidmatthews3093
6 ай бұрын
What gradient will a 40 BHP bike cruise up at 60 mph? Only built up areas in Wales have the 20mph limits despite what knowitalls like you insist. It used to be called lying. .
Oh yeah, legal 100 km/h on the right German B-roads. High time for some slightly warmer weather. I could ver well live with this bike. Mine is a Honda NT650GT Hawk/ Bros. About 58 bhp V-twin grunt with only 10 more kg but this would suit me as well. Real fun at reasonable speeds.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
I had the 400 Bros, the 650 and my dad built a 700, which I also rode a lot. Brilliant bikes.
@marcbrasse747
6 ай бұрын
@@btgmoto I actually own two 650’s. One special with a Honda Fireblade upside down fork plus bodywork and fairing I designed and built myself. So I pumped it up / pimped it, so to speak. Out of gratitude it blew a valve. So I bought cheap extra one for parts. That one however runs like a clock so I kept it as well, which has further delayed getting my special back on the road. And yes, my life is always this complicated. 😁
It 's actually one of the best looking bikes - regardless category or size. In an ideal world, I would have 2-3 bikes: One would be a MotoGuzzi V100 Mandello, and the other one would be Speed 400, for every day commuting or whenever I feel like relaxing or tired (but have to go somewhere).
Good to see someone actually RIDING a bike!
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
Thanks!
I just love the sound
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
It's a good little thumper!
@sweepsp8468
6 ай бұрын
your vid is so good have booked a test ride@@btgmoto
"Motorcycling is a broad church man"
I picked mine up about 5 weeks ago. Pretty much agree with all of your observations with the possible exception of the exhaust. I bought it for those "Gee, what a lovely day for a ride" days when I just didn't want to haul out 300 kilos of Tiger Explorer. And it looks absolutely gorgeous. I'm 78 and have been riding since 1961, so... Old saying: It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. This is the perfect weapon for riding the local back roads (B Roads for my friends across the pond). Have added a Dart flyscreen and have a tail tidy coming in from India tomorrow. I may drop a tooth or two off the rear sprocket - 1st gear is absurd - and probably won't mess with the suspension. I don't think that I'll be riding it hard enough to warrant the expense and effort.
@btgmoto
3 ай бұрын
Congratulations! And I totally agree!
I am about 130kg and ride a cb400n (Superdream). I keep swapping the front cog, round town one tooth less is fab commuting and hooning around, but any distance on A roads and I am hunting for 6th. 400 wth 43bhp is just enough. I love that middle weight bikes are becoming a thing again.
This is the best test ride of the Speed 400 I have séen. You ride the bike like anyone would like to. Other YT influencers are dawdling along too slow. I hope you have an opportunity to ride the Scrambler 400 for a comparison. Sub'd!
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Glad you liked it! Thanks for the sub
The problem for someone like you, is the experience level you possess will leave you wanting for more horsepower the more you ride it, which is why so many manufacturers have built the 700 class parallel twins these days. Kinda like the sweet spot for power and performance.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Yep, looking at those now!
Love the vid. Good honest road riding. Fed up of those 360 cams.👍
I just traded my 130hp rocket for a 90 hp tiger. I still enjoy my wife’s new speed 400. Sure it doesn’t have the same acceleration but it’s got plenty enough power and torque to enjoy hills and back roads. I don’t think I’d like to do a road trip on it but as an everyday bikes is smile for miles.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
I'm definitely not buying this to cross continents, but I do want a bike for the short ride to work and the occasional back lane blast.
Great video 🎉
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for showing me the roads! 😁
@jensnoeske
6 ай бұрын
👍🏻
Complaining about the weight of bikes while dismissing the fact that you are 100 kilos yourself. Also, you are clearly the kind of rider that wants to put unsociable exhausts on perfectly good existing exhausts (never mind disturbing everyone else with insufferable excessive noise). You've also just demonstrated that 40hp is more than adequate for almost all European roads, having overtaken every vehicle you came across with consumate ease. I wish you well with your channel which will no doubt grow if you can temper your hubris.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for the feedback!
Nice video! I bought my 765R from Mellow in Frankfurt, friendly motorcycle dealer, I test rode the Tiger Sport 660 whilst my bike was in for it's first service, anyway you need to update your BIO, congratulations on reaching 1000 subs...👍
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Off to change it now mate!
Great video, thanks! I'm 59 years old, said for decades that everything under 1 liter is not a bike. And now - after 184 HP - and in the best faith I'm seriously considering such a pimped wheelchair? My older me would probably put me in a retirement home right away!
I had a test ride on the little 400.. I was impressed by the lightness.easy to move about.yes it not quick but it's not everything. Knocks the spots off the royal Enfield though.and value for money.we done triumph
Great test and very detailed explanation, good job!... I am getting mine in 2 weeks, seems to be a great cost/benefit bike for daily use...
@btgmoto
Ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
Three years ago I bought a Husqvarna Svartpilen 125. 15hp, 150something kg. Pretty much the same bike as the 401, main differences being the engine, non-adjustable shocks and no quick shift. I had a blast on that bike, did over 4000km over the summer. But I did conclude that it should have had ~10hp more to be able to hit the motorway from time to time. Like the two stroke 125s of the late 80's. So yes, 40hp should be plenty enough for a fun ride along twisty roads. 25hp would've been enough for me on the roads I mostly ride on. I ended up trading it in for a Svart 701 -20. More power than what I need for my riding, but I don't mind too much :) And this bike is a keeper. Thumper life!
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
It's all about perspective, as you've so rightfully reminded me here!
It seems to be the sort of bike that it would be the go to machine in your quiver. You’d still ride your other bikes for special occasions and going big distances but , like a new record that you play till it’s worn out, the 400 would be the one you mainly choose . It would be my choice for general motor biking.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
I think it would get ridden a LOT if it was in my garage, particularly on the commute
I agree so many modern bikes are too heavy. The little Triumph looks good, isn't costly and won't be expensive to run.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
It's a cool little bike, and punches well above its weight!
Great honest review. Just what I wanted to know. Thanks
My first new motocycle after Uni was a 1978 Honda CB400T1, a 39 HP twin. It was fun, quick, and just "big" enough to ride comfortably on the highway. I have to admit I fell for the siren call of horsepower and ended up with a carefully jetted Yamaha FZ1 that dyno'd a very real 129 hp. In my mind that was a truly great all rounder. It was fast and stable on the track and would tour comfortably all day long. A 400cc bike is nice but its a bit small for a great all-rounder.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Very cool! Both great bikes. There's a euro-version of the FZ1 close to me for cheap money. I had one when they were a brand new bike, and I loved it.
The opening dialogue sounded like "can 40 horses satisfy me?", sounded a bit...sus XD
If I had the money for a third bike, this would be it! What a beautiful machine! 😁 Two comments: Please reconsider making your bike louder by swapping the exhaust. There are already quite a number of popular routes that are closed for motorcycles because of the noise problem. And many more discussions going on, so stop giving those arguments , who want to ban us from beautiful and popular motorcycle roads! Second: No bike today is made for riders of 100kg, but maybe it`s time for manufacturers to reconsider their suspension design for different geographies of the world?
Hello from Sweden. Would be interesting to know how the Triumph handles when pushed hard. At the age of 78, I'm not as fast as I once was. Have a Ninja 300, about same power and weight as the Triumph. For a cheap bike surprises many how fast it goes in the corners. Have passed a lot of 1000cc sportbikes in corners on trackdays. But only 110 Mph on a straight line. Anyway, straight roads are just boring. Would be interesting to see how the Triumph would handle the bumpy northern part of the Mountain Course. The little Ninja didn't like it. Though the -59 350 Manx with 36 hp and 140kg is more entertaining. Handles well even by modern standards but completely empty under 4000 rpm. Makes it a bit tricky in hairpins.
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
Well, the Norton sounds lovely. Always wanted to do a spot of classic racing. Maybe one day!
My first bike was a Yardman moped. 50cc and a top speed of 25 mph. Lots of fun in city traffic and I could Lane split where sports bikes couldn't. It was legal street racing 😉
Very nice video. I had already put down a deposit on a 2024 Vitpilen but now I booked a test ride on a Speed 400 for next weekend. Looks matter and the Vitpilen's design might look dated in the long run, meanwhile the Speed 400 looks like a motorcycle "should" look. I think it will remain beautiful for decades to come. At +50 I'm probably also a bit too old for the TFT display on Vitpilen, I like the analoge of the Triumph better. Will see after my test run. Cheers for the vid :)
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
The Vitpilen is on my list to test ride next!
@thenexthobby
3 ай бұрын
Both are on my shortlist … I like how each looks, for different reasons. I’m a bit cold on what Japanese bikes became regarding the “angry insect” look, and their naked bikes mostly look like they’re missing the fairings.
Thanks for your honest and great review. I completely agree on many of your comments. My first great motorcycle love was - no, not my first bike a small 250 cc - but the then (1989) brand-spanking new Suzy GS 500 E with 46 odd horsepower and a massive, MASSIVE, 130/70 section rear tyre. That's wider than 1100s and 1300s of the time. Still to this day it gave me so much fun compared to say the overly obese and sluggish VFR 800 I owned a few years back. Weight is king and somewhere between 40 and 70 hp is perfect for the road.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Thanks!
Reminds me of the old Manx Norton 500 singles they had it right then and Triumph has it right now.
Really enjoyed your review. Answered most of my questions. Test rode one today and bought it in blue. I'm 67 and was looking for something lighter and smaller than my R1200GS which has been getting bigger and heavier as each year goes by. Thanks.
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
Glad to hear it! Enjoy it!
Definitely a looker that’s for sure. Solid my 2019 street twin last year and need another triumph to add to my other bikes
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Worth a test ride, for sure!
I changed the 15 teeth sprocket for a 17 on my Tenere and I am STILL looking for the 7th gear every now and then. 1st is still short enough but feels much smoother with 17 teeth now.
Rear suspension is NOT adjustable for damping. Just pre-load. A spanner comes with the owners pack.
Pick up mine in two days traded in my Tiger 800 wanted something light can’t wait to
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
I always found the Tiger 800 to be a bit top heavy, the 400 will feel so easy in comparison.
@Tmagri4
6 ай бұрын
I have the Tiger 800 as well and have the 400x on order. Should be delivered here in Virginia around early March. Can’t image getting ride of the Tiger 800…look forward to using this for light off roading that will be more comfortable on the 400x than the Tiger. After a few months I’ll decide if it makes sense to keep both or if I can live without the Tiger…so many tough decisions.😊
@timmy24540
6 ай бұрын
I'm in the same boat with the Tiger 800, I've had mine since 2015. It's a great bike, and it's a handful off-road. I'm just an old guy (62) looking to continue riding as long as I can. A lighter bike would be the best choice if I want to continue to ride an occasional trail now and then. I'm caught up between the KTM 390 adv and the 400x. Both are very capable for what I want to do, I'll just have to make the time for a test ride with each one. Thanks for posting this review ✌️
Often overlooked is where the engine makes its power and what reserve power is available at highway speeds. Probably 90 percent of bikes over 150 cc can manage secondary highway speeds and 350 cc bikes can do interstate speeds. Of course if you are riding into a 25 to 35 mph headwind you have a problem. Then you are in the mountains or steep hills and Still have that wind situation. Riding a bike comes with certain dangers and risks over which you have no control. So doing anything that increases these dangers and risks is not sound thinking or common sense. Around town or limited commuter use or as a starter bike on back roads OK. If you plan to do any traveling or get out on the big roads, you need a 20 percent power reserve above posted speed limit. This minimizes your performance losses due to headwind
I had a small bike epiphany recently, thinking that on UK's congested, speed limited & pot holed roads no-one needed over 650cc. I bought a sexy looking SWM 440 on the basis of seeing one ridden on a German YT video. It was rubbish, had to be thrashed everywhere, a first gear good for about 5 metres before changing up, twitchy in the corners & not enough power to confidently overtake. I like the Triumph but fear I could make the same mistake, so I'm back with an SV650 for now. At least L have a local Triumph dealer so a test ride is on the cards this time.
Hi Dale, You might remember me, Marc from Canada and a little younger than you. I rented a Swift from you about 10 years ago, Nov 2013 and did some laps at the Ring. I've also done a little Sim racing with you a few years ago. Anyway, I just bumped into your YT channel. The new Speed 400 and Daytona look to both be great bikes. I have a 2021 Duke 390 with Akra and similar specs to the speed 400, I love it. The fun factor is very high since it's engaging going through the gears and you can ride it quite hard on the roads with less chance of penalties and still ride on the highways with no problem. The Twisties and trail braking into sharp turns is great fun. I do 2K KM a month on mine. Which one to buy? Flip a coin, they're all great. I'm headed to Tail of the Dragon this summer, I don't use my GoPro to collect evidence though 😂 Take care Dale. Almost forgot, funny you talked about gears, mine has 15t front and 45 rear sprocket and was looking at 16t front sprocket earlier today for a little longer gearing which some others use.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Hi Marc! Thanks for dropping by ;) You're right though, the bad bikes are few and far between these days
@judieandpeterhowes837
6 ай бұрын
Do the 16 tooth swap. Made my 390 Duke much better to ride.
My 1969 T120R 650 Bonneville is 363 lb wet and 46 hp doesnt have "Awsome" bar end mirrors tho , will reach over 110 + mph and just went to south of france and back on it:; Progress is a wonderful thing !
@btgmoto
Ай бұрын
Hahah! That's great!
First time viewer. I like this alot. thanks so much for your detailed ride.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Thanks and welcome
Great video, very entertaining and educational. The scrambler version looks very nice in the flesh though..
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
I like the look of the Scram 400 even more, especially in black.
Rode my 35bhp Moto Morini for 33k mls. South of France, Yugoslavia, 2 up (we're not big) . With an 8k red line it would hold 7k all day down the autobahn. Having hit 70 it's time to downsize from my vfr 800 and this is a real contender, just got to check if changing the gearing will fit with the warranty.
@btgmoto
Ай бұрын
The old 350 twin? Great bikes!
Nice review dude, cheers from Chile
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
Thanks! 👍 I'm in South America in May 🇵🇪
That looked great fun. I’m seriously thinking of getting a city bike/commuter and I’m heavier than you for sure.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
I think whilever you're riding under 65mph this is a great bike
I learned on a single cylinder 250. Something about single cylinder engine that is so great. I have a triumph bobber but I have to say this looks like it would be a lot of fun.
@btgmoto
5 ай бұрын
It certainly is!
Great real world test and it brought back lots of great memories of my time in BFG too. When I think back on the sub 40bhp bikes that I've owned, they have all been great fun (apart from a CB350S). My DT250s, XT350, CB400F, X7 and even a DT125E all had something to offer and usually well below 100mph. I certainly wouldn't mind having one of these in my garage next to my Tiger 1200.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Hahah the CB350S. And it looks like the new one is getting similar reviews.
Now that I'm old, I'm done being a boy racer, black leather hog rider, and am ready for just enough bike. 40hp moved the beetle along at a good clip, and a motorcycle weighs considerably less.
@btgmoto
5 ай бұрын
Hahah that's one way of thinking about it. I had a 54hp car that could 100mph too
What height are you? I'm 6"2 thinking of buying for first bike. Will it fit me?
Definitely buy one and modify it. Can't wait to see what you've done with it
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Thruxton 400 anybody?
Buy it, I am headed to Triumph dealer after seeing this.
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
Hahah! I take no responsibility for the spending of any money!
Sounds great, brings out the hooligan, wouldn't bother with a new pipe the soundtrack is the "bike", why spend more, when you could spend it on heated grips (your going to need them in winter and autumn, a top box, or throw overs, and possibly a small screen, and hand guards, this bike reminds me of the Yamaha szr660 I had (weighs 159kg) and was a complete hoot to ride! About time triumph brought out more affordable offerings that are fun to ride and don't cost a mortgage to buy.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
I do agree that the bike market is moving in the right direction, with bikes that both experienced riders and beginners can enjoy (and insure!)
It's nice to see Triumph giving some competition and choice in the smaller displacement marketplace. At a similar price point, this bike appeals to me more than the Royal Enfield 350s, and obviously out-performs them by a considerable margin.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Yeah, it's really up there on performance. I read that Honda will be doing more with the CB350 platform soon (ADV, etc). But it's only 22hp. This is much more useful.
Loved the video, I was getting intoxicated with the burble of the exhaust. Or was that the glass of the redman walking in a top hat? Great demo. Will definitely make my way down to the dealer after watching this.
@btgmoto
6 ай бұрын
Have fun!
Great video, man. I had some similar opinions in my coverage of these bikes.
Ich lebe hier. Ich kenne jeden meter und jede Kurve im Vogelsberg, die hier gezeigt wurde. Wunderbares Video von meiner Heimat! Danke dafür! Ich fahre Honda aber Triumph macht sich in in unserer Landschaft auch sehr gut! Kommt hier her und genießt die Landschaft des Vulkans Vogelsberg !
I have an Mt03 321cc 41hp. Yes it is plenty, 4th 5th and 6th can all comfortably exceed current speed limits, i recently had use of a Cb500 my 321 is more fun and just as quick.
In many ways that sounds like the cb250s and cb360 I had back in the 70s.I think the weight is almost exactly the same too. Used to love spanking them round the twisty roads of the Lake District where the light weight makes all the difference. Last bike was a Yamaha 650. Great for long distance, but not for thrashing round twisty roads. The extra power in the Triumph makes me want to go and hop back on a bike. Someone once said to me they didn't see the fascination in bikes. I said "when you get it right, it's like flying". Wonderful machines. If you never had one, you missed out on one of life's great pleasures.
@btgmoto
4 ай бұрын
Some great bikes there!
yes, 40 hp is more than enough. I had a CB 500 Four 1975 and it had 48 Hp in a very heavier bike and it was great on the open road. I haven't driven the 400 Speed yet but it is lighter and has good torque, I bet it will be fantastic on open road