Triumph TR Series Adds Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X to 2024 Lineup
It’s a triumphant day for fans of motorcycles that harken back to the styling cues of the classics. Triumph will be introducing not one but two all-new machines in its 2024 lineup.
The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 joins Triumph’s Speed Twin catalog (although as a single-cylinder it doesn’t warrant the Twin title). Meanwhile, the 2024 Scrambler 400 X continues the brand’s line of scramblers that have been going strong since the ‘50s.
Both motorcycles sport the brand-new TR-series engine. Apart from the powerplant, they are different machines, with the Speed made for the road while the Scrambler shows a touch of off-road chops.
Triumph developed the models in collaboration with Indian bike manufacturer Bajaj. That, together with the motorcycles’ affordable price, tells us that these bikes are aimed at Western beginners who might not otherwise pitch in for a Triumph, in addition to being the brand’s shot at Asian markets.
But how do these newcomers fit their role? Let’s find out.
The Engine
We’ll kick things off with the element the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X share—the engine. Triumph’s TR-series engine makes its debut on these bikes.
The TR powerplant is a liquid-cooled, four-valve, single-cylinder DOHC engine with a 398cc displacement. According to manufacturer claims, it’s been fine-tuned to maximize performance and responsiveness in low-speed riding.
In terms of power, the engine puts out a claimed 39.5 horsepower and 27.7 lb-ft of peak torque. Triumph touts the powerplant’s output as “class-leading,” yet the KTM 390 Duke and Kawasaki Ninja 400 both squarely beat it by roughly five ponies.
That said, the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X aren’t necessarily directly comparable to those machines. Royal Enfield’s 350 bikes (Classic, Meteor, and Hunter) and the Himalayan might be better points of comparison, considering the Triumphs’ apparent target markets. They certainly outperform the Royal Enfields on paper.
The new engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox sporting a torque-assist clutch. Revving the engine is handled through a Bosch ride-by-wire system, which promises linear and predictable power delivery.
As for the looks, the engine casing has a black powder coating on both bikes that blends it quite nicely into the frame.
2024 Triumph Speed 400
Moving on to the bikes’ individual characteristics, the Speed 400 sports a slim, model-specific tubular steel chassis and a bolt-on subframe. It gives the bike a 54.2-inch wheelbase and a 31-inch seat height which, combined with the 375-pound wet weight, should contribute to the advertised low-speed handling characteristics.
For suspension, the Speed 400 for 43mm upside-down big piston forks (with 5.5 inches of travel) and a gas monoshock in the rear (with 5.1 inches of travel and pre-load adjustment). Both cast aluminum spoked wheels have a 17-inch diameter and are clad with Metzeler Sportec M9RR rubber.
Braking power stems from a 300mm fixed disc with a radially-mounted four-piston caliper in the front and a 230mm fixed disc with a floating caliper in the back. Both the front and back brakes come with dual-channel ABS.
In the looks department, the Speed 400 has three available two-tone color schemes, which combine Storm Gray with Carnival Red, Caspian Blue, or Phantom Black. While I’m not usually a fan of big tank graphics, the Triumph logo on the tank doesn’t look out of place. The darkest colorway in particular looks quite dashing.
2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X
The Scrambler 400 X—although not a serious off-road bike—makes a few nods toward taking it for brief stints on the dirt. The chassis is tubular steel as on the Speed 400, but the model-specific design gives it a more stable geometry.
The Scrambler’s wheelbase is a bit longer at 55.8 inches and the seat height has increased to 32.8 inches. With a more upright riding position and marginally wider handlebar, the bike aims to maximize controllability on loose surfaces, even if the weight jumps up to 395 pounds.
In the front is the same 43mm inverted fork, but the travel has increased to 5.9 inches for a bit more bounce. It’s the same story in the back, with the pre-load adjustable monoshock also providing 5.9 travel inches.
The front wheel on the Scrambler 400 X is bigger with a 19-inch diameter, and the default rubber is Metzeler Karoo Street. The fixed front brake disc on the Scrambler has also grown to 320mm. Unlike on the Speed 400, the ABS can be switched off for off-roading.
Like the Speed 400, the Scrambler has three two-tone color options, including Matte Khaki Green/Fusion White, Carnival Red/Phantom Black, and Phantom Black/Silver Ice. The seat remains brown with all colorways.
Triumph’s New Stepping Stones?
The rest of the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X’s tech is shared between the machines. They feature traction control with a simple on/off switch, allowing the rider to control intervention without hassle.
For information, the bikes have a new dual-format instrument panel that combines an analog speedo with an integrated LCD screen. The display keeps the rider updated with a digital tachometer, gear indicator, and a fuel gauge.
Speaking of fuel, both bikes have a 3.43-gallon fuel tank. We’ll have to see how far that gets us once we can take the bikes on the road.
All-LED lighting in the front and back illuminates a dark ride. To protect the bike against thieves that might lurk in the night, the motorcycles come standard with a steering lock and anti-theft immobilizer.
Finally, there’s the price tag. The Speed 400 retails for $4,995 while the Scrambler 400 X goes for $5,595. That’s a reasonably competitive price tag when compared to some more-or-less competing machines, such as the Honda SCL500 ($6,799) and the Royal Enfield Himalayan ($5,449).
Combine their cost with the unmistakable Triumph styling and the new bikes just might let both veteran and new riders check out what the brand is all about with ease.