Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Triumph Speed 400 Spec Comparison: Which is Better?

Triumph Motorcycles has recently revealed the price of its most-affordable motorcycle for the Indian market. Called the Speed 400, this new product from the British manufacturer carries a price tag of Rs 2.33 lakh (ex-showroom), however, the first 10,000 customers will get to expend an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.23 lakh, which is still not enough to undercut the pricing of its close rival - the Classic 350, Royal Enfield's first global product. With the Speed 400, Triumph looks to compete with Royal Enfield, aiming at a slice of the Chennai-based manufacturer's sales figures in India. The reason for this is quite obvious - Royal Enfield's 350cc motorcycle range is the highest seller in the country. Now, let's get down to business. The two bikes we have taken for the comparison story are the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Triumph Speed 400. The oldest of these bikes is the Classic 350, while the Bajaj-Triumph's Speed 400 is the newest product in the 400cc segment, and it is also the latest launch from Bajaj-Triumph.  

Also Read: KTM Duke 390 vs Triumph Speed 400 Spec Comparison: Which is Better?

Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Triumph Speed 400: Powertrain & Performance

When it comes to specifications, the bikes are far from evenly matched. The most powerful is the newly launched Triumph Speed 400 with 39.5bhp at 8,000rpm and 37.5Nm at 6,500rpm coming from 398.15cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the least powerful of the lot with 20.2bhp at 6,100rpm and 27Nm at 4,000rpm. The Classic 350's 349cc single-cylinder engine comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox, while the Speed 400 comes with a 6-speed unit, supported by a slipper and assist clutch mechanism. 

Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Triumph Speed 400: Suspension, Brakes, Wheels

In terms of suspension, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 has 41mm telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear, but when it comes to the Triumph Speed 400, the suspension system includes 43mm upside-down forks with big piston front forks and a rear mono-shock with preload adjustment. The braking setup on the Speed 400 comprises a 300mm disc with a four-piston radial calliper at the front and a 230mm rotor with a two-piston fixed calliper at the rear, while a 300mm disc at the front and either a 270mm disc or 153mm drum at the rear perform the braking duties for the Classic 350, complemented by a choice of single-channel ABS as well as dual-channel ABS. 

Some Classic 350 variants get alloy wheels, while others roll on wire-spoked wheels wrapped in tube-type tyres, while the Triumph Speed 400 has 17-inch alloy wheels on both ends. 

Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Triumph Speed 400: Features

The Triumph Speed 400 offers all-LED lighting, a semi-digital instrument cluster, a switchable traction control system, ride-by-wire throttle, dual-channel ABS, and an anti-theft immobiliser as standard. The instrument cluster houses a large analogue speedometer and an LCD screen, allowing you to keep a tab on a tachometer, the amount of petrol left in the tank, and a gear indication. Moreover, the manufacturer will also provide up to 25 optional accessories with the vehicle. Other bits include a circular headlamp, a step-up seat, a side-mounted exhaust, etc. 

The feature list on the Royal Enfield Classic 350 includes split seats, a side-slung exhaust, an analogue speedometer with a small readout, an engine kill switch, a pass switch, a digital fuel gauge, a service due indicator, a USB port, and an optional Tripper Navigation system. The tripper is a new gadget that features turn-by-turn navigation via Google Maps. In keeping up with the modification trend, Royal Enfield also allows users to customise their motorcycles with alloy wheels, visors, and more. 

Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Triumph Speed 400: Dimensions, Chassis

The Triumph Speed 400 has a twin-sided cast aluminium swingarm, a tubular steel frame with a bolted rear subframe, and a hybrid spine and perimeter, whereas the Classic 350 is based on a twin downtube spine frame. At 2,145mm in length, the Classic 350 offers a wheelbase of 1,390mm. The wheelbase of the Speed 400 is 1,377mm, making it somewhat shorter than that of the Classic 350. The height of the seats also differs. The Classic 350 stands above the Speed 400 by 15mm, at 805mm. Weighing 176kg with a seat that is just 790mm off the ground, the Speed 400 is a manageable option.  

Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Triumph Speed 400: Price, Variant

Speaking of the pricing, the new Triumph Speed 400 stands at Rs 2.33 lakh (ex-showroom). The Harley-Davidson X440, which is its main competition in the Indian market, costs between Rs 2.29 lakh and Rs 2.69 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Also Read: 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Review: First Ride

The Royal Classic 350 is priced between Rs 1.93 lakh and Rs 2.21 lakh (ex-showroom), which is less expensive than the Speed 400. It is listed in 6 variants, while the Speed 400 is offered in a single variant.