autoX Awards 2024: Triumph Speed T4 Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

autoX Awards 2024: The 300 – 400cc motorcycle segment in India has become increasingly competitive, with almost every manufacturer looking to claim a piece of the pie. Traditionally, the classic cruisers from Royal Enfield have dominated the space. While Triumph already had a presence in the segment with a pair of 400cc bikes, this year, they stepped up their game with a new model – the Speed T4. Priced at ₹2.17 lakh (ex-showroom), it has now become the most affordable Triumph available in the country.

Based on the Speed 400, the T4 has been designed with cost-conscious modifications to make it more affordable. The engine is the same 398cc TR Series unit from the Speed 400, but its power and torque figures have been reduced by 9bhp and 1.5Nm, respectively. Despite this, the bike does not feel sluggish on the road. The magic lies in the torque delivery. Around 85% of the total torque is available from as low as 2500rpm. So, the moment you twist the throttle, the bike darts ahead in a fairly spirited manner. This state of tune also gives it a more relaxed feel, especially at highway speeds, enhancing its touring capabilities.

Also Read: Triumph Speed T4 Review: Better Deal Than Speed 400?

The Speed T4 doesn’t get the ride-by-wire and has a slimmer rear tyre. Additionally, changes to construction materials have added a bit of weight, and the seat height is also slightly higher than its more expensive sibling. With these changes, the bike’s ground clearance has increased, and it now also has a slightly improved fuel efficiency. Triumph has opted for conventional front forks instead of USD units, which are actually more suitable for city roads. A softer rear suspension tuning would have enhanced the bike’s comforts, aligning it more with the easy-going, laid-back character it aims for.

Although the Speed T4 is quite a competent machine, it struggles to stand out in the increasingly crowded 400cc segment. While it retains a neo-classic appeal, it lacks the impressive value-for-money factor of the Speed 400 and doesn’t do quite enough to carve a unique identity for itself apart from its sibling.

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