By forming an alliance with Bajaj, Triumph Motorcycles has finally entered the 400cc segment and brought not one, but two new bikes in this category – the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400X. While the Scrambler is yet to go on sale, the Speed 400 has already received more than 10,000 bookings and is now priced at Rs. 2.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Apart from the Classic 350 and the newly launched Harley-Davidson X440, the Honda Hness CB350 is also somewhat in the Speed 400’s crosshairs. So, we’ve put the two against each other on paper.
Design
While both bikes get old-school styling, the overall demeanour of the two seems slightly different. The Triumph Speed 400 comes off as a tad more youthful and even the ergonomics indicate the same. You sit upright in a more commanding position. Meanwhile, the Hness CB350 is a more laid-back offering. Both motorcycles get a round headlight, round mirrors, and a nut-shaped fuel tank. Then, Triumph offers the Speed 400 with a single-piece seat, whereas the Hness gets a two-piece unit.
Features
Features like LED illumination and a semi-digital console are common between the two bikes. But that’s not all. Even rider aids like dual-channel ABS and traction control are found on the Speed 400 as well as the Hness CB350. Honda also offers smartphone connectivity with the Hness, which gives you access to navigation, SMS and call notifications, music control, and more.
Engine
Triumph has equipped the Speed 400 with a 398.15cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine dishing out 39.5bhp and 37.5Nm. It’s mated to a six-speed gearbox and is a short-stroke, quick-revving unit. This means the Speed’s power delivery would be notably different and the torque dump, too, would be slightly higher compared to the Hness CB350’s unit. Honda has powered the CB with a long-stroke, 348.36cc, single-cylinder motor, mated to a five-speed gearbox.
Hardware
The Speed 400 rides on USD front forks and a monoshock and gets a single disc at both ends. It’s equipped with 17-inch alloys wrapped in 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyres. On the other hand, the Honda Hness CB350 gets conventional telescopic front forks and dual rear shocks. It, too, comes with a single disc at the front and rear. Honda has equipped the Hness with a 19-inch front and an 18-inch rear wheel wrapped in 100/90 and 130/70 tyres. Its larger wheels give the motorcycle more stability. However, the Speed 400’s smaller alloys make it a more agile bike and the handling is more on the sportier side.
Price
The asking price for the Speed 400 is now set at Rs. 2.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the Honda Hness CB350 is priced at Rs. 2.14 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the top-spec model.
