Triumph Speed 400 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Competition Check

Triumph’s latest offering has debuted in the form of the Speed 400. It’s the most affordable bike from Triumph and the smallest in terms of engine capacity. The British marque has stepped foot in a segment where Royal Enfield has had a long stronghold with the Classic 350 for years. So, it’s only fair to put both these retro-styled bikes against each other on paper until we get to do the same in the real world.

Design

Both bikes get proper retro-modern design cues. So, a round headlight, a nut-shaped fuel tank, a notably spacious seat, round mirrors, and triangular side panels are some of the common styling bits. However, the Speed 400 looks a tad smaller and also gets a comparatively short upswept exhaust. Meanwhile, the Classic 350 appears slightly longer and gets its signature long pea-shooter exhaust with a thumper note. 

Features

The Triumph bike is much more feature-loaded from the get-go. It features LED illumination, a semi-digital instrument console with notably more readings, dual-channel ABS, and traction control as well. The Classic 350 gets an analogue console with a small digital inset, making do with bulb illumination all over. Meanwhile, its safety net comprises ABS only. 

Engine

Triumph has powered the Speed 400 with a 398.15cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that makes 39.5bhp and 37.5Nm. It’s linked to a six-speed gearbox and gets a short-stroke setup. On the flip side, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is powered by a 349cc, single-cylinder motor that makes 20.2bhp and 27Nm. This motor is linked to a five-speed gearbox and gets a long-stroke setup. The overall character of the two motors is notably different owing to the engine configurations. That said, the Speed 400 makes almost twice the power when compared to the Classic. 

Hardware

Triumph has equipped its latest motorcycle with USD front forks, a monoshock, and a single front and rear disc with dual-channel ABS. On the other hand, the Classic 350 rides on telescopic front forks and dual rear shocks. While the Royal Enfield bike also does get disc brakes at both ends, it rides on larger-sized spoke wheels compared to the Speed 400’s smaller alloy wheels.

Price

Triumph has priced the Speed 400 at Rs. 2.23 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the first 10,000 customers. It’ll then be revised to Rs. 2.33 lakh. Royal Enfield offers the Classic 350 in two trims – single-channel ABS and dual-channel ABS. Its asking price varies as per the colours, too. So, the most affordable model costs Rs. 1.93 lakh and the entry-level, dual-channel trim is priced at Rs. 2.02 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi). While there’s a Rs. 21,000 price difference between the Speed 400 and the Classic 350, the British bike offers more power, better features, and safety aids too. On the other hand, the Classic 350 has held a sentimental value and won the audience’s trust over the years.