Test rode the Triumph speed 400 with a pillion: 12 quick observations

Posted on : 08/30/2023
Test rode the Triumph speed 400 with a pillion: 12 quick observations
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The Meteor is peppier than the Classic & Triumph is in another league. None can be directly compared to one another. All three have a very different character.

BHPian Hillman recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I got a chance to test ride this beauty today at Keerthi Triumph, Bengaluru. My opinion will be a bit raw, considering I’m not a day to day bike user. After me turning family man most of my commute is 4 wheelers for more than a decade. The Harley and Triumph launch ignited back the biker in me and so I casually booked the Triumph for 2k refundable.

Took my better half along for a test ride date back to back Triumph – Meteor – Classic. Here are our impressions:

  • Triumph indeed looks good.
  • Drove in City traffic, the Triumph brakes are very good and predictable.
  • Pillion was surprisingly comfortable on Triumph. Can sit straight with no issues. Didn’t have the problem of pillion shoe touching. Even getting on and off for my 5’6โ€ lady love wasn’t a problem. I am 5’9″ 85kg. She liked it better than Enfield. For pillion seating she rated in this order of comfort as Triumph-Classic-Meteor. Meteor was too compact. Classic very spacious. Triumph was in between but plush.
  • The bike is real good in hiding the speed, acceleration is linear and very quick.
  • With pillion, frequent gear change is needed. I managed to stall it over speed breaker trying to see if it could pull in third gear. 2-3 gear is where you will be comfortable in traffic. Both Meteor and Classic chugs through in this situation. I did half clutch on all three. Meteor does a better job.
  • For rider comfort, i could feel a strain on my arms compared to Classic specially if your better half leans on you lovingly during the ride. Leaning is not comfortable for both rider and pillion. Enfields are comfortable that way.
  • Meteor is peppier than classic, Triumph is in another league. None can be directly compared to one another. All three have a very different character.
  • The engine heat and vibrations from Triumph are felt but bearable. It loves to be revved.
  • Surprisingly the clutch didn’t feel very light, It felt marginally better than Enfields. Harley X440 had softer clutch lever. Took a feeler at Harley Showroom near by. Given the number of gear change and half clutch on city ride there is no major advantage with Triumph.
  • The exhaust note is loud but nothing to write about as distinctly noticeable.
  • Riding stance and balance- Classic is the best for both rider and pillion.
  • Putting vehicle on center stand – Never knew you could put Meteor on center stand with one hand holding the handle bars alone. It was a breeze. Struggled with Classic and had to use the hand grip on the back. Triumph is light but Meteor is a cake walk in this department.

Overall liked Triumph for pillion comfort, throttle and break response. However I felt it is best for solo trips. I will not be comfortable for long duration rides with pillion. The novelty will wear off soon.

Keeping Triumph clean specially the back side with be a job.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

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