2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X Preview

Triumph didn’t make any EICMA headlines with its Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, so consider this a “coming out” party of sorts. That said, have another close look at these new entry-level Triumphs, available in North America come January 2024. Triumph has embraced its mid-century thumper heritage with respectable power-to-weight ratios and low MSRP. You might be seeing lots of these at your local bike night soon.

Developed in partnership with Indian motorcycle maker Bajaj, both 400s have been available for order in India since late June of this year, with MSRPs finally announced for Europe, Canada, and the US in early October. The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 clocks in at $4,995, while the 2024 Triumph 400 Scrambler X arrives at $5,595 MSRP.

Related: 2024 Triumph Speed 400 Exclusive First Test

An all-new fuel-injected and liquid-cooled 398cc single-cylinder engine is the big news in both bikes. Developing a claimed class-leading 39.5 hp and 27.7 lb.-ft. of peak torque, they’re both designed to be the gateway drug to a lifelong addiction to motorcycling and the disposable income it requires.

First off, the Speed 400 gets a 43mm inverted fork with a traditional shock, on lightweight 17-inch wheels. Four-piston radial front brakes with a 300mm front disc keep things in check. Rider geometry is appropriately upright, along with an egalitarian seat height of 31 inches and compact 54.2-inch wheelbase. Curb weight is a respectable 375 pounds.

Fittingly, the Scrambler 400 X gets a longer 55.8-inch wheelbase, longer-travel suspension, larger 19-inch front wheel, and wide handlebars. A robust steel brake pedal and high-grip footpegs will help newbie ADV riders on gravel, while the larger 320mm front brake disc helps arrest things as needed. Curb weight is somewhat respectable, at 395 pounds.

Both get ride-by-wire throttle with traction control that can be turned off as needed. Bosch dual-channel ABS comes standard on both, with the Scrambler 400 X allowing you to disengage it for low-traction situations. They share LED headlights and a torque-assist clutch with aids in shifting as well as reducing rear wheel lockups in sudden downshifts.

The 2024 Speed 400 is available in Carnival Red/Storm Grey, Caspian Blue/Storm Grey, and Phantom Black/Storm Grey. The 2024 Scrambler 400 X comes in Matte Khaki Green/Fusion White, Carnival Red/Phantom Black, and Phantom Black/Silver Ice.

“Silver Ice”? Does acceptable ice come in any other hue? No offense, but Motorcyclist hereby extends an offer to brainstorm livery and/or paint color names in the future. We’re here to help.

Is it the second coming of the classic Triumph Tiger Cub from 1952–1969? Maybe, who knows? Ride reviews notwithstanding, these 400s are great news. Keyboard warriors love criticizing entry-level small-displacement motorcycles. But they’re not following the script. It means a manufacturer is putting money and R&D into the next generation of customers and riders. That usually signifies a healthy bottom line. Stay tuned.