Triumph Speed 400 vs Scrambler 400 X: Which I'd Buy! 

Thank you for not using the condescending term ‘beginner bike’ as most reviewers do for anything under 800cc. I’ve been riding for decades and really fancy getting this bike. It seems a hoot.

I'm so on the verge of buying the Speed. It looks like so much bike for the money. It looks like smiles per mile.

Slow-mo pigeon at 4:48 steals the show

Hello everyone, I bought myself a Speed 400. I ordered it back in January without even trying a test drive, although I was very skeptical about this model, telling myself it was "nothing special." Within two days, I rode more than 400km and can now say what I personally like and what I don't. The engine is impressive in city traffic, the front brakes are very good. The chassis is also very good. The assembly quality is excellent. On the downside, it's hard to read the engine revs on the instrument panel, but such power may not be essential for a motorcycle. The first gear is especially short, and if you're riding at low speeds in the first three gears, you feel some jerking. I haven't gone over 100km/h, but from the engine sound, it feels like it's the most comfortable ride, though it can go much faster, but the engine starts to strain. Overall, it's a very good motorcycle, and I don't regret buying it at all.

I'm just under 6.2 and I tried the 400x and liked it but it just didn't feel right,,,, as soon as I rode the speed it felt instantly better all round. I've placed an order and hopefully arrives in May. Don't let your height put you off trying the speed. Roll on May

I’m an old experienced biker and tried both of them. They’re both great but for me the Speed was the pick of the two and suits the sort of riding I do. I’m 5’10”. I liked it so much I traded in my Bonneville T120 - I don’t need the power and I certainly don’t need the extra 60kg weight anymore.

I'm 6'2 and preordered the scrambler, but I ended up switching to the Speed as the better handling won me over and I will be doing 99% on-road riding 🙂 Did a 3-hour roundtrip today with no issues or need to stretch.

I agree. The Speed is the better of the two. Nice analysis👍

I’ve had my speed 400 for 2 months now and I have used it for all types of roads including spaghetti junction and the M6 and it’s been flawless , a fantastic bike and rather than red I have the best colour Blue 😉

At £600 difference I reckon the right one to buy is the one you prefer. Me, I'd get the green Scrambler.😊

Picking up my Black 400 speed on Friday😊😊😊

I've just bought a Speed and love it. Did a hundred mile ride first time out and it didn't tire me in any way. Looking forward to some decent weather now!

SO much to say about this! (though annoyingly I see I’m near the 200th comment already so you might not see it!) I bought the 400x (yes in the green sway). I own the Street (aka Speed now) Twin 900 too. Firstly let me explain my reasons for getting the 400 X . I’m freakishly tall…at 176cm…yes Rob..a whole ONE centimetre taller than you (I remember towering over you at the bar at that promo event at Bike Shed a few years back 😂)… So in actual fact, you’re totally correct…you need to be 180cm + (5’11) to really be able to chuck it round in the way you should.. I currently live on a hill with the bike parked on the narrow road outside with a steep camber on it so setting off and returning is always a heart in the mouth moment for me and probably somewhat entertaining for anyone looking out the window … So why did I get it? Three reasons covering practicality, aesthetics and ego.. 1. I live on the south coast in Sussex with roads so potholed they make the moon look like a millpond so the suspension and higher Clearance along with the handling great for soaking these up. 2. It looks the nuts…. 3. I like many men am not as tall as I would like to be (180cm would be ideal but without a mediaeval torture rack, it’s not gonna happen). I think perhaps that in my sad little head by owning the X I somehow feel taller… despite the clear evidence to the contrary illustrated by the comical display of me trying to put it on its side stand while I’m on a hill… And I know there are a lot of blokes of my height and smaller and owners of monsters such as the GS that know exactly what I’m talking about…. Now…. that final twist of the knife comment about the 900.! Et tu Brute? 😂 Stumbling across your just-posted video on your street twin 900 way back when, was a large factor in me purchasing mine!!! I don’t regret it for a moment, absolutely love that Bike and when we finally move into the forever home next month and I get the Garage I’ve been waiting on for three years I will be adding all the delicious modifications I have ready for it! This is basically to make it like the speed 400 you’ve just recommended above somewhat ironically!!! Obviously that wasn’t available at the time otherwise I think I probably would have bought it. However, hopefully what I’m going to end up with here is one bike that makes me feel tall and is good for the country roads around here and another Bike I can Wrench on and get to be my own individual more powerful vision of the one above. Thanks as always, mate. ✊🏼

Already bought the Speed 400 and loving it to bits. Amazing bike for the price - does everything I need it to do and delivers a big smile every ride.

Speed over Scrambler for sure. Better brakes and better tyres are all the reason you need. Throwing in lighter and cheaper are 2 massive bonuses too.

Hello. I have purchased a Speed 400 and now done 475 miles on it. I test rode a number of smaller capacity bikes including the Scrambler 400x and the Speed 400 was the one for all the reasons Motobob describes and more. Thanks

I have ordered the Speed 400 in black a couple weeks ago, can't wait to get it. 🙂

I’m quite interested in the Speed 400 and keep looking at reviews. This is definitely the best review I’ve seen 😊

A week ago I went to a dealer to check out riding positions for the Morini Seiemmezzo STR and SCR. I didn't ride them, but although I think the SCR looks better, I found myself wanting the STR for the same reasons you mentioned above. Plus I feel the riding position on the STR would allow me to load the front better on fast riding around corners, and manage the weight better on slow speeds (it is a heavy bike. I am 1.82cm so both bikes were ok). Couple days ago I decided to go for the STR and your video confirms my thoughts are valid.

im a 6'4''' and just picked up the scrambler! Im loving it so far!!

Hi Bob, as someone who has also tested both versions, i`ve ordered the Speed 400. The Scrambler is excellent, comfortable and stable, BUT, i found the extra seat height slightly worrying when i`m used to having both feet flat on the floor, with a bend at the knee. Sitting on the scrambler, i could`nt get both feet flat on the floor, and when stopping at a roundabout, that initial "where`s the ground" feeling was a bit scary, albeit for a second or 2, and i`m sure, when you`ve ridden the bike a few times, you`d soon adapt to it. Also, i found the Scrambler brakes not as good, with good initial bite, but very little in reserve, but again, i think you would soon adapt to it. But for me, for my style of riding, and my local riding area, the Speed 400 is more nimble and flickable, through tight and twisty Dorset back lanes, along with the New Forest. I`ve been googling Speed 400 accessories, and have already found a belly pan, and tail tidy. The one thing i would like which is not on the standard bike, is span adjustable levers, i think for an extra £100 on the price, they could be standard equipment.

Got the Speedo Angels on my KTM.. perfect fit and keeps my piece of mind 👍🏽

Great video. Although their are different bikes and engine, I hésite between the Speed 400 and the Royal Enfield continental GT650

Took the Speed 400 for a test ride and couldn’t get off it, did everything perfectly… even up to the ‘ton’… I’ve owned over fifty motorcycles over my lifetime and this wee Triumph ticks all the boxes, and I have a new red Speed 400 arriving next week..❣️

Great insight thanks. Any chance of a comparison of shaft drive bike options. I hate chains. Thanks

I’ve just taken delivery of a Scrambler, which I am delighted with. I’m also only 5’9”, but I do have a 32” inside leg, so can flat-foot it no problem.

Finally received my 400x in the states about a week ago and I am loving it. You can't go wrong with either of these bikes. Handles very well and is just a fun bike to ride...even though it's still in the break in period. I do feel like the brakes could use a little more stopping power so the Speed may be better off there. I'm sure the seat is nicer as well. Scrambler's is a little stiff and very "slidey"/smooth.

As a taller rider, it seems that the Scrambler is for me. But I'm a road rider, so my first set of replacement tyres would be road tyres. And I'd fit a Pyramid Plastics 'Fenda Extenda' to keep the radiator as clean as possible. Having said that, I'm not in the market for another bike, but a big thumbs up to Triumph & Bajaj for a great looking bike.

Cool video, totally agree. Just got the CL500 Honda and love it. Greetings from the NJ shore USA.

Great perspective on those two.

Got my speed 2 weeks ago and I’ve been waiting to see if you would make a video on it!

I like the speed over the scrambler , and reference extras lots of firms are doing them now and instead of oem items I priced them up and their up to 20% cheaper , I’ve got a triumph tiger 660 sport and got a motech pro tank bag , saw it with the triumph logo in my local dealers £50 more ridiculous, shop around 😊👍👍

3:15 absolutely ! I'm 6+, I guess that's why scrambler seems more attractive to me

Great little bike. I'd love to see someone put some Pirelli MT60 RS tyres on it, and see how it went. Only negative for me were the foot pegs were too close to the rear foot pegs, as I kept hitting them.

Buy both, problem solved 😂. Honestly, biker should have more than one bike 💪

I took delivery of my red Speed 400 yesterday and am loving it. Everything works well & I have only two very minor "nitpicks" which no one has mentioned so far: 1. The speedometer is very optimistic and mine seems to be reading close to 10 mph faster than actual speed (not a big deal to an experienced rider). 2. The locking mechanism on the seat does not want to fully lock in place even when pushing the seat down forcefully. Mine may be unique & require further investigation, but again not a really big problem. I put ~10 miles on it during my demo ride over a week ago and added another 31 miles yesterday. Windshield should be delivered tomorrow, and for a tiny bit of luggage capacity I added a small top case zip-tied to the rear of the seat yesterday. Has anyone else noticed the optimistic speedometer reading?

Can you get 17in knobbies? Most people dont go fast enough off-road to require all that suspension, or they use a proper duel sport. The 9kg weight saving helps too.

I dig your reviews man. I'm shooting for the Speed 400, my first MC coming from the scooter world. Currently on a BV 400 that would be hard to give up as she does just about anything in super comfort. Cheers from California 🤙🤙

I'm 6feet tall and I love my Speed 400. The handling is superb, sound is sweet and it looks amazing as well.

Regarding the difference in braking performance, I’m assuming the braking on the scram version is softer for when riding off road, I have read that if you just swap the pads out of the scram to the same as in the speed then the braking improves as it’s down to the material of the pads

Test rode both and found that though the speed 400 is the more fun on road there isn't enough road left to enjoy it. The 400X light off-road ability is just right for our Edinburgh roads so would be my choice.

Trying to find my first bike, watched this for the review and then realised I’m probably booked in on this exact bike for a test ride in bristol soon!

These are so good looking. I definitely would have gotten the Speed if It was available when I got my first bike.

I bought the speed 400 in black colour and I love it.

I love both of these bikes and appreciate this review! I know you've also raved about the Trident 660 which does seem like an excellent bike, but for "smallish" in town bike, maybe the speed 400 even better buy than the Trident, thoughts?

I was considering one of these for my first bike but fell in love with the new Rocket 3 so bought that instead

I’m looking for a likewise jacket as the black one you’re wearing in the video. Any hints please?

Congrats Bob, I like this bike. very cool.

Agree with you completely the speed 400 is great as I have had the speed 900 before

Bang on the buck. The speed 400 is perfect for daily commuters. At the price point it makes a sensibly buy with loads of features and Triumph DNA. Loved It, Owned it Riding & Enjoying it.

Ottima recensione. Per la mia altezza 168 cm con gambe non tanto lunghe avrei preferito una sella ancora più bassa, magari di 77 cm . Ma al momento per prezzo / qualità /altezza sella , mi sembra la più adatta a me. Hai provato la KTM 390 nuova? si può avere un confronto? Grazie

How smooth is the single cylinder motor? Can you feel vibration through your hands or feet?

I saw one channel not recommend either because there’s no aftermarket parts. I was comparing the Speed (my preference) to the new Honda SCL500. What’s the opinion of the Speed on the highway?

Any chance you can do an update review of the 2024 bobber

Really good comparison. I definitely prefer the looks of the X but it's probably too tall for me. If I downsize from my T100 the Speed would be a serious contender.

I'mm going to need a Vitpilen 401 vs Speed 400 test! Maybe also a Svartpilen 401 vs Scrambler 400x too!

Im having to wait till June for my Blue Speed400. Cant wait as i haven't really heard a bad word against it.

Can you get the normal mirrors on the Speed 400 though

I got a x and love it mostly for dirt road capability

I’m still debating if I want to trade my 310gs for one. Maybe if they come out with a tiger 400 adv bike. That would seal it for me.

I ride a 23 Honda CB300R and I think it's a great bike. Really smooth between 40 and 60 mph, I do like the look of this though, what puts me off buying is the possible reliability, are they reliable?

Hey Bob, greetings from New Delhi, India. I'm exactly your height and I too picked up a Speed 400 over the Scramler. Just back from a 3000km/5day trip, the only 'sore' point I have with the bike is the seat. It isn't half as comfortable as my Meteor 350 with RE touring seats. Performance wise, this leaves the RE standing. Contemplating a NX500 next...wise?

Like the Speed version. I'm also 5'9" with a 30" leg. So the scrambler is too high a seat for me. So many bikes these days have too high a seat height for me to consider buying.

Dear MotoBob i liked your review and I liked Triumph X because of it's appearance and trendy Exhaust system.Triumph motorcycle manufacturing company has to introduce some New Colours of bith Triumph X and Triumph Speed in the near future 🎉

I would live to see a twin clocks on the speed 400! Or at least digital speedometer and analog rev counter. Plus who ever will come up woth a cafe racer half fairing like the one on the Thruxton for this bike will get my money with a little raised clip on conversation. TRIUMPH should make a one make junior race series.

How does the engine vibration compare to the Speed 900?

Ill wait for the svartpilen 401 comparison

Me.1,92cm, got the Speed 400. Love it!

I sat on both and being a shorter rider (29 inch inside sesam) the speed was better for feet down but ...I like the looks of the 400x better, am still to decide...and then there is the RE Himalayan and CF Moto 450MT coming along!

should i get this or save more on a T120?

If I had two bikes one would be the 400 Speed for pavement. The other would be a dedicated dirt bike. But I also ride EMTB, which is super fun, and takes care of dirt shenanigans.

How is the SPEED on the highway? Moderate solo touring?

I have to say Speed looks really amazing in comparison to any other bikes in its category but the vibrations are real and can’t ignore

I have a z400 currently, it’s amazing but could be more comfortable. How would you rate the speed against the z400?

Husky svartpilen 401 rival? Some great deals on those atm

The front mudguard is a bit short & looks like a fair bit of crud gets thrown into the radiator. A nice looking bike though

I've just bought a Honda CB300R mainly because it is lighter, being £450 cheaper than the Speed 400 was also a factor. I think I've made the right choice for me.

Nice review, as always! So can we say that it now makes more sense to go from a Speed 400 to a Speed Twin 1200?

I'm in Australia and just (April 2024) bought the Speed 400 as my get around bike to get me too/from work. Im 6ft, ridden bigger bikes, GTR1400, GSX750(2), and this bike so far appears to tick all of the boxes to do the 200km round trip and Queenscliff/Sorento ferry journey I have to do once a week. About the only concern I do have and it was touched on in the video are the accessories. I bought the bike with the intention to install the Topbox to allow me to store my work gear, but Ive been told by Truimph that the Topbox may not be available until July/August of this year (2024), so i'm having to wear a bag on my back, and do the ride with my work gear. Whilst this isn't optimal, I'll accept this as a small concern with what appears so far to be a great little bike.

Curious. Would you consider buying the Himalayan 450 over the Scrambler? What’s your take on the Himmy? Thanks. Personally, (at 162 cms) I picked the Scram 400 over the Speed and don’t regret it. Experienced enough with heavier tall ADVs and much prefer the ergos of the Scram. I think the Speed’s main advantage is not the seat height but the better top end and braking. Just feels better at highway speeds (the Speed).

In India, where general road speed is less and patchy / under-construction sections occasionally, the Scrambler can be a touring motorcycle, if only the tank was larger.

Speed 400 for me. Mine should be arriving in April.

I'm sure these would sell well at it price. If I'm in the UK, I would consider buying Speed 400. 😊 But I would recommend looking into the used market which may have a better bike at this price range.

I own a 23 R1250 GSA and just put a deposit on a Speed 400. I want a small cc bike to ride around town that is light and nimble. I will use the GSA for long haul freeway riding and the Speed 400 for city riding.

I got the Scrambler 400x. I’m 6’4” and that made sense to me. If I was smaller, I would’ve picked the Svartpilen 401 instead tbh.

Yeah - I bounced back and forth between the two - initially favoring the Scrambler, but bought the Speed. Primarily as I wanted a "pure" road bike. I still may pick up a Himalayan when they start shipping the new 452s. So far (halfway through break-in) the Speed 400 has exceeded my expectations. I do find it interesting that the prices on both sides of the pond are 4995 - Dollars in my case - much less than Sterling.

i’ve searched online but there’s not a lot of after market exhaust for this bike is there

The scrambler for me! I need the versatility since my bike is my only vehicle!

This video makes me want one even more! But damn, in my country Speed 400 costs close to 8000$ which is crazy! XSR700 costs around 10000$, would you recommend XSR with CP2 engine over Speed?

thank you for noticing my comment & making this video..

On bikes like these, I don't think it's your height. It's your inseam actually it's always your inseam. I'm 5'10 or at least I used to be and I have a 29 inch inseam. I bought the speed 400. I've had it for 2 weeks now and absolutely love it! I can flat foot. It very comfortable fun to throw around in the corners. It is an excellent motorcycle. You're not going to get anything better for the money. Just thought I'd throw in my two cents. Thanks for the video 🙂

The HONDA CB500 has so much more about it. Might not look as pretty but it has much more engine and has better handling and brakes

Thanks for a very good review that really point out differences between these bikes. A question: Is heated grips available for the 400 series? Cheers from a cold Sweden 😊

I would buy the speed 400 it looks amazing. I am just 5 “3.

What about comparing Triumph 400s with Husqvarna 401s,what would you choose?

I love my new speed 400. Awesome fun!! Lots of torque and pick up speed

A little taller than my tw200 but prob not as much as my cbr600f4i. I definitely wanna check it out. Wish it was a twin but power level sound good

I test rode the Street 400 and didn't like it at all... it felt like a 250... also, I didn't like having to look down at the speedometer and altering my helmet to see it. A week later, I test rode the Scrambler 400, and bought one. I couldn't believe the difference. If it's the same engine, does the frame and bike height really make that much difference? The Scrambler seemed much more like a 400. I also have a Svartpilen 401, which in my opinion is the perfect urban bike (I live in Bath, so both of these bikes are perfect for the street/green combo). The seat height and the front tire size of the Scrambler 400 are my only (very small) complaints, because of my 5'9" height.

What other naked a2 first bikes would y'all recommend, I'm 183cm

Nice one 👍