Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 - Thoughts?

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Since the Himalayan was brought up, Itchy Boots (Noraly) recently put a pre-production model of the RE through it's paces in northern India. Now she's back in Africa on the Honda CRF that has taken her across 3 continents now. Amazing the production value of her videos she captures completely by herself. No chase vehicle, no camera crew. Impressive. Her, I mean. If you aren't subscribed to her channel, you should be.

[GS1150Pilot]

I follow her channel.

[RichDesmond]

As do I. Great stuff.

I hear ya on the various tradeoffs. On the weight, keep in mind that the Himalayan already has a centerstand and crash bars. Another big plus is the availability of spoked, tubeless wheels. Just seems like an interesting bike, really in it's own niche as a lightweight all world travel bike.

[GS1150Pilot]

As do I. Great stuff.

I hear ya on the various tradeoffs. On the weight, keep in mind that the Himalayan already has a centerstand and crash bars. Another big plus is the availability of spoked, tubeless wheels. Just seems like an interesting bike, really in it's own niche as a lightweight all world travel bike.

For sure, though a DR doesn't really need crashbars-probably just a good bashplate and you're good. As for a centerstand, I think this will suffice on the DR: Enduro Star / Trail Stand

[RichDesmond]

For sure, though a DR doesn't really need crashbars-probably just a good bashplate and you're good.

True, a dirt bike ought to be able to handle falling over. The stock steel tank is the only thing I'd worry about. I've got a Clark plastic 4 gallon tank on the DR-Z400, hit the ground many times without damage.

As for a centerstand, I think this will suffice on the DR: Enduro Star / Trail Stand

I use a cutoff crutch for that purpose, same idea. Works ok in pinch, but not super stable.

[GS1150Pilot]

If (and it does look likely) I end up with the DR, one of the first luxury mods I will do is an Acerbis tank.

[GS1150Pilot]

I read that the Scrambler 400 has a better overall chassis than the Speed. I think the Speed is better looking, but especially as I look at bikes that can brave a logging road, a bike with decent manners on multiple surfaces appeals.

[RichDesmond]

I read that the Scrambler 400 has a better overall chassis than the Speed. I think the Speed is better looking, but especially as I look at bikes that can brave a logging road, a bike with decent manners on multiple surfaces appeals.

Better in what way?
The Scrambler has the 19" front wheel, and a smidgen more suspension travel, but other than that I thought they were the same.

[GS1150Pilot]

I do wish the Scrambler weren't so porky, though.

[GS1150Pilot]

Better in what way?
The Scrambler has the 19" front wheel, and a smidgen more suspension travel, but other than that I thought they were the same.

2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X Review | Cycle World

[RichDesmond]

2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X Review | Cycle World

Hmmm, I get different out of that, not better. Slower steering, worse brakes, heavier on the minus side. Taller could be better or worse, depending.

For dirt roads the Scrambler ought to be a skosh better, but the Speed seemed to do about as well in the India video.

Either one should be a blast.

[GS1150Pilot]

They look fun. I'm definitely out for a much more dirt oriented bike, but for scooting around, those 400s look great.

[storm 64]

It's a nice motorcycle. But why so tall especially for a entery level motorcycle?
With a nearly 33 inch seat height that puts me out along with 40% of perspective buyers.
In general, I think it would be easier to make a motorcycle taller than it would be to make lower.
I do like the smaller motorcycle concept, lightweight, easy to ride, easy to live with.

(note: I just made up that 40% figure, but you get my point)

[RichDesmond]

It's a nice motorcycle. But why so tall especially for a entery level motorcycle?
With a nearly 33 inch seat height that puts me out along with 40% of perspective buyers.
In general, I think it would be easier to make a motorcycle taller than it would be to make lower.
I do like the smaller motorcycle concept, lightweight, easy to ride, easy to live with.

(note: I just made up that 40% figure, but you get my point)

There is the Speed 400 with a shorter seat, so they do have most of the market covered.

[Baatfam]

Checked with my local dealer today. The 400s have been delayed until sometime in March.