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Triumph’s Most Affordable and Rider-Friendly Retro-Styled Street Bike Gets Even More Compelling

This already approachable and attractive modern classic picks up an extra edge for the upcoming model year.

Close-up of a red motorcycle fuel tank with black "TRIUMPH" logo and gold front fork.Triumph Motorcycles
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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Considering the fact that Triumph offers five different motorcycles on the platform, the brand clearly believes in its TR-series 398.15cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine.

Having test-ridden the two most recent bikes to deploy it, the Thruxton 400 and Tracker 400, I have to say I believe in it too.

Red and silver Triumph motorcycle with black seat and gold front forks parked on a road with hills in the background.
Triumph’s most affordable street bike looks its Sunday best in the new Racing red/Pewter grey treatment.
Triumph Motorcycles

The power and torque it generates are a thrilling reminder that small-displacement affordability and approachability do not have to come at the expense of, well, fun.

The temptation just rose another notch at the most accessible level, as the Speed 400 returns for the new model year with quite possibly its best look yet.

Better off red

Before we dig into it, a quick contextual note: the fresh Speed 400 paint scheme is one of six newly liveried bikes Triumph UK just announced for the 2027 model year.

As with the updated Rocket 3 R, Rocket 3 GT, Speed Triple 1200, Scrambler 400 X and Tiger Sport 800, the US will have to wait to see if this Speed 400 treatment makes its way stateside.

Black and red Triumph motorcycle parked on a road with dry grass in the background.
Perhaps the least retro visual dimension of the bike is the futuristic-looking indicators, but they are so much better than the stock lights on my old Bonneville T-100 (the first thing I replaced), I’m not complaining!
Triumph Motorcycles

But if I may opine for a moment, Triumph North America would be foolish not to bring this one over, as the Racing red/Pewter grey combo is arguably the most compelling yet.

The new treatment sees the tank adorned primarily in red, with a thick black diagonal stripe near the back separating it from the grey tone covering perhaps a quarter of the vessel.

Close-up of a red Triumph motorcycle fuel tank with black graphics and gold front fork.
The 43mm upside-down big piston forks offer 130mm of wheel travel; that’s just over five inches.
Triumph Motorcycles

As it’s this back section that connects with the black seat, a sort of streamlining effect comes to life, one that should have bystanders doing a double take. 

Triumph keeps things simple the rest of the way. A black tubular steel frame matches black components, set off by bronze upside-down forks and several bits of silver, including the exhaust, a stainless twin-skin header system with a stainless steel silencer.

Red and black Triumph motorcycle with gold front forks parked on a road with hills in the background.
Not my favorite exhaust in the world, aesthetically, but plenty good enough for a stock bike at this price.
Triumph Motorcycles

Beyond the head-turning new hue, the bike retains everything that made it such a hit last year.

Aesthetically, the teardrop tank and classically styled round headlight, bar-end mirrors and analog speedometer with integrated multi-function LCD screen are back. 

Close-up of a black motorcycle with a white and orange "Speed 400" emblem near the seat.
The Speed 400 wears its nameplate. on its sleeve … and by sleeve, I mean side cover.
Triumph Motorcycles

So are the engine (of course), reliable suspension and ABS-enabled disc brakes, spoked 17-inch wheels and twin-sided cast aluminum alloy swing arm. 

Throw in the approachable 31.1-inch seat height and nimble 375-pound wet weight and honestly, what’s not to love?

Availability and pricing

The 2027 Triumph Speed 400 rolls into UK dealerships next month at a starting price of £5,245.

Time will tell if this tempting colorway makes its way to US shores, but considering the 2026 model starts at $5,495, the price should come in well under $6,000.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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