Is Triumph Speed T4 At INR 1.99 Lakh Better Than The RE Classic 350?

Triumph has lowered the prices of its most affordable motorcycle, the Speed T4, by INR 18,000. This discount makes the Speed T4 an awesome deal and a nightmare for other motorcycles under the budget of INR 2 lakh. 

The Indian two-wheeler market is crowded with motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Bajaj Pulsar NS 400, Royal Enfield Bullet 350, Classic 350 and the newly launched Scram 440. However, due to its market positioning and recent price cut, the Speed T4 has become the most obvious rival of the segment leader, the Royal Enfield Classic 350.

Since its inception, the Classic 350 has ruled the sales charts of the sub 400 cc segment. Many established brands, such as Honda with its CB 350 series and Bajaj with its Dominar 400, have tried to take advantage of the Classic 350’s huge market share but the Classic 350 has remained undefeated.

So if you have been planning to buy a unique motorcycle under the budget of INR 2 lakh, then this might be the right time to get a Triumph Speed T4. Or not?

That is what we are trying to find out.

Triumph Speed T4 vs Classic 350: The Best Motorcycle Under INR 2 Lakh

Design and features

The Classic 350 has a retro look and feel, making it a nostalgic product for many. Triumph is a relatively new brand in the Indian market, especially in the sub 400cc segment. So the trust factor is not that high for the Speed T4. Another important factor is the countrywide sales and service network of the Royal Enfield where Triumph is still building its network. 

In terms of features, both the motorcycles are more or less the same. They both offer semi-digital consoles for instrumentation and are loaded with modern riding aids. However, the Speed T4 has the upper hand with its factory-fitted LED headlights and superior fit and finish levels throughout.

Performance

When it comes to performance, that is where the Triumph shines. The Speed T4 churns out 30 hp and 36 Nm of peak torque. The Classic 350, on the other hand, churns out 20 hp and 27 Nm of peak torque. The massive difference of 10 hp and 9 Nm makes the Speed T4 a no-brainer for performance enthusiasts. T4’s extra power will help the rider for quick overtakes and comfortable cruising at triple-digit speeds. The claimed top speed is 120 kph and 135 kph for the Classic 350 and Speed T4 respectively. This indicates that the Triumph will handle the higher speeds a bit easily.

Conclusion

Which one of these retro motorcycles should you bring into your garage? It depends on two things.

Number one, your location. If you live in a metro city or any other modern city, then the Triumph should be your choice. It has a better build and has more performance and the service will also be available in the big cities. The second reason is your riding style. If you love riding at higher speeds on a neo-retro motorcycle, then the Speed T4 might be the better bike for you.

The first simple reason for not choosing the Triumph would be your riding style, if you love moving at a slower pace while hearing the nostalgic thumpy exhaust note, then there is nothing like the Classic 350.

Secondly, if you live in any tier two or three cities or a remote village, then I would suggest you avoid getting the Triumph. Royal Enfield has expanded its sales and service centres in the most remote areas of the country whereas the Triumph is yet to reach many cities. Hence, the after-sales support might become a challenge if you own the Speed T4 and live in a remote location.