Harley Davidson X440 vs. Triumph Speed 400: A Detailed Comparison

When comparing the Harley Davidson X440 and the Triumph Speed 400, both bikes cater to different rider preferences and styles within the 400cc segment. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of their features, performance, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality

Harley Davidson X440:

• Design: The X440 embodies classic cruiser design elements with modern touches. Its retro aesthetic includes a teardrop fuel tank, round headlamp, and minimalistic bodywork, appealing to traditional Harley enthusiasts.
• Build Quality: Harley Davidson is synonymous with premium build quality. The X440 uses high-grade materials and meticulous attention to detail. The fit and finish are excellent, reflecting the brand’s commitment to durability and luxury.

Triumph Speed 400:

• Design: The Triumph Speed 400 features a blend of modern streetfighter aesthetics with classic British styling. It has sharp lines, an aggressive stance, and premium finishes, making it appealing to contemporary riders.
• Build Quality: Triumph is renowned for its craftsmanship and quality. The Speed 400 uses high-quality materials and precise engineering, ensuring durability and a premium feel.

Performance

Harley Davidson X440:

• Engine: Single-cylinder, 440cc engine designed for smooth, powerful cruising.
• Power and Torque: Approximately 35–40 horsepower and around 40–45 Nm of torque. This setup provides robust low-end torque, ideal for cruising and highway riding.
• Mileage: Delivers around 30–35 km/l.
• Acceleration: 0 to 60 km/h in approximately 5 seconds.
• Suspension: Equipped with a dual front fork and twin shock absorbers at the rear, tuned for comfort and a plush ride.
• Handling: Designed for stability and comfort, perfect for long rides. The bike handles well on highways and city roads alike.
• Seat Height and Ground Clearance: Seat height of approximately 800 mm and ground clearance of around 150 mm, providing a low-slung, comfortable ride.

Triumph Speed 400:

• Engine: Single-cylinder, 398cc engine focused on performance and agility.
• Power and Torque: Approximately 39.5 horsepower and around 37.5 Nm of torque. The engine offers a spirited performance suitable for both city and highway riding.
• Mileage: Offers around 35–40 km/l.
• Acceleration: 0 to 60 km/h in approximately 4 seconds.
• Suspension: Features a high-performance inverted front fork and a monoshock rear suspension, providing excellent handling and ride comfort.
• Handling: Engineered for agility and sharp handling, ideal for urban commuting and spirited rides. The bike is responsive and provides a stable ride.
• Seat Height and Ground Clearance: Seat height of approximately 790 mm and ground clearance of around 170 mm, making it suitable for urban and moderate off-road conditions.

Features

Harley Davidson X440:

• Technology: Includes a digital display, LED lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone pairing.
• Comfort: Offers a comfortable seat and ergonomic design suitable for long-distance rides. The suspension is adjustable for personalized comfort.
• Headlight and Taillight: Features modern LED headlight and taillight for enhanced visibility and aesthetics.

Triumph Speed 400:

• Technology: Comes with a modern digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and music control.
• Comfort: Ergonomically designed seat and handlebar position for rider comfort on both short and long rides.
• Headlight and Taillight: Equipped with LED headlight and taillight for better visibility and a sleek look.

Price

• Harley Davidson X440: Priced at around ₹2.70 lakh (ex-showroom).
• Triumph Speed 400: Priced at approximately ₹2.33 lakh (ex-showroom).

Model Variants

Harley Davidson X440:

• Standard: The base variant, offering essential features like the digital display, LED lighting, and a comfortable seat. It is designed for those who want the classic Harley experience without any additional frills.
• Street: This variant adds more urban-oriented features, including enhanced connectivity options, possibly additional storage solutions, and stylistic upgrades that make it more appealing for city riders.
• Touring: The top-tier variant, equipped for long-distance travel. It includes advanced comfort features such as an upgraded suspension system, more comfortable seating, larger fuel tank, and possibly added luggage options for touring purposes.

Triumph Speed 400:

• Standard: The base model focuses on providing a high-performance, agile riding experience with essential features like the digital cluster, LED lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s aimed at riders who want a straightforward, performance-oriented bike.
• Performance: This variant includes enhancements aimed at boosting the bike’s performance and rider experience. Features could include upgraded suspension components, performance tires, advanced braking systems, and additional technology integrations for an even more exhilarating ride.

Tabular Comparison

Conclusion

Choosing between the Harley Davidson X440 and the Triumph Speed 400 largely depends on your riding style and preferences:

• Harley Davidson X440: Best for riders seeking a premium cruiser experience with classic design and comfortable long-distance riding capabilities. The bike’s robust build quality and brand heritage justify its higher price. The Touring variant, in particular, is ideal for long-distance travellers.
• Triumph Speed 400: Ideal for riders who prefer a modern streetfighter with excellent performance, agility, and slightly better fuel efficiency. It offers great value for money with advanced features and a competitive price point. The Performance variant is particularly suited for those who prioritize riding dynamics and technology.

Both bikes have unique strengths, making either a worthy choice depending on your specific needs and preferences.