WHAT THEY SAID

Triumph Dealers Weigh In On 400cc Singles

I’m probably biased (“slow bike fast” kinda guy...), but I’m really excited. When Triumph showed us these bikes, I was more excited about them than anything else they were teasing at the time (Speed Triple RR, enduro/MX bikes, etc). More accessible, more affordable, still cool, still “Triumph.” I don’t think there will be any objections to the quality or performance — Triumph is too self-aware. I believe (here’s your dealer perspective) that the only issue will be pricing. If it comes in too inexpensive, it may be a big ask for a customer looking at a Speed Twin 900 or Scrambler 900 to make the financial leap (over $11k now!) when a single-cylinder 400 that gets better mileage and has just as much street cred is half the price. Let’s face it: no one is drag racing the 900s, so a few extra HP isn’t going to sway anyone over a potential $5k savings. BUT, if the 400s are priced around $6999 for the Street and $7499 for the Scrambler, that seems pretty feasible… Anyway, I give the 400s a big “thumbs up.” You can take that as an endorsement from a long-time Triumph dealer AND rider :).

~ Jeremy Pendergast, Baxter Cycles Marne, IA

We have a bit of history with British bike brands (since 1938) and these Triumphs will add to the legacy… we are already taking deposits on bikes we won’t see until 2024! I feel they will do well with this model especially in the metro markets where small to midsize street bikes sell very well. The goal here is to start out on a smaller Triumph to graduate to a larger Triumph one day. The only thing that could hurt it is if it’s priced too high for an entry-level rider.

~ John Leach, Pete’s Cycles, Baltimore, MD

Traction control, ABS and EFI in a 400cc platform is a great global strategy, but this bike will absolutely annihilate the local market! I can see myself riding this after work… and making excuses for short trips on my days off! Triumph already tested the waters with the Trident and distilled the essential elements into this Speed Single to go against the KTM 390/Kawasaki 400/Meteor 350s that I haven’t been able to compete with in the past. ~ Don Baker,

Tampa Triumph, Tampa, FL

My father started the business in 1963 with Triumph so we are definitely fans of the brand, however we are really looking forward to the new 400 Triumph models. It will add a new clientele to the business that we don’t currently have a lot of… and it is a good fit for the mountain roads in our area. It also has a lower price point. I believe they will be a hit! ~

Herman Braver, Hermys Triumph, Port Clinton, PA