Kiwi Rider March 2024 Vol.1 | Page 42

along , but it sings too . Honda ’ s CB500 ( X ) twin I ’ m not so sure about . Frugal and efficient , but lacks character – just electric motor handy . Where I have taken true exception has been some of the Chinese manufactured engines of the recent past . There have been 300cc rev-boxes that just don ’ t have any sense of push – they just rev while slowly the scenery moves that little faster in a totally disconnected fashion . Then there have been the 400cc singles with a feel of old school plonk , along with the old school feeling of ‘ it ’ s going break any moment soon ’. Triumph ’ s 400 motor sits in the good camp . It has a torquey mid-range and a singing top end that make it fun to ride . Yes , right at the beginning it felt a little underpowered – but that ’ s going to happen if you ’ ve just stepped off a barking KTM 690 ( or similar ). But the more you ride it , the more you understand the power and torque curves , the more it satisfies . The testers at launches ( with the exception of the ‘ influencers ’) are mostly well-seasoned riders , with decades of experience – so it was good to see so many of these smiling and enthusing about Triumph ’ s 400s . For all levels , they ’ re a fun ride . A good engine is the heart of a good bike . Triumph has then created a good engine and woven a great package around that . Not once but twice . These two 400s are everything they should be . They ’ re a great way to sample the experience of the modern classic Triumph range , and you could frankly stick with either 400 , not progress up the capacity ladder , and be quite satisfied . And lastly , because these siblings are quite different , it makes choosing between the two easier than you may think . If road is everything for you , the Speed is the one . Great handling , a lot of fun but with a healthy safety buffer – it won ’ t bite . The Scrambler is its country cousin , more laid back , happy to gamble down the odd dirt track if it has to . And both are true Triumph motorcycles , with the look and the feel , the sound , if not to say the unique charm that this British manufacturer brings to motorcycling . Oh , and did I mention the price ? No . That ’ s the good bit , huh ?! 42 KIWI RIDER