[itsMridul]

Originally Posted by Himanshu809

should be in my hands before my birthday i.e. 16 September

Happy Birthday in advance dear.
Hope Triumph delivers the bike on schedule and does not fail to make this day a memorable one.

[antz.bin]

While it feels nice that our new acquisition is classically beautiful to look at and *should* turn heads, it really doesn't.

Since it is a retro roadster design and not too large in dimensions, most probably won't even give it a second look purely based on the fact that this genre of motorcycle is so ubiquitous due to all the REs being sold all over the country.

But this is what makes it more desirable than a design screaming LOOK AT ME like that of the KTMs.

The capacity to blend into its surroundings gives it a few merits:

1. Saves it from the evil eye. Nobody will touch it in the parking lot. Less chance of damage. Nobody will try to ride/drive dangerously to catch a glimpse. A problem faced by owners of Faired / larger sized motorcycles.
2. Mellow exhaust note doesn't trouble dogs. In return, the dogs probably won't trouble the owners.
3. Not attention grabbing. Won't grab attention even if you are going along at a reasonably fast clip. People you pass on biker-frequented roads will be less resentful. I have felt this resentment from a mile away on the Pulsar 220.

[lazyrev]

Originally Posted by antz.bin

But this is what makes it more desirable than a design screaming LOOK AT ME like that of the KTMs.

Maybe this is a weird take, but I am also happy that only people who actually know about Triumph or this bike will really appreciate it, when they see it on the roads. Gives it a sort of exclusivity/sophistication, compared to other brands where people see the colours and plastics and get momentarily excited.

I never considered the "presence" factor when I looked at this bike, because I myself come from an Apache 160, which are a dime a dozen. I am happy even if very very few people look at the speed 400. Of course, others may feel differently.

On that note: I am going to get my red speed 400 delivered today!!

[aviator1101]

Originally Posted by CuriousMagpie

It's been almost a week now since my bike was delivered.

Heartiest congratulations on your new possession. Wish you many safe and memorable miles.

The seat doesn't seem to be a perfect fit (you'll notice if you try to pull up the seat at the front/rider's end).

Request if you could share a photograph. Is the base of the seat at the front part flexible or is it a overhang?

I also wish the pillion foot-pegs could be slightly more separated from the rider foot-pegs so that pillion's feet are not touching the rider's legs.

Request share a photograph with pillion if possible. How's the pillion comfort on long rides?

Originally Posted by lazyrev

I am going to get my red speed 400 delivered today!!

Wish you all the best. And congratulations in advance.

[neoonwheels]

As I had updated on this thread, I was called for a feedback session for my Speed400 purchase. It was organized at a relatively low profile hotel in the city and so I was a bit curious if its organized by Triumph/Bajaj. I called up my SA at Triumph just to see if its indeed what the caller claimed to be a feedback session by Triumph/Bajaj and as per my expectation, he said, its not an official event organized by Triumph but 2-3 other folks also were called and he suggested that I attend the event.

Now, I was introduced to a person who was supposed to take my feedback. We exchanged pleasantries and he introduced himself as someone from a third party company which specializes in compiling feedback for many OEMs. He said, given the survey/interview talks about many competitor bikes as well, OEMs prefer to get it done by third party vendors. God knows if it was indeed by Triumph/Bajaj but the person I spoke to appeared pretty informed on bikes and in general biking scene in India.

The survey was pretty detailed and when I raised few of the points, he walked me to the Speed400 kept there and tried understanding the concerns I have. For e.g. when I said the bar end mirrors are pain in dense traffic, we actually discussed the design right next to the bike. Now coming back to the session:

1. Why did I purchase this when the sub 400 segment is pretty hot with options now - We discussed my other choices like Hunter, X440 and Interceptor. He was surprised that I did not consider Jawa/Yezdi and Dominar 400. Again we went into details of every bike with their positives and negatives as per me. He also asked me why I wanted a Roadster/Cruiser than naked or a sport bike.

2. Engine/Performance - Here we discussed about what I liked in Speed compared to engines from other manufacturers. We spoke at length about other offerings and what ticks the boxes for Speed. He again mentioned categorically that Speed400 engine is different than Dominar/Duke even though the bore numbers are same

3. Suspension/Handling - He could make out that this is something I loved about Speed400. The suspension is tuned beautifully and the bike just begs to be ridden fast. I spoke about given I have ridden only 300KMs so far, I cannot comment on handling yet. He said, there will be subsequent sessions by Triumph/Bajaj.

4. Design - What I love and hate most about this bike - Again, we discussed all this standing next to the bike. I covered all the positives about fit and finish, neatly tucking of the engine on the chassis, plastic quality, paint quality etc etc. Then, I spoke about the length of the handlebar, bar end mirrors, missing a good RPM console, rear end of the bike. He was surprised when I said, Hunter looks more retro than Speed and I would have bought Hunter if it had come with this engine and fit and finish. I somehow feel the rear half of the bike is more naked than retro. For me, Speed twin looks way better than Speed400. But that's just me and I am happy he wrote down all these points.

5. Overall feedback - This is where I pointed out the negatives of this bike. I covered below points:
1. Bar end mirror and length of the handlebar
2. Faulty DTE meter
3. Useless design of the grab handles at rear
4. Front brake lever with a lot of play
5. Missing adjustable levers for clutch and brake
6. No connectivity features
7. Tier-1/2 cities with only 1 dealer and 1 service center
8. Lot of hassle to move booking from 1 dealer to another

It was around an hour long discussion and I had to rate the bike and competition on the scale of 1-10 on the parameters I mentioned above. Of course, Speed400 stood 1st in overall rating for me (No wonder), the close 2nd was Interceptor. He was curious to know why a person considering single cylinder bike also considered much expensive twin cylinder bike. I am sure, he got a taste of how the consumer mindset works when it comes to selecting that perfect bike for you.

He was very neutral to my responses and never ever tried selling me Speed400 or any other bike during our discussion. He said he is a biker himself but never shared which bike he owns, may be to avoid any kind of bias in the discussion. I'm not sure if it was indeed a survey by Triumph/Bajaj but I enjoyed the interaction. He took note of all my points on the paper and said in case there is a need, he would give me a call back for further discussion.

[Sebring]

Thanks for the comprehensive noting. I have just one question; can't we get a duplicate key done outside, (or should it be done only through Triumph)? A set would cost me Rs 100 outside

Originally Posted by CuriousMagpie

I only received an extra key and couple of lock fobs in the kit. I saw someone posting that they received more items. The key is programmed to work with the bike and apparently worth 5000, so we need to protect and maintain it well

[sk_cheek13]

Originally Posted by Sebring

Thanks for the comprehensive noting. I have just one question; can't we get a duplicate key done outside, (or should it be done only through Triumph)? A set would cost me Rs 100 outside

I don't think this is possible since the engine immobilizer chip inside the key needs to be programmed.

[shailinder]

Originally Posted by shailinder

I am hard-pressed to think, what if I encounter a situation in the future, whether I will get a solution or not?

For the last 2-3 days, I was thinking and was hard pressed by my subconscious mind that if a dealer is non-responsive right now, what will they do with me if I encounter an issue? I got my answer.

After much deliberation and patience, friends, I have decided to cancel my booking for Speed 400. The only reason for cancellation is "None responsive" Keerthi, Khivraj E-City and Triumph customer care.

I tried my level best to approach them over calls, emails and WhatsApp. Unfortunately, they are so overwhelmed by customer response that they are not ready to support one among the thousands of customers.

I am going ahead with the KTM 390 ADV (either X or SW).

Some might say that it is not the right decision, but when you look at the complete picture from my lenses, you might have the same perspective as mine.

NOTE: I wish they could have called me for the feedback.

[davelok]

Originally Posted by davelok

Congratulations and a very happy birthday in advance! Blue will definitely stand out more. Red has failed to turn heads.

I did say this, but later today a biker on a sporty Yamaha ran into the rear bumper of a BMW SUV in front, while trying to glance at my bike, as the signal turned green and we started moving.

Also three days ago a teenager was telling his friend "it's a Tree-umph".

[CuriousMagpie]

Originally Posted by antz.bin

Nobody will touch it in the parking lot.

This has happened to our neighbors, since people casually sit on the large/flashy bikes and end up bending the side stand or do other damage.

Originally Posted by antz.bin

Mellow exhaust note doesn't trouble dogs. In return, the dogs probably won't trouble the owners.

Thanks for the note. With so many street dogs in Hyderabad, this was another aspect I had considered but missed mentioning in my post earlier.

Originally Posted by aviator1101

Request if you could share a photograph. Is the base of the seat at the front part flexible or is it a overhang?

Here you go.

Originally Posted by aviator1101

Request share a photograph with pillion if possible. How's the pillion comfort on long rides?

Unlikely we'll go for a long ride anytime soon. Also I'll need someone else to take a pic with the pillion, so, sorry I'm unable to oblige with the pillion-related details or pic for now.

Originally Posted by Sebring

can't we get a duplicate key done outside, (or should it be done only through Triumph)?

There's a number on the tag provided along with the backup key which would be needed to program it if needed. Apparently there's a chip in the key (in both the original and backup keys), and only one key can be active at any point of time (for safety reasons). So, if you activate the backup key, then the other one should ideally not work anymore. So, any duplicate key will not work, and we must visit a Triumph service to activate the backup.

[sukiwa]

Originally Posted by CuriousMagpie

Apart from that, I also wish the pillion foot-pegs could be slightly more separated from the rider foot-pegs so that pillion's feet are not touching the rider's legs.

Agree.

Here is my regular foot position on rider footpeg, boot size EU 45. Heel is already touching pillion footpeg.


If I move my foot forward, pillion footwear is going to touch my boots.

[sprocket]

Originally Posted by shailinder

After much deliberation and patience, friends, I have decided to cancel my booking for Speed 400. The only reason for cancellation is "None responsive" Keerthi, Khivraj E-City and Triumph customer care.

Welcome to the club of ex Speed 400! I am now trying to get my booking amount back without any responses from Keerthi.

I had landed up at the KTM showroom but never took a test ride of the ADVs. Exploring the new Bullet and keeping my finger crossed for the Shotgun 650.

[d3xt3r]

I'm in the market for my first bike and the Speed 400 is at the top of my list right now due to the amazing reviews it has been getting, it's ease of riding, beginner-friendly nature and the hope that it'll not bore me as I become a proficient rider over the years. I pre-booked the bike a few days ago (Khivraj Triumph - Whitefield, Bangalore).

After reading about the poor quality of support/response from the dealerships, the fact that this is the first time they'll be handling such volumes, and that this is a first-gen bike which is yet to be time-tested, I'm beginning to have some serious second thoughts.

A couple of questions for all the helpful folks here:

• Is this bike truly beginner-friendly to ride? I would use it for both city riding and to start touring longer distances.
• Should I (as a beginner) be taking the risk of getting a first-gen bike? I want to enjoy the experience of owning and riding my first bike instead of getting stuck with issues down the road with reliability of parts and after-sales service/support.
• Some other bikes which I plan to test-drive are: HD X440, Honda CB350RS, Suzuki V-Strom SX, RE Classic & Meteor 350. Any other suggestions? My budget is 3 to 3.5 lacs (this is the hard upper limit).

[shailinder]

Originally Posted by sprocket

Welcome to the club of ex Speed 400!

Yeah Thanks for the warm welcome

That's something we must look forward to. I am sure there will be a few or many more from Bangalore, let alone other parts of India. Many are not part of T-BHP; therefore, they cannot share their experience.

I am not a big fan of RE; otherwise, I would have waited (at least) for the Himalayan 450.

Coming back to Triumph. Probably, I will never own one, or at least I cannot see a possibility in the near future.

When I checked reviews on Keerthi Triumph in general, how they ruined one Daytona, etc.. At that time, I wondered how any dealer could be so careless. After all that, I still mustered courage and booked mine and proved wrong that no matter what, Keerthi is famous for a reason, and they will remain like that. Customer satisfaction does not matter to them.

What is the process of cancellation? Sending an email to some account's ID and remaining hopeful for a revert from them?

[chakli_kodbale]

Looks like Keerthi has opened a new showroom in JP Nagar.