Abhijeet A
Hello, my friend! So, you’ve worked hard, saved up around ₹3 lakh, and are ready to buy your first truly premium motorcycle. It’s an exciting time! The stunning new Triumph Speed 400 has probably caught your eye, and why wouldn’t it? It’s got that premium British badge, fantastic quality, and a tempting price tag.
But hold on, is it the undisputed king of the ring? The wild, super-aggressive KTM 390 Duke and the new torque-monster on the block, the Harley-Davidson X440, are both ready for a fight. This is a tough choice. As your trusted auto guide, I’ve ridden all three to help you decide which of these titans is the perfect one for you.
Key Specs at a Glance
Let’s start by looking at the star of the show, the Triumph Speed 400. It promises a perfect balance of performance and class.
| Specification | 2025 Triumph Speed 400 |
| Engine | 398cc, Liquid-cooled, Single-cylinder |
| Power | 40 PS |
| Key Feature | Premium Fit-and-Finish, Ride-by-Wire Throttle |
| Mileage | ~28 kmpl |
| Brakes | Front and Rear Disc with Dual-Channel ABS |
| Ex-Showroom Price | Starting from ₹2.33 Lakh |
Price: What’s the Real Deal?
The ex-showroom price is just the beginning. The final on-road price, after taxes and insurance, is what you’ll actually pay. These premium bikes have a significant price difference on-road. Here’s what you can expect to shell out in our big cities.
| Car Model | Delhi | Mumbai | Bengaluru |
| Triumph Speed 400 | ~₹2.68 Lakh | ~₹2.95 Lakh | ~₹3.05 Lakh |
| KTM 390 Duke | ~₹3.60 Lakh | ~₹3.98 Lakh | ~₹4.10 Lakh |
| Harley-Davidson X440 | ~₹2.80 Lakh | ~₹3.15 Lakh | ~₹3.25 Lakh |
(Note: These are estimated on-road prices for the top models and can change based on local taxes.)
The Main Event: Speed 400 vs. 390 Duke vs. X440
This is the ultimate clash of characters! A sophisticated Brit vs. a wild Austrian vs. an all-American brawler (made in India!).
| Feature | Triumph Speed 400 | KTM 390 Duke | Harley-Davidson X440 |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | From ₹2.33 Lakh | From ₹3.11 Lakh | From ₹2.40 Lakh |
| Engine Power | 40 PS | 45 PS | 27 PS |
| Mileage (“Kitna deti hai?”) | ~28 kmpl | ~28 kmpl | ~35 kmpl |
| Key Feature/Weakness | Feature: Superb quality & smooth engine. Weakness: Not as aggressive as the KTM. | Feature: Explosive performance & tons of tech. Weakness: Very expensive. | Feature: Massive low-end torque & brand name. Weakness: Heaviest of the lot. |
Our Verdict: The Right Choice for YOU
After spending quality time with these amazing machines, here is our simple, honest advice.
- For the Sophisticated All-Rounder: The Triumph Speed 400 If you want a premium bike that looks classy, feels incredibly well-built, and is a joy to ride everywhere, the Speed 400 is your answer. During our test, it felt like a beautifully tailored suit—perfectly balanced. The engine is smooth yet powerful, and it’s exciting without being intimidating. For the rider who wants a prestigious badge and a high-quality machine for city commutes and weekend highway runs, this is a fantastic choice.
- For the Adrenaline Junkie: The KTM 390 Duke Let’s be clear: if you want the fastest, sharpest, and most feature-packed bike here, the KTM 390 Duke is the undisputed champion. We took it to the ghats near Pune, and its aggressive, raw power is simply addictive. It has launch control, a stunning TFT screen, and cornering ABS—tech the others can only dream of. This bike is not for the faint of heart; it’s a proper performance machine that demands to be ridden hard.
- For the Relaxed Cruiser: The Harley-Davidson X440 What really makes the Harley a winner is its character. You don’t need to rev it hard; a simple twist of the wrist and it surges forward with a wave of torque. We rode it through Mumbai’s peak traffic, and its effortless pickup was a lifesaver. For the rider who wants a comfortable, muscular bike with that iconic brand name for relaxed Sunday rides, the X440 is the perfect companion. It’s all about that laid-back, commanding feel.
Common Questions Answered (FAQ)
Is the Triumph Speed 400 expensive to maintain in India?
Maintenance costs for the Triumph 400s are surprisingly competitive. The service interval is a very long 16,000 km, which means you’ll be visiting the service center less often than with other bikes, saving you time and money.
Which bike is more comfortable for city traffic: KTM Duke or Triumph Speed?
The Triumph Speed 400 is far more comfortable in the city. Its engine is less jerky at low speeds, and the riding position is more relaxed. The KTM 390 Duke is an aggressive machine that feels caged in slow-moving traffic.
Is the Harley-Davidson X440 good for long tours?
Yes, it’s a very comfortable tourer. Its upright seating position and torque-rich engine make it a great bike for cruising on the highway for hours.
Triumph Speed 400 vs Scrambler 400 X: What’s the main difference?
Think of them as twins in different outfits. The Speed 400 is a pure road bike. The Scrambler 400 X is its adventurous sibling, with longer suspension, a bigger front wheel, and a different handlebar, making it better for handling bad roads and light trails.
