It’s a great time to be into small bikes. What used to be shrugged off as "starter" motorcycles or budget commuters are now some of the most exciting bikes on the road, not just in Asia, but around the world. There’s been a serious uptick in love for bikes in the 400 to 500cc range. And it makes total sense. These things are light, nimble, easier on the wallet, and honestly, way more fun in the real world than their spec-sheet-waving big brothers.
I mean, just take a look at the Triumph Speed and Scrambler 400.
Over in India, Triumph has an even more accessible model: the Speed T4, and it just launched in an eye-popping Baja Orange. It’s still only available in India, but I’m calling it now: this thing has the potential to be a global smash hit. And no, it’s not just the color. Though let’s be real—that two-tone tank, matte black underpinnings, and minimalist graphics combo is doing everything right.
Pair that with the right mods (I’m thinking fork gaiters, a fly-screen, bar-end mirrors, and a slip-on exhaust) and you’ve got yourself a proper custom-ready city brawler.
Mechanically, the Speed T4 isn’t far off its sibling, the Speed 400. It runs the same 398cc single-cylinder engine, but with slightly detuned performance—about 31 hp and 36 Nm (that’s about 27 pound-feet) of torque, tuned to pull hard down low where most daily riders need it. Instead of the 400’s upside-down forks and traction control, the T4 gets traditional telescopics and drops the electronics, keeping things simpler (and cheaper).
And that might just be the whole point.
The T4 is Triumph and Bajaj’s way of doubling down on a proven platform. The Speed 400, for context, has been a runaway success, contributing to Triumph’s record 134,000+ global sales in 2024, with nearly 30,000 units made in India alone. So what do you do when you’ve built a hit? You make a spinoff. And that’s exactly what the T4 is—a slightly stripped-down, more accessible version meant to appeal to riders who just want a cool, capable everyday machine without overcomplicating things.
Will it cannibalize Speed 400 sales? Maybe. But that might be the whole strategy. Some riders will still want the full-fat 400 with the premium parts and sharper styling. Others will see the T4, save a few bucks, and still walk away with a Triumph badge on their tank. It’s two bikes (three, if you count the Scrambler X), one platform, and zero compromises for the brand.
And while it’s only sold in India right now, it’s easy to imagine how well the T4 would do elsewhere. In markets like Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia, there’s growing demand for no-frills, classically styled bikes that don’t cost an arm and a leg. The T4 checks all the right boxes—retro aesthetic, commuter-friendly power, and just enough character to make it feel special.
So yeah, we’re all in on the Baja Orange hype. And if Triumph’s listening: maybe it’s time to stop gatekeeping this one. The rest of the world’s ready.
Source: Triumph Motorcycles India
