Blending classic styling and contemporary features, the Triumph Bonneville 400 appears to have good potential in the 350cc-500cc segment
Triumph has launched the Bonneville 400, its 7th model in the entry-level 400 series. Two variants are on offer, Bonneville T4 and Bonneville T40/T40 Black, priced at Rs 2.55 lakh and Rs 2.80 lakh, respectively. The difference in these variants is largely about access to premium rider aids. Bonneville 400 will primarily challenge rivals like Classic 350, Honda CB350 and Honda CB500. Here’s a quick specs and price comparison to better understand the options available.
Triumph Bonneville 400 vs. rivals – Styling and Specs
All four bikes have retro styling and it’s kind of difficult to choose which is better in terms of its design. User decision making could involve factors like road presence, colour options and seat height. Several features are largely common across these bikes such as a circular headlamp, wire spoke wheels, peashooter exhaust, classic teardrop fuel tank, and a comfortable upright riding stance.
Bonneville 400 has fork gaiters, 43 mm conventional telescopic forks at the front and twin rear shock absorbers with seven step preload adjustment. Seat height is optimal at 790 mm and can be reduced even further to 770 mm with a low seat accessory. Royal Enfield Classic 350 has seat height of 805 mm, whereas it’s 800 mm for Honda CB350. All four bikes have disc brakes at the front and rear, and dual-channel ABS is offered as standard.
Tech package, rider aids
Triumph Bonneville T40 variant is better equipped than the T4, particularly in terms of technology. While the T4 has a colour LCD screen, the Bonneville T40 has a four-inch circular TFT display. T4 has features like turn-by-turn navigation, traction control and riding modes. T40 has additional features such as cruise control, lean-sensitive cornering ABS, cornering traction control and five riding modes.
T40’s TFT display supports smartphone connectivity, navigation and access to music. Coming to Royal Enfield Classic 350, the bike uses a semi-digital instrument console that combines an analogue speedometer and a small digital LCD display. There’s a Tripper navigation pod as well, which is powered by Google Maps and provides turn-by-turn navigation.
A similar semi-digital setup can be seen with Honda CB350 as well. The bike is equipped with Honda Roadsync, offering seamless smartphone connectivity. Users can access navigation, calls and music controls. CB350 also has Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which ensures greater stability across slippery terrain. Honda CB500 has an analogue digital meter and HSTC. More details about Honda CB500 will be revealed soon.
Performance
Triumph Bonneville 400 is equipped with a 349cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder DOHC engine that generates 29 PS and 31 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed transmission. Royal Enfield Classic 350 uses a 349 cc, single cylinder air-oil cooled engine that generates 20.5 PS and 27 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox.
Honda CB350 has a 348.36 cc, air-cooled, SI engine that generates 21 PS and 29.5 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 5-speed transmission. Honda CB500 uses a 501 cc, air-cooled engine with oil-cooler. However, performance figures have not been revealed. Most of these bikes have an assist and slipper clutch.
Price comparison
Triumph Bonneville 400 is available in the price range of Rs 2,54,999 to Rs 2,79,999. Royal Enfield Classic 350 is offered in the price range of Rs 1,88,934 to Rs 2,26,069. Honda CB350 is available in DLX and DLX Pro variants, priced at Rs 1,97,003 and Rs 2,00,064, respectively. Honda CB500 starts at Rs 2,75,000, with the top variant priced at Rs 3,01,900.
