Triumph Speed T4 vs Yamaha XSR 155
The Triumph Speed T4 doesn’t currently exist as a production model. Triumph’s entry-level lineup includes models like the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 (developed with Bajaj). For this comparison, we’ll examine the Triumph Speed 400 vs Yamaha XSR 155, which represents a fascinating cross-segment battle between British modern classic heritage and Japanese neo-retro styling—premium middleweight versus feature-rich lightweight. Let’s explore this comprehensive price and power fight.
The modern classic and neo-retro segment has exploded with popularity as riders seek motorcycles combining timeless aesthetics with contemporary performance. Two machines representing fascinating contrasts in this category are the Triumph Speed 400 and the Yamaha XSR 155. These motorcycles embody different strategies—accessible British heritage versus Japanese lightweight efficiency—yet both target style-conscious riders seeking distinctive character beyond conventional commuters. Let’s dive into this comprehensive price and power fight that reveals which retro-styled machine delivers the best value.
Brand Philosophy: British Heritage Accessible vs Japanese Neo-Retro
Understanding what each manufacturer represents helps explain the fundamental differences between these stylish motorcycles.
Table of Contents
Triumph Speed 400: Accessible British Classic
The Triumph Speed 400 represents the iconic British manufacturer’s strategy of bringing genuine Triumph character to accessible price points through partnership with Bajaj. This collaboration enables Triumph to leverage Indian manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the design language, quality standards, and brand heritage that make Triumph legendary.
Triumph targets young professionals and enthusiasts who dream of Triumph ownership, appreciate genuine British design and heritage at accessible pricing, value modern classic aesthetics with contemporary capability, want motorcycles that feel premium and special, and seek distinctive alternatives to mainstream Japanese offerings. The Speed 400 appeals to riders choosing their first premium motorcycle, enthusiasts wanting classic styling with modern reliability, and buyers who view motorcycles as lifestyle statements.
The Speed 400 is designed for riders who prioritize character and heritage over maximum specifications, appreciate quality build and premium feel, want adequate performance with timeless styling, value the prestige of British motorcycling legacy, and seek motorcycles that stand apart from mainstream alternatives. Triumph emphasizes that classic British motorcycling should be accessible without compromising authenticity, quality, or character.
Yamaha XSR 155: Neo-Retro Lightweight Character
The Yamaha XSR 155 represents the Japanese manufacturer’s strategy of bringing their successful XSR neo-retro styling language to the accessible lightweight segment. Yamaha leverages the proven R15/MT-15 platform, adding retro styling elements that create distinctive character while maintaining sporting capability and efficiency.
Yamaha targets young riders and urban commuters who want distinctive neo-retro styling without premium pricing, appreciate Yamaha’s legendary reliability and refinement, value lightweight agility for city riding, want modern features in classic-inspired package, and seek motorcycles combining style with practicality. The XSR 155 appeals to style-conscious commuters, café racer enthusiasts on budgets, and riders wanting distinctive alternatives to conventional naked bikes.
The XSR 155 is designed for riders who prioritize lightweight urban agility, appreciate retro aesthetics with modern performance, want exceptional fuel efficiency alongside style, value proven Japanese reliability, and seek maximum features at competitive pricing. Yamaha emphasizes that neo-retro style and character shouldn’t require heavyweight displacement or premium pricing.
Engine Performance: British Middleweight vs Japanese Lightweight
The fundamental difference lies in displacement and resulting performance characteristics, creating significantly different riding experiences and capabilities.
Triumph Speed 400 Engine
The Speed 400 is powered by a liquid-cooled 398cc single-cylinder engine producing approximately 40 horsepower at 8,000 RPM and 37.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM. This engine represents Triumph and Bajaj’s joint development, creating genuinely strong performance in an accessible, modern classic package.
Power delivery is smooth and torquey with excellent low-end and mid-range pull characteristic of larger-displacement singles. The engine provides flexible, usable power from low RPM, making it easy to ride in traffic without constant gear changing. The torque advantage over smaller displacement bikes is immediately apparent—confident acceleration from standstill and strong mid-range punch for overtaking.
The engine pulls strongly from around 2,500 RPM, building smooth, progressive power through the mid-range and continuing to pull adequately to the redline around 8,500 RPM. Peak power arrives relatively low in the rev range compared to high-revving sportbike engines, reflecting the Speed 400’s classic roadster character rather than sporting pretensions.
Mid-range performance is genuinely impressive—the Speed 400 delivers confident highway overtaking capability and comfortable two-up riding that smaller displacement bikes struggle to match. The torquey character means less frantic gear changing compared to peaky, high-revving alternatives.
Top speed reaches approximately 140-150 km/h, making the Speed 400 genuinely highway-capable for touring and long-distance riding. Highway cruising at 100-120 km/h is relaxed and comfortable without excessive vibration or strain.
Refinement is excellent for a single-cylinder engine. Triumph has done impressive work minimizing vibration—the engine runs smoothly across most of the rev range with vibration well-controlled even at sustained highway speeds. The engine note is characterful and pleasant, creating a satisfying soundtrack without excessive volume.
The six-speed transmission features slick, positive shifts with well-spaced ratios appropriate for varied riding. The gearbox feels quality-engineered with smooth engagement and minimal false neutrals. The slip-and-assist clutch is light at the lever while preventing rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts—a premium feature unusual at this price point.
Fuel efficiency is reasonable for the displacement, averaging around 35-40 km/l in mixed riding. The 13-liter fuel tank provides realistic range of 400-450 km between fill-ups—adequate for touring and weekend rides. The engine requires regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs reasonable.
Yamaha XSR 155 Engine
The XSR 155 features a liquid-cooled 155cc single-cylinder engine producing approximately 19.3 horsepower at 10,000 RPM and 14.7 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM. This engine is derived from the R15 V3/V4 platform, featuring Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology maximizing performance and efficiency.
Power delivery is smooth and high-revving, characteristic of Yamaha’s sporting single-cylinder engines. The VVA system provides adequate low-end torque for city riding while delivering stronger performance when revved—the engine becomes genuinely lively above 6,000 RPM and pulls enthusiastically to the 10,500+ RPM redline.
The engine requires active riding to extract maximum performance. Low-end torque is modest compared to the bigger Triumph—the XSR 155 needs revs to wake up, becoming more exciting in the upper RPM range. This creates engaging, interactive riding that rewards smooth gear changes and keeping revs high.
Mid-range performance is adequate for city riding and moderate highway use, though the limited displacement means the engine works noticeably hard during sustained highway cruising or two-up riding. Overtaking requires planning and downshifting to access the upper rev range where power lives.
Top speed reaches approximately 120-130 km/h—adequate for highway riding though less comfortable than the more powerful Speed 400 at sustained high speeds. Highway cruising at 100+ km/h requires higher RPM, creating more vibration and noise than the bigger Triumph.
Refinement is impressive for a small-displacement single. Yamaha has engineered excellent smoothness—vibration is well-controlled across most of the rev range, though it becomes more noticeable at sustained high RPM. The engine note is pleasant and sporting without excessive volume.
The six-speed transmission features reasonably smooth shifts with ratios optimized for the engine’s character. The gearbox is functional and reliable though not quite as slick as the premium Triumph unit. The assist-and-slipper clutch provides light lever effort and smooth operation—a premium feature in this segment.
Fuel efficiency is exceptional—the XSR 155’s primary advantage over larger displacement bikes. Yamaha claims figures approaching 45-50 km/l with real-world mileage typically falling around 40-45 km/l in mixed riding. This exceptional efficiency creates remarkably low running costs.
The approximately 10-liter fuel tank provides realistic range of 400-450 km between fill-ups despite the smaller capacity—genuinely impressive touring range from efficiency alone. The engine accepts regular fuel, minimizing costs further.
Handling and Dynamics: Middleweight Stability vs Lightweight Agility
How these motorcycles handle reveals their fundamental character and determines which riding situations they favor.
Triumph Speed 400 Handling
The Speed 400 features a conventional tubular steel frame with 43mm telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers—classic roadster architecture with modern execution. The suspension is well-tuned, providing comfortable ride quality while maintaining adequate body control for spirited riding.
At approximately 170 kg, the Speed 400 is heavier than the XSR 155, and this additional mass contributes to improved highway stability and a more planted, confidence-inspiring feel at speed. The weight is entirely manageable at low speeds with neutral handling making urban riding easy despite the classic roadster proportions.
The 17-inch wheels at both ends optimize on-road handling with modern tire availability. The chassis geometry favors stability and comfortable cruising over maximum agility, creating predictable handling appropriate for classic roadster character.
On paved roads, the Speed 400 handles with confidence and composure. The steering is light enough for easy maneuvering yet provides adequate weight and feedback for engaging riding. The bike tips into corners predictably, holds lines confidently, and remains stable during mid-corner adjustments. Highway stability is excellent with minimal wind sensitivity.
The suspension provides genuinely comfortable ride quality, absorbing road imperfections effectively while maintaining reasonable body control. The twin rear shocks create classic aesthetics while delivering performance adequate for the Speed 400’s mission. The ride quality is noticeably more comfortable than typical sportbike-derived alternatives.
The braking system features a 300mm front disc with ByBre (Brembo’s budget brand) caliper and 230mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS as standard. Braking performance is strong with excellent feel and modulation. The ABS calibration is sophisticated, providing safety without intrusive intervention. The brakes inspire genuine confidence across varied riding situations.
Ground clearance is adequate for typical riding though the classic roadster styling means cornering clearance is more limited than sportier alternatives—appropriate for the Speed 400’s character and intended use.
Yamaha XSR 155 Handling
The XSR 155 features a lightweight Deltabox frame derived from the R15 platform with telescopic front forks and monoshock rear suspension tuned for sporting street performance. The chassis prioritizes agility and responsiveness over ultimate comfort.
At approximately 141 kg, the XSR 155 is significantly lighter than the Speed 400, and this low weight creates exceptional urban agility and easy maneuverability. The bike feels incredibly nimble in city traffic, threading through gaps effortlessly and changing direction with minimal effort. Parking and low-speed handling are exceptionally easy.
The 17-inch wheels optimize on-road handling with the R15-derived chassis providing genuinely sporting capability beneath the retro styling. The chassis geometry favors agility and responsiveness over maximum stability.
On paved roads, the XSR 155 handles with surprising precision and engagement for a neo-retro styled bike. The light weight creates flickable, responsive handling that makes urban riding genuinely enjoyable. The sporting chassis delivers confident cornering capability that rivals dedicated sport bikes in the segment.
The suspension is tuned more firmly than the Speed 400’s, prioritizing body control over maximum comfort. The setup handles aggressive riding well while remaining acceptable for daily commuting, though the ride quality is noticeably firmer than the more comfort-oriented Triumph.
Highway stability is adequate though the light weight and sporting geometry create more sensitivity to crosswinds compared to the heavier, more stable Speed 400. Extended highway riding is possible but less relaxing than on the bigger Triumph.
The braking system features a 282mm front disc with dual-piston caliper and 220mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. Braking performance is excellent with strong initial bite and progressive feel. The ABS calibration is sophisticated, providing safety without feeling intrusive.
Ground clearance is generous with the sporting chassis allowing aggressive lean angles without scraping hard parts—a benefit of the R15-derived platform.
Design and Styling: British Classic vs Japanese Neo-Retro
Visual appeal significantly influences buying decisions in the retro/classic segment where style is paramount.
Triumph Speed 400 Design
The Speed 400 showcases authentic British roadster styling with timeless proportions and classic details. The round LED headlight maintains classic aesthetics while incorporating modern technology. The teardrop fuel tank is beautifully shaped with Triumph’s iconic knee recesses and quality paint finishes including classic color schemes.
The side profile reveals classic roadster proportions with minimal bodywork, exposed mechanical components, twin rear shocks, and beautiful detailing throughout. The exhaust system is visually distinctive, and every component feels thoughtfully designed and quality-executed.
The rear design is clean and classic with LED tail lighting integrated tastefully. The overall design is cohesive and timeless—this motorcycle will age gracefully rather than looking dated as styling trends evolve.
Build quality is excellent with premium finishes, tight panel gaps, and attention to detail throughout. The Speed 400 feels genuinely special with quality switchgear, beautiful welds, premium paint, and overall execution that justifies the Triumph badge. This is clearly a premium product.
The instrument cluster is a circular analogue-style speedometer with integrated digital display—classic aesthetics with modern functionality. The layout is clear and easy to read with comprehensive information presented thoughtfully.
Yamaha XSR 155 Design
The XSR 155 showcases Yamaha’s neo-retro styling language with contemporary execution of classic café racer aesthetics. The round LED headlight creates classic appearance while the overall design incorporates modern elements. The fuel tank is well-shaped with attractive side panels and quality finishes.
The side profile reveals neo-retro proportions with the distinctive XSR styling cues including exposed frame elements, minimalist seat, and contemporary details mixed with retro inspiration. The overall design successfully blends vintage aesthetics with modern execution.
The rear design features LED lighting with the distinctive XSR tail section. The overall styling is cohesive and distinctive, creating strong visual identity that stands apart from conventional naked bikes.
Build quality is good with typical Yamaha construction standards. The plastics and finishes are quality though not quite matching the premium feel of the Triumph’s execution. Panel gaps are acceptable, and overall construction is durable and well-executed for the price point.
The instrument cluster is a fully digital LCD display with modern graphics—functional and comprehensive though sacrificing some classic authenticity for practicality.
Features and Technology: Premium British vs Japanese Value
Modern motorcycles incorporate comprehensive features, with different approaches based on positioning and price.
Triumph Speed 400 Features
Premium Features:
- Dual-channel ABS (standard)
- USB charging port
- Slip-and-assist clutch
- Full LED lighting
- Analogue-style instrument cluster with digital integration
- Ride-by-wire throttle (on some variants)
- Switchable traction control (optional/variant dependent)
Quality Details:
- Premium switchgear
- Quality paint and finishes
- Triumph badge prestige
- Excellent build quality throughout
Comfort:
- Comfortable seat for touring
- Upright ergonomics
- Twin rear shocks for classic comfort
The Speed 400 emphasizes quality execution and premium feel over feature quantity.
Yamaha XSR 155 Features
Technology:
- Dual-channel ABS
- Variable Valve Actuation (VVA)
- Assist-and-slipper clutch
- Full LED lighting
- Digital instrument cluster
- Side stand engine cut-off
Styling:
- Neo-retro aesthetics
- Quality finishes
- Distinctive XSR design language
Practicality:
- Lightweight urban agility
- Exceptional fuel efficiency
- Proven R15 platform reliability
The XSR 155 delivers impressive features and proven technology at competitive pricing.
Price and Value Proposition: The Crucial Difference
Pricing creates the fundamental comparison, determining which motorcycle represents better value for different buyers.
Triumph Speed 400 Pricing
Purchase Price: Approximately ₹2.40-2.50 lakhs (ex-showroom)
Value Proposition:
- Genuine Triumph heritage and quality
- Strong 400cc performance
- Premium build and finishes
- Comfortable touring capability
- British brand prestige
Ownership Costs:
- Fuel: 35-40 km/l = approximately ₹2.5-3.0 per km
- Maintenance: Moderate costs (Bajaj partnership helps)
- Insurance: Higher premiums reflecting value
- Parts: Reasonably available through Bajaj network
Yamaha XSR 155 Pricing
Purchase Price: Approximately ₹1.65-1.75 lakhs (ex-showroom)
Value Proposition:
- Exceptional fuel efficiency
- Lightweight urban agility
- Proven Yamaha reliability
- Neo-retro styling
- Competitive pricing
Ownership Costs:
- Fuel: 40-45 km/l = approximately ₹2.0-2.5 per km
- Maintenance: Affordable Yamaha service
- Insurance: Lower premiums
- Parts: Widely available
Price Difference: The Speed 400 costs approximately ₹70,000-85,000 more than the XSR 155—roughly 40-50% premium over the Yamaha.
The Final Verdict: Define Your Priority
These motorcycles serve different purposes despite overlapping retro styling themes.
Choose the Triumph Speed 400 if you want genuine British heritage and premium quality, need stronger performance for highway touring and two-up riding, can accommodate the higher purchase price for superior capability, appreciate premium build quality and finishes, want comfortable long-distance capability, value brand prestige and distinctive character, prefer torquey middleweight performance, and view your motorcycle as a premium possession. It’s the quality choice delivering authentic British character.
Choose the Yamaha XSR 155 if you prioritize lightweight urban agility and fuel efficiency, want neo-retro styling at accessible pricing, ride primarily solo in city environments, value proven Japanese reliability, need maximum economy for daily commuting, appreciate the R15’s sporting chassis beneath retro styling, can accept performance limitations for efficiency gains, and view your motorcycle as stylish, practical urban transport. It’s the value choice maximizing efficiency and accessibility.
Both motorcycles prove retro styling spans displacement ranges with compelling offerings. The Triumph Speed 400 delivers genuine premium character and touring capability justifying its premium pricing. The Yamaha XSR 155 provides exceptional efficiency and urban capability in distinctive neo-retro packaging at competitive pricing. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize British premium character or Japanese lightweight efficiency in your retro-styled motorcycle.
