The sub-500 cc roadster segment witnessed the introduction of two brand-new products this month - the Triumph Speed 400 and Harley-Davidson X440.
This also marks the first time two brands that have so far only sold high-end motorcycles in India, have entered the segment, both in collaboration with two different Indian two-wheeler manufacturers.
Both the Speed 400 and X440 are the most affordable motorcycles in their respective brand's portfolio.The sub-500 cc roadster segment has been solely dominated by Royal Enfield for a long time now.
RE's current line-up consists of a range of motorcycles in this very segment, but it looks like the two-wheeler manufacturer finally has a genuine threat.
The two-wheeler manufacturer's dominance has previously resulted in a range of other companies entering the lucrative space in a bid to take the fight up to RE, including Honda with the H'ness CB350, Jawa as well as Yezdi.Bajaj Auto previously tried to take a slightly different route by introducing the Dominar 400 as a rival to the Classic 350, however, the latter's sales hardly took any dent.
This time around though, the threat on Royal Enfield's supremacy seems real.
With two new premium motorcycle manufacturers now in the race, the buyer is spoilt for choices.Triumph Speed 400 First Ride Review | The best under Rs 3 lakh? | TOI AutoOn paper, the Triumph Speed 400 seems like the most advanced and potent offering in the segment, thanks to its 398.15 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that belts out 40 PS of power and 37.5 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch.
With an upside down front fork, the hardware seems much more superior than what is on offer with any Royal Enfield 350 cc bike.The Harley-Davidson X440 might not be as powerful as the Speed 400, but its still a step up from the segment leader.
The 440 cc air-oil cooled 2-valve motor on the roadster makes 28 PS and 38 Nm, also mated to a 6-speed transmission with a slip and assist clutch.
Co-developed by Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp, the X440 tries to retain the HD charm, while also packs a thumping exhaust note - something that attracts the buyers of this segment.While the Triumph Speed 400 and Harley-Davidson X440 look like they pose a serious threat to Royal Enfield, dethroning the king would not be as easy as it seems.
Royal Enfield's vast dealership and service network gives the brand an upper hand.
Buyers might also associate the two new motorcycles with a higher maintenance cost considering they come from premium companies, however, the difference is yet to be ascertained.Ferrari 296 GTB Review: Hybrid and a V6 but a true Ferrari? | TOI AutoFor reference, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is currently priced from Rs 1.93 lakh onwards, going all the way up to Rs 2.25 lakh.
At Rs 4,000 more than the top-end trim of the RE Classic 350 comes the Harley-Davidson X440's entry-level Denim variant, with a base price of Rs 2.29 lakh.
Put in another Rs 4,000 over the HD X440 Denim, and you can get yourself the Triumph Speed 400 at Rs 2.33 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).With a budget of Rs 2.5 lakh, would you pick the Triumph Speed 400, the Harley-Davidson X440, the Royal Enfield Classic 350, or any other motorcycle altogether? Let us know in the comments down below.