Triumph Launches New Bonneville 400 to Challenge Popular Retro Motorcycles

Triumph has expanded its entry-level motorcycle lineup with the launch of the new Bonneville 400. The company is offering two variants, named the Bonneville T4 and the Bonneville T40 or T40 Black. The T4 is priced at Rs 2.55 lakh, while the higher variant costs Rs 2.80 lakh. These prices range up to Rs 2,79,999 overall for the model. The primary difference between the two variants is the level of advanced rider technology included.

Design and Hardware

The new Triumph bike enters a competitive market segment alongside the Royal Enfield Classic 350, the Honda CB350, and the Honda CB500. All four motorcycles share a classic retro styling approach. Common design elements across these models include a circular headlamp, wire spoke wheels, a peashooter exhaust, a teardrop fuel tank, and an upright riding stance. The Triumph Bonneville 400 features 43 mm front telescopic forks with fork gaiters and twin rear shock absorbers with a seven-step preload adjustment. Its seat height is set at 790 mm and can be lowered to 770 mm using an accessory seat. In comparison, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 has an 805 mm seat height, and the Honda CB350 sits at 800 mm. All four options feature front and rear disc brakes with standard dual-channel ABS.

Features and Technology

The Bonneville T4 comes equipped with a colour LCD screen, turn-by-turn navigation, traction control, and basic riding modes. The more expensive T40 variant upgrades to a four-inch circular TFT display that adds smartphone connectivity, music access, cruise control, lean-sensitive cornering ABS, cornering traction control, and five riding modes. Meanwhile, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 uses a semi-digital instrument cluster paired with a Google-powered Tripper navigation pod. The Honda CB350 features a similar semi-digital meter, Honda Roadsync smartphone connectivity, and Honda Selectable Torque Control for stability on slippery roads. The Honda CB500 utilizes an analogue digital meter along with torque control, though full performance figures for it remain unannounced.

Engine Specifications

Powering the Triumph Bonneville 400 is a 349cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder DOHC engine. It produces 29 PS of power and 31 Nm of torque, linked to a 6-speed transmission. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 runs on a 349cc air-oil cooled motor that generates 20.5 PS and 27 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The Honda CB350 features a 348.36cc air-cooled engine outputting 21 PS and 29.5 Nm of torque with a 5-speed transmission. The Honda CB500 uses a 501cc air-cooled engine featuring an oil-cooler. Most of these competing motorcycles include an assist and slipper clutch mechanism.

Context

Entry-level retro motorcycles remain a highly competitive segment in the Indian two-wheeler market, drawing strong interest from buyers looking for classic styling mixed with modern everyday usability. Manufacturers frequently update these lineups to offer better safety features like dual-channel ABS and advanced rider aids at accessible price points.