Should I buy the Harley-Davidson X440 or the Triumph Speed 400?

I am very excited about two new bikes with international names that are now available within my budget, but I am also very confused. I ride a 2015 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 and I am considering either the Harley or the Triumph. Please help me understand how to choose.

Rajesh Kannan, via email

Autocar India says: We have already ridden the Harley-Davidson X440 and you can watch our video review here, or read our more detailed written review here. Unfortunately, our ride impression of the Triumph Speed 400 is under embargo till 14 July, so you’ll have to wait till then to hear the full story.

What we can tell you now is that both bikes will have quite a different character, with the Harley offering more of a low- to mid-range torque focus. The Harley is also the bigger, more substantial feeling bike although, the Triumph thoroughly outdoes it when it comes to quality, finish and attention to detail.

Since you currently own a Royal Enfield, you may like the Harley’s riding character as it offers a similar torque-dominated riding experience but with a much wider level of capability – both in performance and handling. If you are looking for a smaller, lighter style of bike with greater performance, then the Triumph will probably be the choice for you.

For now, we suggest you wait until our ride review of the Triumph comes out and take test rides of both bikes when they start becoming available from August. 

Also See:

Triumph Speed 400, Harley-Davidson X440 vs every other rival

Triumph Speed 400: Why it is so affordable