Unexpected lesson after my Speed 400 was hit: I prefer it over the MT-07
My beloved Speed 400 got hit while it was parked, so it's currently in the shop getting repaired. In the meantime, I rented a 2025 MT-07, and honestly... it made me appreciate my Speed 400 even more.
Don't get me wrong, the MT-07 is obviously the more powerful bike, but performance isn't the thing I value most. In pretty much every other area, I actually prefer the Speed 400.
The build quality feels noticeably better, which is impressive considering it's a smaller bike built in India. So many little details are better thought out. For example, the kickstand gives a very clear indication when it's fully extended, unlike the MT-07. The turn signal switch is more intuitive, the gearbox feels smoother, and the engine is more refined at lower speeds.
Before this, I was considering upgrading to a Yamaha one day. After spending some time with the MT-07, I'm definitely sticking with Triumph. This is actually the second Yamaha I've ridden, and I had the same impression the first time. I wasn't sure if it was because that bike was older, but now I think it's just my preference.
I can definitely understand why the Speed 400 has been such a success over the last couple of years. It's not the fastest bike in its class, but the overall riding experience and attention to detail make it feel like a really well-engineered motorcycle.
Has anyone else gone from a bigger bike back to a Speed 400 and felt the same way?