BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Triumph Speed 400
BMW R 1200 GS (K50)
Adventure
Triumph Speed 400
Naked
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2024 bis 2025~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 5.595 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- has neat Wums
- extensive electronic helpers
- significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
- Classic, tidy and high-quality look
- Engine with good manners
- easy-to-drive A2 machine
- Switchable traction control
- simple but well-made roadster
Cons:
- Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
- Footpegs close together
- Pillion operation so so-so
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.377 mm
Length : 2.085 mm Height : 1.084 mm
Seat : 790 mm
Weight : 170 kg
Length : 2.085 mm Height : 1.084 mm
Seat : 790 mm
Weight : 170 kg
Engine
Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC engine with 4 valves 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 398 ccm
Hub: 64 mm
Hole: 89 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 398 ccm
Hub: 64 mm
Hole: 89 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 403 km
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 403 km
Maximum speed: 155 km/h
Performance: 40 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 38 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 13 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 371 km
Performance: 40 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 38 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 13 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 371 km
Chassis
Frame type:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Bridges, motor supporting (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Frame type:
Hybrid Bridge/Perimeter Frame, Tubular Steel, Bolted Rear Subframe (Steel) Front suspension:
43 mm "Big Piston" upside-down fork (travel 140 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas-pressure central shock absorber with external reservoir and adjustable spring preload (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Light metal two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 110/70 R17
Rear tyres: 150/60 R17
Hybrid Bridge/Perimeter Frame, Tubular Steel, Bolted Rear Subframe (Steel) Front suspension:
43 mm "Big Piston" upside-down fork (travel 140 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas-pressure central shock absorber with external reservoir and adjustable spring preload (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Light metal two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 110/70 R17
Rear tyres: 150/60 R17
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Front brake
Rigid 300 mm rotor, 4-piston fixed caliper, ABS (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Rigid 230 mm rotor, floating caliper, ABS (∅ 230 mm)
Rigid 300 mm rotor, 4-piston fixed caliper, ABS (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Rigid 230 mm rotor, floating caliper, ABS (∅ 230 mm)
Conclusion - what gets stuck
No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!
Conclusion on the Triumph Speed 400
The Triumph Speed 400 is a simple but well-made A2 naked bike with plenty of style. Not only does it look good, but it also drives great. With good brakes and tyres, as well as a lively single-cylinder engine, Triumph shows the competition how to put a high-quality bike on the road. Good job!The test machine was provided to us by the Triumph flagship store Q-Bike in Hamburg . There, the Speed 400 in blue will be on display and is looking forward to test riders. By the way, this also applies to the sister model, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X, which we find at least as chic and will test soon. We are already looking forward to it!
