Triumph Motorcycles has been a pioneer of the modern classic segment for decades. Their motorcycles are styled after iconic models from the brand’s storied past and feature the latest in modern technology and engineering. Since the move to water-cooled engines back in 2016, Triumph has been steadily expanding its modern classic range and recently, in a bid to appeal to an even broader customer base, they went small.
The 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 x and Speed 400 have opened the doors to many opportunities for the British marque. Firstly, they offer new riders the opportunity to access the Triumph brand at the start of their motorcycle ownership journey. Second, they extend the brand’s reach into markets where larger-capacity motorcycles are impractical or simply too expensive for the average rider. One such market is Thailand where smaller-capacity motorcycles and scooters rule the streets.
As it happens, Thailand is also where you’ll find K-Speed, one of Asia’s most prolific custom motorcycle workshops. K-Speed frontman Tanadit (Eak) Sarawek likes to keep his finger on the pulse of the motorcycle scene. So with all the hype around releasing the new 400cc Triumphs in Thailand, it was only a matter of time before he and his team sunk their teeth into one.
Eak has taken a stock 2024 Triumph Speed 400 roadster and transformed it into a sinister, head-turning cafe racer. The project took around 50 days to complete and was a personal build for Eak and his team. By taking this approach K-Speed are able to familiarise itself with these new models and begin the process of developing aftermarket parts to offer its customers.
Leading on from the success of a previous Thruxton 1200 R project, Eak sought to transform the Speed 400 into a bike with a racebred aesthetic. His concept revolved around giving the Speed 400 a sportier demeanor, influenced by the Thruxton but adding his signature K-Speed style. In his usual approach, each detail was carefully planned and hand-sketched, before being brought to life by his talented team.
To kick things off the Speed 400 frame has been modified in the rear, tightening the bike’s proportions. The front suspension also sits lower to establish a more aggressive stance. What sets this bike apart from the K-Speed Thruxton R is its front fairing which is a direct translation of the fairing Triumph sold for their range-topping Modern Classic. Mounted using custom hardware it’s been fitted with an LED headlamp with a halo running lamp. The holes drilled into one side of the fairing are a trademark K-Speed touch and add an asymmetrical twist to the look.
Additional custom modifications to the K-Speed Triumph Speed 400 are the ‘wasps tail’ cafe racer solo seat designed especially to complement the modified subframe. Hailing from K-Speed’s own Diablo range of custom accessories is a smaller front fender supported by bespoke hardware and a custom exhaust system. Clip-on handlebars set up an appropriately aggressive riding position and the speedometer has been relocated to the side of the frame for a clutter-free cockpit. Carrying on the spartan theme, the bike’s aftermarket LED turn signals and brake light have all been mounted inconspicuously. To coincide with this bike’s sinister color scheme, the engine also wears black K-Speed covers featuring ribbed design details.
Despite all the visual changes to this Speed 400, Eak has opted against any performance upgrades for the bike. However, with the lowered suspension and the revised riding position, it’s sure to encourage more aggressive riding.
K-Speed is a force to be reckoned with in the Asian custom scene and its on-point projects like this that’ll keep us coming back.
