The Triumph Thruxton 400 has made a bold entry into the mid-capacity retro motorcycle segment. Inspired by the classic café racer era, the Thruxton 400 brings together British styling, modern engineering, and a heritage of performance. Positioned as an accessible, lightweight café racer, it offers a unique alternative to street bikes and naked sports motorcycles in the sub-500cc class.
Built on the same platform as the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, the Triumph Thruxton 400 is designed for urban commuting, weekend cruising, and spirited rides, all while turning heads with its iconic styling.
In this detailed review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Triumph Thruxton 400—from specs and features to pricing, ride quality, and how it compares to its rivals.
The Café Racer Legacy
The original Triumph Thruxton nameplate has long been associated with custom-built racing motorcycles from the 1960s. Built for speed and agility, these bikes were stripped-down road racers that dominated circuits and café racing culture in the UK.
The new Thruxton 400 keeps this spirit alive in a more compact, beginner-friendly package. It shares the same platform and engine as the Speed 400 but features:
- Clip-on handlebars
- A single-seat design
- Rear-set footpegs
- Minimalist bodywork
- Classic round LED headlamp
This results in a neo-retro motorcycle that blends nostalgia with everyday usability.
Key Highlights of Triumph Thruxton 400
Here are the standout features that make the Thruxton 400 a compelling option:
- Modern-retro design inspired by 1960s café racers
- 398cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine
- Lightweight chassis tuned for sporty handling
- Clip-on handlebars and rear-set pegs for an aggressive riding stance
- Ride-by-wire throttle, dual-channel ABS, and traction control
- LED lighting and semi-digital instrumentation
- Expected pricing between ₹2.70 lakh to ₹2.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Triumph Thruxton 400 lies a 398cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, designed to balance refinement, torque, and top-end performance.
Engine Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, Single-cylinder |
| Displacement | 398 cc |
| Max Power | 40 PS @ ~8,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 37.5 Nm @ ~6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) |
| Ride-by-Wire Throttle | Yes |
| Exhaust | 2-into-1 system with brushed finish |
The engine offers a broad torque curve, making it suitable for both city riding and highway cruising. The 6-speed gearbox ensures optimal power delivery and efficiency across RPM ranges.
Chassis and Suspension
The Thruxton 400 uses a hybrid spine/perimeter frame, the same as the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, but with adjustments to suit the café racer ergonomics.
Chassis & Suspension:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame | Hybrid spine/perimeter steel frame |
| Front Suspension | 43mm USD telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin hydraulic shock absorbers |
| Front Brake | 300 mm disc with radial caliper |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm disc |
| ABS | Dual-channel ABS |
| Wheels | 17-inch alloys (front and rear) |
| Tyres | Road-biased, performance-oriented |
Thanks to its low kerb weight (~170 kg) and short wheelbase, the Triumph Thruxton 400 offers nimble handling and a sharp turning radius, ideal for urban riding and twisty roads.
Styling and Design: Classic Café Racer Look
The design of the Triumph Thruxton 400 screams retro elegance, yet every part is engineered for modern-day performance and durability.
Design Features:
- Sculpted teardrop fuel tank
- Café-racer style tail section with integrated LED lighting
- Bar-end mirrors and low-profile indicators
- Twin-pod instrument cluster with semi-digital readout
- Brushed aluminum and blacked-out finishes
The attention to detail in the Thruxton 400’s build makes it visually appealing even when parked. It carries Triumph’s rich heritage and offers authentic British design at an accessible price point.
Electronics and Features
Despite being retro-themed, the Thruxton 400 doesn’t skimp on tech. It packs modern electronics and rider aids, essential for safety and convenience.
Key Features:
- Ride-by-wire throttle for precise throttle response
- Switchable traction control
- Dual-channel ABS
- All-LED lighting setup
- Semi-digital instrument console
- Analog speedometer
- Digital tachometer
- Gear position indicator
- Fuel gauge
- Trip and odometer
These features ensure that the rider gets a well-rounded experience without compromising on safety or control.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is designed for a sporty riding posture, staying true to café racer ergonomics.
Ergonomics Summary:
- Clip-on handlebars offer a forward-leaning, aggressive posture
- Rear-set footpegs for sporty cornering
- Single-piece step-up seat with moderate cushioning
- Seat height: Approximately 790–800 mm (accessible for most riders)
While the riding position is more committed than a standard roadster, it’s still comfortable enough for city riding and short highway stints.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Despite being performance-focused, the Thruxton 400 is expected to deliver decent fuel efficiency, thanks to its advanced EFI system and lightweight construction.
- City Mileage: ~30–32 km/l
- Highway Mileage: ~36–38 km/l
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13 liters
- Estimated Range: ~400–450 km on a full tank
These numbers make the Thruxton 400 a practical everyday motorcycle with long-distance capability.
Specification Table: Triumph Thruxton 400
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder |
| Displacement | 398 cc |
| Max Power | 40 PS |
| Max Torque | 37.5 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Frame | Hybrid spine/perimeter |
| Front Suspension | 43 mm USD forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shock absorbers |
| Front Brake | 300 mm disc (radial caliper) |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm disc |
| ABS | Dual-channel |
| Tyres | Road-biased, 17-inch alloys |
| Lighting | All-LED |
| Instrument Console | Twin-pod (analog + digital) |
| Traction Control | Yes (switchable) |
| Ride-by-Wire | Yes |
| Seat Height | ~790–800 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 13 liters |
| Kerb Weight | ~170 kg |
| Expected Mileage | 32–36 km/l |
| Price (Expected, India) | ₹2.70 – ₹2.90 lakh (ex-showroom) |
Comparison: Thruxton 400 vs Speed 400
While both bikes share the same engine and frame, they target different riding styles.
| Aspect | Triumph Thruxton 400 | Triumph Speed 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Styling | Retro café racer | Modern roadster |
| Handlebars | Clip-on | Upright wide bars |
| Footpeg Position | Rear-set | Neutral |
| Riding Posture | Aggressive | Comfortable upright |
| Target Audience | Enthusiasts, style lovers | Commuters, all-rounders |
Who Should Buy the Thruxton 400?
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is ideal for:
- Riders who appreciate retro-styled motorcycles
- Enthusiasts looking for an entry-level café racer
- Urban commuters wanting a stylish, premium brand
- Weekend riders who enjoy a sporty yet refined ride
- Young buyers transitioning from 150–250cc segments
It’s also a great option for riders who want a Triumph badge without stretching into the 650cc or 900cc segment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Authentic café racer design
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Strong mid-range torque
- Premium fit and finish
- Modern safety features (ABS, TC)
Cons:
- Committed riding posture may not suit everyone
- No wind protection for highways
- Limited pillion comfort
- Not ideal for off-road use
Final Verdict
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is a refreshing addition to the sub-500cc motorcycle space in India. With its distinctive café racer styling, peppy engine, and premium branding, it offers something truly different for motorcycle enthusiasts. While it may not suit those looking for comfort-oriented daily commuters, it absolutely nails the brief for a stylish, agile, and thrilling ride.
If you’re looking for a mid-capacity motorcycle that turns heads, delivers engaging performance, and carries rich British heritage, the Thruxton 400 could be your next favorite machine.