The Triumph Thruxton 400 is a modern café racer designed for riders who love retro style with modern technology. It is part of Triumph’s new 400cc lineup, made in partnership with Bajaj, making it more affordable for Indian enthusiasts. Inspired by the legendary Thruxton café racers of the past, this bike offers sporty styling, clip-on handlebars, and a powerful single-cylinder engine. Positioned above the Triumph Speed 400, the Thruxton 400 is targeted at riders who want a unique blend of classic British design and engaging performance in the sub-400cc category.
2. Design & Style
The Thruxton 400 stands out with its authentic café racer design. It comes with a long fuel tank, sculpted knee recesses, clip-on handlebars, and a sporty single-seat look. The round LED headlamp, bar-end mirrors, and minimalistic tail add to its retro appeal. Unlike regular naked bikes, the Thruxton 400 is designed for café racer enthusiasts who value style and individuality. Available in premium colour options with metallic finishes, it looks classy yet sporty. The bike carries Triumph’s signature detailing, making it one of the most stylish machines in its price range.
3. Engine & Performance
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is powered by a 398cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, the same as in the Speed 400 but tuned differently. It produces around 39.5 PS of power and 37.5 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful bike in its class. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch, the engine offers strong mid-range punch and smooth top-end performance. Acceleration is quick, allowing the Thruxton 400 to comfortably cruise at triple-digit speeds. Its performance makes it suitable for both city commutes and spirited weekend rides, giving riders a true café racer feel.
4. Suspension & Brakes
Triumph has equipped the Thruxton 400 with premium suspension hardware. It features a telescopic fork at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, tuned for sporty handling. Braking duties are handled by a large front disc and rear disc with dual-channel ABS as standard. The bike rides on alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, ensuring safety and convenience. The suspension setup offers a good balance between comfort and sharp handling, while the braking system provides strong confidence on highways and twisty roads. This makes the Thruxton 400 fun to ride in every condition.
5. Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
Despite being a performance-oriented café racer, the Triumph Thruxton 400 delivers impressive mileage. Riders can expect around 28–32 kmpl in real-world conditions. Its 13-litre fuel tank offers a practical range of nearly 350 km, making it suitable for weekend rides and short touring. Triumph has managed to keep fuel efficiency respectable thanks to modern engine technology and fuel injection. While not as frugal as commuter bikes, the Thruxton 400 balances performance and efficiency well for its segment, giving riders the thrill of speed without frequent fuel stops.
6. Features & Technology
The Thruxton 400 comes with modern features packed inside a retro body. It gets a round semi-digital instrument cluster that shows speed, rpm, gear position, fuel level, and trip information. The bike also features full LED lighting, ride-by-wire throttle, dual-channel ABS, and a slipper clutch for smoother downshifts. Triumph has included modern touches like USB charging and high-quality switchgear, which enhance daily usability. Unlike many retro bikes, the Thruxton 400 combines heritage styling with advanced technology, ensuring that it not only looks stylish but also feels modern to ride.
7. Comfort & Ergonomics
Being a café racer, the Thruxton 400 has slightly aggressive ergonomics. The clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs create a sporty riding stance, ideal for enthusiastic riding. The seat height is around 790 mm, making it accessible for most riders. The cushioning is firm but supportive for short to medium rides. While long touring might not be as comfortable as cruisers or naked bikes, the Thruxton 400 excels in city rides and spirited weekend sprints. Riders who enjoy sporty posture will love its ergonomics, but daily commuters may find it a bit demanding.
8. On-Road Riding Experience
On the road, the Triumph Thruxton 400 feels quick, nimble, and engaging. Its lightweight chassis and powerful engine make it fun to ride in both city and highway conditions. The café racer ergonomics allow riders to enjoy cornering with confidence, while the strong mid-range torque ensures quick overtakes. The bike cruises comfortably at 100–120 kmph, offering a premium big-bike feel. Vibrations are well-controlled, and the exhaust note adds to the sporty character. For riders looking for excitement in everyday rides, the Thruxton 400 delivers a thrilling yet refined experience.
9. Price & Variants
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is expected to be priced slightly higher than the Speed 400, around ₹2.8–3.0 lakh (ex-showroom). Considering its styling, performance, and Triumph’s brand value, it offers excellent value for money in the café racer category. It will be available in multiple colour options to suit different rider preferences. In India, where café racers are niche, the Thruxton 400 brings a refreshing option for enthusiasts who want to stand out. Triumph’s Bajaj partnership also ensures wider availability and affordable service costs, making it more practical than ever.
10. Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Authentic café racer styling
- Most powerful bike in the 400cc class
- Premium build and Triumph brand value
- Good mix of performance and mileage
Cons:
- Aggressive ergonomics not ideal for daily commuting
- Slightly premium pricing compared to naked rivals
- Limited appeal for non-café racer fans
- Small service network in rural areas
11. Competitors & Alternatives
The Triumph Thruxton 400 has a unique position in the market. Direct competitors are few, but alternatives include the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (larger engine but more expensive), Honda CB350RS (retro-modern but less sporty), and KTM RC 390 (aggressive sportbike). The Thruxton 400 attracts riders who want a café racer look without going for the more expensive 650cc bikes. Among its rivals, it offers the best mix of style, performance, and affordability, making it a one-of-a-kind option in the Indian motorcycle scene.
12. Conclusion
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is a perfect blend of retro design and modern engineering. It delivers authentic café racer styling, powerful performance, and premium features at an affordable price point. With its aggressive stance and sporty handling, it appeals to young enthusiasts and style-conscious riders. While it may not be the most comfortable option for daily use, it excels as a weekend bike and style statement. For riders who want to experience Triumph heritage without spending a fortune, the Thruxton 400 is one of the most exciting launches in the 400cc segment.
