If you are a motorcycle enthusiast in India, chances are you have heard about the launch of the new Triumph Thruxton 400. Café racers have always held a special place in motorcycling culture, and Triumph has revived that charm with a modern twist. The Thruxton 400 is designed to capture the spirit of the legendary Thruxton 900, but in a lighter, more affordable, and approachable package for today’s riders.
This blog takes a closer look at the Thruxton 400, its features, specifications, and how it compares to its bigger sibling, the Thruxton 900.
The Café Racer Spirit of Thruxton 400
The original Thruxton series earned its reputation in the 1960s, when riders in London raced from café to café on stripped-down, lightweight machines. The new Thruxton 400 carries the same DNA, with a focus on sporty handling, retro looks, and rider engagement.
- Clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs give it a genuine café racer stance.
- The seat cowl and sculpted fuel tank add to the classic silhouette.
- At the same time, the motorcycle is designed to be practical for daily use.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Thruxton 400 is a 398cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It shares its platform with the Triumph Speed 400 but is tuned for a sportier character.
- Power: 42 PS at 9,000 rpm
- Torque: 37.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm
- Gearbox: 6-speed with slip and assist clutch
- Throttle: Ride-by-wire for smooth control
This makes the bike lively in city traffic and engaging on open roads. It is not about outright speed but about delivering a connected and enjoyable riding experience.
Chassis and Handling
The Thruxton 400 is built for agility and control.
- Suspension: 43 mm USD Big Piston forks at the front and a gas-charged mono-shock at the rear
- Brakes: 300 mm disc at the front and 230 mm disc at the rear, both with dual-channel ABS
- Tyres: Apollo Alpha H1 radials (110/70 R17 front and 150/60 R17 rear)
- Weight: 183 kg (kerb)
The motorcycle feels planted and confident in corners while staying comfortable for everyday rides.
Design and Technology
Triumph has ensured the this roadster is not just about looks but also about usability.
- Semi-digital instrument cluster: Classic analogue speedometer with LCD display
- LED lighting for headlamp, indicators, and taillight
- USB charging port for convenience
- Switchable traction control for added safety
The design pays homage to the past but with enough modern touches to make it practical.
Pricing and Availability
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is priced at ₹2.74 lakh (ex-showroom, India). At this price, it sits slightly above the Speed 400, justifying the premium with its café racer design, sportier ergonomics, and unique character. Bookings are open across Triumph dealerships in India.
Thruxton 400 vs Thruxton 900: Then and Now
Here is a quick comparison between the new Thruxton 400 and the legacy Thruxton 900.
| Feature | Thruxton 900 (Legacy) | Thruxton 400 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 865cc air-cooled twin | 398cc liquid-cooled single |
| Power | ~68 bhp | 42 PS (~41.4 bhp) |
| Weight | ~230 kg | 183 kg (wet) |
| Suspension | Conventional forks | USD forks + mono-shock |
| Electronics | Minimal | Traction control, ABS, ride-by-wire |
| Design | Retro-classic | Modern café retro |
| Audience | Purists | Young riders + commuters |
The 900 was a raw and powerful machine for purists, while the 400 is built to be approachable and versatile.
AutoUpshot Opinion: Is the Thruxton 400 Worth It?
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is a café racer that blends style, performance, and practicality.
What We Liked:
- Unique café racer in 400cc class
- Strong performance, 0-100 km/h in 6.7s
- Sporty yet comfortable suspension
- Top-notch build quality
- Features: ride-by-wire, ABS, traction control, USB-C
What Could Be Better:
- Styling may not suit everyone
- Aggressive posture not ideal for daily rides
- Misses adjustable levers, quickshifter
- Tachometer hard to read
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is a stylish and well-built café racer that blends retro charm with modern performance, though its committed posture makes it best for weekend rides rather than daily commutes.
