When I heard Triumph was launching a Thruxton 400, I was immediately intrigued. As a fan of the legendary café racer style, my biggest question was whether this smaller, single-cylinder machine could live up to its iconic name. I recently had the chance to ride it, and my experience was focused on seeing if it captured that essential, rider-first DNA.
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The styling is pure, assertive retro. It has a sleek half fairing, clip-on handlebars, and a color-matched pillion seat cowl that all signal its sporty intentions. It honestly reminds me more of the modern Speed Triple 1200 RR than the last Thruxton 1200, which I think is a good thing.
This motorcycle isn’t built for broad appeal; it’s a focused machine for enthusiasts who value dynamic handling above all else.
🏍️ Performance on the Road
Triumph has done an excellent job with the 398-cc TR series engine, tuning it to deliver a genuine 42 hp—a nice two-hp increase over its siblings. They also tweaked the gearing, which allows the Thruxton 400 to hit that magical 100 mph (161 km/h) top speed, a classic café racer benchmark. The engine feels lively, especially from the mid-range upwards, making it a thrilling ride.
The handling is where this bike truly shines. The re-tuned 43mm Big Piston USD fork and monoshock have been stiffened, and the chassis feels incredibly direct and eager. Flicking it through city traffic is a joy; it feels compact and holds its line with precision. These performance optimizations are a key part of modern vehicle design, a topic also explored in guides about the latest hybrid electric vehicles.
🤔 My Final Verdict
The Thruxton 400 is not an all-day tourer. Its sporty, committed riding position will feel restrictive after an hour or so in the saddle. However, that’s not what this bike is for. It’s for the enthusiast who wants an authentic café racer experience with modern performance and reliability.
Starting at ₹2.74 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s a tightly focused and well-branded entry into Triumph’s modern classic family. For the right buyer who prioritizes agile handling and design authenticity over comfort, I believe it’s almost peerless at this price point.
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