When Triumph announced the Thruxton 400, it raised more than a few eyebrows — and for good reason. The Thruxton name has long been associated with British café racer heritage: sleek lines, clip-on bars, and a growling parallel-twin engine that’s all about speed and style. So how does a smaller, 400cc version fit into that legacy?
The answer is: surprisingly well.
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is a modern nod to retro motorcycling, offering the style and soul of a classic café racer in a lightweight, approachable package. Designed with urban riders and new enthusiasts in mind, the Thruxton 400 brings an old-school aesthetic without the intimidating weight or cost of its larger siblings. And it might just be one of the smartest moves Triumph has made in years.
Aesthetics: True to the Thruxton Bloodline
At first glance, the Thruxton 400 doesn’t look “entry-level.” In fact, it looks like it was pulled straight from a 1960s race paddock. The sculpted fuel tank with knee indents, the upswept seat cowl, and the round headlight all harken back to a golden era of British motorcycling.
Triumph has wisely kept the styling cues intact — including wire-spoked wheels, twin shocks, and a narrow frame that accentuates the bike’s lean profile. From a distance, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for the Thruxton 1200. But look closer, and you’ll notice the subtle modern touches: LED lighting, a digital dash tucked within a classic twin-pod cluster, and neatly integrated components that show Triumph’s attention to detail.
Engine and Performance: Light, Nimble, and Just Enough Punch
The Thruxton 400 is powered by a 398cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, developed in collaboration with Bajaj (Triumph’s manufacturing partner in India). It makes around 39.5 horsepower and 37.5 Nm of torque — modest numbers on paper, but more than enough for city riding and weekend blasts through the countryside.
What sets this engine apart is how refined it feels. There’s a linear power delivery that builds smoothly through the rev range. It doesn’t surge or snap like a high-strung sportbike, but it has more than enough grunt for spirited riding. At just over 170 kg (wet), the Thruxton 400 is lightweight and agile, making it a joy to flick through traffic or carve up tight corners.
The 6-speed gearbox is crisp, and Triumph has nailed the throttle response. It’s an ideal bike for newer riders, but also entertaining enough for veterans looking for something simple, stylish, and easy to ride.
Chassis and Ride Quality: Comfort Meets Control
Triumph has equipped the Thruxton 400 with a steel perimeter frame, 43mm USD front forks, and preload-adjustable twin rear shocks. It’s not track-ready, but it handles confidently and predictably — exactly what you want in a bike meant for the real world.
The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than razor-sharp response, soaking up potholes and rough patches with ease. The riding position is slightly leaned forward, giving it a sporty vibe without putting too much pressure on the wrists or back. It strikes a balance between form and function: café racer attitude with daily-rider usability.
Braking comes courtesy of a 300mm front disc with a radial caliper and a 230mm rear disc. Dual-channel ABS is standard, providing solid stopping power for a bike of this size and weight.
Features and Practicality: Modern Touches in a Classic Package
Despite its retro styling, the Thruxton 400 doesn’t skimp on modern conveniences. You get a slipper clutch, an assist feature that makes the clutch feel feather-light in traffic, and a digital-analog instrument cluster that blends vintage charm with useful info like fuel level, gear indicator, and trip meters.
While there are no ride modes or advanced electronics, the simplicity is part of its charm. Triumph has kept the interface intuitive, letting riders focus on the road rather than menus.
Fuel efficiency is another highlight. With a claimed economy of around 30-35 km/l, the Thruxton 400 is ideal for daily commuting or longer weekend rides without constantly hunting for the next fuel station.
Who Is It For?
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is aimed squarely at new riders, urban commuters, and enthusiasts who want the café racer look without the size, weight, or price tag of a 1200cc monster. It’s also a brilliant second bike for experienced motorcyclists who want something lighter and more relaxed for everyday use.
Whether you’re a fan of retro styling or simply want a fun, manageable motorcycle that stands out from the sea of generic commuters, the Thruxton 400 delivers.
Final Thoughts: A Bold New Chapter
Triumph has done something bold with the Thruxton 400 — they’ve taken a revered nameplate and reimagined it for a new generation. And in doing so, they’ve created one of the most accessible and attractive small-capacity motorcycles on the market.
It’s not about speed records or high-tech wizardry. The Thruxton 400 is about emotion, design, and the joy of riding. And that, in many ways, is what motorcycling is all about.

Hello, my name is Himanshu Kumar and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 4 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.