The term “cafe racer” evokes a specific image: stripped-down bikes, low-slung handlebars, and a rebellious spirit born in 1960s Britain. At the heart of that legacy is the Triumph Thruxton. Now, that iconic nameplate has been reborn in a smaller, more accessible package for India. Meet the Triumph Thruxton 400.
This isn’t just a Speed 400 with a fancy fairing. It’s a machine with its own soul, a higher state of tune, and a design that turns heads everywhere it goes. As the most affordable cafe racer in the market, it has a lot to prove. We took it for a spin to see if this modern classic bike lives up to its legendary name.
A Masterclass in Modern Retro Design
The first thing you notice about the Thruxton 400 is its undeniable presence. It perfectly captures the cafe racer silhouette, starting with the signature nose fairing that wraps around the classic round LED headlamp. It’s a design inspired by its bigger 1200cc sibling but sharpened for a modern audience.
That Iconic Stance
Triumph has nailed the aesthetics. The long, sculpted fuel tank isn’t just for show; its clever design lets you tuck your knees in comfortably, making you feel one with the machine. Finished with a gorgeous brushed aluminum fuel cap, the 13-litre tank is both beautiful and practical.
The look is completed by a colour-matched rear seat cowl, which is easily removable if you’re lucky enough to have a pillion rider. Add the authentic clip-on handlebars and functional bar-end mirrors, and you have a motorcycle that looks like it’s doing 100 km/h even when standing still.
The Heartbeat: A More Powerful TR Series Engine
While it shares the 398cc liquid-cooled engine with the other Triumph 400s, the Thruxton 400’s motor is in a spicier state of tune. This is where it truly sets itself apart. The engine now produces a class-leading 42 PS of power, which kicks in at a screaming 9,000 RPM.
How Does It Perform on the Road?
On the move, this translates to thrilling performance. The bike is noticeably quicker than the Speed 400, capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint in under 7 seconds. The power delivery is linear and manageable in the city, but let the revs climb, and the bike comes alive. That higher redline of 10,200 RPM encourages you to push it.
The six-speed gearbox is slick, aided by a slipper clutch that makes quick downshifts a breeze. While you can feel some vibrations creep in through the pegs past 6,500 RPM, the cruising sweet spot between 4,000-6,000 RPM is incredibly smooth. With a top speed of over 160 km/h, this retro motorcycle has more than enough grunt for serious highway fun.
The Ride: Committed, Capable, and Surprisingly Comfortable
Swinging a leg over the Thruxton 400 is easy, thanks to a friendly 795 mm seat height. As a 5’9″ rider, I could plant both feet firmly on the ground. However, the riding posture is unapologetically committed. The combination of clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs puts you in a classic, leaned-in cafe racer tuck.
Handling and Braking
This aggressive stance is perfect for spirited riding, allowing you to tuck in behind the windscreen and carve through corners with confidence. The chassis feels tight and responsive, and the suspension setup is a highlight. The 43mm upside-down front forks and rear monoshock do a fantastic job of soaking up bumps on our mixed Indian road conditions without feeling soft or vague.
When it’s time to slow down, the brakes inspire immense confidence. The front disc with its four-piston caliper and sintered pads offers a sharp initial bite and strong, progressive stopping power—exactly what you need for a bike this quick.
Tech and Practicality
Triumph hasn’t skimped on the modern features. The Thruxton 400 comes equipped with a ride-by-wire throttle for crisp response, switchable traction control, and dual-channel ABS. The semi-digital instrument console is easy to read, and a neatly tucked-in USB port is a thoughtful touch.
In terms of real-world use, you can expect a fuel efficiency of around 25-30 kmpl. While the bar-end mirrors take some getting used to, they offer a decent view once adjusted. The only minor gripe is that removing the rear cowl requires a screwdriver, which isn’t ideal for on-the-fly changes.
Final Verdict: Is the Triumph Thruxton 400 for You?
Priced at ₹2,74,000 (ex-showroom), the Thruxton 400 costs about ₹25,000 more than the Speed 400. Is it worth the premium? Absolutely. For that extra cash, you’re getting more than just a fairing; you’re getting enhanced performance, a unique identity, and a motorcycle with a massive “wow” factor.
This machine is perfect for the rider who craves the timeless cafe racer style but wants modern performance and reliability. It’s a fantastic alternative to the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, offering a different flavour with its high-revving single-cylinder engine. If you want a motorcycle that’s as thrilling to ride as it is to look at, the Triumph Thruxton 400 might just be the perfect legend reborn for you.
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