Triumph Thruxton 400: The Most Affordable Café Racer from Triumph
The café racer culture in India is finally evolving beyond niche enthusiasts, and leading this change is the Triumph Thruxton 400. Traditionally, Triumph’s Thruxton lineup was an aspirational model, with the Thruxton 1200 sitting at the top of the café racer pyramid. However, with the growing demand for affordable yet premium motorcycles, Triumph, in collaboration with Bajaj, has introduced the Thruxton 400 to make this legendary nameplate accessible to a wider audience.
Will Launch on 6 August 2025, the Thruxton 400 promises everything a café racer lover desires: timeless design, engaging performance, and modern technology, all packaged under a competitive price tag expected to start around ₹2.60 lakh (ex-showroom). But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break down every aspect of this motorcycle to see whether it’s worth the buzz.
Launch and Market Positioning of Triumph Thruxton 400
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is part of Triumph’s 400cc lineup developed jointly with Bajaj Auto. After the success of the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X, Triumph wanted a motorcycle that spoke directly to purists—riders who value design and character over outright aggression.
Unlike the Speed 400, which focuses on street performance, and the Scrambler 400X, which caters to adventure enthusiasts, the Thruxton 400 is a retro café racer designed for style-conscious riders. Its pricing places it below the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (₹3.25–3.52 lakh) while offering more technology than rivals like the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 or KTM Duke 390. This sweet spot makes the Thruxton 400 ideal for first-time big-bike buyers looking for something unique yet practical.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Triumph Thruxton 400 lies the same 398cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder DOHC engine that powers the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. This engine produces 40 PS (around 39.5 bhp) at 8,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm, paired with a slick 6-speed gearbox featuring an assist and slipper clutch.
On the road, this engine delivers a balanced performance. It has enough grunt to cruise comfortably at highway speeds while maintaining smooth city-friendly behavior. Unlike the Continental GT 650’s twin-cylinder motor, which offers brute torque, the Thruxton 400 focuses on lightweight agility and refined power delivery.
The engine is BS6 Phase 2 compliant, ensuring it meets the latest emission standards while maintaining fuel efficiency that is expected to hover around 28–32 km/l depending on riding conditions.
Design and Features of Triumph Thruxton 400
The design is the true highlight of the Thruxton 400. Triumph has successfully captured the essence of its elder sibling, the Thruxton 1200, in a smaller and more approachable package.
Café Racer Styling
1. Semi-fairing with a bubble windscreen for authentic retro aesthetics.
2. Clip-on handlebars paired with bar-end mirrors to create an aggressive yet stylish stance.
3. Sculpted fuel tank with knee recesses for a sporty riding position.
4. Optional seat cowl for a pure café racer vibe.
Chassis and Suspension
1. Built on a steel tubular frame, the bike features 43mm USD telescopic forks at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. This setup ensures sharp handling while maintaining comfort for everyday riding.
Braking and Wheels
1. 300mm front disc with a radial-mount caliper for precise braking.
2. 230mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS as standard.
3. 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres for modern practicality.
Electronics and Lighting
1. Full LED lighting for headlamps, indicators, and taillamps.
2. Traction control with the option to disable it for spirited riding.
3. Semi-digital instrument cluster: analog tachometer combined with an LCD screen for speed, trip, fuel, and gear indicator.
4. USB-C charging port and hazard switch for added convenience.
These features put the Thruxton 400 ahead of most retro bikes in this price range, blending classic appeal with modern functionality.
Price and Variants of Triumph Thruxton 400
Triumph is expected to price the Thruxton 400 at ₹2.60–3.10 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. This makes it more affordable than the Continental GT 650 while offering a premium positioning over the Speed 400.
Available in multiple color schemes, the launch shades are expected to include British Racing Green, Carnival Red, and Jet Black, further enhancing its retro appeal.
Pros and Cons of Triumph Thruxton 400
Pros
1. True café racer design at an accessible price.
2. Modern features like traction control, slipper clutch, and full LED lighting.
3. Agile and lightweight, making it ideal for city and weekend rides.
4. Backed by Triumph’s premium brand value and Bajaj’s extensive service network.
Cons
1. Less power compared to 650cc rivals like the Continental GT.
2. Slightly aggressive riding posture may not suit long-distance touring.
3. Higher price than entry-level café racers like the Vitpilen 250.
Rivals and Comparison
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
1. 648cc parallel-twin engine producing 47 PS and 52 Nm.
2. Offers more power and torque but is heavier and costlier at ₹3.25–3.52 lakh.
3. Thruxton 400 wins on agility, modern features, and affordability.
Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 & Svartpilen 401
1. Vitpilen 250 (₹2.24 lakh) is cheaper but less powerful.
2. Svartpilen 401 (~₹2.97 lakh) offers comparable performance but lacks the café racer charisma of the Thruxton.
KTM 390 Duke
1. Produces 43 PS and is more performance-focused with advanced electronics.
2. However, it lacks the retro charm and café racer identity that the Thruxton 400 delivers.
Final Verdict
The Triumph Thruxton 400 stands out as a stylish, premium, and practical café racer that finally makes the Thruxton legacy accessible to Indian riders. For those who dream of owning a café racer with authentic design cues, modern features, and everyday usability, this bike hits the sweet spot.
If outright performance or long-distance comfort is your priority, stepping up to a 650cc motorcycle makes sense. But for riders who prioritize style, brand heritage, and accessible performance, the Thruxton 400 is arguably the best café racer under ₹3 lakh in 2025. Racer should frequently visit the official website of Triumph for instant updates: https://www.triumphmotorcycles.in/
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