Triumph Thruxton 400

The Triumph Thruxton has always been, in my eyes, one of the best-looking motorcycles ever made. That classic café racer stance, the clean lines - it’s a bike that didn’t need to shout to get noticed. But as much as I admired the big Thruxtons, they were never really practical for most people in India. The price just kept them out of reach. That’s why this new Thruxton 400 feels special. Bajaj and Triumph knew there are riders here who still value beautiful motorcycles, people who don’t just want performance or features, but also want a bike that feels personal, one that connects. And choosing the Thruxton as their third 400cc launch after the Speed and Scrambler says a lot. It shows they believe there’s space in the market for something that’s not loud or aggressive, but honest, stylish, and easy to live with. We got a chance to spend a few hours with this Triumph, and this is what we think about it.

When I first saw the Triumph Thruxton 400 in the flesh, I couldn’t help but stare. And I wasn’t the only one. Heads turned. Phone cameras came out. Riders, non-riders, uncles, aunties - everyone paused for a second glance. The Thruxton’s visual presence is striking.

That half-fairing with the round LED headlamp, sculpted tank that stretches out purposefully, and that classy tail section - it all comes together so well. And let’s not forget the colour palette - bright, bold, and unapologetically retro. This might just be the most beautiful motorcycle Bajaj has ever manufactured, and I say that with no hesitation. It looks premium, it looks fast, and most importantly, it looks like a proper café racer - something that’s becoming rare these days.

Underneath all that beauty is a familiar heart, the same 398cc, liquid-cooled engine that also powers the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. But here’s the twist - in the Thruxton 400, this motor is in its most powerful state of tune. It makes 42bhp, which is about 2bhp more than the other two. As a result, this bike also has the highest claimed top speed in the family - 164kmph. On an open road, I can see this thing pushing those numbers.

The sub-frame has been reworked to accommodate that stylish single seat and the tail section. The tank is new, too. It’s longer, more sculpted, and looks racier, but still holds 13 litres of fuel. The instrument cluster is the same twin-pod setup we’ve seen on the Speed and Scrambler - classic dials with a small digital readout, neat and functional. And then you have all the goodies - dual-channel ABS, traction control system, ride-by-wire throttle - things that not long ago were unheard of in this segment. This Triumph will be available with two tyre options - Apollo Alpha H1 and MRF Steel Brace. Sadly, there's no way to figure which tyres the customers would get at the time of booking,

Let’s talk about ergonomics first. With the low clip-on handlebars and revised footpeg position, the Thruxton 400 is definitely sportier than its siblings. But surprisingly, it doesn’t kill your wrists. With the right riding technique - elbows bent, back slightly leaned in - I found the riding position quite manageable. In fact, for short Sunday rides or spirited commutes, it works well. But yes, this is no long-distance tourer.

Now the engine, I’ve always liked this motor for its rev-happy nature and the strong torque delivery throughout the rev band. On the Thruxton, this character shines even more. The throttle response is crisp, the motor loves to be wrung out, and there’s always enough grunt, whether you’re at 40kmph in third or pushing past 100kmph. The clutch is light and easy to modulate and gearshifts are slick and precise - exactly what you want on a bike like this.

The suspension setup is marginally on the stiffer side, which is expected for a café racer. But with my weight, it didn’t feel harsh at all. It kept the bike planted and confident, especially at higher speeds. Lighter riders, though, might find it a bit too firm over broken roads. I couldn’t test cornering much, as there weren’t any good twisties on our route, but the bike feels quick on its feet, changes direction easily, and the chassis feels solid. The only downside? The turning radius is quite wide, so tight U-turns need a little more planning. The brakes work really well. There's good amount of feel on the lever.

The Triumph Thruxton 400 is a modern café racer done right. It looks like a million bucks, has performance to back its attitude, and comes packed with usable features. Most importantly, it doesn’t compromise too much on comfort. Among the Triumph 400s, this one is definitely the most focused and exciting.

If you're someone who wants a bike that performs and also gets all the attention at every signal, this Thruxton 400 might just be the perfect fit. At Rs. 3.52 lakh (on-road Mumbai), it is not only the most affordable Café Racer you can buy in India but also the most aspirational one – credit the British lineage

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi