This August, Triumph, a British motorcycle manufacturer, will introduce the Thruxton 400, a sleek extension of its well-liked 400cc lineup. This café-racer, which was designed in collaboration with Bajaj Auto and is being built in the Chakan facility in Maharashtra, is expected to make a statement with its sophisticated performance and vintage looks.
Modern Edge, Retro Flair
The Thruxton 400, which builds upon the popular Speed 400 chassis, features unique design elements that bring Triumph’s storied café-racer heritage back to life. Important visual improvements are highlighted by test mules seen all around India, from Chakan to Navi Mumbai:
- Together with an LED headlamp and bubble visor, the bullet fairing echoes the Speed Triple RR’s recognizable snout.
- Clubman bars are swapped out for clip-on handlebars and bar-end mirrors for a more athletic, forward-leaning stance.
- To set it apart from its Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X brothers, it features a single-seat cowl and a simple tail.
Some fans on r/indianbikes are hopeful, while others have questioned whether it’s “just a Speed 400 with café-racer trimmings”:
“Honestly, despite all the criticism, I’ll accept whatever Triumph-Bajaj is offering us in the cafe racer market.”
These first findings indicate that the launch story is being shaped by a combination of enthusiasm and skepticism.
Under the Fairing: The Familiar Beast
As expected, the bodywork does not get a mechanical upgrade. The successful 398cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine from the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X is still present in the Thruxton 400. It produces about 39.5 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm when mated to a smooth 6-speed gearbox.
Its suspension system is still sporty but elegant:
- USD front fork, 43 mm, adjustable.
- monoshock in the back, tuned similarly to its stablemates.
- Dual-channel ABS supports solid braking with disc brakes on both ends.
The chassis remains the same, but Triumph engineers are anticipated to modify the trail and rake for improved handling in keeping with the café-racer aesthetic.
What Makes It Unique
- Style: It has a more genuine café-racer profile than the Speed 400 thanks to bullet fairing, clip-on bars, and a trimmed tail.
- Visual differentiation: It stands out because to its sportier seating, improved suspension geometry, and headlight positioned on the fairing.
- Heritage appeal: Aspirational value is added by bringing back the Thruxton moniker, which was last used on the 1200 cc version.
- Cost-effective premium: Nestled between the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, it provides a unique option for consumers seeking style without going over budget.
Details of the Launch and Pricing
The Thruxton 400 is anticipated to be unveiled globally in August after Triumph launches it in India in October. Price projections differ:
- Ex-showroom, it is ₹2.5 lakh, according to DriveSpark.
- Estimates from ZigWheels, BikeWale, and others range from ₹2.9 to ₹3.0 lakh.
This puts the Thruxton 400 well ahead of the Scrambler 400 (about ₹2.65 lakh) and Speed 400 (approximately ₹2.35 lakh). Depending on state taxes, on-road prices in major metro areas are anticipated to range between ₹3.3 and 3.4 lakh.
The Competitive Environment
The Thruxton 400’s café-racer design caters to consumers who want style without going up to 650cc or more. Among the competitors are:
- The GT-650 Royal Enfield Continental.
- Vitpilen Husqvarna/Svartpilen 250–401.
- Duke KTM 390.
It may have a clear advantage in India’s expanding middle-capacity market thanks to its retro-modern design and Triumph emblem.
Classic café-racer charm, sophisticated ride dynamics, and a rising-star platform are all combined in the Triumph Thruxton 400. Many fans are embracing its unique personality and reasonably priced quality appeal, despite some critics believing it to be a little modified Speed 400.
Arriving just in time for festival season, this bike has an August debut and an ex-showroom price of less than ₹3 lakh. Triumph’s ability to strike a balance between style and functionality will determine whether it becomes the standard café-racer for a new generation or just a fashionable version.