The legendary Thruxton name is back, and this time, it’s lighter, more accessible, and targeted directly at riders looking for a blend of classic British charm and modern-day performance. Meet the Triumph Thruxton 400 – a bike that carries forward the iconic styling of its elder sibling, the Thruxton 1200, but in a smaller, more affordable package that’s built to conquer the Indian market.
Slated to be launched on August 6, 2025, the Thruxton 400 is already generating serious buzz. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this upcoming café racer.
🏁 A Heritage Born in Racing
The Thruxton name isn’t new to Triumph fans. It originates from the legendary Thruxton Circuit in the UK, where café racers ruled the roads in the 1960s. Triumph’s Thruxton line has always stood for speed, style, and street presence.
The Thruxton 1200 was the epitome of retro performance – and now, with the 400, Triumph is giving a new generation of riders access to that same design DNA at a more practical price and displacement.
🔧 Shared Platform with Speed 400, But Different Character
Triumph has already tasted success with the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, developed in partnership with Bajaj Auto in India. The new Thruxton 400 will be the third model built on this proven platform – a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 398cc single-cylinder engine producing 40 PS and 37.5 Nm.
While the engine and chassis are shared, the Thruxton 400 won’t just be a cosmetic change. Expect:
- A more aggressive riding posture with clip-on handlebars
- A café racer-inspired seat with a tail cowl or seat hump
- Possibly a shorter rear sub-frame for the signature compact look
- New color schemes and brushed metal finishes
The focus here is on delivering a different riding experience, not just a different aesthetic.
🧠 Engineering Meets Elegance
Mechanically, the Thruxton 400 is expected to carry over the same hardware as the Speed 400, including:
- A 43mm USD front fork and monoshock rear suspension
- 300mm front disc with radial caliper and 230mm rear disc
- Dual-channel ABS
- 17-inch alloy wheels with road-focused tyres
- Slipper clutch and ride-by-wire throttle
However, Triumph might tweak the suspension setup for a slightly stiffer feel and improved cornering dynamics, in line with the café racer spirit.
🎨 Timeless Design Language
What makes café racers so popular is their timeless appeal. The Triumph 400 will likely carry:
- A teardrop-shaped fuel tank with brushed aluminium accents
- Round LED headlamp with Triumph badging
- Bar-end mirrors and minimalist indicators
- Tank grips for improved control
- A retro-inspired analog-digital instrument cluster
If Triumph stays true to the design language of the Thruxton 1200, expect this 400cc version to be a head-turner wherever it goes.
💸 Pricing Expectations
Triumph stunned the market with the Speed 400’s launch price of ₹2.33 lakh (ex-showroom). The Thruxton 400, with its added styling bits and more premium appeal, is expected to command a small premium — possibly between ₹2.60 lakh and ₹2.75 lakh (ex-showroom).
That pricing still keeps it within reach of India’s growing premium 400cc segment, making it a tempting offering for buyers who want exclusivity, heritage, and style.
🛞 Competition Check
The Thruxton 400 enters a space where design plays just as much a role as performance. Its rivals include:
- Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
- Bigger engine (648cc twin-cylinder)
- Priced higher (₹3.19 lakh+), more retro authenticity
- Yezdi Roadster / Jawa 42 Bobber
- Offers retro styling at a lower price point
- Lags behind in refinement and features
- KTM RC 390
- Sportier and more performance-focused
- But lacks the retro appeal and riding comfort
- Honda CB350 RS
- Similar retro-modern design approach
- Slightly lower on power and exclusivity
Among these, the Triumph Thruxton 400 will shine as the most authentic café racer with a performance-to-price ratio that few can match.
🌍 Made in India, for the World
The Thruxton 400, like the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, is being manufactured in India at Bajaj’s Chakan plant. This allows Triumph to price the motorcycle competitively in India while also preparing for global exports.
It’s part of Triumph’s global strategy to capture emerging markets and introduce younger riders to the brand early — giving them an aspirational product without breaking the bank.
🎯 Target Audience
So, who is the Thruxton 400 for?
- Young riders (25–35) seeking a unique, stylish ride for weekend fun and urban commuting
- Retro enthusiasts who love café racer aesthetics but find the Thruxton 1200 too intimidating or expensive
- First-time premium bike buyers upgrading from a commuter or 150cc segment
- Experienced bikers who want a secondary bike for city riding
With its balance of form and function, it could appeal to both the heart and the head.
🧭 Future Possibilities
If the Thruxton 400 becomes a hit, it opens the door for even more variants from Triumph-Bajaj. Think:
- Thruxton 400 R: A more performance-oriented version with clip-ons and upgraded brakes/suspension.
- TFC Editions: Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) models for exclusive paint schemes and premium touches.
- Limited Edition Liveries: Celebrating the original Thruxton wins or British racing heritage.
There’s a lot of potential for Triumph to build a lifestyle around the Thruxton badge — just like Royal Enfield has done with the Interceptor and GT twins.
🏍️ Final Verdict: Worth the Wait?
Absolutely. The Triumph Thruxton 400 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting mid-segment motorcycles of 2025. It’s not just another 400cc bike — it’s a statement.
With the timeless design of a café racer, backed by Triumph’s heritage, modern engineering, and an India-friendly price tag, this motorcycle could carve its own niche in the retro-modern segment.
If you’re someone who wants your motorcycle to do more than just commute — if you want it to turn heads, tell a story, and make you smile on every ride — the Thruxton 400 might just be your next bike.
Launch Date: August 6, 2025
Expected Price: ₹2.60–₹2.75 lakh (Ex-showroom)
Segment: Retro-Café Racer (400cc class)
Rivals: Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, Honda CB350 RS, Yezdi Roadster