The Triumph Thruxton 400 has become one of the most talked-about premium motorcycles in India. The moment this café-racer was unveiled, it started making headlines for its aggressive retro styling, powerful performance, and premium road presence. Designed for riders who value pure passion and style, Thruxton 400 brings the legendary British café-racer heritage into the modern era.
In the rapidly growing 350–450 cc motorcycle segment in India, more riders now want a bike that reflects personality and lifestyle rather than just being a daily commuter. Triumph has targeted exactly that audience with the Thruxton 400 — a motorcycle that is not just about reaching somewhere but enjoying every second of the ride.
This review covers everything in detail: engine performance, mileage, price, features, design, ride comfort, pros and cons, who should buy it, and real-world expectations.
Design & Styling – A True Café-Racer Icon
The Triumph Thruxton 400 instantly stands out because of its classic café-racer silhouette. It has a long tank, clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs, and a sporty tail section that creates a committed but exciting riding posture. Even when parked, the bike looks fast and powerful.
Key highlights of the design
- Retro-modern café-racer look
- Sharp half-cowl fairing around the headlamp
- Sculpted teardrop-shaped fuel tank
- Slim rear section with elegant tail-light design
- Clip-on handlebars and low seating stance
- High-quality paint finish and metal components
- Premium switchgear and polished metallic touches
Thruxton 400 is built to attract attention. It feels like a motorcycle meant for riders who prefer timeless style — something that cannot be ignored on the road or in a parking lot. The strong British styling with modern engineering makes it uniquely attractive.
Engine Performance & Power Delivery
Under the classic exterior, the Triumph Thruxton 400 carries a modern 398 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that delivers impressive acceleration and throttle response. The motor has been tuned differently compared to standard 400 cc roadsters, giving the Thruxton a more engaging ride character.
Engine highlights
- 398 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine
- Around 42 PS peak power and 37+ Nm torque
- 6-speed gearbox with slipper-assist clutch
- High-revving nature for sporty character
- Crisp throttle response and quick acceleration
- Smooth power delivery at low and mid-range
The bike feels extremely responsive in the city and exciting on open roads. The power delivery is progressive, giving confidence to new riders while also being thrilling enough for experienced ones. The exhaust note adds a hint of sporty aggressiveness with mild popping sounds on deceleration, enhancing the café-racer feel.
Acceleration & top-speed feel
The motorcycle accelerates quickly, offering a strong mid-range punch that makes overtaking easy. The top-speed feels premium, stable, and confident without vibrations.
Ride Quality & Handling Experience
Even though Thruxton 400 is designed as a café-racer with a forward-leaning posture, the suspension tuning keeps everyday ride comfort in mind. It feels solid and planted while handling broken Indian roads decently.
Ride and handling strengths
- USD front forks for better stability and confidence
- Rear monoshock with preload adjustability
- Sporty yet comfortable suspension tuning
- Excellent cornering behaviour thanks to rigid chassis
- Quick directional changes with precise feedback
The low-speed smoothness is impressive, making traffic navigations simple. The chassis inspires confidence when leaned into turns and feels stiff enough for sporty riding. Riding comfort is balanced, not overly stiff or too soft.
Ergonomics
Because of clip-ons and rear-set footpegs, the seating position is committed and sporty. This makes short to medium-distance rides enjoyable. Riders over 6 feet may find the bike compact, while average height riders will enjoy a perfect fit.
Braking System & Safety Features
The Triumph Thruxton 400 comes equipped with disc brakes at both ends along with dual-channel ABS. The braking bite is sharp and progressive, providing confidence at high speeds.
Braking and safety features
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Dual-channel ABS for safe braking control
- Wide tubeless tyres for enhanced grip
- Strong alloy wheels designed for urban and highway conditions
Braking performance remains consistent even during hard braking situations, making the motorcycle feel secure and planted.
Mileage, Weight & Practical Daily Usability
The Triumph Thruxton 400 may look like a performance-oriented machine, yet it maintains practicality for everyday usage.
Usability specifications
- Kerb weight around 183 kg
- Fuel tank capacity around 13 litres
- Real-world mileage around 26–30 kmpl depending on riding style
- Comfortable engine cooling even in traffic
Though not built for maximum fuel economy, the mileage figure is reasonable for a high-performance premium café-racer. The bike does not overheat and remains smooth in stop-and-go conditions.
Instrument Cluster & Features
The semi-digital instrument cluster blends retro styling with modern functionality.
Features overview
- Semi-digital display with analogue-style elements
- LED headlamp, tail-lamp and indicators
- Assist-slipper clutch
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Alloy wheels
- High-quality switches and minimalistic layout
The cluster is easy to read and maintains the old-school café-racer feel.
Price & Value for Money
The Triumph Thruxton 400 positions itself in the premium mid-range motorcycle category. The pricing in India places it above average commuter and budget motorcycles but below high-end modern classics.
Considering the unique styling, premium brand value, strong performance and build quality, it delivers a compelling package for enthusiasts.
Who Should Buy Triumph Thruxton 400?
Perfect choice for
- Riders passionate about retro-modern motorcycles
- People who love café-racers and want something unique
- Those who want premium styling and brand identity
- City and weekend ride lovers who enjoy spirited performance
- Riders bored of typical commuter motorcycles
Not the best choice for
- Long touring-focused riders wanting upright riding posture
- People searching for maximum mileage
- Budget-oriented motorcycle buyers
- Riders wanting a pillion-friendly motorcycle
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros
✔ Stunning café-racer styling
✔ Tuned engine with strong performance
✔ Premium build quality and materials
✔ Confident braking and handling
✔ Great road presence and brand appeal
Cons
Aggressive postura not ideal for long touring
Slightly firm seat for long rides
Premium pricing compared to usual 400 cc bikes
Final Verdict – Is Triumph Thruxton 400 Worth Buying?
Absolutely yes — if you are looking for a premium lifestyle motorcycle combining performance, unique styling and modern technology. The Triumph Thruxton 400 is not just a machine; it is an emotional experience meant for riders who enjoy the thrill of riding and want a bike that reflects identity and passion. For someone who values exclusivity and head-turning design, this motorcycle delivers incredible value.
If your heart beats for café-racers, and you want something different from the crowd, the Triumph Thruxton 400 is one of the best options available in the Indian market today.
Final Thought
The Thruxton 400 successfully blends vintage British café-racer DNA with modern engineering and daily practicality. It is stylish, powerful, beautifully built and offers a riding feel that very few motorcycles in this segment are able to match.
