Triumph has officially launched its much-anticipated Thruxton 400 Cafe Racer in the Indian market, marking a significant step into the mid-displacement retro segment. After months of speculation and global sightings of prototype tests, the British marque has unveiled a motorcycle that blends the classic styling of its larger Thruxton siblings with the practicality and performance of the 400cc category.
Key Highlights of the Triumph Thruxton 400 Cafe Racer:
- Engine: 398cc, single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
- Power Output: 41.4 BHP @ 9000 RPM
- Torque: 37.5 Nm @ 7500 RPM
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch
- Suspension: USD front forks (43 mm) & rear gas-charged monoshock
- Brakes: 300 mm front disc with 4-piston caliper, 230 mm rear disc
- Tyres: 110 mm front, 150 mm rear – both 17-inch alloys with tubeless setup
- Seat Height: 795 mm | Kerb Weight: 181 kg
- Fuel Tank: 13 litres | Claimed Mileage: 25–37 km/l
Design & Styling: Inspired by Big-Bike DNA
The Triumph Thruxton 400 Cafe Racer takes heavy design cues from Triumph’s premium 1200cc cafe racers but makes them accessible in a smaller, more affordable format. The retro silhouette, accented by dual-tone paintwork, LED headlamps, and bar-end mirrors, gives the bike a sophisticated look reminiscent of imported classics.
The cafe racer cowl at the rear can be detached for pillion use, offering flexibility without compromising on aesthetics. The fuel tank design features functional knee recesses and crisp body lines, enhancing both grip and visual appeal. The bike is available in multiple colors, but the Yellow-Silver combo stands out with a vibrant, premium finish – likely to be the hero color for Indian buyers.
Build Quality and Detailing: A Cut Above
One of Triumph’s core strengths, attention to detail, shines through across the Triumph Thruxton 400 Cafe Racer. From symmetrically aligned screws and body panels to the metal-mounted turn indicators and flush-fitting windscreen, every element seems meticulously engineered.
The exhaust system, carried forward from Triumph’s larger models, now features a silver finish that not only improves looks but adds to the motorcycle’s visual mass. However, while the rear tyre is sufficiently wide at 150 mm, some enthusiasts may feel the front 110 mm tyre could have been chunkier to match the aggressive stance.
Performance & Riding Dynamics: Punchy Yet Manageable
Powered by a high-compression (12:1) single-cylinder engine, the Thruxton 400 promises engaging performance across urban and highway environments. The DOHC setup with four valves ensures efficient combustion and throttle response.
With 41.4 bhp at high RPM and torque delivery peaking at 7500 RPM, the bike is tuned for a spirited ride. The upside is an enthusiastic throttle response, especially at higher gears. The downside? Higher maintenance needs compared to lower-compression engines, particularly as the engine ages.
The slipper clutch and 6-speed gearbox ensure smooth gear transitions, while the suspension setup, with 140 mm travel upfront and 130 mm at the rear, strikes a balance between sporty handling and road comfort.
Cafe Racer in a League of Its Own
India has long lacked an internationally benchmarked cafe racer under 400cc. While offerings from Royal Enfield like the Continental GT 650 attempt to capture the retro charm, the Triumph Thruxton 400 Cafe Racer elevates it with fit-and-finish that rivals high-end imports. Comparisons between RE and Triumph will persist, but the British brand leans more into iPhone-like precision where every element feels thoughtfully designed, unlike the “modded feel” of some factory cafe racers.
Room for Improvement
Despite a mostly positive debut, some aspects drew constructive criticism:
- Front fairing design could have extended further downward to resemble traditional American cafe racer lines.
- Front tyre width could have been increased to enhance both looks and cornering feel.
- Seat height of 795 mm may be slightly tall for shorter riders.
- Weight of 181 kg may not appeal to those seeking ultralight machines.
Mileage & Practicality
Triumph claims a mileage of up to 37 km/l, but real-world expectations hover around 22–25 km/l, depending on riding conditions and style. With a 13-litre fuel tank, the bike promises decent range for both city commutes and weekend rides.
Verdict: A New Benchmark in Sub-400cc Segment
The Triumph Thruxton 400 Cafe Racer is not just another 400cc motorcycle — it’s a well-executed attempt to bring premium cafe racer aesthetics and performance to a wider audience in India. While the final pricing will determine its true market impact, the attention to detail, design language, and mechanical refinement give it a clear edge in a segment saturated with lookalike street bikes.
For riders who value character, design precision, and brand heritage, the Thruxton 400 could be one of the most compelling launches of 2025.