Triumph Motorcycles has once again stirred the soul of motorcycle enthusiasts with the launch of the all-new Thruxton 400, a bike that fuses the brand’s legendary racing lineage with contemporary performance and design. A modern-day cafe racer with timeless appeal, the Thruxton 400 embodies everything that made the original iconic—now tailored for today’s riders with cutting-edge technology, lightweight agility, and everyday usability.
This latest addition to Triumph’s Modern Classic range is more than a homage to its past—it’s a bold step forward for riders who crave classic style paired with thrilling, real-world performance.
Born from Racing Royalty
The Thruxton name carries serious motorsport credentials. First introduced as a limited-edition race bike in 1964, it quickly gained fame by dominating the 1969 Thruxton 500-mile endurance race, clinching all three podium spots. It didn’t stop there—soon after, the Thruxton made history by becoming the first production motorcycle to lap the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course at over 100 mph.
These triumphs cemented the Thruxton as the gold standard of cafe racer performance, influencing a generation of stripped-back, high-revving street bikes through the 1960s and ’70s. The Thruxton 400 pays tribute to that legacy while introducing a new era of riders to its celebrated DNA.
Iconic Cafe Racer Silhouette with a Contemporary Edge
At first glance, the Thruxton 400 evokes nostalgia in the best way. Its classic silhouette is unmistakable—featuring a flowing fuel tank, compact tail section, and sculpted bullet seat cowl. But this is no retro replica. Its design has been thoughtfully modernized, resulting in a bike that looks purpose-built and clean, maintaining its cafe racer roots with a more premium, contemporary finish.
Details like machined cooling fins, a brushed aluminium Monza-style fuel cap, and black anodized forks elevate its appeal, while deep paint finishes and clean lines showcase Triumph’s legendary attention to detail.
Engaging Riding Position for Pure Motorcycling Pleasure
Classic clip-on handlebars and rearset footpegs create a focused riding posture that’s perfect for urban carving or country road sprints. This sporty ergonomic setup puts the rider in a commanding, yet connected position, enhancing both confidence and control.
Whether you’re a city commuter with a taste for style or a weekend rider chasing backroad thrills, the Thruxton 400’s riding stance offers agility without discomfort, making it both exciting and approachable for new and seasoned riders alike.
Sport-Tuned Suspension for Real-World Handling
Triumph has engineered a dedicated chassis and tuned the suspension to suit the Thruxton 400’s sporty personality. 43mm upside-down front forks and a monoshock rear provide exceptional stability, precision, and feedback—ideal for twisty roads or spirited rides through town.
The result is a machine that feels light, responsive, and planted, giving riders the feedback they crave from a cafe racer without the harshness often associated with older models.
Powerful Performance from the TR-Series Engine
At the heart of the Thruxton 400 lies Triumph’s most potent version of the 398cc TR-Series engine—a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder marvel that has already proven its mettle in Triumph’s 400cc lineup.
Tuned specifically for the Thruxton, it produces a class-leading 42 PS of peak power and 37.5 Nm of torque, offering crisp throttle response and a rewarding surge through the rev range. Whether you’re accelerating off the line or opening up on a straight, the engine delivers thrilling performance with an unmistakable Triumph exhaust note from its upswept sports silencer.
Technology that Enhances Confidence
While the Thruxton 400 exudes vintage character, it comes equipped with a full suite of modern rider-focused technology to match its performance:
- Ride-by-wire throttle for seamless power delivery
- Switchable traction control for extra safety on slippery surfaces
- Torque-assist clutch for lighter lever action and smoother gear changes
These features don’t intrude on the ride—they enhance it, helping riders extract the most from the Thruxton’s dynamic performance without sacrificing control or comfort.
Unmistakably Triumph: Craftsmanship and Value
Whether it’s the high-quality materials, sleek welds, or perfectly contoured fairing, the bike feels more premium than its middleweight price tag might suggest.
With class-leading 16,000 km service intervals, reliable engineering, and Triumph’s growing global support network, the Thruxton 400 isn’t just beautiful—it’s built to last and easy to live with.
Designed to Attract a New Generation
Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer at Triumph Motorcycles, sums it up best:
Stroud’s comments reflect Triumph’s strategic move to broaden its appeal, offering a sub-400cc platform that retains its premium identity while remaining accessible and confidence-inspiring for newer riders.
Final Thoughts: A Triumph for the Future
The Triumph Thruxton 400 is a rare blend of style, substance, and story. It’s the kind of motorcycle that stirs something in every rider—whether it’s the nostalgia of the original cafe racers or the excitement of modern engineering.
It embodies Triumph’s racing pedigree while appealing to today’s riders with real-world performance, top-tier craftsmanship, and irresistible looks. In a world where motorcycles are increasingly complex, the Thruxton 400 offers purity of purpose—and does it with serious attitude.
If you’re searching for a motorcycle that balances heritage and innovation, style and function, the Thruxton 400 may just be your perfect modern cafe racer.