Calling all cafe racer enthusiasts and fans of the legendary Triumph brand! The wait for a modern twist on the classic Thruxton might be over soon. Here’s the scoop on the much-anticipated Triumph Thruxton 400, a potential new member of the exciting 400cc motorcycle family from Triumph, co-developed with Bajaj Auto.
A New Chapter for Cafe Racers in India
The arrival of the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X in 2023 marked a turning point for Triumph in India. These motorcycles redefined the value proposition in the mid-size segment, offering impressive performance and quality at an attractive price. Now, in 2024, whispers of a third addition to this platform are getting louder, and the name on everyone’s lips is the Triumph Thruxton 400.
Spotted Testing: The Thruxton 400 Takes Shape
Spy shots have revealed a test mule that strongly suggests the upcoming Thruxton 400 shares its foundation with the Speed 400. The core components like the chassis, suspension, and most likely the engine – a peppy 399cc, single-cylinder unit churning out 39.5 bhp and 37.5 Nm – are expected to be carried over.
The Classic Cafe Racer Look with a Modern Touch
The key difference that sets the Thruxton 400 apart is the addition of a stylish semi-fairing. This design element borrows inspiration from the Speed Triple RR, adding a touch of aggression and visual mass that the Speed 400 might lack for some riders.
Clip-On Handlebars for a Sportier Ride
True to its cafe racer heritage, the Thruxton 400 ditches the single-piece handlebar of the Speed 400 in favor of lower-set clip-on handlebars. This tweak promises a more aggressive riding posture, perfect for carving corners and capturing that authentic cafe racer spirit.
Expected Features and Pricing
While official details are yet to be revealed, we can expect the Thruxton 400 to inherit some of the features that have made the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X such compelling options. This could include a semi-digital instrument console, ride-by-wire technology for smoother throttle response, essential safety features like ABS, and a USB charging port for on-the-go convenience.
Triumph Thruxton 400 vs. Rivals: A Speculative Comparison
Table: Triumph Thruxton 400 vs. Potential Rivals
| Feature | Triumph Thruxton 400 (Expected) | Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 | Kawasaki Z400 (If launched) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 399cc, Liquid-cooled, Single-cylinder | 648cc, Air-cooled, Single-cylinder | 399cc, Liquid-cooled, Parallel-twin |
| Power | 39.5 bhp | 47 bhp | Around 45 bhp (estimated) |
| Torque | 37.5 Nm | 52 Nm | Around 35 Nm (estimated) |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Around ₹2.5 lakh (estimated) | ₹2.95 lakh | Around ₹3.2 lakh (estimated) |
It’s important to remember that these are speculative figures based on current market trends. The actual specifications and pricing of the Thruxton 400 will be revealed by Triumph upon launch.
The Verdict: A Cafe Racer With Potential
The Triumph Thruxton 400, if launched, has the potential to be a game-changer in the Indian cafe racer segment. Its modern take on a classic design, combined with the proven performance and affordability of the 400cc platform, could make it a very desirable option for riders. We eagerly await an official announcement from Triumph to confirm the arrival of this exciting new motorcycle.
