Triumph Thruxton 400: 3 reasons to buy and 2 to skip

The Triumph Thruxton 400 is a cafe racer version of the Speed 400 and despite getting clip-on bars, rear-set pegs, and a purposeful stance, it is relaxed enough for daily use. It sits at the sportier end of Triumph’s 400cc range, positioned as the style-driven alternative to the more practical Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X. While it won’t be mistaken for the larger twin-cylinder Thruxtons, it captures their spirit in a compact, affordable form.

Reasons to buy Triumph Thruxton 400

1. Gorgeous neo-retro styling.

The Thruxton 400 is arguably one of the most authentic-looking café racers in its class. Its sculpted 13-litre fuel tank, humped rear cowl, bar-end mirrors and clip-on handlebars all work together to deliver a design that feels quite retro. Where rivals like the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 rely on displacement and size for presence, the Triumph goes the other way by offering sleekness and performance without compromising on visual drama.

2. Accessible seat height, decent ride comfort.

With a 795mm seat height, the Thruxton is approachable even for shorter riders. The ergonomics are committed, thanks to the low clip-ons and slightly rear-set pegs, but they stop short of being too punishing. In practice, this means you get a café racer stance without suffering through back-breaking commutes. Ride comfort is also relatively decent – the suspension soaks up mild bumps without being harsh, which helps if you plan on using the bike for daily commutes. In other words, it offers a reasonable compromise between style and everyday manageability.

3. Refined engine with stronger top-end.

Triumph’s 398cc liquid-cooled single has already proven itself in the Speed 400, and in the Thruxton, it feels equally refined. Around town, it’s tractable and stress-free, but open it up on the highway and the engine shows its real character. The stronger pull in the top-end gives the bike a lively personality, encouraging you to rev it out. Smooth throttle response and a slick-shifting 6-speed gearbox round out the package, making the motor both usable and rewarding.

Reasons not to buy Triumph Thruxton 400

1. Soft suspension dulls handling.

While the Thruxton’s retro looks suggest sharp café racer dynamics, the reality is more subdued. The suspension setup is on the softer side, which makes the bike forgiving over less-than-perfect roads but also takes away from cornering precision. Push it hard through bends and you’ll find it lacks the connected feel you’d expect from a proper café racer. Enthusiasts looking for razor-sharp handling may feel a little shortchanged.

2. Could do with a quickshifter.

The 6-speed gearbox is slick and precise, but for a bike with a sporty intent, the lack of a quickshifter stands out. It’s not a deal-breaker, but the addition of one would have elevated the experience, particularly for riders who enjoy spirited riding. Considering the Thruxton 400’s café racer positioning, this omission feels like a missed opportunity to add further flair.