Overall, the Thruxton 400 is a quick motorcycle, but the power is delivered gently
Riding the 2025 Triumph Thruxton 400
The Thruxton 400 uses the same 398 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine as the other models in the TR series lineup. However, it has been re-tuned to offer more power, courtesy of revised cam timing and an updated air-breather. As a result, peak power has gone up to 41.5 BHP, a 2 BHP increase over the MY25 Speed 400. The peak torque remains unchanged at 37.5 Nm, 80 % of which is delivered from as low as 3,500 rpm. The redline has been raised by 1,000 rpm, from 9,200 rpm to 10,200 rpm. Gearing has also been revised with Thruxton 400 getting a 43/15 front/rear sprocket setup compared to the 45/15 arrangement on the MY25 Speed 400. Thanks to all of these changes, Triumph claims the Thruxton 400 can hit 0-100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, a full second quicker than the MY25 Speed 400, and has a top speed of 161 km/h.
Out on the road, the Thruxton 400 leaves a strong first impression. Hit the starter button, and the engine comes to life with a familiar exhaust note. Start moving, and the first thing you notice is that the acceleration doesn’t feel as sprightly as on the Speed 400. The power delivery is linear with a noticeable uptick in performance post 6,000 rpm. Peak power comes in at 1,000 rpm higher in the rev range and will require you to spin the motor all the way till 9,000 rpm to access all it has to offer. There are no ride modes on offer.
Like before, the engine is fairly tractable and easily potters around at 20 km/h in 3rd gear. Out on the highway, the taller gearing helps with comfortable cruising at triple-digit speeds without the engine feeling strained; 100 km/h comes at a relaxed 6,000 rpm in the 6th gear. At this point, you can feel minor vibes on the foot pegs, but nothing bothersome. Overall, the Thruxton 400 is a quick motorcycle, but the power is delivered gently. The radiator fan tends to kick in quite often, but Triumph has redesigned the shrouds of the radiator fan for better heat dissipation. The solution seems to work for the most part, but I could feel some heat on my inner calves while riding in the city.
Refinement & NVH
The Thruxton 400 impresses on the refinement front. Vibrations are minimal until 6,000 rpm. Post that, the vibes do become more pronounced, especially on the foot pegs. I also noticed a minor buzz coming in from the right side of the fairing at higher revs. That being said, vibes on the handlebar are very well contained, and I didn’t notice any blurring on the bar-end mirrors. The exhaust note is similar to the Speed 400 and has a nice throaty growl.
Suspension & Handling
The suspension hardware has been carried over from the Speed 400. It comprises 43 mm USD forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Tuning has been adjusted to account for the Thruxton’s 4 kg weight increase. It gets 10 mm more travel compared to the MY25 Speed 400. The suspension tune is surprisingly plush with some underlying firmness. I could easily ride through deep potholes without having to slow down considerably.
The rake angle is marginally sharper, resulting in a shorter wheelbase and a ground clearance of 158 mm. Steering response is quick without feeling nervous, making it enjoyable to ride through corners, though the bike’s overall manner remains more relaxed than aggressive. The highway stability is equally impressive, but aggressive riders might find the setup a tad bit soft to their liking.
Braking
Braking duties on the motorcycle are handled by a 300 mm disc up front with a 4-piston radial caliper up front and a 230 mm disc at the rear with sintered pads at both ends. The front brake offers a sharp bite while the rear is more progressive and lacks feel. The grippy tyres also contribute to the strong stopping power of the motorcycle.
Closing thoughts
Bajaj-Triumph has done well to give the Thruxton 400 its own identity within the TR series. The design is polarising but certainly not a deal-breaker. As mentioned before, Triumph intended it to be a halo product in the TR series lineup, which arguably should have compromised a bit on practicality to offer more of the cafe racer experience. Instead, the Thruxton 400 tries to balance style and usability, and as a result, may leave purists wanting more.
Read Team-BHP’s detailed Triumph Thruxton 400 review here.
