PICTURES: TRIUMPH
WORDS: JUSTIN HAYZELDEN

FIRST TEST: TRIUMPH THRUXTON 400

Triumph revive the classic moniker for an entry-level café racer

It may lack the oomph of previous Thruxtons, but it’s engaging on B-roads

It’s been a couple of years since Triumph have had a Thruxton in the line-up, the last model to wear the badge being the firm’s Bonneville range-topping 1200cc twin-cylinder retro sports bruiser. Harking back to the Meriden factory racers of the 1960s, the name conjures up performance, handling and purposeful looks – so how does that fit with this latest addition to the A2-licence-friendly 400 family?

Since their launch in 2024, the Speed and Scrambler 400s have been great news for Triumph’s order books. In that first year the two models accounted for almost 40 per cent of global sales, appealing to a new audience attracted by both the affordability and manageability of these affable and entertaining machines.

For 2026 Triumph have added two models, the dirt track-inspired Tracker (see Need to Know) and a café racer-influenced Thruxton 400. They have much in common, but thanks to a millimetre here and there in the geometry, plus a change in riding position, feel significantly different.

The 398cc engine, lifted from the Speed 400, has a new inlet cam and state of tune to suit, picking up a couple of extra bhp and additional 1000rpm headroom. It’s a freerevving, feisty single that spins up enthusiastically. Fuelling is smooth and predictable, and it has a broad spread of power plus a delightful little kick at about 6000rpm where it comes on cam. That step up in oomph encourages you to keep it fizzing – making progress is satisfying.

Gear changes have a clunky directness typical of Triumph’s non-quickshifter models, and while the slip and assist clutch is light and progressive, a span-adjustable lever would be nice – the same can be said about the front brake. Stopping power via the single four-pot ByBre caliper is fine, but it does take a good squeeze to get the pads to bite and both brakes are best advised if you want to scrub speed rapidly.

A 5mm reduction in fork travel gives the Thruxton a firmer front end than its stablemates; combined with the sporty-ish riding position, that makes it feel long and low. Clip-ons encourage you to reach across the neat Manx-style fuel tank, and while the pegs are rear-set, they’re not cramped.

Powerful enough, but need a good squeeze

The Thruxton feels reassuringly stable tipping into turns, aided no end by Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres that exude confidence at any lean angle. The chassis is beautifully balanced, and while it isn’t flickably quick, it rolls between bends with the accuracy and composure to let you crack on and make the most of the power to hand.

It can feel ‘wrist heavy’ around town, but when you rock up at the Bike Shed to show off its dashing looks, any mild discomfort will have been worth it.

THE FACTS

Price From £5995
Engine 398cc DOHC 4v single, l/c
Transmission Six-speed chain
Power 41bhp @ 9000rpm
Torque 28lb·ft @ 7500rpm
Fuel capacity 13 litres
Seat height 795mm
Wheelbase 1492mm
Weight 176kg (wet)
Rider aids ABS, traction control

RiDE VERDICT

The Thruxton 400 creates a thoroughly engaging illusion of being a classic café racer, without any of the hassle. Performance and handling are exemplary for the money, and being able to exploit all of it makes it fun to ride. Looks are on point, too.

BUYING ONE

£5995 On-the-road cash price
£82.30 PCP per month x 36 (£1199 deposit, 4000 miles, optional final payment £2850. 8.9% APR)

FIRST TEST: TRIUMPH TRACKER 400

Triumph’s flat track-inspired roadster has the looks and attitude to match

Decent bike for the money. Looks the part, too

1 It packs a bit of punch

Triumph have given the excellent 398cc single-cylinder engine a tad more flexibility and character in the Tracker. Output figures have barely changed, but like the Thruxton it has a noticeable uptick in the midrange and an extra 1000rpm at the top. Throttle response is unerringly accurate and gets the piston pumping with gusto, although it can feel a bit buzzy towards the 41bhp peak.

2 Handling is set for fun

True to its dirt tracking roots, the Tracker gets chassis tweaks and wide bars to make it quick-steering and flickable. Suspension-wise it’s identical to the Speed 400, with changes limited to fork offset, but the result is a shorter wheelbase and marginally steeper rake. Around town the ride is a bit choppy, but once you get the suspension into its stroke, it becomes a hoot to ride without losing composure or poise.

3 Snazzy looks mix clas with contemporary

Number boards, a fly screen and single seat cowl give the Tracker a suitably vibrant look, with the doubled-barrelled end can (borrowed from the Scrambler) finishing off the dirt-sliding style a treat. The sculpted tank has lovely lines, but there are ridges at the rear on either side that rub on your inner thigh. Under the cowl is a full-length one-piece bench seat, a decent sized grab handle and ample room for a pillion.

4 They’ve fitted proper rubber

Pirelli MT60 RS tyres keep the Tracker planted and inspire oodles of confidence. The tread pattern may be blocky, but we’ve ridden it on damp and dry roads without issue. Rider aids are limited to basic ABS and TC, but neither are intrusive and the latter can be disabled. Initial bite from the single ByBre caliper is soft, but a firm squeeze of the lever delivers adequate power.

5 The price is nice

It’s £500 more than the standard Speed 400, well built, nicely finished and looks great (especially in Racing Yellow), with LED lighting all round. A 10,000 mile (or one year) service interval gives good peace of mind, and it has a two-year extendable warranty.

THE FACTS