At this point, I think it’s a well known fact that small bikes rule. Anyone who says otherwise either hasn’t ridden one, or forgot what motorcycles are really about. It’s not always about horsepower numbers or engine displacement—it’s about feel. It’s about character. And I think few manufacturers understand that better right now than Triumph.
Triumph has spent decades building some of the most iconic motorcycles in the world. From the Bonneville to the Daytona to the legendary Thruxton cafe racers, this British brand has long been the poster child for heritage that rides as good as it looks. But here’s the twist: with its new Thruxton 400, Triumph is proving that legacy doesn’t need a big engine to feel big.
Now, according to Indian motorcycle insider BikeWale, Triumph is gearing up to launch its newest 400cc model in India this August. It is, of course, the Thruxton 400, which is the latest result of Triumph’s partnership with Bajaj, the Indian manufacturer helping bring the brand’s DNA to a wider, more global audience. And while it may have a smaller heart, it beats with the same old-school racing spirit—or at least, that’s what Triumph and Bajaj want you to think.
We’ve already gotten a glimpse of how the bike is going to look from the myriad of spy photos circulating online. And while it’s clear to see that the Thruxton 400 is clearly based on the mass market-focused Speed 400, it’s still unmistakably a Thruxton. It gets a bikini fairing, bar-end mirrors, and hunkered-down stance making it look like it just rolled out of London’s Ace Cafe.
All that being said, it is a bike for the modern era, and Triumph will surely throw in the whole shebang when it comes to tech. Think LED lighting, ABS, traction control, and a semi-digital dash. Think of it as the retro racer you wanted as a teenager, now built for city commuting and weekend coffee runs.
Powering it is the same 399cc, liquid-cooled single used across the 400 lineup. It pumps out 39.5 horsepower and 27.7 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. It’ll hit around 100 miles per hour, but more importantly, it’s tuned to make backroads feel like racetracks and commutes feel like sprints.
Now, in the midst of this ongoing small bike revolution, I can’t help but think that Triumph isn’t just chasing a trend here. I think it’s actually doubling down on what matters: giving more riders access to a bike that feels emotional and aspirational without breaking the bank—or your back. The Thruxton 400 proves that downsizing doesn’t mean compromise. If anything, it means more people get to join the party.
And let’s face it: the global shift to smaller, more efficient, and more affordable motorcycles isn’t going away. And brands like Triumph setting the standard for this emerging segment are exactly what keeps the spirit of motorcycling alive.
Source: BikeWale
