[Test Ride] Triumph's New "Speed Twin 400" Impression! A Genuine Cafe Racer You Can Ride with a Standard Motorcycle License

The 400cc series, a huge hit as a "Triumph you can ride with a regular motorcycle license," recently welcomed the cafe racer spec "Thruxton 400." We were fortunate enough to get a chance to ride it at a test ride event, and we're here to share our riding impressions.

Meticulously Reimagined in the Classic Cafe Style

The "Thruxton," a truly iconic Triumph that has been synonymous with cafe racers since 1964, recently ceased production in 2024, but its enduring popularity is well-known.

Amidst this, the "Thruxton 400" is drawing particularly intense attention. It has been revived as a middleweight model, rideable with a standard license, while faithfully inheriting the tradition and retaining its classic design.

A genuine cafe racer newly introduced to the 400cc series this year.

What immediately catches the eye is the half-fairing, reminiscent of the Speed Triple 1200RR. This custom-designed fairing, with its flowing curves, creates an elegant, modern, and sporty silhouette that sets it apart from the traditional bowl-shaped retro fairings.

A round LED headlight is embedded in the center of the fairing, ensuring visibility at night while giving the front mask a sharp, neo-retro impression.

Complementing the fairing, the handlebars feature fork-mounted clip-ons and bar-end mirrors. While the riding position is lower compared to the naked Speed 400, the well-balanced placement with the footpegs significantly reduces strain on the wrists and lower back.

From the beautiful paintwork on the fuel tank to the classic engine fins that evoke the look of the old twin-cylinder engines despite being a single-cylinder, every detail exudes a level of quality unexpected in the 400cc class, powerfully stimulating the desire of mature riders.

Custom-designed half-fairing. Not only does it look cool, but it also improves comfort during touring.

The bullet-type seat cowl is also standard equipment. Of course, it can be removed for tandem riding.

Enjoy Sporty Riding

The Thruxton 400 is powered by a 398cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder engine, producing a maximum output of 42 horsepower. While it shares the same TR engine as the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X in the series, it features a higher rev limit, resulting in a 2 horsepower increase.

When you open the throttle, it accelerates powerfully with the crisp pulse characteristic of a single-cylinder engine. The adoption of ride-by-wire (electronic throttle control) provides seamless response, as if your right hand is directly connected to the rear wheel, faithfully responding to the rider's intentions across a wide range of riding conditions, from urban stop-and-go traffic to winding roads.

Equipped with the torquey TR engine, it offers smooth acceleration, making the ride even more enjoyable.

There are no compromises in the "suspension" that enhances the quality of the ride. The front is equipped with 43mm inverted forks with black anodizing. These highly rigid front forks provide excellent support during hard braking when entering corners, improving stability.

The rear features a gas-charged monoshock rear suspension with adjustable preload, realizing a riding experience where the bike closely follows the road surface.

The tires are standard Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV. The confidence-inspiring grip, not only for sporty riding but also in all weather conditions, will give the rider peace of mind.

Standard Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tires offer excellent grip in all weather conditions.

The author, who is 170cm tall, has a comfortable reach to the ground. The bike is also light and easy to maneuver.

The seat height is 795mm. The slim seat ensures no worries when stopped.

TRIUMPH Thruxton 400 (2026) Main Specifications

・Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2,042mm x 775mm x 1,110mm (excluding mirrors)
・Wheelbase: 1,376mm
・Seat Height: 795mm
・Curb Weight: 176kg
・Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 398cc
・Max Power: 30.89kW (42ps) / 9,000rpm
・Max Torque: 37.5N.m / 7,500rpm
・Fuel Tank Capacity: 13L
・Transmission: 6-speed
・Brake Type (F/R): Disc (ABS) / Disc (ABS)
・Tire Size (F/R): 110/70R17 / 150/60R17
・Retail Price: 849,900 yen