The countdown is on: Triumph’s cafe-racer-inspired Thruxton 400 launches into India on August 6, 2025. But as enthusiasts pore over its specs, one burning question dominates social media and news feeds alike—at ₹3.00–3.10 lakh ex-showroom, is the Thruxton 400 simply too costly?
Triumph’s newest 400cc contender borrows heavily from its Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X siblings, sharing a 399 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill that delivers 39.5 bhp and 37.5 Nm of torque with a torque-assist clutch. What sets the Thruxton 400 apart is its retro-styled bubble fairing, clip-on bars, bar-end mirrors and rear-set pegs for an aggressive tuck—classic cafe-racer cues reimagined for modern roads.
Price Tag Provokes Pause
Initial reports from The Economic Times indicate that the Thruxton 400’s ex-showroom price will be ₹3.00–3.10 lakh, while BikeWale cites a slightly lower range of ₹2.90–3.00 lakh. Either way, this new model sits above the Scrambler 400X and Speed 400, challenging Royal Enfield’s Continental GT 650 (₹2.97 lakh Ex-showroom) on price, despite offering a smaller-capacity engine.
A dealer insider told BikeDekho, “After state taxes and dealer margins, on-road prices could cross ₹3.50 lakh in metro cities.” This higher end of the spectrum has sparked skepticism among budget-minded riders: is paying a premium for retro styling worth it?
One rider shared, “It’s essentially the same engine as the Speed 400, just with fairings and a cafe-racer riding stance”. Another commented, “Hold out for the Thruxton—it’s only seven more days!” Yet others argued the Speed 400 already tops its class on value, urging early adopters not to delay.
This split sentiment highlights a deeper buyer anxiety: do you pay extra for style, or stick with the tried-and-tested?
Battling the Competition
Analyzing the landscape, Royal Enfield’s Continental GT 650 remains a formidable rival, boasting a 648 cc twin engine and a character that resonates deeply with Indian cafe-racer fans. At roughly the same on-road pricing, it offers 47 bhp and 52 Nm—significantly more grunt in classic twin-cylinder fashion.
However, Triumph counters with its modern single-cylinder’s lighter curb weight (approx. 185 kg vs. 198 kg) and premium componentry: USD forks, switchable traction control and full LED lighting. For those prioritizing cutting-edge tech in a retro shell, that trade-off may justify the extra ₹30,000–50,000.
Expert Verdict
Motorcycle journalist Anirudh Saini notes, “The Thruxton 400’s pricing positions it as a niche choice—buyers must value styling and brand cachet over outright performance.”
In the cafe-racer world, looks often trump specs—and Triumph’s Thruxton 400 delivers on aesthetic promise. But at ₹3 lakh and up, it toes a fine line between aspirational and overpriced. Savvy buyers should compare the final on-road figure against Royal Enfield’s GT 650 and assess if retro flair or pure performance holds greater appeal.
