Triumph Thruxton 400 vs Speed 400: Differences Explained

Triumph’s expansion into the 400cc segment has generated interest from enthusiasts across the nation. In addition, the company just introduced the brand-new Thruxton 400 in India. This will be the third model in the brand's 400cc lineup. Although the motorcycle bears some resemblance to the current Triumph Speed 400.

Despite their shared core architecture, both these bikes are developed to cater to different audiences, and audiences would choose according to their preferences. Let us dissect how these two modern classics rev up against each other across various categories: design, features, engine, and pricing.

Thruxton 400 V Speed 400: Design

The all-new Triumph Thruxton 400 carries a neo-retro racer legacy. Thanks to its semi-faired fighter-jet-inspired body, the motorcycle looks more aggressive with a flyscreen and a round LED headlamp. The bike is sculpted with a 13L tank along with a sleek LED rear profile. To stand true to its cafe racer identity, the bike comes with a rear seat cowl, clip-on handlebars, and bar-end mirrors.

The Speed 400 is understated yet a British classic. The bike offers an upright handlebar, round LED headlights, a single-piece seat, and the same 13 L fuel tank. The design cues have more functionality than the Thruxton 400. Both bikes are underpinned by the TR-series platform, specially designed in collaboration with Bajaj.

Key Specifications

Both motorcycles employ Triumph’s robust mainframe. The new Thruxton 400 offers clip-on handlebars about 400 mm narrower and 246 mm lower than those on the existing Speed 400. With a cafe racer aesthetic, the Thruxton 400 gets a shorter wheelbase than the Speed 400, which is a slightly longer setup. This setup gives the Thruxton a more agile edge, tailoring and maneuvering it through the streets.

The bike was arched with the same suspension setups but was purposefully differentiated. Each of them features 43 mm upside-down Big Piston forks, yet the new Thruxton offers an extra 10 mm of rear suspension travel. Both motorcycles are badged with 17-inch alloy wheels and are equipped with disc brakes, accompanied by a dual-channel ABS to ensure robust and consistent stopping power. However, the brand differentiated itself with its cost-effective tyres. The Thruxton 400 will offer Apollo Alpha H1 or MRF tyres as an option. Whereas, the Speed 400 now comes with Vredestein rubber.

Triumph Thruxton 400 V Triumph Speed 400: Features

The Triumph Thruxton 400 and Speed 400 boast a semi-digital single-pod instrument panel with a combination of an analog speedometer combined with an LCD digital display that shows the tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and clock. Both bikes offer dual-channel ABS with traction control for safety. The only difference between these two is the bike's riding dynamics. The Thruxton 400 is distinguished by its sportier riding stance and refined performance, as opposed to the Speed 400, which has a more subtle ride and better mileage.

Engine and Performance

Both these iconic bikes are powered by the same 398 cc liquid-cooled TR-Series single-cylinder 4V engine. The notable identities are the power and torque from the bikes. The Thruxton 400 produces 42 HP at 9000 rpm and 37.5 Nm of torque at 7500 rpm. However, the Speed 400 produces 40 HP at 8000 rpm along with 37.5 Nm as peak torque at 6500 rpm.

The engine is mated with a 6-speed gearbox to ensure smooth and reliable acceleration. The Thruxton weighs around 183 kg as compared to the Speed 400, which weighs around 176 kg. The cafe racer can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds, making it the second-fastest bike under the portfolio.

Pricing and Colors

The Triumph Thruxton 400 is the second most expensive model in the brand’s 400 cc lineup. With an introductory price of Rs 2.74 lakhs, the Thruxton 400 is Rs 24,000 more expensive than the Speed 400. The Thruxton 400, with its premium finishes and performance tweaks, commands a modest premium. The closest rival under this segment is the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, which is priced at Rs 3.25 lakh (ex-showroom).

The all-new Thruxton 400 comes in 4 distinct dual-tone colors as options for customers. These include Lava Red Gloss with Aluminium Silver, Phantom Black with Aluminium Silver, Metallic Racing Yellow with Aluminium Silver, and Pearl Metallic White with Storm Grey. However, the Speed 400 also offers 4 vibrant color schemes as options: Racing Red with Pearl Metallic White, Phantom Black with Pewter Grey, Pearl Metallic White with Pewter Grey, and Racing Yellow with Pearl Metallic White.

Conclusion

The all-new Triumph Thruxton 400 and Speed 400 share the same DNA strains but are made to serve different aspects of riders. The Thruxton is a classic retro bike built for pursuing passion rides and style-driven journeys. On the other hand, the Speed 400 is on the budget-friendlier side, ensuring everyday comfort, nimble handling, and better mileage performance.

Also Read: Triumph Thruxton 400 Spied Ahead of Official Launch