When Triumph launched its first-ever 400cc bikes final 12 months – the Velocity 400 and Scram 400 – only a few individuals would have foreseen the success that adopted. Many on the time termed them as essentially the most value-for-money bikes available on the market, and it looks as if the bikemaker has taken note of that success.
Now, the British model has adopted up with two new bikes constructed on the identical 400cc platform – the Thruxton 400 and Tracker 400. The Thruxton is a café racer-esque bike, whereas the Tracker is extra of a flat track-inspired bike – each, constructed as roadsters, in essence.
We’ll begin with the engine: you get a revised model of the 398cc TR Sequence engine used within the Velocity and Scrambler 400. It’s extra highly effective than earlier than, producing 5% extra peak energy – 41.4 horsepower in comparison with 39.5 hp of the Velocity and Scram 400s.
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As for torque, you get the identical 27.7 lb.ft (36.7 Nm) as earlier than. However Triumph claims that 80% of that torque comes at round 3,000 revs, which implies there’s extra low-end torque now than earlier than.
Now, a small Thruxton hasn’t precisely been a well-kept secret. We’ve known for a while that Triumph had been engaged on one. Many even contemplated if it could merely be a Velocity 400 clothed in café-racer fairings. Nicely, I’m glad to say that’s not the case.
Triumph has accomplished rather more. For starters, the Velocity 400’s handlebars are changed with extra café-racer-styled clip-ons, whereas the footpegs have been pushed up and again. The suspension setup is totally different, too – 43-mm entrance forks provide 5.3 in (135 mm) of journey up entrance, and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock comes with 5.1 in (130 mm) of journey.
As you’ll be able to see, there’s a rear cowl instead of a passenger seat. Don’t fear, there’s truly a seat hidden beneath that cowl in case your buddy is hellbent on tagging alongside for a journey – though, judging by its dimension, don’t count on it to supply a lot when it comes to passenger consolation.
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Then, there’s the design. It’s an absolute peach, which contemplating it is lifted off of Triumph café racers of the previous, will not be even stunning. There are some stunning, flowing strains from the half-fairing to the gas tank, which options scalloped cutouts, all the best way to the quick rear fender.
Triumph additionally features a Monza-style gas cap, whereas touches just like the brushed heel guards, the blacked-out engine, and the traditional spherical headlamp are all considerable. Positively not what most entry-level singles provide.
Now, let’s discuss concerning the aptly-named Tracker 400. I say so as a result of it’s based mostly on flat trackers of the previous. And though I don’t count on to see individuals racing with the bike, a minimum of it does job at trying the half.
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The design journey begins with the race-inspired logos and the gas tank, which sport crisp creases. The angular flyscreen and color-matched rear cowl additional improve the tracker attraction, as do the 17-inch forged aluminum wheels which might be wrapped in Pirelli MT60 RS tires with a blocky tread sample.
As for the handlebars, they’re wider and flatter than the Thruxton, and go rather well with the redesigned footpegs. Which, by the best way, are moved 3.4 in (86 mm) farther again and 1 in (25 mm) increased than the Velocity 400, providing a extra aggressive stance.
The chassis is shared with the Thruxton, and it’s considerably tweaked from the sooner 400s. It sports activities an analogous metal tube entrance body because the Velocity 400, however there’s a brand new rear subframe and a shorter wheelbase. The suspension setup, although, is much like its predecessor, with 43-mm upside-down Showa Massive Piston forks with 5.5 in (140 mm) of journey and a fuel monoshock rear suspension unit giving 5.1 in (130 mm) of journey.
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Just like the Velocity and Scram 400s, Triumph has stored rider aids to a minimal on each these new bikes. You solely get ride-by-wire, traction management, and ABS. The cockpit is pretty comparable, too, with a single analog speedo and LCD, and there’s LED lighting with daylight working. That’s about it.
The brand new Thruxton 400 will begin at US$6,295, and bears a 2026 mannequin 12 months. Then again, the Tracker 400 is priced at a MSRP of $5,995 and comes as a 2027 mannequin 12 months. We’ve been quoted a March-April 2026 US launch timeline for the 2 bikes.
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Most bike manufacturers have realized that the growth within the small-displacement phase will not be merely a fad, nevertheless it’s right here to remain. Actually, it is likely one of the greatest classes of bikes when it comes to gross sales (and margins) proper now. And that has led even essentially the most conventional bikemakers to alter their technique.
Take the likes of BMW, Kawasaki, and Honda – all big-scale world producers, and once you take a look at a few of their newest releases, there’s one widespread sample: more and more extra sub-500cc bikes. Is {that a} coincidence?
Triumph’s transfer absolutely suggests not. What we’ve got listed here are small, useful bikes that look cool. One other success story brewing for Triumph?
Supply: Triumph
