Top: Both bikes have an analog speedometer mated to an LCD screen. Middle and bottom: The Thruxton’ s fairing puts a modern spin on caferacer styling.
fairing, low clip- on bars, and bar- end mirrors. The name“ Thruxton” was first used by Triumph in the mid- 1960s for a limited- edition racebike. It’ s seen several iterations since, up to the Thruxton Final Edition of 2025. The Thruxton 400 is an obvious echo of previous models but is a bit more modern in its lines.
Befitting these sporty looks, the liquid- cooled 398cc TR- Series singlecylinder engine is beefed up for use in the Tracker and Thruxton. Now producing 5 % more peak power that arrives 1,000 rpm later in the rev range, the engine received a retune and a revised camshaft profile, resulting in 41.4 hp at 9,000 rpm. Torque is unchanged at 27.7 lb- ft but arrives 1,000 rpm later at 7,500 rpm. Redline is also increased. This new version of the TR- Series engine rewards riders who like to get the revs up. When asked if the new version of the engine would be used in the Speed and Scrambler, Triumph reps said no. The more aggressive nature of the revised mill complements the sporty attitudes of the Tracker and Thruxton, while the Speed and Scrambler are more laid- back.
We once again traveled to Spain for a test ride, and I started the day on the Tracker. Compared to the Speed, its handlebar is 0.9 inch wider and 5.3 inches lower, and the footpegs are 3.4 inches farther back and 1 inch higher. These changes created a noticeable difference in how it felt to sit on and ride the Tracker. Riding along small streets on our way north into the mountains, the commanding position had me excited for more to come.
Once we got away from the traffic and were able to let loose, I fully appreciated everything Triumph’ s engineers had done to make the Tracker distinct from the other 400s. The wider handlebar provided extra leverage for steering, and the repositioned footpegs allowed for a sporty stance. The seat is also flat and roomy, giving plenty of space to move around as needed. The rear cowl conceals a passenger seat on both the Tracker and Thruxton, and both come with passenger pegs as well.
The revised engine felt comfortable and familiar on our way toward open roads, producing controllable and predictable power, just as I had experienced on the Speed and Scrambler. When the road opened up, I twisted the throttle and enjoyed the extra power in the upper rev range. The bike surged
32 / JULY 2026 / RIDERMAGAZINE. COM