It’s been two years since the iconic and brilliant Triumph Thruxton 1200 was discontinued, and it would be fair to say that it left a big hole in the Bonneville-based line-up. Which is why, when Triumph UK announced a new Thruxton model, excitement and expectations were high.
Even the news that it would be a 400cc model, based on the current Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, failed to dampen enthusiasm, mainly because both those models have been very well received and deservedly so.
The Thruxton 400 looks like the now-discontinued Speed Triple 1200 RR, complete with a bikini fairing and round single headlight, clip-ons and rearsets. Power from the 398cc single cylinder engine has been boosted slightly to 41.4bhp, thanks to some internal tweaking, and peak torque is available from 3000rpm. Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa lV tyres are fitted as standard.
Unfortunately for South African riders, it appears these models won’t be heading to our shores anytime soon. For more insight into the local lineup strategy, one would need to check in with Triumph South Africa…
What we will be seeing is the new Tracker 400 model. While it appears to be similar to the Scrambler 400 X, Triumph claims it has a wider ‘elbows-out’ riding position. It runs on Pirelli MT60 RS rubber, with 140mm of front fork travel and 130mm travel at the rear.
The Tracker 400 should be arriving towards the end of March, with pricing to be announced, and we can’t wait to take a good look at it in the flesh.
According to one source, in the flesh, the Thruxton disappointed, while the Tracker impressed. We’d love to hear your thoughts on whether these models would have found a home in your garage.
For more information on Triumph Motorcycles, visit – www.triumphmotorcycles.co.za
