Both share the 398cc single, the brakes and the six-speed gearbox. The real difference is how you sit: the Speed 400 is upright and easy, the Thruxton 400 tucks you in behind a sculpted fairing with clip-ons and rearsets, and its engine has its own tune.
Choose the Speed 400 if…
- You want an upright, easy riding position.
- You ride mostly around town.
- You want the lighter bike, by 13 lb.
Choose the Thruxton if…
- You've always wanted a cafe racer.
- You like a tucked-in, sporty riding position.
- You want a little more power, 41.4 hp, and a more flexible engine.
Which one fits your riding style?
Here's where the difference shows up on the road.
Around town
The Speed 400 is upright and quick to turn, which makes it easy in traffic. The Thruxton's clip-ons put more weight on your wrists at low speed.
The difference: The Speed 400 is the easier city bike.
Weekend back roads
On a road like PCH, the Thruxton is in its element. Reviewers say it changes direction with very little effort and feels stable and planted once you're leaned over. The Speed 400 is just as much fun, sitting up.
The difference: The Thruxton feels sportier. The Speed 400 feels easier.
Parked outside the coffee shop
The Thruxton is the one you buy with your eyes: a real cafe racer without a big-bike price. The Speed 400 is a timeless roadster.
The difference: Pick the shape you love.
What's actually different?
These are the specifications you'll notice on the road.
| 2026 specification | Speed 400 | Thruxton |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 398cc single | 398cc single |
| Power | 39.5 hp | 41.4 hp |
| Torque | 27.7 lb-ft | 27.7 lb-ft |
| Front suspension | 5.5 in travel | 5.3 in travel |
| Front brakes | Single 300 mm fixed disc | Single 300 mm fixed disc |
| Weight | 375 lb wet | 388 lb wet |
| Seat height | 31.1 in | 31.3 in |
2026 U.S. models. Specifications and MSRP from Triumph.
Is the Thruxton 400 worth the step up?
It's mostly about how you want to sit and what you want to see in the garage.
If you want an easy, upright bike for every day, the Speed 400 is all the 400 you need.
If you've always wanted a cafe racer, the Thruxton gives you the look, the riding position and a livelier engine. The step up is $800 in MSRP.
Our advice: Sit on both. A cafe racer's riding position is part of the fun, and you'll know quickly if it's for you.
The best way to decide is to sit on both, back to back. We'll have them side by side for you.
The Speed 400 and Thruxton at SCM
- Executive demo, 460 mi
2026 Triumph
Speed 400, 2026 Triumph, Pearl Metallic White and Phantom Black, total price $6,029
Total price$6,029$850 below MSRP
2026 Triumph
Speed 400, 2026 Triumph, Pearl Metallic White and Phantom Black, total price $6,280
Total price$6,280Total priceAsk us$350 Triumph Cash OR financing as low as 0% APR on approved credit. Ends 10/31/26.
2026 Triumph
Speed 400, 2026 Triumph, Lava Red Gloss / Storm Grey, total price $6,879
Total price$6,879$350 Triumph Cash OR financing as low as 0% APR on approved credit. Ends 10/31/26.
2026 Triumph
Thruxton 400, 2026 Triumph, Phantom Black / Aluminum Silver, total price $7,529
Total price$7,529$50 below MSRP
$350 Triumph Cash OR financing as low as 0% APR on approved credit. Ends 10/31/26.
2026 Triumph
Thruxton 400, 2026 Triumph, Phantom Black / Aluminum Silver, total price $7,579
Total price$7,579$350 Triumph Cash OR financing as low as 0% APR on approved credit. Ends 10/31/26.
2026 Triumph
Thruxton 400, 2026 Triumph, Metallic Racing Yellow / Aluminum Silver, total price $7,679
Total price$7,679$350 Triumph Cash OR financing as low as 0% APR on approved credit. Ends 10/31/26.
2026 Triumph
Thruxton 400, 2026 Triumph, Pearl Metallic White / Storm Grey, total price $7,679
Total price$7,679$350 Triumph Cash OR financing as low as 0% APR on approved credit. Ends 10/31/26.
2026 Triumph
Thruxton 400, 2026 Triumph, Pearl Metallic White / Storm Grey, total price $8,399
Total price$8,399$350 Triumph Cash OR financing as low as 0% APR on approved credit. Ends 10/31/26.
