Triumph Tracker 400 (2026 – ) review

While purists may sniff at the cost-cutting Indian manufacturing and engineering partnership powering the single-cylinder Triumph Modern Classics it’s hard to fault the bikes it’s inspired, this Tracker 400 joining the Thruxton 400 in further expansion of the line-up. The basic platform is the same as the Speed and Scrambler but the Tracker and Thruxton get a more powerful version of the single-cylinder engine and significantly sportier riding position thanks to different pegs and lower bars. On the Tracker the latter are set wide and low, complementing the revised tank shape, fly-screen, numberboards and rear seat cowl. The lairy graphics may not be to all tastes but, other than that, it’s hard to fault the styling or execution, the build quality a step above equivalents like the (admittedly cheaper) Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450.

While it might look similar to the existing Speed and Scrambler versions of the 400 the Tracker’s riding position is significantly different, the higher, rear-set pegs and broader, lower bars forcing you into a natural weight forward, elbows out flat-track racer’s stance. This helps you put some load through the front wheel for extra confidence in the corners when you’re pressing on without going to the extremes of the Thruxton 400. As such, the Tracker combines the all-round user-friendliness of the other 400s but with a subtly sportier twist.

It’s a relatively basic retro roadster, so expectations to realistic when it comes to practicality. But nobody would expect any different, and for its intended purpose of providing stylish transport around town and a fun way to blat about the local lanes the Tracker absolutely hits the spot. The block-treaded Pirellis hint at a degree of off-road ability but we’d probably not be going there, and consider it more an aesthetic choice. The rear seat cowl looks cool but there are pillion pegs and you can quickly remove it for riding two-up. Triumph offers some basic luggage options like a soft tail pack and tank bag as options but it’s a shame neither heated grips nor cruise control are available.

A lesson in the quality of performance mattering more than the quantity, the 398cc single developed specifically for this family of bikes uprated for the Tracker with a hotter exhaust cam for a modest-sounding increase from 40 horsepower to 42 horsepower. Of more interest is that this now comes 1,000rpm higher, at 9,000rpm, likewise the 37Nm of torque. The motor is more urgent as a result, and given the power available you’ll be spending a lot of time with the throttle against the stop. It’s fun to do so, the flat torque curve giving decent flexibility while the slick six-speed gearbox and smooth clutch encourage you to stir the ratios into the best mix. Royal Enfield’s bigger twin in bikes like the Bear 650 offer a bit more refinement and clout, while also remaining just within the A2 limit. But the Triumph is significantly cheaper, and feels more polished than the Guerrilla 450 it should probably more accurately be compared with. Braking is also better than either Royal Enfield, with a strong response to the single ByBre caliper up front and reassurance of basic ABS and traction control.

Again, there’s nothing especially fancy on the Tracker given it runs relatively budget Showa forks and rear shock, preload for the latter your only adjustment for set-up. But Triumph has a real knack for set-up and both strike a perfect balance between comfort and support, the Tracker matching its more aggressive riding position with a shorter wheelbase and slightly sharper geometry than the Speed for a greater alertness on the road. The elbows-out stance it encourages helps weight up the front wheel to fully exploit this extra agility and the Tracker is an absolute hoot on tight and twisty roads, where its relatively modest performance is less of a handicap than it is on faster, more sweeping ones. There’s just a whiff of hooligan in its character, which makes it huge fun when the circumstances permit. But it’s also just fine when you want to pose around town en route to your next hipster coffee.

The Tracker sits towards the upper end of the 400 family in terms of price, which seems reasonable given the extra power of the engine and stylish aesthetic accessorising. It’s also still a fraction cheaper to buy than the Scrambler 400 X and, like all Triumph’s singles, temptingly affordable given the build quality and premium vibe. The engine capacity and power output should keep insurance manageable for younger riders as well, while also putting less strain on consumable parts like tyres, brakes and chains.

Triumph has invested a great deal in this single-cylinder platform and it seems to be paying off, with no alarm bells ringing when it comes to reliability. If nothing fancy the familiar suppliers for forks, brakes, tyres and the rest look a cut above what you get on many rivals, too.

Triumph’s 10,000-mile service intervals show confidence-inspiring faith in its engineering, and mean visits to the dealer will rarely be more than an annual occurrence. You can also extend the standard two-year warranty by an additional one or two years at extra cost, which may be a smart move if you’re looking to move it on within this time given the cover stays with the bike and may prove attractive to used buyers.

The Triumph 400s are relatively basic bikes, but that fits the image and few would argue with the fact money seems to have been spent on the design, build quality and engineering rather than fancy gimmickry. The single analogue clock has a pleasing simplicity and authenticity to it, with additional info offered up in a basic LCD display. There’s traction control and – of course – ABS but beyond that nothing to distract from the riding experience. There are a few dress-up options like bar-end mirrors and bullet indicators if you fancy, a Triumph-branded Beeline GPS also available if you need it. Or you can just clamp your phone to the bars and charge with the built-in USB socket as you wish.

It was inevitable Triumph would expand its 400s family, and the Tracker was an obvious addition with its more aggressive riding position and hipster-friendly style. While it looks similar to the existing Speed and Scrambler versions it has a subtly more aggressive character, without diluting the beginner friendly usability or accessibility. For all that it might just be our pick of the bunch!