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Thruxton or Thruxton R (and mods)

2K views 16 replies 5 participants last post by  Fenech 
#1 ·
Ok, so here is the deal, I am going to start outright I am not the tallest person, but my 09 Bonnie is a great bike, but I can't flat foot both sides, I don't have an issue, I can put enough of my foot down to feel comfortable at stops, and even backing up.

BUT! I want to get a Thruxton soon, and I am debating the R or just a regular Thuxton, either one I get I am going to end up lowing. I was both bikes to lower will require new suspension. If I get the R, I'll waste one of the best parts of the bike, if I get a regualr one, I can put something compareable to the R.

with that being said, should I just get a regular one and put cool adjustable shocks on, or does the R have all that many other better things that it's worth it, and just sell my R shocks?

that leads to the last question, what other then the suspension is the difference between the two?

thanks!
eaton.
 
#2 ·
Not even close. Go ride an R and see if you fit. You provide no height, weight, etc. but you might need different Ohlins rear springs on an R if you are very light. Preload on both ends will need professional adjustment to lower a bit. There is nothing left to mod.
 
#3 ·
just to confirm, you are saying that just shorter springs are acceptable? I know on my Mini Cooper when I put lowering springs on it, the shocks gave out after a bit because they were always plunged in a little.

I am 5'4" , about 110-120, so i am sure I will need some light springs. I dont know my leg length off hand.


thanks again.
 
#5 ·
I'm in Detroit, MI. yea, I am going to go and see what they have, from what I see the ones near me only have Regular one's , If I want an R, they will proably have to order/trade. with that being said, my Bonnie SE is stock, but I think it is lower.

I guess I will go to the dealer and have the quote it all out.
 
#6 ·
I'm in Detroit, MI. yea, I am going to go and see what they have, from what I see the ones near me only have Regular one's , If I want an R, they will proably have to order/trade. with that being said, my Bonnie SE is stock, but I think it is lower.
Yes, an SE was released in '09 with the little front wheel and thinner seat for the vertically-challenged guys and gals to penetrate that market segment.

The old bikes may have a wider subframe at the tank/seat interface and that affects your reach. Stock R seat is pretty thin. The nearby dealers may have a demo R if none in stock. Just call first.

Add Metro Detroit to your profile so that we'll know next time. ;)
 
#7 · (Edited)
Ok Eaton… I throw in my 2 cents here… at 5' 4" I think that the Thruxton is going to be a bit of a challenge seat height wise… Even if you lower it an inch or so… which I think would be about all that you can go.

But a couple of things to think about when choosing between the Std. and R versions… and this is just me… The R looks like a mash up to me… Having modern looking upside down forks with a modern sport bike type fender and piggyback shocks, doesn't really fit the retro cafe racer theme… at least to me they don't…

Another thing to consider… why pay the extra cost of the R version and then have to replace the piggybacks for shorter shocks to lower the bike? And as far as the difference in forks between the two… the standard Thruxton has fully adjustable (preload/compression/rebound) cartridge forks… More than capable of delivering everything you need for any sane street riding…

And since you want to lower the bike and due to your light 110 lbs. weight, you can buy a set of good twin shocks, set up spring rate and length wise, for your needs. You may have to replace the fork springs to suit your weight too. Doing both of those things will be much less than buying the R and then having to spend money dialing in the suspension and seat height… And if you're drawn to a more pure retro look, you've got that too.

As I said, just my 2 cents worth….
 
#8 ·
Another thing to consider… why pay the extra cost of the R version and then have to replace the piggybacks for shorter shocks to lower the bike? And as far as the difference in forks between the two… the standard Thruxton has fully adjustable (preload/compression/rebound) cartridge forks… More than capable of delivering everything you need for any sane street riding…
Greetings, SC!;)

The basic 1200 Thrux has 41mm forks and while they might be cartridge, not aware that they have any damping adjustment.

The R has 43mm mid-range Ohlins which accept Brembo Monoblocs which are serious brakes. Not sure they are SBK quality but may have speed-sensitive damping which can be set up fairly plush but are firm when pushed.

No need to toss the Ohlins shocks. Ohlins in NC can switch springs and dial them in for the OP for reasonable cost and they have good customer service. As we both noted, he'll need lighter springs up front too at his 120#.

Son says you've been having Indian Summer down there which is quite annoying. :) 38 F here and can't remember the last time is was warm-ish here and dry. :(

Be Well!
 
#9 ·
Yea, I am going to see what can be lowerd and what can be replaced. The look, well the R is nice, I love the brembo's, I work for them as a vendor, so it would be nice to pop in with a set on my bike. I know really, to be honest I would be happy with both, and no matter what I will need to do some adjustment due to my weight..

as far as Indian summer/winter/whatever, It's Michigan , if you don't like the weather, wait 10 min, it will change, I'll ride in 30deg weather, just not a long ride obviously.

Thanks all!

e..b
 
#11 ·
I was gonna go with the R, but I ended up with the S. the amount of work I would have had to do would not justify the stuff on the R, the only thing thaqt would really be left is the Brembo's,. and I got a HELL of a deal on a 16, with V&H, Xpipe, ferring and the sort.

I'm happy. I also was gonna end up painting it myself, so the colors were not an issue, i just got the black one.
 
#12 ·
Why wouldn't you just slide the forks through the triple clamps to lower the front....its free and means you don't need to butcher those lovely BPF Showas???

As for the rear you can buy a shorter Ohlins spring or simply have one of the coils removed. Seems simple to me.

You'll also need to modify the side stand.


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