Triumphrat

Hey-

Been lurking around here for a few weeks, and thought I'd introduce myself- I just took delivery on a 05 Thruxton over the weekend. I'm a new rider, I have always wanted a motorcycle, and decided (against my wife's wishes) that I couldn't wait until 50 to do so.

I was originally going to buy a new 883R, but the Harley guys at work told me that was considered a girl's bike, I also wasn't really into the rest of that image either.

I didn't want a cruiser, but didn't want a crotch rocket either. I went through just about every manufacturer's catalog looking for something, but knew as soon I saw the classic range of Triumphs that I had found what I was looking for.

I really liked the Bonneville/T-100, but I fell in love when I saw the caspian blue Thrux in the showroom. A few trial and tribulations later (the dealership dropped the bike during a test ride the first time I went to pick it up), and now it's sitting pretty in my garage.

I took the MSF and have my license, but the bike is a little intimidating. I've been tooling around the neighborhood and the High School parking lot after work, but I really want to do this right and not look like an idiot or worse, hurt myself, on the regular roads.

I had originally intended to buy a small, used bike to get started, but I was pushing it to the limit with my wife. I figured could push her button once, but she would would go into orbit if I turned around and bought another one a year later. I can't say I made a mistake, looking at it, it's such a beautiful machine, and seems to handle like the smaller bikes at the MSF, just with a little more tiger in the throttle.

Anyway, sorry for rambling, just wanted to say hi. If you see a guy taking it a easy on Thrux, be gentle with him Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Ryan

thruxtonone

Buy a couple books on riding-Twist of the Wrist by keith Code is a good start. Continue as you are by being careful and learning slowly. It will all come together. Ultimately you will be happy you started with a thrux.-good luck-T1

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have fun-ride often!

Billseye

Good decision on your choice of Triumph Ryan and continue to learn at your own pace until you feel you have the Thruxton under control. I waited until I was 58 to get a motorcycle - I was always riding road and track bicycles until I messed up my knee. The Thruxton seemed like a logical choice as soon as I sat on it and I do not regret the decision a bit. Those small motorcycles at the MSF course were a mess in my opinion. My Thruxton is much easier to control and one hundred times the fun to ride. I got 4000 miles on my machine without a mess up of any dire consequences. No drops, no scratches. However, some embarrassing stall outs in the beginning and coasting through turns instead of under power, but those mistakes are a thing of the past. If you persist every day your skills will improve and you will know they have improved. Be careful about riding with anybody else in the beginning. It can definitely get you in trouble if the person is out to show you how good they can ride instead of keeping your skill level and safety in mind. Personally, I enjoy riding my Thruxton alone as I can get in plenty of trouble all by myself !

ThruxtonMI

Same story here - bought an 05 Thruxton a month ago - black. First bike at age 38 - wanted to buy one for last twenty years. Figured it was now or never. Never didn't sound so good. Wife furious but getting over it. Bought her a hot tub same weekend I bought the bike to make her feel better. I just love the bike - absolutely unique. I see nothing but Harleys and Japanese bikes in my area. Harleys are overpriced, Japanese cruisers are excellent machines for the dollar but for me will always have the stigma of being an imitation Harley. Sport bikes just not my style. I actually find the bike pretty easy to ride. I have been doing the neighborhood/side street/parking lot thing also. Did 90 miles yesterday with a buddy from work and just had a blast. I am going to one of the courses in three weeks - have just been learning on the permit for the last few weeks. The clip ons don't seem to me to be a big deal but then again I don't know any better since this is the very first bike I have been on. I am also a little over 6' which I belive helps. I was also concerned that the bike might be a bit much for a beginner but it seems to me to be very easy to control at lower speeds and simple to operate. I couldn't be any happier with my purchase. Now I understand what everyone means when they talk about that big ass grin you get from riding one of these. Complete atitude adjustment as soon as I get on it. I think I am addicted.

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Go Red Sox!

2005 Thruxton
2007 R1200RT

C

Ryan,

If you didn't feel you could buy a used mid-size bike to start (due to perfectly understandable spousal issues) I feel the Thruxton is a good choice of a first motorcycle. I am 50 years old, have been riding since I was 12 and have owned over 15 bikes in my riding career. Though the Thruxton is certainly a bit big for a first bike, it is a sweet and honest motorcycle and is very easy to ride. It is quite capable of entertaining me and doing all I (should) ask a motorcycle to do.

Apply the techniques you were taught in the MSF course, always concentrate on your riding (no 'hey this is easy, look at stuff in that field over there' sort of stuff - pay attention all the time), and get as much seat time as you can. The more you ride, the better and safer you'll get. Work on being as smooth and balanced as you can in everything you do. Nothing rushed. And check those tire pressures with a good accurate guage not less than once a week (a couple of pounds makes a big difference in how a bike handles). Use the manufacturers recommendations and buy, if you don't already have a good dual type guage, like a 'Blue-Point' dial type guage from Snap-on for about $25. FYI, though my front tire looses only a pound every 3 weeks or so (normal), my rear tire looses 2 pounds per week (that's a lot)!

The good news is that you may have a bike that you can grow into and not grow out of (as with many beginner bikes). There's no reason you can't still be enjoying your Thruxton years from now. Now ride Ryan, ride!


[ This message was edited by: C on 2005-05-31 00:31 ]

cafestyle

Good advice from all the threads here, and you'll feel great about yourself as you master the bikes abilities more and more over time.

My advice is to stay aware of whats going on around you. Sometimes you can get so caught up with what gear you are in and how many RPM, and is the blinker still on etc, that you don't realise you're riding right in someones blind spot, or you simply don't notice that car backing out of the drive.

I reckon it's 10 times more likely that you will have an accident due to someone else's negligence.

Stay aware.....and enjoy!

Nice job on the cheese and kisses - when she smooths right over get her on the back! :razz:

Tarmac

Just remember, there are 3 types of motorcyclists...
Those who have been down,
Those who are going down,
and those who are going down again.

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Tarmac
Where the rubber meets the road

bradley

Tarmac,
It sounds dramatic and all, but what kind of crappy advice is that to give a new rider?

Ryan,
Enjoy your Thrux! It's a great bike.

[ This message was edited by: bradley on 2005-05-31 08:05 ]

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buggy

I set up a loop from my place and became very familiar with it and rode it on a regular basis. This helped build my confidence alot. After 3k, the loop and the thruxton are old friends. I know how you feel, but believe me, you'll get there. You've got a great bike, that's very forgiving and makes even rookies like us look incredibly cool.

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I got the freaking bike!!!

thruxtonerich

:wink: yes Tarmac ,you are right but you forgott to say that all cardrivers are idiots and blind . :razz:
Thruxtonerich.