Triumphrat

Big_Shell

What's everyone's thoughts on a thruxton as a first motorcycle? The only dealer near me has a 2012 for $9100 including freight. I'd be riding it daily to work (about 25 miles each way)

lepion

personely for e first bike I would suggest a smal bike like a 350 cc or up to 500cc....

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echoraven

Unless you have some kind of experience on 2 wheels (dirt, scooter) a Thruxton is alot of bike for a noob, I whole heartedly agree with lepion...

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Road Warrior

I got a new '07 Thrux as my 1st bike. With a riding course I was good to go. Though not HD heavy, they are heavy which could be a concern. Also, if you're short it could be tough to maneuver in/out of parking. Stock the power is just OK, I wouldn't be concerned about having too much. Motorcycles make you appreciate the laws of physics.

A small light bike would be the easiest way to learn. I wouldn't go as small as a 350 though. Being invisible by all drivers who don't check blind spots, have poor depth perception, rely on peripheral vision when changing lanes, or really are legally blind, I like to have the option to accelerate out of situations if necessary.

Danbuc

I took the MSF course myself as well, and picked up my leftover 2010 last April new as my first bike. I use it to commute to work on nice days about 15 miles highway and back roads.

I tipped over a few times the first couple weeks I had it (stupid stuff like stalling on a hill, and stopping on uneven ground. Noob mistakes).

I agree with Road Warrior as well, a 350 around here is like riding a bicycle. There have been plenty of times I've been glad I had the power to pass someone who was being an oblivious idiot on the road.

It's a very usable bike, and easy to ride. I say go for it! Just know, when you do drop it, that's the perfect excuse for new mirrors and LSL rearsets!

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Jayc

My 2010 Thruxton was my first bike, I picked it up the day after I got my license. Then I put over 200km on it that day.

To me it is the perfect first bike. If I would have got something smaller I would have been wanting something bigger almost immediately. As it turned out my lusting after a Speed Triple started with about 5000km on the odometer of my Thruxton.

Pay attention and don't drive like an idiot and you'll be fine.

Jay

Harvey_Mushman

Just bought a Thruxton as a first bike a few months ago, and it has been terrific. I heard the argument about getting a smaller bike at first, but Florida requires a motorcycle driving course that was pretty damn good, so I've felt very comfortable on the Thruxton.

The only thing I'd caution against is buying new. Mine is a spotless '08, had less than 7,000 miles, and was half what your dealer is asking.

thatdamnnorton

A Thruxton should be manageable for a first bike in terms of size and power, but is probably too nice for the job. It'd be better to have something beat up, cheap, and ugly, since the chances of dropping it at low speed are pretty high as a noob.

prior

I dont agree with the view that you should start on a small engined bike, you can get in just as much trouble on a 2 stroke 250 as you can on a Hayabusa. No bike is uncontrolable to ride, it comes down to how well you control your right hand.

The most important thing for me which overides engine size, weight, value etc is get a bike that fits you and what your comfortable riding. If the Thrux fit what you want in a bike and your riding style then go for it.

NTek

There are statistics and sound logic and experienced advice that say getting a smaller bike first to learn the craft on and then upgrading when you have your skills together makes you a better rider quicker. The reasoning being you are going to explore the limits of a lesser bike easier whereas with a larger bike you are going to be reserved for longer and actually inhibits your skill development. There are many many exceptions (as noted by previous posters) to this but its at least food for thought. The Thrux is not a superbike so it is in a slightly grey area but it is bigger than say a ninja 250 or GS500.

There is also the cost of dropping as previously mentioned it. You are not required to drop it so don't assume you will but there is a reasonable chance you might so brace yourself accordingly.

Either way enjoy the ride and if you don't buy one now see you in a year or so =).