Triumphrat

02-23-2007

Hey guys! I in a predicament and thought I could get your opinion on the Thruxton. I'll lay out some background first:

In October I got the urge to look at motorcycles for my first time ever. I had a Yamaha Vino 125 motor scooter and my dad rides a 1995 Triumph Thunderbird and I loved riding his. Naturally I decided I would take a look at Triumphs because I was comfortable on them.

The salesman caught me walking in and I told him I was interested in Triumphs and he brought me right over to a brand new leftover 2005 America with no miles on it. We were looking at it and talking about it, and before I knew it I signed the contract. I completely bought on a whim.

What does this have to do with the Thruxton?

If I would have done my research, I would most definitely have bought a Thruxton. I love the look, and I love that it is a sport bike from the 1960's. It's got a more aggressive riding position, and I think it might suit me a bit better being a bit younger and missing some of the sporty flair on the America that I would probably enjoy.

The lady at my local dealer is working some numbers for me and seeing what she can do in to getting me on a Black/Checker Thruxton, but what I wanted to know from you guys is how different is the Thruxton from the America? I ride 150 mile rides every other week out to the desert, and have never been on anything close to a sport bike. Can it be comfortable? Does anybody know if it is noticeably quicker? I have the 790cc engine.

I know a lot of this can be answered in a test ride - but my dealer doesn't have a bike for me to test ride. Any information you can offer me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Will

markbvt · 02-23-2007

It's a bit of an apples and oranges comparison. One's a cafe racer, the other's a cruiser.

That said, I think you'll find the Thruxton to be a bit punchier, and it'll definitely handle more nimbly in the twisties. Also, it'll probably be a bit more comfortable at highway speeds because the seating position will have you leaning forward into the wind.

A 150-mile day shouldn't be a problem at all, especially once you get used to the new seating position. (Initially, you might find your wrists/hands aching a bit when riding in traffic due to having to support some of your upper body weight -- this will get better as you get used to it.) My Bonneville is set up much like a Thruxton, and I have no problem doing a 300-mile day on it. (Anything less than 150 miles doesn't even seem like a proper ride to me anymore...)

At any rate, since you seem to be craving something a little more sportbike-like, the Thruxton should be a great choice.

--mark

02-23-2007

Quote:

On 2007-02-23 11:01, markbvt wrote:
It's a bit of an apples and oranges comparison. One's a cafe racer, the other's a cruiser.

That said, I think you'll find the Thruxton to be a bit punchier, and it'll definitely handle more nimbly in the twisties. Also, it'll probably be a bit more comfortable at highway speeds because the seating position will have you leaning forward into the wind.

A 150-mile day shouldn't be a problem at all, especially once you get used to the new seating position. (Initially, you might find your wrists/hands aching a bit when riding in traffic due to having to support some of your upper body weight -- this will get better as you get used to it.) My Bonneville is set up much like a Thruxton, and I have no problem doing a 300-mile day on it. (Anything less than 150 miles doesn't even seem like a proper ride to me anymore...)

At any rate, since you seem to be craving something a little more sportbike-like, the Thruxton should be a great choice.

--mark

Thanks Mark. The America hurts my back on long rides because you are sitting straight up with your feet in front of you, and all the bumps go straight through your spine. You can't stand up because of the forward controls.

I would like something a bit sportier, but I wouldn't want an actual sportbike - and the Thruxton seems to fill that niche nicely.

We will see what happens - I might end up joining you guys in here pretty soon :-D

[ This message was edited by: 2ndtimeacharm on 2007-02-23 11:08 ]

customcafe · 02-23-2007

The Thruxton is a hell of a lot of fun, but it is not a cruiser. Meaning you will be hurting after a long day of riding (200 plus miles) That being said, it looks the buisness, and it has the option of being somewhat rare (not a lot of cafes around here at least) So go with your instinct.

cheers, jason

d2mini · 02-23-2007

How long have you had the America? Sounds like not too long. Either way, no matter what "number crunching" the dealer does, you're going to get screwed. First they are going to screw you on the trade in offer for your America, and then they are gonna flip you over and screw you on the Thruxton. It's a win-win situation in favor of the dealer.

MY suggestion, and this is just my opinion... is to sell the America yourself and look for a used Thrux. You'll save several thousand dollars. Now the advantage to working with the dealer is it's easy, and you may end up with a longer warranty. So if money is no object, that may be the better way for you to go. But that's pretty much your two choices.

But good luck, and welcome to the forum!

[ This message was edited by: d2mini on 2007-02-23 13:09 ]

sweatmachine · 02-23-2007

I say keep both!

ThruxtonMI · 02-23-2007

that's good advice to sell on your own and then buy used. take your time selling your current bike and do the same when looking to buy a used one. it could really save you a lot of money.

whoa · 02-23-2007

Man, I read ever now and again how uncomfortable the Thruxton is. It could be what your used to, or body type, or position, dunno. I've been fine on mine, and I've put in a handful of all day rides.

This biking stuff is always hard to justify financially. It would kill me to turn around a brand new purchase.

I've not been on your model, but I doubt you'll notice much difference in performance. Is your riding in tight twistie roads, or easy meandering highways? I have a lot more fun when negotiating curves and turns.

I'd ride the bike I purchased for a year, then decide. Unless my wallet could afford to keep up with my heart.

Mecchanica · 02-23-2007

Sell the America, buy the Thruxton. Period.

kwajazz · 02-24-2007

Quote:

On 2007-02-23 14:03, sweatmachine wrote:
I say keep both!

+++

However, if that's not an option, you absolutely must test ride the Thrux first. You've undoubtedly noticed people saying very different things about comfort on a Thrux here in this forum. The Thrux is very polarizing. Some people get it and love it and others immediately convert it to a T100 with higher bars etc. If you are one of those people, the test ride will tell you, and then you can just go buy a T100 and be done with it. It'll feel sportier than what you're on but wont kill your wrists and all. I love the Thrux, but I also ride a Speed Triple a lot and it is very comfortable.

Good luck. kjazz