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First Impressions of your 2016 Thruxton ?

36K views 122 replies 35 participants last post by  SirCuffsalot 
#1 ·
Does this thread already exist? I know some are still waiting, but many of us have taken delivery - I did yesterday and 200 miles later, here's my thoughts -

TL;DR
1. I need to protect the tank's paint where it meets the seat.
2. I need to replace or somehow shorten the Ohlins about an inch.

I rode my modified 10-month old Street Triple 90 miles to the dealer to sneak in a test ride and then get my deposit back. First off, I loved my Triple and I was certain I could not afford to take the loss and manage the payments on the lovely red Thruxton I had 'pre-ordered'. I may not make sound money choices, but suffice to say, the dealer and my credit union worked it out so I left the Triple there and rode the Tx home.

Luckily, I no longer feel this way, but within 10 minutes of riding the new bike off the lot I was so mad for making this dumb choice. Not only was I going to be paying for ever, but I really hated the bike's lack of sound and pitiful acceleration. I had just traded the most stunningly performing bike for this lugging VW Beetle! How could I have been so stupid?!

Well, I was stuck in downtown traffic, so I couldn't really open it up much, but later I discovered the 'other half of the throttle' Guess what? In ROAD mode there isn't much action when you roll on the throttle... but, turn it some more and WHAM!! THERE IT IS!! Ha ha!! magnificent !! And then... if you switch to SPORT mode the throttle suddenly becomes a race-bike's 'quick throttle'. Small inputs = huge acceleration! 'Slide you back in the seat' acceleration! Way more grunt than the Street, I can only equate it to my beloved 955 Daytona! Happy-happy man and I'm still in break in!

The sound - Ok. I get it. Euro-4. No way around it. There are restrictions and regulations that have to be met. My wife appreciates it. My neighbors probably do too. But I like motorcycles to sound kinda louder. With character. This bike is a bit of a let-down. However... I took the bike to my buddy's - He lives in a hilly, twisty area outside of town. I let him ride it. As he was pulling away and going through the nearby roads, I liked what I heard. Not bad. I think I'll just let it go for now. Betcha soon I'll be so used to it I'll wonder where the hatred came from.

The usual comments. The bike is stunningly, drop-dead gorgeous. If you're into things that roll, you will think so too. It has all the right stuff. Suspension, wheels, clocks, brakes, tires and on and on. Better still, it's put together really well. Nothing feels less than high-quality - It is a masterpiece of mass production.

The stance and riding position are somewhat aggressive, but for me, coming from the Street Triple, it's a glove - A little more upright, a little more relaxed and so, so much EASIER TO RIDE - Every time I come in the house my wife asks me how it was and I invariably say 'really comfortable' - Because it is. I feel safer, more secure, less distracted - I can focus on the ride, sunshine, flowers and all that, but when I want to find the 'other half' of the throttle... it's there : -)

Want's and needs:
'twould be nice if the mode could stay where it was rather than revert to ROAD after turning it off. It rains a lot here in Oregon and there will be weeks when I will want RAIN mode. But mostly I just want to stay in SPORT - makes the bike feel like the sportbikes I'm coming from and I like it on that setting. Do you know how to make the mode not default to ROAD?

I'm 5'-4. I can get the balls of my feet on the ground, but a bit lower would be great. There's a generous inch available to push the fork tubes up the clamps to bring the front down, but where-how can I get the same shocks one inch shorter?

It's only been 24 hours and my jacket is rubbing the shine off the tank from were it meets the seat up about 5 inches. I don't need tank knee pads as I'm so short my knees fall below the tank. But I would like some protective material for either side of the strap - can you recommend something beyond buying a whole knee pad kit?

I'm going to the garage and look at my new bike again... Thanks a lot.
 
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#44 ·
#48 ·
Engine braking works on a pretty simple principle, when the throttle is open the engine pulls in air and fuel, the spark ignites the fuel and the engine then produces power.
When you close the throttle you restrict the supply of air, the engine is still turning but cant get the air from the intake the pistons are still trying to suck air on the induction stroke as they go down the cylinder but they cant get it as the throttle butterfly's are closed. That resistance is basically what engine braking is. The crank inst really an issue..
You can experience this for yourself next time you pick up a syringe, put your finger over the end and pull the plunger and that resistance you feel is how engine braking works. You turn the engine into and air pump that's trying to suck air through a closed opening.

The main things that are relevant with engine braking are surface area of the pistons, length of the stroke of the motor, engine rpm and most importantly the amount of restriction to the air intake when the throttle is closed.
Engine braking on these EFI bikes is controlled by the ECU and what position it tells the stepper motor that controls the throttle body butterfly's to be in at any given throttle position, depending on the information it receives from the other EFI sensors at that time...

A good way to experience the engine braking effect is to raise the idle speed on a carbed bike 1,000 rpm above where you would normally have it set (letting more air in on a closed throttle), go ride it around the block and you will find you don't have much engine braking at all. Then turn that screw/adjuster completely the other way (totally restricting air on a closed throttle) so you have no idle and keep it running on the throttle , then go round the block again and you will see you have a ton of engine braking..

On a side note....The only difference between the new fly by wire (FBW) EFI and previous EFI is simply that the throttle cables have been replaced by a sensor that tells the ECU what positon your throttle is in. It merely replaces a couple of cables and a mechanical linkage..
 
#49 ·
On a side note....The only difference between the new fly by wire (FBW) EFI and previous EFI is simply that the throttle cables have been replaced by a sensor that tells the ECU what positon your throttle is in. It merely replaces a couple of cables and a mechanical linkage..
Not really the ONLY difference. Because the throttle position goes through sensors into the computer before reaching the throttle body, the computer ultimately gets to decide how much and how fast to open the throttle. This is a huge problem if the manufacturer tunes the throttle response to be very slow (like most cars these days). With a mechanical throttle you can adjust the cables to your liking. With Ride-by-Wire you have to crack the ECU and retune the response.

The "benefits" are obviously the ability to program in cruise control, traction control, and reduced power ride modes, if you want that sort of nonsense...
 
#51 ·
Test Ride

Demo bike had already done 525 miles, so could up the revs to 5K, cough>:)

Immediate thoughts, gonna need the tall flyscreen for fast cruising. Admittedly today was windy. The Vance & Hines sound good. I had to use the brakes properly on a national speed limit road, when some old fart pulled out in a golf cart, the seat is now Brown. But the Brembos are stupendous! Life savers.

I wouldn't change a thing....this is how everything should be, perfect out of the box.

I have a few weeks To go for my matt black, can't wait.
 
#53 ·
I appreciate all the detailed replies and education about the physics of engine braking.

Note: I am a television executive, and thus, my knowledge of mechanical engineering and the physics of reciprocating mass is about what you'd expect from...a television executive.

I'll fall back on saying that the lump in my Guzzi feels heavy and ponderous, and when I roll off the throttle, it feels like there's a lot of mass resisting the continued forward motion of the bike, where on the Thrux it feels like I have a teeny tiny bobbin spinning along happily with the rest of the bike.

I am sure there are tons of real reasons for it, but I rationalized it the only way my walnut-sized brain can.

I can say that now that I have (temporarily) both bikes in the shed, when I walk out to go for a ride, there's not even a contest in my mind. Maybe it's because the Thrux is new, but it just feels so much more unbound and raring to go... it's irresistible.

- Marc
 
#55 ·
I can say that now that I have (temporarily) both bikes in the shed, when I walk out to go for a ride, there's not even a contest in my mind. Maybe it's because the Thrux is new, but it just feels so much more unbound and raring to go... it's irresistible.

- Marc
On the power side it sure feels like more than 100 horses, but it's the handling that is the real surprise for me.
I had a really good ride on it on some challenging roads yesterday. The traction control was cutting in (and helping) on hard acceleration out of the corners, what a ride. The front wheel would just start to lift off, and before I could react the TC pulled power back, the wheel dropped down then big power comes back in smooth as silk. The whole cycle was done in about 1 second, never felt anything like that before!

Glen
 
#54 ·
Marc, I wonder if there isn't an occasional ECU that's glitched (science term ; -). I test-road a T120 about a month before getting my Thruxton R and was pretty sure, if the R had the same surprisingly unexpected lack of engine braking, I'd probably pass. My first ride on the R (before signing any papers) showed me it was not the case, as it slowed down much differently than the T120 I rode prior. Since being able to ride the new bike quite a bit, I'm really satisfied that the throttle works REALLY GOOD in both directions.

There have been a couple of comments here regarding this. Maybe it's thing? I might have had the T120 in RAIN, so who knows...
 
#59 ·
First fuel stop

Finally had a chance to put some miles on the bike today. It has been raining a 55 for over a week here.

Had to stop for my first refuel since picking the bike up.

Had three people come up and gawk at the bike including a family in a car that the father circled the block to come back and drool.

Yes, this bike is that sexy.>:)
 
#60 ·
oh two other quick points...

The grips are really narrow for my hands. Will definitely need to fix that.

Riding on a sunny day with the sun overhead the glare from the dial is blinding. Can't look down to read them. I am most likely going to put the fairing on anyway and hope that fixes it.
 
#61 ·
I also finally had a chance to put some miles on my bike over the weekend. I took it out to Mulholland in Malibu and did a pass or two of the snake. This has to be hands down the most confidence inspiring bike I can recall ever having thrown a leg over. It feels effortless and intuitive to ride swiftly. I don't push things too hard anymore on the street but it is a very easy bike to keep up an entertaining pace on. It has made me fall in love with riding again and I think it will be a keeper for a very long time.
 
#65 ·
Finally picked up my Thruxton R this weekend. After a year on a Speed Triple R, which was a great bike but just didn't stir my soul, I couldn't be happier sitting astride a Thruxton again. First impressions after 100 miles: it's everything I could ever wish for in a motorbike!

The engine is a torque monster with just enough vibrations from the twin to give it character, and the sound from the V&H pipes is perfectly judged - a subtly menacing snarl with a bit of popping on the overrun. Whereas the mill of the previous Thruxton often sounded like a souped-up sewing machine, the different firing order on the new Thruxton engine gives it that pleasing thump you expect of a twin. It's lovely to have a slipper clutch as well - no more need to blip the throttle on downshifts. And I never thought I'd say this but it actually handles better than the Speed Triple! The center of gravity is lower, it feels much more supple and stable over bumps, drops into corners quicker, and the front end has a lot more feel. I actually took it over some roads from my regular riding route and where I would previously have to concentrate and slightly hold my breath with the Speed, it was totally effortless and confidence-inspiring on the Thruxton. I normally take my bikes to a specialist to get the suspension sorted but I struggle to see how the stock set up could be improved. The clutch and gearbox are effortless, and the brakes are extremely powerful but not at all grabby. And it's great to have all the modern technical features such as the ABS, riding modes, gear position indicator, and fuel range. I'm honestly finding it really difficult to find any negatives about the Thruxton - if pushed, I would say that the rear brake pedal is quite hard to find given the riding position and it's difficult to intuitively locate the indicator button with the low clip ons, but these are truly minor gripes. On the whole, I think Triumph have completely and utterly nailed it with the new Thruxton R!

Here's a few pics from today's ride:

View attachment 373106

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#66 ·
<snip> and it's difficult to intuitively locate the indicator button with the low clip ons, but these are truly minor gripes. On the whole, I think Triumph have completely and utterly nailed it with the new Thruxton R!
Awesome review, thank you. I also found the indicator switch location not to my liking and wanted it lower so it was sitting at thumb-level. You can't just roll the switch on the bar because it's notched, but you can roll the whole bar by loosening it at the clip-on and then reposition the clutch lever, as it is not notched to the bar.

Enjoy your marvelous bike - congrats on choosing red. Red is the fasted color, ask any cop:wink2:
 
#67 ·
@StefLA ... I LOVE YOUR BIKE! I got used to the indicator switch by the end of my second ride... I came from a Speed Triple as well! So that may have something to do with it... I can't comment on the handling compared to yours, as I'm still waiting for my Low Clip-On Kit to come in, that I ordered back in the beginning of March... I love how this bike handles, and can't wait to feel the difference once I have more weight (and less comfort, ha!) on the front fork... The Black Wheels are a total rip-off, to me... But also a necessity since I can't see myself changing my bike for at least a half of a decade. And I just love the black look... Great bike! Congratulations! And welcome to to coolest bike ever club! You're right... I can't believe how well Triumph 'nailed it' with this bike.
 
#68 ·
StefLA-

Beautiful bike-congrats! Question-how much does the lower clip-ons affect your riding position vs stock bars? I'm awaiting delivery of my R hopefully in the next week or 2 and need to order the fairing but concerned about riding position for me as I'm 6' 1. Thoughts appreciated...Thanks.
 
#70 ·
Yes, the black wheels are a rip off - but I think the bike looks so much better with them!

I think I will just try and get used to the indicator switch position. Just a question of re-booting my muscle memory after having gotten used to their position on the Speed Triple.

The lower clip ons are definitely less comfortable than the standard bars but they are not as extreme as a full-on sports bike or a Ducati Paul Smart. I am 1m80 and while my wrists don't hurt from the lower bars, the riding position they impose does strain my lower back a bit. But the more committed riding position just feels right with the bubble fairing. You just need to take more frequent breaks.

Here's a few more pics:

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#71 ·
@StefLA ... Thanks for the feedback on the Low Handlebar Kit. I'm worried I'll hate the comfort, but I also think that once I ride it 3 times, I'll be accustomed to the new riding position, etc... So I guess I'll let you know what I think, sometime in the year 2021, when they finally arrive. (Who do you know?! How did you get them? Ha!) As long as it's more comfortable, or equal to, the D675 I had, then I'll be more than happy.

And I was on the fence about the Black Wheels (only because of the price), but after seeing yours, I will make the plunge. I just like them too much. (Total rip-off or not.)

And thanks for the great pictures.
Cheers.
 
#75 ·
How are the wind effects with the fairing fitted? Is there still enough wind coming over the top of the windshield to lift your upper body some when at highway speed?
This tends to get some weight of the wrists and really helps for comfort. Perhaps the overall lift effect with the fairing and the standard clipons might work OK for us older riders?

Glen
 
#77 ·
Hey guys, picked up my thruxR today -and after my initial 200k, I must say I am impressed. I tried to keep an open mind after having read, and watched all the reviews, most of which gushed about the new Thrux.

It is really an easy bike to jump on and ride, feels light and precise, slipper clutch makes starting so easy, and it's such a light pull.
The brakes are just ferocious, by far the best I've ever experienced. I put it into sport mode almost immediately and loved the throttle response...can't imagine why you would ever want it in a different mode, except in slippery situations. The bike sounds really nice on the throttle....kinda weak at idle however..:for me personally il be uncorking her with an aftermarket system once they start coming into the market as id like a little more volume, and hp/tq that a system will provide.
Obviously the bike is just beautiful, I stopped for a bite to eat and say on the patio so I could stare at my new bike, and at least 10 people stopped or slowed to stare at it.

If I had to pick some negatives, I'd go with what we've already heard, gauges could be brighter at night, and seat is hard.

Can't wait to have this thing broken in, and really get to know her!
 
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