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Thruxton R vs TBS

6K views 36 replies 13 participants last post by  Bearr 
#1 ·
Has anyone ridden the Thruxton R and can compare it with riding the TBS, maybe modded with cams, jetting, and ignition?
Triumph calls out 97 PS on the Thruxton R with that new 1200 twin. My google converter calls that 95HP. That's pretty good.
I'm going to guesstimate that I had in the neighborhood of 90 HP at the rear wheel with my TBS, but I never did a dyno run.
I'm sitting here, thinking about my TBS and it's premature fate, reading up on some other bikes. I still think I can put the TBS together again. I've been looking at wheels on Buchanon's website, front ends on ebay. The problem is that I'm not in a position to do anything right now. I can't really go outside and start dismantling the TBS, and I'm not in a position to start acquiring parts. I can't do anything with them anyway.
I've been reading what I can on the new Thruxton, but I would like to find a direct comparison between it and the TBS. The Thruxton is so electronic. I really had come to love and appreciate the "mechanicalness" of the TBS. I absolutely loved the feel of the carbed engine. I have an injected Sprint ST which is a fine bike. But, it's no TBS, if that makes any sense.

---Charlie
 
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#2 ·
I have a Tbs and am on the verge of testriding a thruxton R with the lower bars and the fairing. Most people don't like the think tank but if does help shorter people like me. I'll give you some feedback once I've ridden it. Get well soon buddy


Zee

2000 Triumph Thunderbird Sport
2015 BMW F700GS
 
#3 ·
Thanks, Zee
 
#4 ·
I haven't ridden one, but I have had a few long conversations with a buddy who has one with almost 5k on it now (spoiler: he loves the thing). Also judging by his speed and wheelies on a few rides, it's a helluva performer. It'll outperform the TBS in all regards - it's 50lbs lighter, with better suspension and about 30ft/lbs of torque over the TBS.

You'd have to do a full suspension swap, add lightness, and 955 conversion (or super III specs) to match or beat the Thruxton R. If you can and want to do the work, you can do it yourself on a reasonable budget. Whether or not that is worth it to you is up to you.
 
#7 ·
I own a Thruxton R (and Daytona Super 3) and have ridden several TBS's. There is really no comparison, and while the TBS is a fine machine in its own right, the R is modern, light, with top flight components. I'd own a TBS, the 885 triple is a fine motor, if a bit too heavy, but it's nestled In a 20 plus year old frame. If you can afford the Thruxton, it's the deal. The TBS would be a fine alternative otherwise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#8 · (Edited)
Thanks for your informative replies everyone. I'm just kind of thinking out loud right now, with nothing but time on my hands. I really do like the look of the Thruxton R, especially with the track fairing. And it sounds like the performance is all there. I don't mind a sportbike-like riding position. I'm used to it, and kind of prefer it. I was more stretched out over the front on my TBS than I am on my Sprint ST, due to the clubman bars and the Street Triple bar risers. But, you know, I really loved that TBS. I still didn't have the tail light/license plate worked out where I wanted it, but that 3 into 3 exhaust was the absolute neatest thing since sliced bread. The downpipes are destroyed. My front wheel is toast, but a rim and spokes wouldn't be too terrible of a hit in wallet. As much as I hate cleaning spoked wheels, I do like the way they look on this bike. I don't know if I could keep a straight face with a dealership as far as getting a test ride on a Thruxton R. I think everyone in the world knows that I really like the older Triumphs over the new ones. But I absolutely LOVE that polished top clamp on the Thruxton R. She's purdy. But my TBS was, in my opinion, the baddest a$$ bike around. Not the fastest, not the best suspension, but I always felt like a million and one bucks on it everytime I got on the road. I'll have to keep my eye on the T/R while I work on a budget for the TBS. Trust me, rebuilding the TBS is a crazy idea; it's that messed up, but I think it is doable. Triumph has some cool bikes out now/ coming out soon. That Street Twin looks really bad a$$, kind of like a streetfighter version of the Thruxton R. (Oops, I meant to say the upcoming Speed Twin) I just don't know if a twin would move my soul like the triple has?
And what's this that I have read that Triumph will not make a service manual available? That's kind of a deal breaker for me.
I better get back to watching the hockey game.

---Charlie
 
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#12 · (Edited)
Trust me, I've looked at that for a while. I could go 08-16 Hayabusa with the brembo brakes, and the only real bugger of doing that is the floating discs required. But now that i'm in the position that I'm in, it's an option, not a deal breaker. I'm going to have to check out the front hub and see how it survived. The front wheel is absolutely mangled. That's one thing that really pi$$es me off, and it really shouldn't. That wheel scrubbed off a lot of speed for my benefit. But, I laced it, so it really stung that it got mangled so badly. This would be an excellent opportunity to put USD forks on the bike. But, to be honest with you, I wouldn't be opposed to a set of damper rod forks, like out of a Sprint. They don't have the bling that the USD forks present, but they are tuneable with Gold Valve Emulators and the correct springs, and once you are tuned, your basically set, right? I mean, USD forks, or TBS forks, or Kayaba damper rod forks, once you get the parts and get them set up for yourself, you're done. I did like the look of the fork gaitors that I had on the TBS, and I can't use them with USD forks. One other thing about the TBS, I LOVED the front fender. Once again, mine is destroyed. But I know I really don't like the look of, basically, a sportbike front fender on something like a Thruxton or TBS. Could I live with it? Sure! But I would prefer to have that stock TBS fender, and conventional forks would provide for that for a lot less than an USD conversion would cost.
So many choices, different ways to go. Sometimes I think my head might explode!
I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and ideas. Keep the good ideas coming.

---Charlie
 
#10 ·
This is an interesting conversation. I have not ridden either, but I know that my next Triumph will be a modern classic of some sort. I have had a massive crush on the TBS for some time and had been committed to buying one, when the new Thruxton R was announced. That damn Thruxton R has made my decision MUCH more difficult. It is simply sexy! But that TBS is a beautiful machine and it would be nice to have a carbureted motorcycle to get my fingers greasy on.

I am a year or so away from making my purchase (I have to pay for this Rocket first; wife's rule) so I am certain I will change my mind a thousand times. Not sure I could go wrong either way.
 
#11 ·
So I am late to this conversation but would like to toss in my 2 cents. I had a chance to ride a T120 this past summer (I know, not a Thruxton) and was fortunate to be able to ride it and my stock (engine) Thunderbird back to back. Power wise there was really no comparison, way more torque in all revs over the 885 and the T120 handles and rode well. What was interesting riding the Thunderbird immediately after is that compared to the Thunderbird the T120 felt a little bland, almost Honda like it it's refinement. The Thunderbird definitely had a more mechanical feel.

Hope this doesn't upset the Twin Forum.:)
 
#13 ·
Charlie,
If it's the fender that is holding you back, I'll pull you a 'glass one to use with the USD forks. I still have the mold from my TBS build

I used GP tuned gsxr 600/750 forks with extenders for my build and the ride is incredible. If you want to stick with the spoked wheel, a Harley narrow glide dual disc hub and redrilled hayabusa rotors will work.

My own .02 is that it's always a better feeling resurrecting a bike you love than rolling something off the showroom floor and joining the masses.
 
#14 ·
I hear you. That was one thing that I liked about my TBS so much. There wasn't another one like anywhere in the area.

---Charlie
 
#15 ·
No doubt the Thruxton R has a more relaxed and powerful engine over a stock TBS, but the fairer comparison is with a Green Cam'd TBS, where the performance would be much closer.

Funny how someone declared the TBS frame '20 yrs old', I'm guessing they meant the Thrux frame is more modern?

Lol, the opposite is true. The Thrux cradle frame and twin shock swing arm is probably 60yrs old in design terms. You won't see much any performance bike of the last 25yrs without a mono shock. And nor will you see one not using the main frame as a stressed member, greatly increasing stiffness, for a given mass of frame material.

The Thrux R clearly wins with it's USD Showa Big Piston forks, but its cradle frame and shorter twin shock swing arm are out of the 1950s. (But visually, I guess that's the point?) Now, with its nice Ohlins shocks it's probably pretty good, certainly in street performance terms, but better than a TBS chassis? Not in basic design, no.

That said, the old school twin shock design does mean a shorter wheelbase is easy to achieve, with significant gains in turning agility (for a given trail figure). This does seem to be borne out by testers' positive comments.

Depending which specs you read, the TBS is in theory some 12 kg to 21 kg heavier in the (infamous) manufacturer 'dry weight' figures. However, the Thrux R is supposedly 2kg lighter than the old 865cc air cooled Thruxton in 'dry weight'. Is that credible? Great if it is, but I'd like to see the bike weighed?

Bearing in mind the respective frame designs, it's not obvious where the weight savings have come from? (One area is maybe the 160 rear tyre/rim combo.. noted by one tester as a reason the TC kicked in more often than expected.)

Still... the Thruxton R test reviews are very positive about the bike's performance in engine, handling and suspension, so it's obviously a totally different bike to the old air cooled models. And for the extra price, the 'R' upgrades are totally worth it imho, and essential to lift it above a TBS (albeit a slightly 'tweaked' TBS).

I must admit I'd love to get a test ride on a Thruxton R, tho' as I'm getting longer in the tooth, the obvious lighter weight of Street Triple might be more appealing still... if I could afford either!
 
#17 ·
Nah, don't waste your time on old rubbish Charlie, buy something new & interesting instead!

Here, I found something a little safer for ya -



Enjoy :D.
 
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#18 ·
Just to ruin this whole new thruxton R discussion. I would only buy it if I could drill holes for risers and use a lower (in theory much higher than stock) handlebar situation. I ain't getting any younger


Zee

2000 Triumph Thunderbird Sport
2015 BMW F700GS
 
#19 ·
Hey Arfer,
That front wheel would give me lots of protection from the left turn ladies around here. That's a BIG crush zone. But I don't think I can live with those forward pegs. I like the burnt orange though.

IrlMike, I was thinking the same thing about the frame on the Thrux/R. Hey, Triumph is selling it up. It looks like a nice bike. I think the start is the suspension. And for the markup in price, it does look like a relative bargain. I watched one video on youtube where a writer from motorcyclist magazine takes the bike on his morning commute. The impression I got from the video was that the 1200 is a low rpm engine. Peak HP at 6700 rpm. That's where I'm used to the "hit" coming on. I know all about torque, it's the power. But I don't like an engine that quits early. I know, gearing takes care of that, and if the bike is designed to take advantage of the engine's power band, it will be a better bike. I would assume Triumph did this. The Thrux/R looks like everything is laid out, well thought out. (let's not talk about the gas cap).
I need to get out and look at some bikes. And I need to start taking a look at my TBS to see what I have left. $15.5K on a bike isn't something I can do right now. I could probably get 2 or 3 bikes that I would REALLY be happy with for that kind of money. I'm not saying the Thrux/R isn't worth the price, not at all. It's just that there are some bikes that I would probably rather have, and price is a factor. 93-98 Triumph Tiger. 95 Trident. Any of the Super III's, Daytona 900 or 1200, or 955. But that Thrux/r sure is a pretty package.

---Charlie
 
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#20 ·
Yeah, $15500 is a lot of cash on one bike, but the Thrux R is so new.... maybe it's a future buy for a pampered 5 yr old machine? (It's rev limiter kicks in at 7,500rpm btw, but is it another case of Triumph's Arrow pipe more$$ 'option' really being essential to hear that 270deg motor on song?)

Here's an idea for you... why not give the TBS a full Ohlins front end upgrade? Surely at least one TBS is deserving that kind of treatment? Might cost half that Thrux R money to do, but what a special bike? (With some other tasteful custom work to match..) Maybe make that TBird Sport 'R' that the factory might have made? ; ) :D
 
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#21 ·
Surely at least one TBS is deserving that kind of treatment? Might cost half that Thrux R money to do, but what a special bike? (With some other tasteful custom work to match..) Maybe make that TBird Sport 'R' that the factory might have made? ; ) :D
What's mine, chopped liver??


:crying:

But seriously, there are a few fork options on eBay with ohlins cartridge kits that can be had for sub $1000. A good aftermarket rear shock can be had between $400-900 (although I'm very happy with my $55 zx6r shock). If Ohlins are too $$$, there are plenty of other companies tuning forks. I'm extremely happy with my GP suspension tuned gsxr forks. Either way, building your own TBS-R is certainly possible on a budget of 1/3-1/2 the price of a Thruxton R.
 
#23 ·
I like how you have that fender on there. I also like how your fairing doesn't have a seam(s) front and center.
That front end looks good on there.

---Charlie
 
#25 ·
^^^ That's beautiful, very well done.
 
#28 ·
From what I've read in the forums here, the build quality of the new bikes from Triumph leaves a lot to be desired. I'd be looking elsewhere, and in fact I am! I've been looking at and test riding new bikes for over a year now and Triumph doesn't even appear on my list - sadly. Honestly, for the money they cost and the lack of features I'd rather buy a Yamaha XSR900. Cheaper, faster, and in my opinion much better looking with the yellow & black tank. And with the eight grand saved I could poof it up to my heart's content and still go back home to Aus for a long holiday!

But it's all in the eye of the beholder, that's just my opinion.

What I have learnt is that a bike must make you smile or laugh while riding, if it doesn't then it's not worth it.
 
#29 ·
From what I've read in the forums here, the build quality of the new bikes from Triumph leaves a lot to be desired. I'd be looking elsewhere, and in fact I am! I've been looking at and test riding new bikes for over a year now and Triumph doesn't even appear on my list - sadly. Honestly, for the money they cost and the lack of features I'd rather buy a Yamaha XSR900. Cheaper, faster, and in my opinion much better looking with the yellow & black tank. And with the eight grand saved I could poof it up to my heart's content and still go back home to Aus for a long holiday!



But it's all in the eye of the beholder, that's just my opinion.



What I have learnt is that a bike must make you smile or laugh while riding, if it doesn't then it's not worth it.


I can laugh AT the XSR900. Does that count?
 
#31 ·
Hi Charlie,


I haven't been on the forum in weeks, and just read about your mishap. So sorry to hear that! Glad you are mending and thinking about getting back in the saddle!


As for what to do about rebuilding or buying new, here's my take on it:


1- Triumph NA is a custerfluck right now, seemingly bent on driving out every small mom and pop dealer. Five, yes I said five! of the Triumph dealers in my region have closed. Even though I think the new Thruxton (in green) has to be the most beautiful bike they have built in a while, I would never drop that kind of money on a bike that has such poor dealer representation across the country, especially if I intended to ride it anywhere except my local streets. Several of their new models have also had teething issues (I'm thinking of the Tiger 1200 engine and valve issues especially), but if you are determined to get a new one, I would wait until the second or third year to be sure they have them properly sorted.


2- The character of the triple engine, especially the torque band, is what I find most appealing about these bikes. I'm no racer, but I also don't let the grass grow under either of my triples, and I have never felt like I lacked power to ride safely and enthusiastically, even fully loaded touring. MPG is always low 40's for me, fully loaded, and both my triples are as reliable as a stone. I think the classic triples are well balanced in terms of their ability to go and to stop. Ratcheting up the performance is fine as long as you don't forget to bring your brakes and suspension in line as well, but even with some modest tweaking, these are bikes that can run all day every day without crippling the rider's back or his wallet.


3- The TBS is simply the most gorgeous of the classic triples, and is respected by every rider who sees it, both for its beauty and its rarity. They aren't making any more of them.


4- The ability to diagnose and maintain your own bike without being forced to go back to the dealer is worth its weight in gold. I am comfortable riding my bikes anywhere with just my tool kit on board, and I am so familiar with their feel that I instantly detect the smallest change in their behavior. Doing all of the work myself not only saves me a ton of money, but ultimately I am responsible for maintaining the safe operation of my bike, and no mechanic at the dealership is going to feel quite as personally invested as I am, no matter how good he or she may be.


5- Lastly, new bike prices are obscene. You could find 3 TBS's in pristine condition for the cost of that new Thruxton, if your own turns out to be too damaged after all.


Fast healing!
 
#32 ·
Thanks Scott,
I appreciate your take on the situation.
Let's face it, with 4 daughters on college right now, I'm not going to be buying at $15K Thrux. For that kind of money, I could probably acquire 3 very capable Triumphs that are high on my list: A 93-98 Steamer, A 900 Trident, And maybe a SuperIII.
I'll know more about the TBS when I'm able to get out and start taking her apart. I know I'll need a frame, a front end, a shift lever and footpeg, and downpipes to build a new 3 into 3 exhaust. From there, I'm really not sure.
I do know that I really love the triple engine, especially compared to a twin.
 
#33 ·
Thanks Scott,

I appreciate your take on the situation.

Let's face it, with 4 daughters on college right now, I'm not going to be buying at $15K Thrux. For that kind of money, I could probably acquire 3 very capable Triumphs that are high on my list: A 93-98 Steamer, A 900 Trident, And maybe a SuperIII.

I'll know more about the TBS when I'm able to get out and start taking her apart. I know I'll need a frame, a front end, a shift lever and footpeg, and downpipes to build a new 3 into 3 exhaust. From there, I'm really not sure.

I do know that I really love the triple engine, especially compared to a twin.

Charlie,
Even if you don't buy that frame from me, I'll gladly send you over a shift lever and footpeg to get you back on the road.

Get that TBS back on the road.

How you healing so far?
 
#34 ·
I have a slightly grazed peg and a shift lever too. Slightly bent but easily usable. I also have stock risers for sale. The peg and shift lever are yours for the price of postage. We want you back on the Tbs.


Zee

2000 Triumph Thunderbird Sport
2015 BMW F700GS
 
#35 · (Edited)
Thanks guys.
Jason,
I'm probably going to want to buy your frame, because you have the title with it. Without a title, I'm dead in the water.

I'm healing ok. Surgeon seemed happy with it so far. I got a new cast last week. I get the one pin pulled out next friday. And I should lose the cast in 3 weeks.
Zee, a little bent is ok. I'm good with a little bent. My TBS had a bent shift lever and rear brake lever when I got it. First thing I did when I got it home was put some heat to it and straighten it up. I can work with bent! :smile2:
 
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#36 · (Edited)
You mean something like this with clip ons instead of sit up & beg?
86hp at rear wheel. very light front end when twisting right hand loads of torque & I wouldn't swap it for anything just love it!
& carbied bikes are so much easier to tune(if you know how)! I agree a tad heavy, but with most of Legal crap Off lose about 20k's
 
#37 ·
You mean something like this with clip ons instead of sit up & beg?
86hp at rear wheel. very light front end when twisting right hand loads of torque & I wouldn't swap it for anything just love it!
& carbied bikes are so much easier to tune(if you know how)! I agree a tad heavy, but with most of Legal crap Off lose about 20k's
Sorry for double post!
 

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