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Was Pretty set on a 2012 Thruxton but then!

7K views 35 replies 20 participants last post by  Sheepdog 
#1 · (Edited)
I have an opportunity to get a 2012 Red Thruxton at a pretty good price. Went to my local dealer to sit on one. They only had the green. (I'll keep opinions on that to myself) but it was good enough to sit on.

I am 6'2" 230lbs so fit is important. I haven't test driven the bike yet. I currently have a 2011 Speed Triple and want to add another bike to my garage. So while I was sitting on the Thrux I noticed to my left a Moto Guzzi. I typically never look at em as for some reason I consider them unreliable and over priced plus I am loyal to the Triumph brand, maybe until now.

I saw this exact bike. Pics from the article:

http://dbrentmiller.com/2012/10/1st-look-at-the-2013-moto-guzzi-v7-stone/










It fit well, better than the Thrux, perhaps more like a Bonnie but I don't like the Bonnies for whatever reason. They just don't do it for me but thie MG does.

Anyone ride the latest V7? I have read a few topics on here and across the interwebs, trying to get some info. They also have a demo black which I think I'll have to test drive. I am concerned to the lack of power over the Thrux but the seating position and the tank size may win me over.
 
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#2 ·
Personaly I find em a bit too small. I'm 6'3". Be aware they only punt out about 47hp though they are lighter so maybe performance is on par. The Main disadvantage is that Guzzi dealers are harder to find in the UK than Triumph and the supply of aftermarket bits is much smaller. You can modify a Thruxton to your hearts content if you wish, but that Guzzi will remain more or less as the factory intended it unless you are very handy.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I imagine you went with the bonnie as it fit better? The Speed Triple I have has a slightly pitched leg position, which isn't as bad as full sport. Sitting on the Thrux I feel it's even more pitched being smaller, meaning I have even more angle at the knee. I also had knee surgery last year so my left knee can get tight if it's tucked in for too long. I don't do well over the long haul in this position and have some concerns about that. How does your Bonnie feel? What kind of weight are you putting on it?

I love the look of that cafe Guzzi for sure. I don't care for the power being so low. But then maybe it would depend on the type of riding you do and if the ride is more comfortable, seat, legs not cramped. I do have an issue with my legs cramping up on my Thruxton, I now ride a standard Bonneville for that reason. I do miss the front brake on the thrux. I've heard the brakes work better on the Guzzi in some ride report i read a awhile back.
We share the same issues with the legs. I get enough of the fast and fun riding on my S3. I need another bike when I tinker on it and wouldn't mind something a little different. Power isn't a huge deal for me I think in this decision. Comfort is and the fuel economy looks really good as well. I really love the Thruxton's style and would love another Triumph but I think that might not happen.

I'm surprised the brakes are different. Are the parts easily interchangeable?
 
#4 ·
Like many have said I wish it had around a 70HP power plant. Then I think I'd do it without hesitation.

Dynos even put 40HP at the wheel where the Thrux is over 60. Torque is flatter with the Thrux as well as higher throughout the range. This bike tends to fall off in higher RPMs. :/ Guess I'll have to ride it as power isn't what's important in this bike.
 
#5 · (Edited)
My first thought is that you need to test drive it. This should be an absolute, non-negotiable point. You need to see how you fit, how it handles, how it stops, how it shifts and above all if you can live with the power it has. I'm guessing they are about the same on price point but the Thruxton will be easily at 65/70hp with pipes, airbox mods and a new map. For the same money the Guzzi will be no where near that.

If that all works for you then you could end up with a very versatile platform that can ultimately be turned into one of the most beautiful bikes every made:




http://www.kaffee-maschine.net/html/en/html/machine7_1.php

http://www.bikeexif.com/resto-mod-moto-guzzi-le-mans
 
#6 · (Edited)
I know nothing about the Guzzi's except what I've read here. I, too, feel a bit of loyalty to the Triumph brand. What was posted about the power would leave me a little flat, but I must say, it is a very cool looking bike. I love the black rims and bigger tank. The handlebars already look good, too. It already has a very cafe'd look to it, which I wouldn't feel much need to mess with.

It looks like it fits you well, also. I can see why it's caught your eye. But, as I stated earlier, I don't think I could deal with the lack of power. Many riders leave their Twins stock, but that's something that I just can't leave alone. Even though I'm at mid 60's rwhp, I'm still going for more. But that's just me.

Edit: I forgot to note that I completely agree with the comment on the beauty of the other bike.
 
#10 ·
Another Guzzi option is to take some time and look for a V-11 Sport-here's a bit on them
http://www.visordown.com/reviews/motorcycles/naked/moto-guzzi-v11-sport-2001---2006/review/4396.html

More room, more power, less money and most owners get them sorted out (much like we do on the Bonnys). Guzzi's feel very different than anything else and it takes a few hundred/thousand miles to really gel with them. But if you have the Guzzi gene hidden in you it's worth it. In my experience a V-11 would make a nice complement to your Speed 3, both of which I've owned.
 
#11 ·
I had a Thruxton the first year 04 black. I could not ride that thing for more then 10 miles without being in pain all over my body. Went back to a standard Bonneville for that reason. I think the Guzzi looks like it fits you well with the bend in your legs and the bar height. More comfortable and more my style ride for sure. If you had knee surgery that Thruxton may not be a good fit...just saying... Good luck.
 
#12 ·
I've been doing a little more research and it seems I might be able to get the best of both or all 3 worlds. A Triumph, the styling of the Thruxton and the more laxed seating position of a bonneville. Is it true that I can fit a Thruxton seat and cowl to a bonneville? Then I'd appreciate the look more.

This is a really nice bike and something I would strive for:

 
#13 ·
I've been bitten by the Guzzi bug over the past few years

I'm certain, however, that at some time in the near future, there will be another Bonnie in the stable.

The Guzzi bug first struck when I saw where the factory was selling off unsold 1200 Sports at a steep discount. 'Well, why not?' That was late 2009.

Then, this past June, a more severe attack. To date, 34,000 miles on the 08 1200 Sport, 4400 miles on the '12 Griso 8vSE.
 

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#14 ·
Moogs, The Bonneville and Thruxton share the same engine and frame.

The wheels and forks are different. Thats about it. All other parts are interchangable.

If you want to get a base model Bonneville, put the Thruxton seat and mirrors on it and buy some after-market rear-sets to move the pegs back that can and has been done many a time.
 
#16 ·
Well ****. Contrary to what I originally thought I am working on a deal for a 2013 Jet Black T100 Bonneville. I feel it's the best fit, power, looks, etc. etc.. for me. Stoked that I am staying in the Triumph brand and I can tweak it all sorts of ways to make it my own. Incredible really what the possibilities are between the twins.
 
#20 ·
I had a long test ride on a V7 Stone and liked the thing..... alot!

Weights only 395 lbs, great torque from low on the bottom, excellant build quality, and very comfy for me. Probably won't win many races but was a fun bike to ride.

It's funny how folks here say they're gutless and they ride a Thruxton! Compared to an R1, Speed Triple, Street Triple, etc.... the Thruxton is gutless. :p

For me it's all about the smile a ride puts on my face, not the HP under my ass. Yep, the V7 made me smile! :D

Regards, Paul
 
#28 ·
#30 ·
My '04 Thruxton continues to put smiles on my face; my Guzzi V11 is great but a little too heavy (and starting to become a little too fast as I approach my 40 year anniversary of riding); but that new V7 Racer has me drooling (no, not the uncontrolled drooling from being nursing-home ready:)

http://www.v7racer.com/img/icons/V7Racer_STATIC-1-new.jpg

Shep
 
#31 · (Edited)
The 2013 MG 750's are claiming an increase in HP and torque, and the compression increased from 9:1 to10:1 MG were always great on the highway, and I think these new bikes show alot of potenitial. I will probably be checking them out. Doesn't mean I would sell the T100 though. My 850T MG was the most solid bike on the open ride that I have been on, and okay around town.
 
#32 ·
This bike has got my interest. I've been on one in the past and it sure was a good handling machine. I didn't notice a lack of power at all. In fact I thought it had very nice torque. Much more torque then my Thrux. It pulled hard at the lower RPM's. It delivers power different then a Triumph, more like a Sportster type feel. The brakes were much better in my opinion as well as seating position along with my legs not feeling so bent back and cramped..
 
#34 ·
Just to clarify, Guzzis are extraordinarily reliable. Though they often need to be sorted a bit when new, they are overbuilt and very easy to service. Everyone that I've talked to about their V7 (particularly the newest ones) just rave about them, citing a very torquey powerband, light weight, and stellar handling. If you have a Guzzi dealer within 100 miles, they are worth checking out...
 
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