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Am I going to the dark side

5K views 18 replies 15 participants last post by  Jeremy J 
#1 ·
I am new to ridding I bought a bike first of September. Since them I have put over 4000 miles on it. Here's where my debate comes in, I was dead set on a Thruxton love the look and the feel. But I couldn't find one in my price range. I settled on an older bike but insisted on a Triumph. I have been riding an 01 speed triple. She has 36 k on the clock and climbing fast with my 65 mile RT commute 5 days a week and year round. I still want a thruxton. What would the ups and downs be comming from the S3? I know I started with too much power but it is manageable. I don't abuse it or even use it. I am kinda a grampa most of the time. But I like that its there. So do I stick with an S3 just go newer ( I ready don't think i need the 1050) or will a Thruxton but what I want? Wish I could have a commute bike and a fun bike but not the case.
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#2 ·
I know what you're saying, i love the look of the thruxton too, but the lack of overall power and braking put me off compared to the speedy, would make a great second bike, but if you are not using the power of the speedy and have the itch i say go for a demo ride and get it out of your system, everyones bike is just that..their bike, and what suits one may not suit another..go for a ride and find out,only that will sort it.
 
#3 ·
I'm assuming you're asking this in the Thruxton forum as well.

My opinion would be, the Thruxton looks nice but is a noticeable step down in power, suspension, and braking. I'm also not sure if it uses modern performance or 'classic' tires, but that's an easy check. You can upgrade at least the suspension and brakes, but it will start to get very expensive.

If I was in the market for a Thruxton I'd also keep an eye out for a lower-displacement Ducati Monster.
 
#4 ·
With the Thruxton you’ll be able to,( maybe/hopefully) push the envelope of its design, feel as if you’re using 90% of its capabilities, relive the days of yore, pretend you’re poppin’ round the Ace Café to chat up some bird, and do a ton up knowing damn well you’re making that vertical twin earn its keep. Speed is more than a number and breaking into the triple digits on a Thruxton is,( subjectively) faster just as downhill skiing at 40mph is different than doing it in a Lincoln Continental and for the same reason, because your brain is telling your adrenal glands “AAAH! We’re gona DIE!” Plus, you’ll be able to give some sedans, almost all minivans and quite a few American bikes a run for their money! Cool, eh?
 
#10 ·
How true !. Unless going long distance I usually ride my old 350. You have to use the whole rev range & work the gearbox to make any haste. It`s very entertaining.
On the Spd. 3 once into 3rd gear I spend to much time checking the speedo for fear of losing my licence, & wondering if I`ll get a chance to use the other 3 gears.
The video of the Thruxton was rivetting. To get the triple`s engine singing like that I`d need a lawyer on retainer.:D.
 
#6 ·
I posted the same on the Cafe racer site and you all have the same points. I need to find where my hart is , performance or the look and feel of the thruxton sounds like I will giving up a lot in the performance area. I guess my decision not to get a Japanese bike for my first was a curse of its own. Now I have some soul searching to do!
Thanks for all the comments as a newbie I am learning everyday and will never assume I know anything. It seems safer that way. What if I went vintage and kept the s3 for the long haul and commutes? That would take some convincing of the wife and lots of flowers.
 
#9 ·
If I were getting a bike with the intent of using for long haul and commute, with a naked Sunday bike for the curvy joyrides, I would look at something faired and possibly set up stock for luggage. 2 bikes are great but it's nice to have them fairly different, and it'll be easier picking the right bike for the job. If it involves the wife it's also nice to have a place for her to sit - the S3 has a small pillion to begin with and tends to lose it entirely when luggage is involved.
 
#12 ·
You've got to ride it, only way you will truly know, last year I was thinking of trading my speedy for an ST to do some long distance touring with the wife, hated it,tried a 1050 tiger, hated it...still got speed triple, I love old bikes and the thruxton is on my shopping list at some stage, rode one with loud pipes and the grin was ear to ear, not quick but quick enough for me, made me feel good riding it, aint that what its all about !

Or as the previous photo, make your own and have some real fun :)
 
#13 ·
Love the thruxton look and would have 1 as a second bike, had the old t509 and loved it but it was a bit gutless, got an 07 1050 s3 now and wouldn't ever change it ( maybe a rocket 3 when I'm wrinkly ) !! I've also had plenty of rice burners but they just feel soulless and clinical. I'd say keep the s3 for commuting and giggles and get a thruxton for weekend fun and proper retro feel.


Sent from my iPhone using MO Free
 
#18 ·
I was on a '12 Thruxton before switching over to the S3R, one of the best decisions I ever made. Just my opinion only, but the Thruxton is about good for looks and nostalgia, and that's about it. It's underpowered, heavy, and the brakes are crap. My legs would cramp up about every other ride, and when getting off the bike after 30-45 min of riding, I could barely walk. The S3 is much more comfortable, and much more capable. Now, I still like the classic look, and think due to the more relaxed riding position, albeit same motor, the Scrambler or Bonneville would be a fun little bike to scoot around town it. I may have missed it, but if there is any way you can get a ride on both, it will help you make up your mind.

choices, choices!:gah
 
#19 ·
I am in the same boat as Pusher52. I bought a 2011 Thruxton because I had always wanted a classic cafe without the reliability headaches of my old CB750. The Predators made it sound terrific.


What a nice bike. You have almost no chance of getting gas without having a conversation about it. My neighbors would come strolling down the alley and hold me up every time I started it up. It was a lot of fun for what it was.

But then...
I rode it on a 4 day trip in to the Ozarks and could not have been in more pain. :) I could handle the first two tanks of gas but during the third, my legs would be hurting, My ass ached and my wrists hurt. I'm in my mid 30s so I am not that old damnit! I've ridden plenty of sport bikes so I know what an aggressive riding position can do to you. This bike just wasn't for me. Here is how it looked when I sold it. Still love how it looked.


I had always wanted a S3 so I called my dealer to see if they had a demo. Sure enough he had a 2007 Roulette Green. I swung by after work and took it for a ride. Oh man. I know you all know how I felt that first time. It was the most unique riding experience I have ever had. I am upright, but I have all this power and torque. The headlights aren't moving with the forks so that is creating a strange visual sensation. I roll on the throttle and the wheel comes up incredibly easy. What a ride!

I could see myself sitting on this thing all day! After a few months of looking I found my 2010 and could not be happier. Read some threads about touring and set it up with some nice Ventura racks. Lowered the pegs and I really can ride it all day. Not wrist pain and no major leg pain.

You really need to ride both to make a decision. I might have still bought a Thruxton if I had the S3 first. I needed to scratch that itch. During the time I had both, the Thruxton barely was ridden. I just couldn't find a use for it. The S3 did everything better and looks just as good. I mean seriously. Look at this thing!


Good luck making the decision. Both are terrific bikes.
 
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