Triumphrat

Antmakka · 06-20-2007, 04:29 PM

S3 went in for it's 2nd service today and the dealer lent me a Thruxton 900. What a laugh I'm having. Must be half the power and
torque of Speedy so I have to plan all passing further in advance. Makes you concentrate a lot more knowing you can't just blast past
anything whenever you like. It would make a great 2nd bike, but it's
just too impracticable to be my only bike. My dream garage has just
received another addition. The other bike I could have borrowed was
the SpeedMaster, but that's just too laid back for me. Anyone else ridden a Thruxton? What do you think?

[ This message was edited by: Antmakka on 2007-06-20 14:37 ]

R100Pilot · 06-20-2007, 05:11 PM

I actually considered buying a Thruxton, but never got to the test ride stage. I'd love to try one - looks like a blast, even if it's nowhere near as fast. The thing about 'em is, there's a lot you can do to open up that engine, without havin' to fiddle with computers. And if you're a glutton, you can get a big bore kit. Check out the Thruxton forum here - there are a lot of cool bikes.

I have ridden the Redhead's America, and it's an interesting ride - especially trying to remember to put your feet FORWARD to reach the pegs once you get going. Once you get used to the position, though, it's an easy to handle bike and gets a lot of attention.

But what the hey - I can find something to like about almost anything with two wheels.

jimmydean · 06-20-2007, 05:24 PM

Man I rode that Thruxton and I want one. It may not be the superbike of dreams but it looks way coool, feels cool just an all out fun ride. I went on a 45mins demo ride 2 months ago and me and the two mechanics/ leaders left the group after a light. They were on the speedy and Day675, I follwed them through some back roads and they were amazed I was still hanging with them. They laghed hard when I tried to wheelie= man the bike is heavy.
All in all I loved it and plan on getting one when my speedy is paid off.......but I want a Rocket III too....descisions, descisions :???:
Now the Duck has a awesome looking retro bike too......need to try that one on for size asap :-D

kwajazz · 06-20-2007, 08:14 PM

yup, I got one. see pic below.

They are great. You can ride it fast, you'll just be carrying more corner speed and planning ahead for stopping and getting on the gas. Nothing happens instantly on it except for the fun factor. It's sort of a head trip riding it. Makes you feel like you are Mike Hailwood blasting around the neighborhood.

Much cooler with some louder pipes than the stock ones you probably experienced. Makes a great second, third, fourth or 27th bike!!!!!

kjazzz

KungFooJimmy · 06-20-2007, 09:51 PM

The Triple may have gobs of power that the Thruxton can't touch, but there's something exhilarating about pushing the smaller twin towards its limits that's been missing for me with the S3.

When you're doing better than the ton on that classic chassis, something about the engine vibrations and suspension lets you know you're pushing it hard. But the S3 does 100+ without even breathing hard, and above 125 the wind is so fierce it's difficult to read the feedback from the road.

I'd never give up my Triple, but I'd sure as hell snag a Thruxton if I had the extra cash.

thewolf-Oz · 06-21-2007, 09:27 AM

I feel ripped off... I only got a Suzuki GS500 as a courtesy bike...

But then again, I just needed something to get me to work and back to the dealer - 30 mins round trip

NinjaRAT · 06-21-2007, 10:03 AM

I love the looks of the Thruxton, but after test riding, I realized that it's ergos weren't for me. It's not that I'm against the leaned forward, low clip-on, style of bikes, but with the thruxton, I couldn't grab the tank with my knees to offer my arms a break. Riding that bike, would get old fast.

Also, it might have been the demo bike, but it didn't handle for ****e. Possibly the suspension wasn't dialed in for me, but didn't steer well at all. Then again, it might have been the combination of short wheel base and low clip-ons that got to me.

Power and sound were spot on. Maybe not in-line with my other bikes, but with better ergos, the bike would be a hoot.

As for the Speedmaster, I've ridden my wife...I mean, my wife's. As R1000 mentioned, it's strange putting your feet forward, but other wise the bike handles (though it sort of flops into corners, due to the longish rake) well and is comfy. My only complaint is lack of power. The Bonneville engine is in dire need of new pipes and jetting.

Oh, and the pegs drag real good thru the mountains of N. GA. :hammer:

Euro · 06-21-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

On 2007-06-20 15:11, R100Pilot wrote:
it's an interesting ride - especially trying to remember to put your feet FORWARD to reach the pegs once you get going. Once you get used to the position, though, it's an easy to handle bike and gets a lot of attention.

But what the hey - I can find something to like about almost anything with two wheels.

+1
haha I hate that. I have to do that with my dad's v-rod.

R100Pilot · 06-21-2007, 04:13 PM

If the loaner looked like this, I might never give it back:

Litlgi74 · 06-22-2007, 12:38 AM

Quote:

On 2007-06-21 07:27, thewolf-Oz wrote:
I feel ripped off... I only got a Suzuki GS500 as a courtesy bike...

But then again, I just needed something to get me to work and back to the dealer - 30 mins round trip

I got a BMW R1150R... Probably the worst bike I have ever ridden. YUCK! Though the bike does have nice brakes and hand warmers, everything else on the bike is lack luster at best. The bike makes you feel like you are going in slow motion. First gear is the only somewhat exciting gear. Then the gear ratio is set up for 20 mph. Yuck! Why would anyone have interest in this bike, I will never now.

I was hoping for a Thruxton or a Scrambler. Maybe next time.

John