So I initially put a deposit down on a Thruxton R, but switched to a T120 mainly because I was having back problems & didn't think it would tolerate the lean on an R.
Well my back problems are virtually gone after some surgery & physical therapy. So I think I might go back to the Thruxton. I'm posting because I am looking for some insight from experienced Bonnie riders.
I will mainly be riding to and from work, for fun or day trips (probably not over 8 hours straight). I really don't know what to do.
My Options are:
1. Keep my deposit on my Matte Graphite T120
2. Go back to the Thruxton R.
But to be honest... I love the look of the Thruxtons, but really don't like the yellow suspension and think the higher end ohlins & brembos might be overkill, however that doesn't mean it isn't necessarily worth it.
3. Order a white Thruxton with some accossories to start blacking it out.
Idk what to do, now that my back pain is gone, I really am looking at going back to the Thruxton. My guy I'm dealing with might kill me haha
In the long run a comfortable bike, i.e., T120 will let you ride longer. Thruxton has a more aggressive riding style and I love how it looks. I have Street Triple and Scrambler and I find Scrambler a lot more comfortable than Street Triple. I think Thruxton will be similar, although a little less aggressive, to Street Triple.
If you are a left brain person, go with T120. If you are a right brain person, go with Thruxton R. I would say go with T120. It is a nice looking bike and has comfort features like cruise control and heated grips, which will be better for day long trips.
Also don't worry about your dealer. It is his job to make sure you are happy and as a buyer you have every right to change your mind before you purchase. The deposit is refundable for this exact reason.
You have quite a dilemma. If "comfort" is a big factor in your decision, the T120 is clearly the "right" choice. The R would certainly be the one to get if you want your new bike to have sexy good looks and the best performance and don't mind the discomfort that comes with a cafe racer type of bike. The T120 looks good too, but between the two, the R will definitely give you more bragging rights. The latter has a higher price tag and you'll have to wait longer to get one. It makes more power, but not where you'll need it the most just cruising around town or even as much as you'll need to have on a twisty mountain road. The T120 even has heated grips to make it a better all-around, all-weather bike to ride.
I'm a former Thrux owner. I loved it. Performed great for what it was and really turned heads. The lean forward position was never really a problem as the wind held me up and I never had any real weight on my arms. The comfort issue was the rear set pegs. It folds your legs up pretty good. About an hour was as long as I wanted to go without a break to stretch my legs. An eight hour day would be a long one on a Thrux. For what you're wanting, I would go with the 120. Not as sexy but still a looker and in your case, more practical and suited to the task.
Thanks for the advice. I think for now I will wait to ride the T120, and figure out from there if it is the best choice or switch up...
Horrible decision to make but great one to have!
So on March 26 I bought my T-120 Black. Totally in love. Then yesterday I drive my good friend to pick up this beauty. I have to say, I felt a twinge. I felt like if both bikes were in the building t the same time, I might have gone this way. But then I got home, sat on my Bonnie and knew all was right in the world. I'm a 1 bike guy, and 1100 miles in, I have no complaints.
I've got a few tidbits on order to further personalize my T-120.
Still, that shade of green....sigh.
I would be concern the Thruxton could become an issue for your back. I purchased an 04 Thruxton new back in 04 and end up selling it a couple years later because of the uncomfortable for me riding position.
I'm happy with the straight up T-100 position, just much better for me on long rides.
Those sport style riding positions are ok if you're in great shape or in yer 20's.
You will find that the reach to the bars is not too bad.
I am getting on a bit now but find the flat bars on my SE very easy to ride with and the position of these bars is almost the same as the Thruxtun R clip ons.
In any event out of the new offerings the Thruxton R is the only choice.
IIRC, he's 6' 1" or thereabouts. Seat-to-peg with rearsets might be an issue and that's with a stock seat which isn't particularly comfy.
A straight Thruxton can be had in black (I don't get the black thing on a retro Triumph naturally, ) but the tank looks too long to fit a T-120 seat, even if the frame rails are identical, so just swapping the bars and pegs is probably no fix.
I sat on a Thruxton R recently, it's not as forward as you think, they've done a clever job, the clip-ons rise up so it's less forward leaning than it looks. Even tho I have a very classic looking 05 Bonnie, I loved that modern looking Thruxton. It would be my choice. That said I haven't ridden it.
back problems have a habit of coming back, particularly when you do silly things that agrivate it. A T100 is generally more back-friendly than an 865 Thruxton and the new T120, despite all the ribbing we give it here (jealousy is such an ugly thing) was specifically designed to be more comfortable than a T100 (no personal knowledge, yet, on that one but I am hopeful). I'd go with the one that is likely to be more comfortable over the long run: the T120. 'Not a bad dilemma to have really...
Yea... Or do I get the Thruxton then trade it in later for a T120 when I get too old to be cool? Haha
We shall see... I know the T120 is more practical, but really like the White Thruxton. Especially if it was blacked out, custom exhaust...:temptation
Well, of course, only you can decide...which bike is dependent on your age, size, back condition and how you will ride it the most. It is a great choice to have, good luck with it - either bike will be a fine bike, pick the one that your heart tugs you towards and that you feel the best on. Enjoy the ride!
You want the Thruxton, I can tell. You will always wish you'd bought it instead of cheaping out and buying the one you think you "should" buy. Better brakes are NEVER overkill. Especially the first time you save your ass with them. Better suspension will do your back wonders. Buy the Thruxton and make it more comfortable if you need to. Bar risers or different bars, whatever, you won't regret it.
I agree. get what you truly want. don't settle unless you really like the T120 or other models. All are nice and offer more than most would need anyway.
I sat on the new R at the Bonneville Reborn Launch Party. I'm 5' 8" and as you can see it's a pretty comfortable riding position. Definitely nowhere as aggressive as my Suzuki GSXR.
but in the end you have to be happy. again, all the other models are just as nice.
I'd get the thruxton. Worst case drill 2 holes in the triple tree. Add risers and a drag or an M bar and your back to the old thruxton sitting stance. For the $2000 price difference the online and the brembo's are totally worth it. Plus the thruxton-r has a higher tune than the t-120
See, that's what I was kind of thinking was getting the white Thruxton + some accessories, to be honest i just really don't like the yellow suspension. It bugs me.
So I'm thinking do white, plus seat cowl, black engine covers instead of brushed aluminum, and wait for a nice full 2-1 to exhaust to come around.
I think the biggest thing I learned here is to just do it now. In my case if I get the T120 & I'll regret not trying the Thruxton, so I'll get the Thruxton & if I need to trade down, then so be it.
There's a Chiropractor out here in the bay area, Doc Wong, who is a life-long rider and has been teaching free motorcycle riding clinics here for 25+ years. He also said that the leaned-over-lower-bars posture is BETTER for your back. He claims it's because all the bumps and stress are absorbed by your core, instead of being transmitted straight up your spine as when you're in a more upright position. He owns a very classic Ducati (I forget what year) with cowling, etc, and has to lean over almost horizontally on it when he rides it. Claims if you support your body with your core (crunch your stomache muscles) like the racers do, and not your back or arms, then it's much better on your back. (He also owns quite a few other bikes, of all shapes and sizes, so it's not just a "my bike is the best for everything" type of opinion).
Personally I still prefer the upright position, for my neck if nothing else...
Triumph didn't paint them gold. Ohlins performance suspension parts usually come in that color regardless of bike brand. (which is how people can identify them from the non-performance regular stock versions.) It let's people know these bikes have serious aftermarket parts on them.
the parts differences the R has from the other models in that line are significant and worth more than the $2k in price difference. but if you don't need these components, and do not plan on upgrading the T120s later, then it makes sense to look at non-R models.
as mentioned earlier, the best and real test is the test ride. I don't think there is that much of a difference in riding profile and neither of them will ride like a t-bird or harley cruiser.
You could go out to your garage and shift some heavy kit about with poor posture, your back problem will soon return and take your mind of the Thruxton.
I'd at least get the standard Thruxton just so you get the good motor...riding position can be improved to relieve your back - which doesn't sound to be in all that bad of a way post-rehab - and the extra performance is well worth the effort to fit different bars and/or foot controls.
Unless you typically keep your machine under 5K RPMs, I'd avoid the high-torque motors...
Yea I actually agree. My dealer has an email into Triumph to try to figure out the switch. Feel like an A** asking him to switch it again, but I think in the long run I will happier. Even if that means switching out the bars or putting risers on it.
So a White Thruxton is what I asked him to switch to. Always loved the look of white & black.
Will probably order a seat for 2, because my wife likes to ride about once a month for like 30 minutes haha. So I figured, why should I buy a different bike for 30 minutes of use haha
So I plan to get Painted Seat Cowl, Dual Seat, Black Engine Covers, and Fender Eliminator. We shall see!
Thanks for everything you guys!
@Usaftrevor87: I think that's a good decision, power of the Thruxton and style and comfort of the T120.
Interestingly, a lot of true british sport cars are no trackday-weapons, but more on the luxury, comfortable side. I think the Thruxton follows this idea very nicely...
If it helps, I'm 6'2 and thought the R was super comfy when I sat on it. Great riding position for 3, 4 hours.
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