Triumph Rat Motorcycle Forums banner

Took a Thruxton on a test ride

7K views 37 replies 11 participants last post by  saddlebag 
#1 ·
Saturday (yesterday) went to the local Triumph dealer to look at a few Triumphs. I wanted to see the Street Twin (for my daughter, but they had none at the time), a Bonneville T120 Black (none in stock at the time), and a Thruxton R (the only one they had was sold).

I was able to see the Thruxton R (it was in another area in the store). Owner had asked for the lower clip-ons, V&H exhaust, and not sure what else. But at least I was able to see it in the flesh. Wow! What a thing of beauty. And in the right color for me... loved that color combination.

Got to talking to the sale person and a manager there... asking them when Triumph will have demo rides since I wanted to ride the Thruxton R before buying. I was riding my HD Softail Slim S and they starting smiling when they saw that under my HD jacket I had a Triumph t-shirt. Anyway, they offered me a regular Thruxton to test ride.

You have to understand, I had a Yamaha Roadstar 1600 (a cruiser) and a Honda CBR600RR... that I got rid off when I bought my first HD (Road Glide Custom)... then I got another Road Glide but in the CVO trim... then a Road King CVO and at the same time I had a Sportster 48 that was a blast to ride... then all those went away and I went to just one bike, the one I have now, a HD Softail Slim S. I change rims and tires because I prefer a tubeless setup, besides that it is pretty much stock. During all those years the Thruxton has always been a bike that just called my name... but just the looks, never took the opportunity to ride one until now... WOW, holy WOW!!! I had a frigging grin on my face from the moment I took off... wow!! It brought back the feeling I had when I rode the sport bike but in a different way... hard to explain... they way it took the curves, the power, riding position was comfortable as heck... I just kept saying, F* this is good... a sh***... wow! Oh man!@! hahahahaha... I went slow, fast, anywhere in between, testing acceleration, braking, turns, everything... it was a decent ride in terms of distance. Clutch was easy to operate, transmission shift sweet, everything about it was perfect for me... and this was the base model, not the R.

I went back to the dealer and gave them all my information to see what deal they can make on Thruxton R in silver. I do not want the clip-ons... I want the stock setup, the ride position was perfect with no pressure on my wrists.

The decision that I have to make is... do I replace my current ride with it... (I gave them all the information on my current ride to do the numbers before I decide) or do I wait another year to payoff my HD and then just add the Thruxton R to the stable?? When I got back home and shared with the wife she was like "but you told me this HD was your last motorcycle!" Honey yeah, but I had not tested the Triumph... I you know that I have been wanting one for a long time... "okay, but pay this one first and then get the Triumph, stop wasting so much on motorycles! Finish paying one and keep it!"

So I wait to see what the dealer comes back with as an offer... if it makes not financial sense, then I will wait another year and buy it in Oct. 2017... I just have to say, riding that bike brought back so many good feelings! It was like riding a sport bike again, but with the feeling of something special... and again, this was the base model, not the R. Looking closely at all the fine details on the R, it is just an amazing looking bike. The level of details in the triple tree clamp, the brakes, suspension, everything about it screams my name... in the words of that famous philosopher, Wayne Campbell, It will be mine, yes! It will be mine!







I do have a few of questions:

1. I do a ride every year with friends to Key West and I need the ability to carry some luggage. The dealer did not have the side nylon bags and installing kit to see what that looked like on the bike... I want to see, when the bags are remove, what is left on the bike?? Is it a large metal frame that just ruins the looks or is it something minimal that can't hardly be seen? I will be riding solo, so I want to keep the rear cover on all the time. Are those bags large enough to hold a few days of clothes and stuff for a four day get away?

2. Is there a center stand option for this bike?? (Forgot to ask the dealer).

3. I found the optional metal strap... I was wondering if the leather underneath comes in brown instead of black.
 
See less See more
3
#2 · (Edited)
Oh, mirrors were perfect... meaning, easy to see with them. Good looking enough that I would not want to replace them (coming from someone that is crazy buying Rizoma parts...)

I kept looking at the R that was sold and saying to myself... I don't want to change a thing! Like I said, I prefer the normal handel bar setup that comes stock... did not care for low handle bar kit installed on that one that was sold...

Well...for mine, maybe these add-ons :

Turn signals for the smaller LED type...
Aluminum sump plate - but this is just for protection...
CNC machined fork protectors
3rd question answered - LEATHER TANK STRAP - BROWN PART NUMBER: A9798011
Rear stand bobbins
Some sort of setup that can allow for bags when I go on a trip with friends... something easy to remove that leaves nothing much do distract from the stock looks.
Ohh... and the levers... must change those for something that looks nicer and both adjustable...

Yeah, that is it... :D

Now with part numbers:
Triumph Silver Ice Swatch
Aluminium Sump Plate - Black Anodised - PART NUMBER: A9708380
CNC Machined Fork Protectors - PART NUMBER: A9640107
Dresser Bar - Black - PART NUMBER: A9788022
Engine Protector Kit - PART NUMBER: A9618149
Rear LED Indicator Kit - Short Stem - PART NUMBER: A9838039
Front LED Indicator Kit - Short Stem - PART NUMBER: A9838023
Knee Pads - PART NUMBER: A9798017 - Not sure I want to add these... will order them in case I ever want to install them
Leather Tank Strap - Black - PART NUMBER: A9798010 - getting this in black and the using the leather strap as a template to make one in tan leather
Machined Oil Filler Cap - Gunmetal Anodised - PART NUMBER: A9610240
Nylon Panniers - PART NUMBER: A9518150 - I still need to see how these attached and what they leave behind when removed...
Paddock Stand Bobbins - Black - PART NUMBER: A9640048
 
#3 ·
Saturday (yesterday) went to the local Triumph dealer to look at a few Triumphs. I wanted to see the Street Twin (for my daughter, but they had none at the time), a Bonneville T120 Black (none in stock at the time), and a Thruxton R (the only one they had was sold).

I was able to see the Thruxton R (it was in another area in the store). Owner had asked for the lower clip-ons, V&H exhaust, and not sure what else. But at least I was able to see it in the flesh. Wow! What a thing of beauty. And in the right color for me... loved that color combination.

Got to talking to the sale person and a manager there... asking them when Triumph will have demo rides since I wanted to ride the Thruxton R before buying. I was riding my HD Softail Slim S and they starting smiling when they saw that under my HD jacket I had a Triumph t-shirt. Anyway, they offered me a regular Thruxton to test ride.

You have to understand, I had a Yamaha Roadstar 1600 (a cruiser) and a Honda CBR600RR... that I got rid off when I bought my first HD (Road Glide Custom)... then I got another Road Glide but in the CVO trim... then a Road King CVO and at the same time I had a Sportster 48 that was a blast to ride... then all those went away and I went to just one bike, the one I have now, a HD Softail Slim S. I change rims and tires because I prefer a tubeless setup, besides that it is pretty much stock. During all those years the Thruxton has always been a bike that just called my name... but just the looks, never took the opportunity to ride one until now... WOW, holy WOW!!! I had a frigging grin on my face from the moment I took off... wow!! It brought back the feeling I had when I rode the sport bike but in a different way... hard to explain... they way it took the curves, the power, riding position was comfortable as heck... I just kept saying, F* this is good... a sh***... wow! Oh man!@! hahahahaha... I went slow, fast, anywhere in between, testing acceleration, braking, turns, everything... it was a decent ride in terms of distance. Clutch was easy to operate, transmission shift sweet, everything about it was perfect for me... and this was the base model, not the R.

I went back to the dealer and gave them all my information to see what deal they can make on Thruxton R in silver. I do not want the clip-ons... I want the stock setup, the ride position was perfect with no pressure on my wrists.

The decision that I have to make is... do I replace my current ride with it... (I gave them all the information on my current ride to do the numbers before I decide) or do I wait another year to payoff my HD and then just add the Thruxton R to the stable?? When I got back home and shared with the wife she was like "but you told me this HD was your last motorcycle!" Honey yeah, but I had not tested the Triumph... I you know that I have been wanting one for a long time... "okay, but pay this one first and then get the Triumph, stop wasting so much on motorycles! Finish paying one and keep it!"

So I wait to see what the dealer comes back with as an offer... if it makes not financial sense, then I will wait another year and buy it in Oct. 2017... I just have to say, riding that bike brought back so many good feelings! It was like riding a sport bike again, but with the feeling of something special... and again, this was the base model, not the R. Looking closely at all the fine details on the R, it is just an amazing looking bike. The level of details in the triple tree clamp, the brakes, suspension, everything about it screams my name... in the words of that famous philosopher, Wayne Campbell, It will be mine, yes! It will be mine!

I do have a few of questions:

1. I do a ride every year with friends to Key West and I need the ability to carry some luggage. The dealer did not have the side nylon bags and installing kit to see what that looked like on the bike... I want to see, when the bags are remove, what is left on the bike?? Is it a large metal frame that just ruins the looks or is it something minimal that can't hardly be seen? I will be riding solo, so I want to keep the rear cover on all the time. Are those bags large enough to hold a few days of clothes and stuff for a four day get away?

2. Is there a center stand option for this bike?? (Forgot to ask the dealer).

3. I found the optional metal strap... I was wondering if the leather underneath comes in brown instead of black.
I bought the standard myself. I actually like it better than the R. It wasn't a money issue, but a color issue. Anyway, it's looks alone were pulling my heartstrings. I wanted to ride it to make sure it wasn't going to be painful. When I got back, the first words out of my mouth were, "it's a barrel of monkeys, where do I sign?" Couldn't believe how good it was.

As to your questions:

1. Someone posted a nice SW Motech throw over bag, but you'd need to get the dual seat to throw it over. They probably have several other options too.

2. I haven't seen a centerstand for it, so hopefully you held onto to your 600s paddock stand. You will need to buy bobbins as they are not standard.

3. Not seen brown, but have seen some custom straps. Certain a leather worker could put something together easily enough. I prefer the painted lines to the strap...another reason I got the standard.

Welcome to the obsession. If you make the leap, you won't be sorry. It's a terrific bike.
 
#4 ·
I know that I do not need the "R", but I just love the additional details that it has... polished (to a chrome-like finish) triple tree clamp, painted*seat*cowl, higher*specification*brakes*and
suspension, I like the stainless*steel*tank*​strap,*clear anodized*aluminium*​swinging*arm... I am just a sucker for most of those parts... :grin2:

The suggestion of leather worker to make a strap is a great idea.

I did keep my paddock stands. Added the bobbins to my list. Thank you.
 
#5 ·
Don't mind me... Just documenting stuff for my benefit.

Thruxton R differences;

Brembo radial pump front master cylinder with better lever adjuster and remote reservoir
Brembo radial mount monoblock front calipers
Brembo floating front disks
Showa Big Piston upsidedown forks with compression, rebound, and preload adjustment
Ohlins piggyback shocks with compression, rebound, and preload adjustment
Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tires instead of Pirelli Angel GT
Slightly lighter
Slightly more aggressive steering angle/trail
Slightly taller seat height
Slightly different switchgear.
Stainless exhaust instead of chrome
Polished triple clamp instead of black
Silver lower triple clamp and clip-on mounts instead of black
Stainless tank strap
Sport rear-sets(stainless all metal instead of metal and rubber)
Seat cowl
Clear anodised aluminum swingarm
Alcantara seat with red stitching
Black turn signals instead of chrome
Black bar end mirrors instead of silver
Different color selection
 
#9 ·
It's a lot of stuff for $2.5k. The thing to me is, do those things translate well to the street? For me, no.

1. Brakes: They are nice and pretty, but developed for shedding heat developed by fast bikes on a racetrack. On this they are overkill. The OEM stop the bike in the blink of an eye.

2. Suspension: Again, gorgeous if a little out of place on a '65 replica. It's also incredibly taut. As if it was designed to be ridden on billiard tables rather than actual roads. The OEM suspension is also pretty stiff, but feels a little more compliant to me. Next time you're in a show room, sit and bounce on them both.

3. Tires: Hands down they Angels are much better street tires. Mine are worn to the edges and stick like glue. They also do well in cold and rain and will last about twice as long as the Corsas.

4. I do like the polished stuff better than the chrome, except for the top yoke. Too shiny and reflective. Again, the chrome stuff fits more with the period. I kinda like the black mirrors and bar ends too, though the chrome goes with the other chrome accents on the standard.

5. Silver swingarm is gonna show dirt and lube more.

6. I prefer the look of the rubber insert pegs.

7. Seat Cowl looks good with tail tidy.

When it all boils down, I don't think one is going to be any more competent that the other in most circumstances. The R is going to be less likely to have brake fade at a track and the S is going to handle better in the rain, but 99% of the time I don't see much functional benefit either way.
It really comes down to whether or not you want it to look more like a retro or a more modern bare engine sportbike.
As a retro, it's kinda in a league of its own. Nobody else doing that kind thing currently, cept maybe Royal Enfield.
As a bare engine sportbike, it kinda falls into the category of Duc Monsters, Aprilia Tuonos, GSXF, Ninja 800, Yami XSR, BMW R9T. It's somewhere in the middle on price, but gets killed in engine performance. Arguably, the base style dolled up with modern racy bits still looks better than all those sportbikes designed all these years later.
 
#6 · (Edited)
I also like the Thruxton, but i didn't had the chance to test it, anyhow i will go to Eicma this month and i will try to sit on it to check the position with this ace bars.
My main concern is the riding position. I like the T120 one and i wonder if the bars from T120 or ST could fit to Thruxton.
I also could use a lower rear shock just to avoid having this agresive position (i only can imagine), but i think if you could change the bars with the T120 ones, the stock shock can stay there. :)
What do you think?
 
#11 ·
Be sure to test ride both. The Thruxton was very comfortable for me. Riding position is everything of course, so there is something on how the bike is setup but also how you position yourself on the bike... I could ride my CBR600RR long distances without issues as well.

Can't go wrong with either bike, but just give it a ride before deciding. Once I get it, I see myself taking the Thruxton anywhere.... maybe the wife can ride the HD... hummm...
 
#7 ·
The decision that I have to make is... do I replace my current ride with it... (I gave them all the information on my current ride to do the numbers before I decide) or do I wait another year to payoff my HD and then just add the Thruxton R to the stable??
I will tackle this question. After several years of trading in motorcycles for the next great thing, I hit some financial trouble (due to becoming a full time student, not motorcycle related) and the bikes had to go. I always kept two in the garage, a cruiser and a sport bike. I love having the option.

So when I returned to motorcycling several years ago I was determined to make my motorcycle choices in a way that I could be certain to keep what I bought. First the Speed Triple. Then, once the dust settled, the big cruiser to ride two up with my wife. I am very happy with the pair of Triumphs I have at my disposal!

Is there another one? Why, yes there is! I have wanted a modern classic for some time. My wife and I have agreed that once the Rocket is paid off then we will look at the financial impact of a third Triumph and then decide what we can afford to add. No, there will not be a trade in. There is so much regret associated with that. My Triumphs are keepers.

My opinion? Keep the HD, pay it off, and then add the Thruxton. You will not regret that decision. There are days when the big cruiser is just what you need. And then there are others when the more nimble classic will fix what ails you.

I assure you, if you trade in the HD then there will be another cruiser in the future. If you like this one, keep it.
 
#8 ·
Thank you for that!

I do like it a lot... I installed Fat Bob wheels on it. This required machining of the front caliper and a few other modifications like finding a different ABS sensor for the front, etc. Got me to buy a milling machine...it was a good feeling doing all the mods myself and learning how to use a milling machine... and I have it with a few US Marines details in memory of my Dad... so yeah... I do not think that it is going anywhere...







Last trip to Key West...

 
#22 ·
The triumph nylon bags fit the bike well, they are small so don't look too bad on it, however you don't get a lot of carrying space. The rails are thin and unbolt in less than 5 minutes. They are chrome unfortunately which looks wrong on the R so I powder coated mine which was pretty cheap. I would still remove them if I wasn't using the bags for any length of time. The top harness that keeps the bags in place is neat and can be tucked under the seat when not in use. The bags are semi-rigid and look decent quality.

The SW Motech Blaze bags have some advantages such as more carrying space and a proper quick release rail. The top harness goes over the seat but I am sure there would be a way to make them work with the cowl. They are about 70% more expensive.
 
#34 ·
As far as I know, Motech doesn't have luggage for the new Thurxtons just yet. The Blaze has the strap that is meant to rest on the rear part of a dual seat.
If you plan on fitting the dual seat to the Thruxton, then the Blaze should work fine.

If you plan on keeping the solo seat and cowl, then not great for the Blaze. First off the cowl is a poor shape for a strap to lay on.

I've used Cortech strap over bags fitted on another rear cowl bike. Out on the road bits of grit find their way between the lined strap and the cowl, damaging the finish.

Perhaps Motech will come up with something for the Thruxton and other solo seat/rear cowl bikes.
 
#35 ·
Yeah, I do not want to remove the seat cowl. Nor place anything on it... last trip to the Keys there was a lot of rain, wind, sand... anything over a painted surface, under that environment, would have been damaged...

I need to find a thread from a fellow forum member where he built a supporting structure that was easy to remove and only left a very small mounting bracket that you could hardly notice. I might just build something like that if Motech does not have something out by the time I get my bike.
 
#36 ·
Blaze luggage for the Thruxton and R has been out for a couple of months now. Strapping over the cowl is not ideal though, however it is fairly easy to concoct a harness to go under the seat. It is about £260 compared to £150 for the Triumph set so quite a bit more expensive.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top