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New limited edition Thruxton R TFC

27K views 69 replies 38 participants last post by  MGB-RAT 
#1 · (Edited)
So what do we all think of this special edition Thruxton R - called Triumph Factory Custom or TFC - that was shown at the latest Triumph dealer event? 10 hp more than the current R, 5 kg less, ohlins fork, Metzeler tires, new headlight design, dripping with carbon fiber, race exhausts, only 750 to be produced.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the looks but this special edition might offer some clues about what the next generation of Thruxton R will be like...
 

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#5 ·
I presume the weight saving comes in part from the carbon, the exhaust, and maybe lighter wheels (?). If you do a search on FB you can see a video of Triumph presented the FTC in which they talk about getting an additional 10 hp 'from the engine' - not sure what that means concretely but - to me at least - it suggests that the hp gains are not from fiddling with the exhaust and air intake systems

They also presented the new Speed Twin which apparently has the same engine as the Thruxton R but is 10kg lighter. This got me slightly confused as I thought the Thruxton was supposed to be the performance flagship of the Modern Classics range!
 
#3 ·
oooh. me likey. very pretty. Not sure it would entice me to trade in my TTR which has not given me an ounce of trouble, runs purrfectly with just the right mods. who knows, i might just get the urge next year.
 
#4 ·
From what I gather, this Thruxton R TFC is part of their Triumph Factory Custom project... And it’s closer to a “1-off”, rather than a production limited edition. Maybe a handful for just a few in the UK that are rich, related, or both. Or possibly purpose built just to show for the TFC program. But who knows. As discussed in the other thread here, it’s primarily just a custom paint scheme on the tank, with a few discontinued ill-fitting PowerBronze Carbon bits, as well as a carbon fairing/mudguard. And, the never made it to production, carbon-tipped V&H US slip-on’s. And lastly, an Öhlins fork. Personally, it’s quite pretty, but not in any way something I envy over my own Thruxton. There are members on this very forum with full-fairing Thruxtons that I like better. Cheerio.
 
#6 ·
Well, I like it. But as others have commented I won't be trading up from my '16 TTR. I LOVE my current broomstick.
Regarding this version, seems Triumph has been stalking the forums and decided to copycat build a bike we all are so successfully modifying.
Best compliment ever, IMHO

》》》》》》》》》》Wake Up, Be Nice, Kick Ass, Repeat...... MTFU
 
#36 ·
I was thinking the same. Nice bike and I would have one in a heart beat but I would paint the entire bike the same colour.
 
#13 ·
CF is over the top and the package looks good mainly because the Thruxton has nice bones to begin with. 5 whole kg less would be really impressive if it was a bicycle. The fender and tail assembly I no longer have and the fairing I never bought weigh more than that. And I wonder what tiny fraction of the Thruxton ridership could tell the difference between Ohlins forks and Showa forks?

The Hallmark slogan "Happiness is wanting what you have" doesn't go so well with bike industry imperative to continually try to create wants in consumers that we didn't know we had.
 
#17 ·
One step beyond....

Seems like we are getting further and further away from the original retro-style cafe look with all the carbon and bling. Is Triumph loosing it's way?

Nothing against modern technology, but let's not forget the vintage style appeal and simplicity of the 60's. Clearly subtlety it not the forte of the latest line up!
 
#20 ·
Thruxty your point about Triumph starting to lose their way maybe a important one to consider. We all have received those Triumph surveys on what we like, don't like and or want, right? I am curious if anyone out there said we want a carbon fiber Thruxton, or was some market research wonk?

Now after seeing the cheesy London reveal last week on YouTube I am looking am leaning to Triumph leadership is listening more to what market research wonks say. I wonder whether these guys have ridden any bike much less a Triumph?

They seem to think we don't know Triumph history and can be mesmerized by shiney bubbles and beads.
 
#19 ·
I will stick to my Thurxton 1200S Just love the green, after the decat and opening my stock pipes I gained a few extra HP and I am quite happy with it, no need for more HP as I am having troubles now keeping under the radar of the fun police, I don't do track day, I would have in my younger days.
Plus the skill of the rider will make up for the extra HP in my book, wonder how much extra the cost will be for all of the extra bits.

Ashley
 
#21 ·
I am an aging marketing guy as well as a Thruxton(2013) rider. Perhaps there are fewer of us from that era still bike shopping. Or perhaps, the younger crowd (my son included, Suzuki SV 650 rider) that don't recognize or appreciate (worship?) the vintage style, and prefer the higher performance oriented bikes and crotch rockets.

Although , just like classic cars, I am seeing more and more classic bike restorations/programs on the TV, as well as a clear upward trend in older motorcycle values at auctions etc among collectors and perhaps riders too.

My free advice to Triumph is yes, develop new product lines to serve the younger crowd and the speedsters among us. But don's lose sight of your roots, and also remain loyal to the classic style, simplicity and appeal, that in my books remains relatively unique to Triumph, and is the reason why I bought my Thruxton, and elected not to buy the current day version. The carbon fiber laden edition is NOT a branch off of the same tree! In my opinion anyone that thinks it is, is kidding themselves!

So what makes Triumph a classic retro bike for you? Where do you draw the line?

Must have carbs, or is EFI ok? Must have spokes? Must have a 3D classic tank badge vs a stick on decal? Everyone has their own idea. What's yours?
 
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#22 ·
Thruxty I am old school been riding british twins for over 43 years now still own my Norton from new, have had a few classic Triumphs and same as you I have a 2013 Thruxton (Brooklands Green) I always wanted one since they first came out and now I have upgraded to the Thruxton 1200S (Compertition Green) being a old school rider I still keep up with the times and the new models still have that classic style and looks, if you jump on a new Thruxton and ride it for a few hours and I will tell you, you won't look back, they feel great on the road what ever Triumph has done these new Thruxtons are so well balanced and feel so much lighter under hand on the road compared to my older Thruxton.
Remember this new Thruxton is just a one off build, but then if they sell who knows what Triumph will do and remember we are living in 2018, the old days are gone and with rules changing from GOVT involvement the motorcycle industries have to keep with the rules as well as the times and where ever I park both my Thruxtons I get a lot of comments about my bikes even from older ex british bike riders.

Ashley
 
#23 · (Edited)
I am generally okay to happy with the motorcycles from Triumph up to this point. However, it does appear some models have features that are unnecessary cost adders...an example that recently comes to mind is the 1200 Scrambler. Six riding modes with lean angle sensors for both abs and traction control....this sounds like something from the BMW playbook.

My main issue is that Triumph is now selling sizzle and calling it genuine and authentic. I know this model has worked with Harley up to now but adding alot of non government mandated cost adders will gradually price themselves out of the market.. I don't need my bike to make a status statement or to make myself feel superior. In fact I kinda resent that kind of marketing.

I'd be more happy with the 1200 Scrambler with a windscreen and hard bags and they could keep their sensors and six modes. Let's stop pretending the Scrambler is something it is not.
 
#24 ·
I am generally okay to happy with the motorcycles from Triumph up to this point. However, it does appear some models have features that are unnecessary cost adders...an example that recently comes to mind is the 1200 Scrambler. Six riding modes with lean angle sensors for both abs and traction control....this sounds like something from the BMW playbook.
More than likely what the vendor had on the shelf, not Hinckley pushing the envelope. ;)
 
#25 · (Edited)
It's not the BMW playbook. More like the KTM playbook. Now the reality. Trickle down from racing and sportbikes. Lot easier and cheaper to add the electronic gizmos than updating the engine platform to a higher performance level and to impress new riders. The position seems to attract new riders by letting them know that there is a safety net just like on your car and you really don't need to be intimidated on learning how to ride. In fact, just buy the bike, take a one hour instructional course and your're all set. That's the cynic in me.
 
#26 · (Edited)
Cheesy stick on badge on the tank, and, I'm sorry, I just can't get into a
270 degree crank Triumph Bonneville. It's like having a new Harley with an
inline four. It just doesn't work and doesn't sound right. Tradition matters.
I know, I'm just a cranky old man......
 

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#27 ·
Cheesy stick on badge on the tank, and, I'm sorry, I just can't get into a
270 degree crank Triumph Bonneville.
It's like having a new Harley with an
inline four. It just doesn't work and doesn't sound right. Tradition matters.
I know, I'm just a cranky old man......
Triumph designed this new 270 engine tp produce more torque.......which it does.

And i know that because my dad rides one and when he rolls it on, his new 1200 Bonnie is very hard to catch!!! :nerd:
 
#31 ·
I agree with this ^. I love carbon on the right bike or car, slather it all over the speed trip - but it has no place on a Thruxton.

The bike will depreciate the same way all those limited edition Ducati superbikes did. Including the Desmosedici.
Yes and it will probably double in price the way all of those limited edition Ducatis will in due time - especially the desmosedeci! Have you seen the prices of the sport classics and the hailwood lately? Have you priced a '74 750 sport lately? or a tricolore 851? Give them time. (and here's a hint, buy them now while the prices are low) They built 50 1198R corse's - find one and buy it!!! because it is gonna be gold someday.

I like the idea of an upscale Thruxton but that one does nothing for me.
 
#32 ·
Less weight and more power are a good thing. Also I've ridden a bike with we'll sorted Ohlins forks and they were wonderful, so this is also a good thing.


The engineer in me cringes when I see carbon fiber only using a clear coat. The UV inhibitors in the clear coats slow down the effect of UV on the resins, but do not stop it. As far as I'm concerned the CF parts should be painted.
 
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