I forgot to mention, its a '09 Thruxton with 4000 miles. On the test ride it immediately wobbled and was difficult to control at low speeds. I only had to drive a few blocks to a shop where they work on a lot of vintage bikes. Aired up the tires and the handling issues disappeared. It was a neighborhood ride and I only took it up to speeds that could be tolerated in the area. That said, aside from the unfamiliar riding position (cafe racer style) it handled wonderfully but it was easy to break traction which I attributed to the fact that the tires were 12 years old. I may be wrong, though.

 

This subforum is about much older bikes. Here's the best subforum for your question.

I'll save you the trouble though - unless the one you are looking at has been neglected/abused (the tire pressure does make me wonder a bit), you'll have a great time owning an air-cooled Thrux. Only question worth considering is do you want to find a fuel injected version. I'm seeing conflicting information about whether they were injected in 2009, or still had carbs. A few people disagree, but fuel injected Triumphs have been a joy to own for me.

 

Thanks for the info and pointing me to the right subforum. The bike had been sitting for a while and both tires were too low by some margin. It was less of a wobble and more of a strong pull in one direction or the other. I haven't pulled the trigger on the Thruxton but will soon. This one is fuel injected.
I'm new to the site and am super-impressed with how knowledgeable everyone seems to be. In time I hope to be a contributor but for now I rely on the generosity of strangers.

 

2009 was fuel injected. I believe in the US that was the first year for FI on the twins.

 

My 2009 Thtuxton does not have clip on bars originally.
Has fuel injection. 23000 km without any problems
The only thing I am not happy with is the rear shockabsorbers,but I can live with it.
I do my own maintenance and the engine is easy to work with
I prefer aircooled engines

 

My 2008 Thruxton is fuel injected. This was the first year for fuel injection in the UK. 43000 miles with no real problems. Mine has the standard ace bars. Servicing is simple, and consumables like filters are relatively cheap. Mine never sees a dealers workshop,

 

I have a 2009 T100 (similar to the Thruxton) with roughly 30k miles. It runs well and handles great compared to the bikes after which it is styled. The handling that you described is just what you should expect from low tire pressure. I would budget for new tires and tubes.

Some riders have claimed that the air cooled (EFI) Thruxton is a better handler than the newer liquid cooled Thruxton. I personally couldn't say one way or the other.

Bar and clip-on options are still plentiful for the a 2009 should you want to bring the controls up (or down). Parts from the other twin models of the same year are largely interchangeable.

 

2009 here, in US of A . I bought new. Yes, first year of fuel injection. Also no canbus worries.
40k miles and except for a small leak from valve cover gasket, no mechanical/electrical
problems. For me, chain maintenance , alignment, and rear tire affects handling the most.
Front tires last forever and get changed with age not wear. Tunecu worth subscription.
Hagon shocks are a good value for rear. I use Hermy's (not a sponsor ) for parts.

 

I bought my ‘09 Bonnie new, and have performed 95% of its maintenance myself, seeing it through over 200K miles. Still have original clutch, and through the years have dealt with a failed sensor or two, replaced oil temp sensor and neutral switch, and installed a much better regulator/rectifier. I’ve modded it to the point of no longer remembering all done to it. It has been an absolute joy to own, and is an absolute hoot to ride.
I once rented a 1200 Thrux for a day and didn’t much care for the riding position. Wrists and back were sore at the end of a 400 mile day.
-Sparky

 

Fuel injected Thruxtons have 1inch 1 piece bars. Carbed Thruxtons have 7/8 inch clip ons
Depending on which market you live in it could be regarded as either a 2008 or 2009
Great bike whichever one it is

 

I have an"05 Thruxton. The stock clip-ons were killing my wrists so I converted to 7/8 bars. Other than that, no complaints.

 

The stock bars on a 2005 were 7/8" here in the US. I had one.

 

If a fuel injected Thrux is calling you, there's no reason not to answer!