Sorry does nothing for me that big brown seat just spoils the good looks, as for comfort I find my Thruxton S to be very good on long trips I have the duel comfort seat on mine, I can ride all day without any problems and have also clocked up many miles over a week long trip with all saddle bags and everything else that I take, I do like your higher normal bars but the expense to buy that top tree is a bit high for me perferr to put decent Ikon shocks on it and some Racetec springs in the front down the road but so far I find the stock set up is working fine, I have the factory fitted fairing but run with the stock bars, the foot pegs are just right for my 5'8" body, but like you said everone to their own, anyway safe travels.

Ashley

 

I'm so torn about what to post. Trying to be less of a dick on this forum. First, I totally appreciate and support your get out and tour attitude, especially since you live in California. You may have created the ultimate comfort touring Thrux. If I live long enough and still have this bike I might steal some of your ideas. :smile2:

Also know how convenient those Givi-type bags are, and still, those bags, and that shield, and that saddle...on THAT bike...:crying:

I'm going to add a Dart screen and a tank bag to this Thruxton T and it will take me far. Not saying a big pile of black cordura nylon is attractive. :grin2:

 

Maybe it looks better in the flesh but that seat medical reason ? Or are you just very tall ?

 

Have a long inseam. I can still flat foot with the taller Corbin. My knees are happier.

 

Love it! Great to see a rider putting so much effort turning the bike into what works best for them. Maybe an inspiration for Triumph to produce a touring 1200 - a la BMW RT?

 

Maybe an inspiration for Triumph to produce a touring 1200 - a la BMW RT?

God I hope not.

 

I wish I could unsee that seat and screen, but if you’re happy, that’s all that matters.

 

I just bought a T120 to start with. And, it has cruise control, a very useful little option.

Reminds me of recent threads about the new Speed Twin. Triumph put a lot of effort into lightening up the bike, but people are determined to add bags and other weight, killing performance and handling.

 

I disagree. I'm reminded of Nick Sanders going around the world on a Yamaha R1. The intent of the manufacturer in terms of weight or performance doesn't have to dictate what the buyer wants to do with the bike. Many models that are intended to be sport tourers or ADV style bikes who have smaller versions which are lighter and have less powerful engines, tend to be better at the job at hand. I have a Ninja1000 with a larger screen and matched hard bags and I can tell you that adding those items does not downplay the performance or handling at all. Owners have modified bikes to suit their tastes for years by adding or subtracting parts. I looked at a Ducati 916 with riser bars and the fairing cutout to allow full lock clearance. Looked terrible, but that is what the owner wanted. Now we have naked, upright superbikes that do the same thing like the BMW S1000R or the Ducati Streetfighters and others. :smile2:

 

wallycycle…….omg, what have you done.:surprise: Think I'm gonna chuck.


Each to his own.
Biggsy

 

well, you posted it, so ill just add my thoughts..... Fugly.

 

Hi Wallycycle - you're not alone. Working on a similar approach for my green Thruxton S. Added the ABM kit, T-120 handlebars and mirrors, a black Corbin bench seat (standard height), and Thruxton R brake rotors. The modified ergonomics are better for me, but would still like to reduce the reach to the bars. Considering either other bars with more pullback or some bar backs. The long Thruxton gas tank is a challenge. Still need to modify or replace the suspension with components that work better for my 140 lbs weight and mostly sedate riding style. I like the idea of slightly higher gearing..

 

Hi Wallycycle - you're not alone. Working on a similar approach for my green Thruxton S. Added the ABM kit, T-120 handlebars and mirrors, a black Corbin bench seat (standard height), and Thruxton R brake rotors. The modified ergonomics are better for me, but would still like to reduce the reach to the bars. Considering either other bars with more pullback or some bar backs. The long Thruxton gas tank is a challenge. Still need to modify or replace the suspension with components that work better for my 140 lbs weight and mostly sedate riding style.

How do you like that seat? I've had several Corbins and I've always been pleased. That one looks pretty nice on there. Looks like a good pillion perch too.

 

The Speed Twin is the upright Thruxton with high performance engine. Unfortunately, it’s not that upright and thus far, there are no accessories available that would make it remotely tourable. I have a T120 that’s set up with luggage and shield. I was a bit miffed that Triumph didn’t at least offer a high performance version of the engine.

 

The seat is well made and fits the motorcycle. The wide part of the saddle is further aft than where I sit, but the seat is still comfortable. I'm looking to get some additional pull back on the handlebars so that change may move me back some on the saddle. Also understand that Corbin offers a free alteration within one year of purchase. My wife hasn't ridden on the back yet - so guessing the seat would work well for a passenger. Have also owned several Corbin seats over the years and found them worthwhile purchases (same with Sargent and British Bike Bits).

 

Having plucked up the courage to take another look at the original post (thankfully I was able to just focus on the text ha ha), I must say I’m a little curious about the gearing. The bike now has T120 sprockets front and rear. I have changed out the front sprocket for a 17T but feel that any taller would make it lug too much at lower revs. I have thought about doing the rear sprocket to give it slightly longer legs but have always intended I’d drop back to 16 on the front. I note you’ve also going with a higher profile tyre. How does the bike handle it? I imagine you’re working the gears a lot more but I’m wondering how it gets off the line, especially when all loaded up.

 

I think the gearing is probably fine. For high speed touring, probably a lot better. Thruxton buzzes a bunch around 75 mph if memory serves. Not a big deal if I'm wailing from corner to corner, but no bueno for riding down the highway for long stints.

 

I love the Thruxton in its stock form, don't care that you turned it into a touring bike. Just not my style...

 

Thruxton 1200 "T"

Holy sh****! Props for going your own way with your Thrux. And I felt guilty for a renthal bar instead of clip ons.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

You know the idea of a touring version with the top engine, adjustable windscreen, plush seat, two color matched saddle bags with easily removed small top case, cruise control, heated grips, top suspension, comfortable bars weighing in under 525 pounds in the $17 to 18k area would interest me. I own a 2016 Thruxton R and I am going away from this direction it with lower bars and full fairing.

Interesting enough I am taking my 2009 Thruxton in the touring direction. I have retired this bike from racing and have a ton of parts from other Triumphs I have owned over the years that bolt straight on. The windscreen from my 2003 T100, the seat from my 2006 Scrambler, the soft luggage and mounts from the 2016 Thruxton R. Adding a luggage rack, barrel bag and a small tank bag combined with a strong 85 horsepower 904 TPUSA engine with some left over land speed gearing will make this a pretty decent middle weight light touring bike.

 

I'd like to see Triumph offer a Thruxton-based factory sports tourer, Here's my attempt at one:

 

I'd like to see Triumph offer a Thruxton-based factory sports tourer, Here's my attempt at one:

I absolutely love the photo you posted of your Thruxton R. It recalls a memory and probably a subliminal urge that prompted my Thruxton buy.

I fell in lust with the Norton back in 1971 when I woke up one morning while camping off my Puch 250 SGS in a campground next to Lake Tahoe and saw this guy in the campsite next to me loading up his Commando. I was so jealous and said to myself: someday... My Thruxton is in part a realization of that image that has never left me.

 

Am enjoying reading all the different opinions of my Thruxton changeover. One of the silver linings of being in the twilight years is that my skin is so thick, very little offends me. Agree completely that the OEM looks beautiful. According to my wife (an avid and fantastic rider for over 40 years) I committed heresy. But I find beauty as well in functionality. I'm guilty of a similar crime with a Monster 1200 which has resulted in nothing but shock and disbelief from all quarters.

The most egregious offense though is what I did to the bike I have kept in Europe since 2008. A beautiful K6 Gixxer Thou that now bears little resemblance to its former track-eating self. High bars, windshield, panniers, top box, higher seat, lower pegs etc... Photos below including one with my wife next to her Fireblade.

Because all these types of bikes have so much excess power and suspension performance, these ergonomic modifications don't impact the experience at all in public road use speeds. In fact they allow me to enjoy them even more and longer from my comfy perch.

 

@wallycycle Thanks for your comprehensive answer and observations.

 

wallycycle - thanks for the information on the Rox Barbacks and the change to higher gearing. I like your humor and perspective.

 

Guys the whole point of buying a motorbike is not to conform! Buy your bike and adapt it exactly how you want it.

Picture below of such a guy riding his Honda CBXz1000 in Nepal! Did he give a sh!t he was supposed to be riding a 'proper' touring bike? This photo sums up the essence of motorcycling.

 

He looks happy and not too worried about those bungee cords rubbing the paint off his tank. I guess one doesn't need to be riding a $23,000 GS nor kitted up in $1500 worth of Klim clothing to be an Adventure Rider.

Motorcycles are incredibly adaptable which for my book, makes them the best form of personal transportation.

 

Good Work

My Man, I like the work you have put in. I also defer to your judgement because it is your butt on the seat, your shoulders and wrist dealing with the ergonomics and your schedule and travel needs that dictate everything else.

To all the 20-30 year olds who say "The Thruxton is perfect the way it is and you are weird for changing it." when I was 25 years old I could spend all day on a bike that would kill me now (30 years later) and you will eventually come to the same conclusion. It's called gravity,,,and its coming for you. (yes there are 75 year old dudes riding R1s and Panigales) so if you need to chime in with "Im 50 and still ride like I did at 25" I envy you, I have not taken care of myself like I should have.

I have been hanging on to a Don Vesco Rabid Transit fairing with full lowers. I'm thinking about a Speed Twin wearing that hunk of fiberglass. They look good on really big bikes so maybe a Rocket III . I have no idea but when it happens I will subject myself to the collective.

Horses for courses

 

My Man, I like the work you have put in. I also defer to your judgement because it is your butt on the seat, your shoulders and wrist dealing with the ergonomics and your schedule and travel needs that dictate everything else.

To all the 20-30 year olds who say "The Thruxton is perfect the way it is and you are weird for changing it." when I was 25 years old I could spend all day on a bike that would kill me now (30 years later) and you will eventually come to the same conclusion. It's called gravity,,,and its coming for you. (yes there are 75 year old dudes riding R1s and Panigales) so if you need to chime in with "Im 50 and still ride like I did at 25" I envy you, I have not taken care of myself like I should have.

I have been hanging on to a Don Vesco Rabid Transit fairing with full lowers. I'm thinking about a Speed Twin wearing that hunk of fiberglass. They look good on really big bikes so maybe a Rocket III . I have no idea but when it happens I will subject myself to the collective.

Horses for courses

Age can result in differing priorities and personal physical boundaries. I still like to proceed down the 'ole twisty road at the same pace I used to on the sport-bikes I would pilot. I'm 100% tolerant of those that prioritize aesthetics or at least find their own balance between comfort/practicality and looks when personalizing their rides and will chuckle with them at their disdain for those bastardizing a perfectly good motorcycle.

When I rode to the Canadian border last Summer to ride the Great Continental Divide Trail (Canada to Mexico), I did it on my weedy WR250R. I was comfortable and happy as a clam, even on the 880 mile "gethomeitis" return day. No surprise to note that the photo of the WR shows a distant familial ergonomic and chassis resemblance to my thruxton.

Regards on what your Don Vesco will ultimately be attached to, I love your use of "when" instead of "if".

 

Hmm. I’m 62 and think my Thruxton is perfect just the way it is. I have added heated grips and a comfort seat for comfort and a very small screen more for looks than anything else. I have panniers for it and a tail bag that sits on the dual seat I also have. I tour* on it without discomfort and take pride in its styling and style. I realise it’s not important to everyone but it is possible to make a bike practical without destroying its looks.

* I do also have a Tiger which I use for the big trips but have done many 300km days and a couple of 500+km days on the Thruxton. 500km really is quite testing but it’s no picnic on the Tiger either, especially in hot weather.

 

Hmm. I’m 62 and think my Thruxton is perfect just the way it is. I have added heated grips and a comfort seat for comfort and a very small screen more for looks than anything else. I have panniers for it and a tail bag that sits on the dual seat I also have. I tour* on it without discomfort and take pride in its styling and style. I realise it’s not important to everyone but it is possible to make a bike practical without destroying its looks.

View attachment 636870

* I do also have a Tiger which I use for the big trips but have done many 300km days and a couple of 500+km days on the Thruxton. 500km really is quite testing but it’s no picnic on the Tiger either, especially in hot weather.

your Thruxton is perfect just the way it is, for you, and many others. 62 years and long days in the saddle, I am jealous. Ride on Brother.

 

Ha! I'm 50 and tried to ride like I was 25. The result - KDX leg!

 

Wallycycle, My 2009 is going through its third stage of life. 1st as a stock bike, then as a racer, and now as my touring bike. Trade offs on appearance, performance and capabilities are made along the way. Three pictures below show the changes, the good thing is it can be all three by changing a few parts.

 

Amazing versatile motorcycle. In touring form, I assume the tank saddlebags don't interfere with your knees?

 

I recently got a new Thruxton 1200 standard model and have been reading all the comments and seeing what folks are doing with their machines. Wallycycle and Canberra have taken similar approaches that really dont adversely affect the basic design/function of the bike. For me, like them, I just wanted to personalize it a bit, getting ideas from various folks- and to make it more practical for my desired uses. I wanted to be able to use throw over bags, so I bought those stock luggage brackets that I can put on to keep the bags out of the wheels when Im using the bags. I modified a stock Triumph Street Twin grab rail luggage rack to fit where a stock grab rail would fit to carry anything small and added a dual seat/passenger pegs in case my wife feels like a spin.

I also got the ABM conventional handlebar conversion kit to install at some point. Im short and "old" (and have lost most of my hair), and have only ridden the bike 100 miles but I think conventional handlebars will suit me better overall - especially if I use this bike on a long haul. Over the past 40 years, Im used to riding my '77 T140V or '74 Norton Mk2a Interstate for long hauls (1000+ mile rides) and no matter what I do to the new Thruxton, Im sure it will be a massive improvement technically. First brand new bike Ive ever gotten and never used an electric start before!

I may do a few cosmetic things that Ive seen here (badges, inspection covers, etc) but to this point have only added Lucas style turn signals and tail light as a nod to legacy. I know they may be cheesy and not as mod as more fashionable stuff - but what the hell. I even got a gas tank stripe and put that on the front fender to match the tank, however the two radii proved more of a challenge than my skills allow, so I screwed it up a bit - and will probably remove it to get a stripe painted on later. I also plan to remove the black finish on the fork legs as KiwiDave has, again, as a nod to a "legacy" look. I know this machine will be fun to ride and will perform well - and I dont intend to do anything too drastic to spoil the looks or function!

 

I recently got a new Thruxton 1200 standard model and have been reading all the comments and seeing what folks are doing with their machines. Wallycycle and Canberra have taken similar approaches that really dont adversely affect the basic design/function of the bike. For me, like them, I just wanted to personalize it a bit, getting ideas from various folks- and to make it more practical for my desired uses. I wanted to be able to use throw over bags, so I bought those stock luggage brackets that I can put on to keep the bags out of the wheels when Im using the bags. I modified a stock Triumph Street Twin grab rail luggage rack to fit where a stock grab rail would fit to carry anything small and added a dual seat/passenger pegs in case my wife feels like a spin.

I also got the ABM conventional handlebar conversion kit to install at some point. Im short and "old" (and have lost most of my hair), and have only ridden the bike 100 miles but I think conventional handlebars will suit me better overall - especially if I use this bike on a long haul. Over the past 40 years, Im used to riding my '77 T140V or '74 Norton Mk2a Interstate for long hauls (1000+ mile rides) and no matter what I do to the new Thruxton, Im sure it will be a massive improvement technically. First brand new bike Ive ever gotten and never used an electric start before!

I may do a few cosmetic things that Ive seen here (badges, inspection covers, etc) but to this point have only added Lucas style turn signals and tail light as a nod to legacy. I know they may be cheesy and not as mod as more fashionable stuff - but what the hell. I even got a gas tank stripe and put that on the front fender to match the tank, however the two radii proved more of a challenge than my skills allow, so I screwed it up a bit - and will probably remove it to get a stripe painted on later. I also plan to remove the black finish on the fork legs as KiwiDave has, again, as a nod to a "legacy" look. I know this machine will be fun to ride and will perform well - and I dont intend to do anything too drastic to spoil the looks or function!

Talk about practical ... not. Still --->

3,000Kms to go and nobody will be able to tell if I fell asleep