2016 Triumph Thruxton R: PH2
A new generation of Triumph Thruxton arrives, but how does it compare to the latest retro bikes?
Retro skin, hi-tech heart
Triumph has done a fantastic job in making the Thruxton R appear old school while ensuring the technology is very modern. The fake carbs hide a ride-by-wire fuel injection system and the new 1,200cc parallel twin is water-cooled yet has fins on its barrels to ensure the radiator is small and therefore subtle. Moreover, the suspension uses top quality Ohlins and Showa components, plus there are Brembo monoblock radial brakes. Add to these variable fuel modes, traction control and ABS and it's hard to deny the Thruxton's level of tech. But what really appeals are the subtle touches that owners will really appreciate. Under the seat is a small stand so you can place it on the ground without scratching the paint, as well as a specific C-spanner for easy damper preload adjustment. The bars are also thinner on the R than the stock Thruxton to make it feel sportier, and the clocks have an inbuilt gear indicator. There is an irritation though; if you want to take a pillion you need to buy a new seat as well as the pillion peg hangers, but overall the Thruxton is a really well thought out bike. And one that is remarkably sporty.
Set on the sporty side
Staggeringly, the Thruxton R has a shorter wheelbase than the Speed Triple and almost identical geometry. This hints as how determined Triumph has been to ensure the Thruxton lives up to its sporting heritage and the ride doesn't disappoint. This is a proper sporty retro and one that, on this experience, out handles all of its rivals. Despite appearing quite a weighty bike at a claimed 203kg dry, the Thruxton carries its mass very well and doesn't feel heavy through the corners. If you are used to the sensation of a modern sports bike the Thruxton handles in a very familiar fashion, and can be pushed far harder than any previous Triumph modern retro. This is a bike that could even be taken on a track day and enjoyed, which simply wasn't the case on the old Thruxton model.
But it isn't overly aggressive or flighty, and the riding position is reasonably comfortable too thanks to the high clip-on bars. The engine is even very relaxed. Some will argue the parallel twin lacks a bit of spirit as it is very smooth thanks to twin balancer shafts, but its lower gearing when compared to the T120 Bonnie models and lighter crank gives it a feeling of urgency that you don't get on those bikes. It's not a motor that feels alive in the way the R nineT's boxer does through its vibrations and torque reaction, but it is a lovely engine for road riding. When you start to push the flat nature of the torque curves does mean you do accidentally hit the rev limiter as the power doesn't build to an obvious gear shift point, but for the kind of customer Triumph is aiming the Thruxton at this won't detract from the bike's appeal at all. And as you would expect, all the electronic assists work seamlessly in the background.
Worth the wait?
Fans of Triumph's modern retros have been waiting a long while for a big capacity Thruxton model, and the R doesn't disappoint. It's a great modern interpretation of its iconic model and has everything the modern motorcyclist demands in terms of electronics and chassis ability while still retaining a fantastic heritage look. The only fly in the ointment is the fact that those who have been initially a bit cautious will be left waiting a bit longer as dealers have sold out of both of the Thruxton models and the back order list is filling up fast!
TRIUMPH THRUXTON R
Engine: 1,200cc parallel twin, water-cooled, 8v
Power (hp): 97@6,750rpm
Torque (lb ft): 83@4,950rpm
Top speed: 135mph (est.)
Weight: 203kg (dry)
MPG: 62 (claimed)
Price: £11,700 (£10,400 for standard Thruxton)
As for the actual bike itself I had a good mooch around it at the MCN show and it is a really nicely finished piece of kit, it seemed extremely well screwed together and in some areas far better finished than the BMW's that were parked on the next stand.
I really want one!
I think the point about the fins is that like fins on a fully aircooled bike they add to the cooling, meaning the radiator can be small and discrete. These are lovely looking bikes..
S..
It's about the same size as the R9T or the previous Thruxton.
It is a lovely thing though.
There is obviously a market as they are currently sold out but for me I'd rather have an actual classic.
I think this looks better than the actual classics, plus it has 97bhp, Ohlin’s shocks, brembo's etc. so it will go, handle and brake much better than a classic. Plus it will be much more reliable and have a warranty etc.
Quite well priced too, especially considering how much car manufactures are looking for retro classic remake things - like a 500k to 1M quid +
If fuel injection was the only option, I don't see anything wrong with giving that system a classic look to tie in with the rest of the bike.
Anyway, I think the whole thing looks great, but at 6'4 I might look a little silly on it.
I must be getting old as I used to hate classic bikes but now I love them - well, remakes like this with decent suspension brakes etc.
And, in my opinion, around 100bhp is the ideal power for any bike for the road. Anything from 90-120bhp depending on weight of the bike]
Fast enough to be exciting [and waste most cars] and not bonkers fast that will have you at 140mph in a few seconds [i.e. any modern superbike] at great risk to the health [of your license anyway]
I must be getting old as I used to hate classic bikes but now I love them - well, remakes like this with decent suspension brakes etc.
And, in my opinion, around 100bhp is the ideal power for any bike for the road. Anything from 90-120bhp depending on weight of the bike]
Fast enough to be exciting [and waste most cars] and not bonkers fast that will have you at 140mph in a few seconds [i.e. any modern superbike] at great risk to the health [of your license anyway]
I hope it holds its value better than previous Triumphs because with the extras I've ordered its costing me a small fortune!
Delivery due next month...
It's about the same size as the R9T or the previous Thruxton.
It is a lovely thing though.
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