RE: 2016 Triumph Thruxton R: PH2

RE: 2016 Triumph Thruxton R: PH2

Thursday 24th March 2016

2016 Triumph Thruxton R: PH2

A new generation of Triumph Thruxton arrives, but how does it compare to the latest retro bikes?



There is no doubting the new Triumph Thruxton R has been one of the most eagerly awaited machines of 2016. Not only does the current trend for retro bikes make its timing absolutely perfect, the Thruxton R fills a gaping hole in Triumph's range that has long required such a bike. The old air-cooled Bonnie models, of which there was a Thruxton variant, served their purpose in life, but they were a bit insubstantial when compared to the new breed of large capacity retros such as the BMW R NineT, Nortons and Yamaha XJR1300. Triumph's customers were asking for a large capacity Thruxton model that could not only keep up with the competition, but could also be used as a practical machine in the way the old Bonnies couldn't. This year Triumph has more than met these demands with a machine that not only looks absolutely stunning, but also has a high level of technology and dynamics like a proper sports bike.

It's a great looking bike, that's for sure
It's a great looking bike, that's for sure
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.

Performance and dynamics up with the best
Performance and dynamics up with the best
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)

 

 

 

 

Author
Discussion

Motorrad

Original Poster:

6,811 posts

186 months

Thursday 24th March 2016
quotequote all
Fake carbs?

Is this really what people want? I was quite liking the idea until I read that.

trickywoo

11,700 posts

229 months

Thursday 24th March 2016
quotequote all
Fins too when its water cooled.

There is obviously a market as they are currently sold out but for me I'd rather have an actual classic.

bob1179

14,107 posts

208 months

Thursday 24th March 2016
quotequote all
The old Bonnie had the same. I think they look pretty good and I think they are in keeping with the theme of the bike.

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!

smile

STO

772 posts

155 months

Thursday 24th March 2016
quotequote all
I like it, I don`t think the phase "fake carbs" is strictly true more throttle bodies that look a bit like carbs biggrin Ok a lot like carbs.

sparkey

789 posts

283 months

Thursday 24th March 2016
quotequote all
The throttle bodies are shaped like old Amal carbs - they're not just fake carbs bolted on to look nice.

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..

nightflight

812 posts

216 months

Thursday 24th March 2016
quotequote all
I've run out of room in the garage, or else I'd have one.

Speed addicted

5,561 posts

226 months

Thursday 24th March 2016
quotequote all
I went down to the bike show to see this bike, looks lovely up close. Then I sat on it and asked the bolke if they did them in adult sizes....

anonymous-user

53 months

Friday 25th March 2016
quotequote all
Speed addicted said:
Then I sat on it and asked the bloke if they did them in adult sizes....
My first thought (after 'fake carbs?', obviously) was that it looks a bit cramped. Either that or it's actually Peter Crouch in the first image.

Speed addicted

5,561 posts

226 months

Friday 25th March 2016
quotequote all
Spumfry said:
My first thought (after 'fake carbs?', obviously) was that it looks a bit cramped. Either that or it's actually Peter Crouch in the first image.
The bloke before me had just got off the bike and was saying how he though it was about perfect, he was about 5'8". I got on and we agreed pretty quickly that it probably wasn't for me! I'm 6'2" and generously proportioned.
It's about the same size as the R9T or the previous Thruxton.

It is a lovely thing though.

Richyboy

3,739 posts

216 months

Friday 25th March 2016
quotequote all
So much want. Perfectly proportioned, beautiful, a living room bike. Love it all. Wish I could have another bike.

D200

514 posts

146 months

Friday 25th March 2016
quotequote all
trickywoo said:
Fins too when its water cooled.

There is obviously a market as they are currently sold out but for me I'd rather have an actual classic.
I suppose you could say its water and air cooled :-)

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 +

clen666

925 posts

121 months

Friday 25th March 2016
quotequote all
I think people are overreacting to the 'fake carb' thing, it's not like they are just random pieces of tat stuck on that don't have a purpose.

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.

Speed addicted

5,561 posts

226 months

Friday 25th March 2016
quotequote all
clen666 said:
Anyway, I think the whole thing looks great, but at 6'4 I might look a little silly on it.
yes You too would suffer from Donkey Kong syndrome.

D200

514 posts

146 months

Friday 25th March 2016
quotequote all
Depending on how many of them they make this bike will hold its value extremely well

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]

MrML

768 posts

206 months

Saturday 26th March 2016
quotequote all
D200 said:
Depending on how many of them they make this bike will hold its value extremely well

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 agree, excited at the reports of lots of low down torque and 'inadvertent power wheelies'. I want something that is good fun at sensible-ish speeds, that looks and sounds good. I enjoyed my wifes Bonneville which i customised somewhat, but I always felt let down by the cheap bouncy suspension and poor brakes.

I hope it holds its value better than previous Triumphs because with the extras I've ordered its costing me a small fortune! eek

Delivery due next month...

George111

6,930 posts

250 months

Saturday 26th March 2016
quotequote all
Speed addicted said:
The bloke before me had just got off the bike and was saying how he though it was about perfect, he was about 5'8". I got on and we agreed pretty quickly that it probably wasn't for me! I'm 6'2" and generously proportioned.
It's about the same size as the R9T or the previous Thruxton.

It is a lovely thing though.
I've got an R9T and I thought it might be a tad small but it's OK, bigger than the previous Thruxton and the leg positioning is fine. I'm 6'2" too. I'd give the R9T a shot, fantastic engine.

sandysinclair

303 posts

206 months

Monday 4th April 2016
quotequote all
Well that is a significant nail in the Norton coffin. Beautiful bike at a great price and delivery will catch up I have no doubt . It will work as intended unlike the Norton and it will have spares availability. What is not to like!! ...Over to you Mr Garner haha.