A great ride on the Triumph Thruxton R…
On our semi-regular meander past the Bikeshop Rivonia motorcycle megastore the other day, we happened to notice a very neat 2016 Triumph Thruxton lurking in the British section of the store…
Never ridden one?
Awww shame! We do suggest that you try to rectify that…
Triumphs Thruxton R was the last model to be released in the British firms five-strong Bonneville range, which included the Street Twin, T120, T120 Black and the Thruxton.
Triumph ceased production on this model at the end of ‘24.
This one, specifically, is spectacular thanks to whatever it is that the previous owner did to the exhaust system. You can literally feel those big pistons detonating beneath you as the amazing symphony echoes around you and the bike hurls you forward…
Man it was fun!
But that’s just a part of the whole really, they really got it right with the Thruxton and there are several reasons that we say this.
- The bike is comfortable. Yes it’s racy, but not overly so and the ride position is good for a day out.
- Simple electronics. Yup! 1 button, three modes, you choose, but we do suggest sports mode because it’s terrific!
- Small and nimble. Yup, leave the other half at home and take a me day because you deserve it! And this one has a single seat and no rear sets.
- Suspension, brakes and geometry. Showa, Ohlins, Brembo… It’s like Christmas in April and yes, the bike does handle as well as she runs.
- The 96 bhp liquid-cooled, 1200cc ‘High Torque’ parallel twin cylinder engine is a gem.
What’s missing? Ah yes! Maybe a quickshifter, but we’re pretty sure that you’ll be able to get one of those sorted if you’d like one.
We took her from Bikeshop, out towards Cedar Isle and onwards for a day in and around the Cradle. Our favourite stop in that area is the Bidon Bistro, which is well supported by the cycling crowd – even on a Monday afternoon. More than one of them wandered over just to have a look and a chat. The classic lines do draw many an admiring glance.
You haven’t ridden one?
Ya no well shame – but it’s like this… The Thruxton R steers beautifully, has powerful brakes with such well sorted suspension that it simply carves along, all the while making the most fantastic sounds from those chrome exhaust pipes. It’s a very immersive bike, a true blue Cafe Racer that will make the biggest sportsbike fan out there grin.
And this one is looking for a new home!
If you ask Bikeshop Rivonia nicely, they might just sell it to you…
