Triumph Thruxton R
What's your take on this...
Hi guys and girls,
Last week I went out on a test ride on a Triumph Thruxton R, from the Triumph dealer in Manchester. My intention was to purchase this Motorbike after the ride or at least order one in the colour and spec of my choice.
So, a little background on my riding. Until now I have only ridden sports bikes, mostly Ducatis, Aprilia and MV's. Italian stuff... So now I want a modern retro classic of its style, looks and the experience of a Triumph.
As I went for the ride, my first impressions were that this bike doesn't flow very well. It felt like it was dragging, I wasn't sure why this was but it felt like a deflated tyre. I carried on for a bit, trying to get used to its riding style. Eventually, I went into the service station to check the tyre pressure... this is it. 40psi at the front and 20psi at the rear. This was wrong just ridiculous. A quick google search and I corrected the tyre pressure by 36psi at the front and rear. It was as a safe option. It felt a lot better but still, there was something not right and I was about to give up!
So I pulled up outside Pret, for a Latte. Yes, a "Flat White" my answer to everything. Trying to work out why this bike didn't feel right when it was new and with top specification and quality components.
I eventually convinced myself that it just needed a suspension setup. After churning it over I decided to check the rear suspension settings. So, One side was on +10 and the other was on +1. I balanced then out to +4 on both shocks. Then I had hope again...
I did some city riding through manchester and the bike felt great. Powerfull from the lights and filtering was easy too. The engine revved up easy and the engine braking wasn't too much, unlike the Ducati racers. The gearbox was so easy and smooth. The Brembo brakes were great as we all know.
I eventually hit peak time and lots of traffic as usual. Approaching Prestwich, I went to fuel up with Momentum at Tescos. After filling the tank with only £7.05 the tank was full. But the gauge was showing only a quarter tank. Maybe an electrical fault. I then headed towards the M62. I got on, I blasted the bike as I do with my Panigale, Ducati Panigale. LOL. I got to 90 and the bike felt unstable... Like there was a problem with the headstock or something. No steering damper if that had anything to do with it. In fact awful and dangerous. I dropped the speed to a manageable 65 -70 and plodded along. I was heading towards Leeds. I got off at Halifax J23. Four junctions before as the ride were awful. Then through Huddersfield, I stopped off at Cafe Evo. NOT a Flat white. An English breakfast tea. My answer to all the problems. Then I rode home from Huddersfield through to Batley. Once I got home I had realised that there was a brake fluid leak on the front reservoir spitting on to the tank. So I had to wash it all.
The next day I spoke to the dealership, they confirmed that the was set up properly and there was nothing wrong with it but the apologised about the tire pressure. I did a casual ride back to Manchester and I felt the same experience.
Now, I really like the look of this bike and the specification. I want one for the reason of comfort and its not a super-duper screamer at 200mph. But this experience has really put me off.
I am trying to work out if they are all 1960's agricultural design with super tech bits bolted on or I went out on a duff bike.
My research shows many up for sale with very little miles and very little age. Is there a reason for this...
Someone help me on this as I can only dring so many Flat whites.
Ishmael
Ive just sold mine, brought new, modernised and did 10k on it. Absolutely stocking bike, never had a single complaint on the handling and performance. Yes had a small leak when new all fixed under warranty and it definitely needs a custom seat but thats standard on most stock bikes I find if you get the miles in and weigh more than 200lb
RIAC
By the way I swopped out the rear springs and changed the fork oil
RIAC
The Thruxton is not a hyper performance bike like some of the Duc's, MV's and Apes.
In my humble opinon, it sits somewhere in the middle between say a Harley and those Italians.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with it though, and if you're looking for a decent parallel twin, you'll be hard pressed to find better. They handle ok out of the box, but if you like to ride with a bit of gusto, a suspension upgrade will nearly always do the trick. (give Richard a ring at Maxton suspension, Frodsham...he's incredibly honest, will not oversell, and you'll get a bespoke arrangement perfectly suited to your riding style)
The Thruxton is a fantastic bit of kit, you need to try another.
The dealer you've experienced sounds a bit crap.
Who TF lets a bike out of a showroom without giving it a 2 min checkover?
Unacceptable...
If you like the thruxton and if you’re from sports bikes i’d Guess you’d like my norton 961 cafe racer. Had withdrawn as every time I ride it I love it to bits, plus the prices aren’t going south so it’s like cash in the bank. If this could tickle your interest feel free to get in touch.
https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...ghlight=Norton
I would value 100th Monkey's view above , he has a had a few bikes and knows the Thruxton.
What the reason you sold?Originally Posted by 100thmonkey
Ishmael
I'm not wanting a hyper bike. For me a classic Cafe Racer with style and performance.
I was under the impression that the suspension is already great. Maybe change the rear yellow springs for some black ones and change the weight of the oil on the forks. But this would be done by a specialist. I will contact Maxton suspension. Thanks.
Ishmael.
Simple answer: you’ve been spoilt!
If you want the ultimate riding experience, an Italian Sports Thoroughbred is unbeatable. If you are willing to compromise, there’s plenty of other choices.
Wasn’t going to use it for 2 months and wanted to find a little investment
RIAC
I think you've got it.
I wish there was a Duke that fits the bill...
I did look at the Scrambler Cafe Racer but it's not there yet.
The Sport classic 1000 should be reintroduced.
I've been offered a new one 0 miles at a discount but then on a 69 plate. It's just going to sit the over winter.
Ishmael
Depends how much, you want to be £10k on it really at this stage of the year and with the trade as bad as it is
RIAC
Any suggestions on a cafe Racer...
Ishmael
Is that Norton on SC still available?
I think that’s where my money would go however much I like the Thruxton R (and I do)!
Second hand thunderbird sport.
Two if you're rich.
...
BUBI 0_0
It sure is Dave. I’ve not bumped it or advertised anywhere else because if I’m honest I love it and as a one off bike I think it’s value is heading up.
I would still sell it though, it’s not getting used enough and I could use the money.
IMG_6102.JPG
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And cheaper than a ceramic gmt on the grey market!
Much more fun too!
Maybe take a look at the BMW R-nine-T range?
There is a cafe racer version that rides well but evidently needs a better seat and rear shock.
I have the Urban GS as I prefer the upright seating position and view. Also changed the rear shock and a few tweaks.
I completely get that BMW boxers divide opinion- I was as sceptical as any until Ibought my first one- now on my 14th
Might buy a 961 to go with it though!
Image1566029664.101592.jpg
Here it is..
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That looks more like a scrambler for me
Café racer would be this, no?
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
Some lovely bikes here.
Loving the Norton, the BMW looks pretty good too, as does the Ducati cafe racer.
My personal preference is still sports bikes, but seeing stuff likes this makes me think again.
For those of you who own cafe racers, how do they compare to sports bikes?
Some of the stories around the origins of cafe racers, and what used to go on at the Ace cafe are pretty interesting.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vis...-outlaws%3famp
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Correct sir mine is a similar version to the Scrambler,more upright and comfy.That looks more like a scrambler for me
Café racer would be this, no?
Both mine and the r-nine-t racer get a good write up- bit more potential wrist ache on the racer and both benefit from rear shock upgrade and a gel seat. Lots of torque= nippy at normal road speeds
I have had 4 fireblades back to back and a zzr1400 (still have this and it’s for sale too). I would say the norton cafe racer whilst clearly not as smooth, refined, or powerful as the big Honda has quite a similar ride. You’re elbows in and down, you’re focused, and with the ohlins and Brembos it steers and stops like a sports bike. I think this norton is only 185kg so it super light and flickable. It’s actually more of an event riding it, more character and noise and more appreciative glances.
Stop it! Please.
I have to say at the moment I am saving to get a bike in NL, having sold mine when I left the UK.Stop it! Please.
I still like the idea of a sports bike, and am leaning towards an MV F4 at the moment, but I keep seeing a BMW R9T parked up, and boy does that look nice
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I agree much more fun. I would however swap the norton for something shiny.
Last edited by tz-uk73; 17th August 2019 at 15:52.
I can deliver too!Stop it! Please.
Last edited by tz-uk73; 17th August 2019 at 15:51.
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