Triumph Thruxton

[Chocaholic]

With my 50th birthday soon approaching, my sights have fallen on this bike as an addition to the stable for those "sporty" rides that often beckon from the nearby mountains. I'm not a crotch-rocket kind of guy and the V-rod satisfies my cruiser needs. I'd really like to have more of a sport-bike on hand and the Thruxton seems to be a fine balance of classic cafe good looks and modern gear.

Does anyone have any experience with this little beauty (comfort, performance, reliability)?

[Dottore]

It sure is pretty!

[Bill Douglas]

Nice nice nice nice... Need I go on.

[SlowToady]

No experience, but man that's a gorgeous machine!

I would almost say the height of the bars looks uncomfortable, but then, I'm used to riding a Honda Shadow with the cruiser bars, so...grain of salt.

[tangerine911S]

Ya I do love the thruxton. Cant help you though, I've never owned a bike.

Edit: I would get rid of those front shock covers and the rear fender/lights though

[Billbo]

Here's mine, 1231 miles so far.

[nostatic]

I rode one. Underwhelming power if you're used to a Duc or even a boxer twin. The stock position is pretty tight if you're tall. Risers help (I rode one converted to a regular bar instead of clipons). The feel is retro as well. Better handling than a Duc GT1000, but not really "modern" (ie quick). They are beautiful bikes (I like the yellow) and they are very narrow through the seat if that is important to you.

You should try and ride one to check the position. It can be tweaked with different bars, etc, but it inherently is not an "upright" ride.

[JavaBrewer]

Great looking but ultimately a very one sided bike. Most owners have more choices parked in the garage.

[grudk]

I looked at it, but took the Duc Sport 1000 for the grunt

[varmint]

if you don't know how to have fun with 50hp, well, i can't help you.


a co worker has one. he's put some money into the suspension, the bike's real weak point. it's a blast to ride.

yes, there are better horsepower for money bikes out there. probably most bikes are better horsepower for money. but the thruxton is just cool.

[Chocaholic]

Billbo - bike looks nice. Any comments so far about your ownership experience? I'd be interested to get some strengths/weaknesses feedback from an actual owner.

The power issue doesn't concern me...I'm not a speed freak and I have a 120hp V-rod that would serve that purpose. Mostly looking for a fun, cool, great handling sport-bike. My first bike was a 73 Tiger 650. It wasn't fast either, but was a blast to own and ride. In the curves, it's more about momentum than brute force for me. I don't like "transformer-looking" bikes. This one stirs the pot for me...just sitting still.

If it was to be an "only" bike, I'd probably look for something more utilitarian. This is just a sneak-away bike for a couple of hours in the N. Ga mountain foothills, etc. Keep the feedback coming.

Thanks.

[Billbo]

Well, I agree with most of what the others say. It's rated at 69 hp, has plenty of go to match its handling. So far very reliable. The Thruxton has a lot of aftermarket support. It attracts a bunch of attention no matter where you go. 40+ mpg if you are gentle with the throttle, 30+ if not. After an hour or so I am ready to get off of it for a stretch. Most distance in one ride was 210 miles, my arse was beat. I use it for running around the lake country, bar hopping, etc. I probably will not spend any more money on it, in fact I have it listed for sale. For sale not because I don't like it, just because momma-bear says I should part with one of the toys. If it does not sell I will not be disappointed, I like it for what it is.

[greglepore]

Its a cool enough bike, but for my money, a Duc Sport 1000 has it beat, sound, style, handling etc. The torque of a 2v Duc is an unbeatable thing in a "mellow" sportbike.

[Chocaholic]

Unfamiliar with the Sport 1000. I am guessing the price of entry is higher...and out-of-warranty repairs could be disconcerting. No?

[greglepore]

http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2008/ModelPage.jhtml;jsessionid=WQHTHRDJSSFPUCRNCB2SFEY KFUIHUIV3?family=SportClassic&model=SCSPORT1000S-08

Its significantly more money, but they're available used...

[aigel]

Originally Posted by greglepore

http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2008/ModelPage.jhtml;jsessionid=WQHTHRDJSSFPUCRNCB2SFEY KFUIHUIV3?family=SportClassic&model=SCSPORT1000S-08

Its significantly more money, but they're available used...

That Ducati is a much nicer bike. You may pay more up front, but resale should be much higher too, so you will get most of the premium back. The Triumph looks too cobbled together - I would get a vintage Triumph over the one you posted.

George

[grudk]

I sold my 2006 sport 1000, with about 500 miles on it, for about 8K last year. No doubt they are even less now. Really dug it for the most part, but riding position was pretty rough on the wrists (I'm told risers help -- newer bikes have higher bars from the factory). Turn-in seemed a bit non-linear to me, but no doubt that can be dialed in by those with more know-how than me. Great look/sound, plenty of torque. Not as 'balanced' as the 600 supersport I had, which just loved the canyon roads -- sport 1000 seemed like more of a 'muscle-bike' if you will.

[Chocaholic]

Resurrecting an old thread. Funny, never scratched that itch and all these years later still thinking about it. Since this thread I owned a Ducati Monster 1000. Kept it for about 18 mos. very cool bike and was fortunate to not have the plastic tank swell issue. Had access to non-ethanol in those days, which helped.

I believe there are perhaps a few Thruxton owners here, Moses, etc.? Mostly wondering if there's much if any downside to F/I on these bikes vs carb. My RK has a carb and it's been flawless.

Open to thoughts from the brain trust...

[speeder]

I've looked at the Triumph, really like the looks and whole concept but they are shockingly heavy which really works against being fun, just like in a sports car.

[creaturecat]

the new Thruxton has major improvements. that is for sure.