Well, I've gotta say it sure looks nice to me. I'm mid-40s, and admired the original Bonnevilles and other britbikes, but was too young to ride them at the time. I really like the looks of the standard new Bonny, too, but haven't had the chance to ride one. Not a high-performance ride, perhaps, but if it puts a smile on your face, that's all that counts, right? Heck, it's probably faster than a Harley.
2004 Triumph Thruxton 900
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I'm in love with the looks of the bike, but after sitting on one (and noticing how some moron's leg had scuffed the tailsection already) I was uncomfortable as hell. I could look at it all day, planning various mods (no pun intended) but I can't fold myself onto it comfortably. Still, it looks so badass...
Did I mention it looks cool?
-=Goggles=-
Did I mention it looks cool?
-=Goggles=-
From Retro to Rocket
Taken on its own the Thruxton might seem a bit staid, but when considering that it now anchors the Triumph model line up with the Rocket being the lead, the Thruxton plays a very important role.
I'm sure you are simply spoiled after having ridden the bloody Rocket of which you teased us with the picture of Mad Scottish Stuntman Kevin Carmichael performing a wheelie at the same track. I like the Thruxton as few companies can truly pull-off "retro". However, Triumph is just such a company. Now to salivate waiting for the Rocket review!
Taken on its own the Thruxton might seem a bit staid, but when considering that it now anchors the Triumph model line up with the Rocket being the lead, the Thruxton plays a very important role.
I'm sure you are simply spoiled after having ridden the bloody Rocket of which you teased us with the picture of Mad Scottish Stuntman Kevin Carmichael performing a wheelie at the same track. I like the Thruxton as few companies can truly pull-off "retro". However, Triumph is just such a company. Now to salivate waiting for the Rocket review!
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The Thruxton is definetly my second bike. I owned a brand new 1973 Bonneville as a 20 year old. I thought the Thunderbird Sport would be my second bike, but after sitting on the Thruxton I must have one.
I also think the Thruxton is a perfect "first" bike for new riders who want to get into sport bikes, but don't want to start with a full on sport bike. While certainly more expensive than a 250/500 cc Kawasaki or Suzuki, the Thruxton is a bike a new rider can grow into and still be satisfied, not to mention it will out perform those smaller cc bikes, in a safe, controllable manner for the new rider. I think Triumph has hit one out of the park.
I also think the Thruxton is a perfect "first" bike for new riders who want to get into sport bikes, but don't want to start with a full on sport bike. While certainly more expensive than a 250/500 cc Kawasaki or Suzuki, the Thruxton is a bike a new rider can grow into and still be satisfied, not to mention it will out perform those smaller cc bikes, in a safe, controllable manner for the new rider. I think Triumph has hit one out of the park.
I like it. Being a Triumph, it can't really be accused of ripping off any other tradition. Could use more power, and the after market can manage that. And the basic spindly nature of the frame, though a bit stiffer than the originals, still adds a bit of drama to the otherwise more modern experience.
Might be a great bike for someone who has plans to actually someday purchase and suffer a classic cafe type rack. The Thruxton is definitely more true to the classic Triumph, than a Japanese cruiser is to an American cruiser. And the price is very nice. Overall, seems a pretty charming overall machine. If you dont fear the judgmental eyes of the die hard "must ride 30 year old bikes to be genuine and sincere" crowd, the Thruxton experience may be comparably satisfying.
Blessings,
Damon
San Rafael, CA
Might be a great bike for someone who has plans to actually someday purchase and suffer a classic cafe type rack. The Thruxton is definitely more true to the classic Triumph, than a Japanese cruiser is to an American cruiser. And the price is very nice. Overall, seems a pretty charming overall machine. If you dont fear the judgmental eyes of the die hard "must ride 30 year old bikes to be genuine and sincere" crowd, the Thruxton experience may be comparably satisfying.
Blessings,
Damon
San Rafael, CA
A poor man's Vincent? Nice review Yossef
Is it me or does anybody see the resemblence to a Vincent ? Maybe its just the time period i.e. like all 70's UJMs look a like. It does have some neat lines to it. Maybe these Brit bikes will replace the Harley/cruiser fad. Classic yet Classy Brit bikes as opposed to Nostalgic and Tacky Harleys. Do Harley riders wave at Brit Bike riders? Surely Brit Bike riders are not atrocituers? Where are you Highway Man? I need you to explain?
Is it me or does anybody see the resemblence to a Vincent ? Maybe its just the time period i.e. like all 70's UJMs look a like. It does have some neat lines to it. Maybe these Brit bikes will replace the Harley/cruiser fad. Classic yet Classy Brit bikes as opposed to Nostalgic and Tacky Harleys. Do Harley riders wave at Brit Bike riders? Surely Brit Bike riders are not atrocituers? Where are you Highway Man? I need you to explain?
I have been a fan of Bonnies ever since I can remember and seeing them in Barber's museum didn't help. Then, I saw pics of the new Thruxton and knew I had to have one. I even sold my F4i to save up for one. Guess I'll have to change that name now. Oh, well, it's worth it. I applaud Triumph for creating a new classic without giving up practicality for historical nitpickers.
I think the Bonnies will hold up just fine against the Ducatis.
A few questions though. Does the fly screen come standard? Early press photos and reviews show no screen. Also, how much hp did the slightly modified "Blue" Thruxton put out? How tall are you Yossef? You make the bike look absolutely tiny. Last but not least, is the riding experience of a new Bonnie that much different than the old ones? This is the first review I've read that talks about the experience being so different.
I think the Bonnies will hold up just fine against the Ducatis.
A few questions though. Does the fly screen come standard? Early press photos and reviews show no screen. Also, how much hp did the slightly modified "Blue" Thruxton put out? How tall are you Yossef? You make the bike look absolutely tiny. Last but not least, is the riding experience of a new Bonnie that much different than the old ones? This is the first review I've read that talks about the experience being so different.
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17,458 Posts
Add your own classic Triumph mystique.
You can always add some faux nostalgia by safety-wiring every nut and bolt.
As another person suggested, go to a novelty store and get some fake vomit with chunks. Paint the fake vomit black to simulate an oil puddle with parts in it and place it under the engine when you park the bike. Voila! Instant "good old days".
You can also get some magicians' smoke capsules and rig them to go off at command to emulate the old Lucas electrics.
Rigging the carbs to dribble fuel when starting is probably too complex and too much of a safety hazard, so I'd avoid reliving that part of the nostalgia.
You can always add some faux nostalgia by safety-wiring every nut and bolt.
As another person suggested, go to a novelty store and get some fake vomit with chunks. Paint the fake vomit black to simulate an oil puddle with parts in it and place it under the engine when you park the bike. Voila! Instant "good old days".
You can also get some magicians' smoke capsules and rig them to go off at command to emulate the old Lucas electrics.
Rigging the carbs to dribble fuel when starting is probably too complex and too much of a safety hazard, so I'd avoid reliving that part of the nostalgia.
Joined
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3,415 Posts
Re: Add your own classic Triumph mystique.
I was up at I-90 Motorsports getting an oil filter when they unloaded their first one a few weeks ago, so I got to check it out pretty good.
I think Triumph really hit it with this one, It's pretty much what I remember my dad and his friends riding back then, except for the oil drops, smoke and Belstaff jacket full of zenier diodes. Pure eye candy to an aging Cafe` Racer like me
For a second bike I'll probably still get A Thunderbird Sport, Speed Triple or standard Bonny as the Thruxton is tiny and I'm not, but this is a real beauty and cheap at twice the price.
Hopefully the Japanese won't jump on this bandwagon
I was up at I-90 Motorsports getting an oil filter when they unloaded their first one a few weeks ago, so I got to check it out pretty good.
I think Triumph really hit it with this one, It's pretty much what I remember my dad and his friends riding back then, except for the oil drops, smoke and Belstaff jacket full of zenier diodes. Pure eye candy to an aging Cafe` Racer like me
For a second bike I'll probably still get A Thunderbird Sport, Speed Triple or standard Bonny as the Thruxton is tiny and I'm not, but this is a real beauty and cheap at twice the price.
Hopefully the Japanese won't jump on this bandwagon
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17,458 Posts
Re: A few answers
The old Bonneville was decidedly undersquare with an 82mm stroke vs the 68mm stroke of the new one. As I recall the old Bonnie generally redlined at around 6500rpm. If the new one is running out of oomph at 6500 then there should be a lot more potential since the shorter stroke engine should spin much faster safely. How long before aftermarket cams come out, I wonder.
The old Bonneville was decidedly undersquare with an 82mm stroke vs the 68mm stroke of the new one. As I recall the old Bonnie generally redlined at around 6500rpm. If the new one is running out of oomph at 6500 then there should be a lot more potential since the shorter stroke engine should spin much faster safely. How long before aftermarket cams come out, I wonder.
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771 Posts
I love the looks of this bike, and would consider it for a 2nd or C bike. But, like Yossef (in height, not skill) I think this bike might be a little small for my dailly ride.
Props to Triumph for making unique sport bikes, at a competative price.
Props to Triumph for making unique sport bikes, at a competative price.
Re: A few answers
Cool. No, don't worry you haven't put me off. I'm only 5'9" (it's good ta be da average height) so just about any bike made nowadays is comfortable to me. I'm not in it just for the '60's experience, I think they are beauts just the way they are. Thanks for a great review, but where is the crash footage? I'm so used to seeing you part one out I thought it was de rigeur.
Cool. No, don't worry you haven't put me off. I'm only 5'9" (it's good ta be da average height) so just about any bike made nowadays is comfortable to me. I'm not in it just for the '60's experience, I think they are beauts just the way they are. Thanks for a great review, but where is the crash footage? I'm so used to seeing you part one out I thought it was de rigeur.
As a veteran of the "old days", you know, one Bonny and two extra sets of jugs, I am naturally attracted to an obvious britbike with good metal and electrics and no leaks. But, I would sincerely hate being embarassed by Jap beginner bikes and old Sporsters. Now, if Mr. Bloor could see his way clear to provide, at extra cost of course, a kit that would provide what that 900 should be capable of, say, another 20 HP or so, I could be interested.
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