Roadtesting the Triumph ThruxtonTriumph, one of the world's oldest motorcycle manufacturers, best known for their parallel-twin engines, have long enjoyed a loyal following on both sides of the Atlantic. One of the highlights of last year's Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC was a new model: the Triumph Thruxton.
The name Thruxton comes from a second World War airfield near Andover, Hampshire, which in peacetime became a hallowed circuit, reputed to be Britain's fastest. In the gruelling 1958 Thruxton 500-mile production-machine marathon, the late Mike Hailwood and Dan Shorey finished one lap ahead of the field, trouncing the larger 692cc engined Royal Enfield Constellation, ridden by Bob Mac and Derek Powell.
Essentially the Thruxton, a new name in the Triumph vocabulary, is based on their current 790cc Bonneville. The engine has been bored out to 865cc, "hotter" camshafts, new carburettors and megaphone exhausts are employed to give more power and torque.
The alloy engine covers are polished, drop handlebars, rear-set footpegs are fitted. The front telescopic forks and rear shocks fitted, and the steering geometry has been revised. A fully-floating front disc, with two piston callipers, alloy mudguard and wheels and a sporty-looking seat, with the pillion part covered by a removable cowl all make for a touch of nostalgia.
It is available in Jet Black/Silver, which we preferred, or in Sunset Red/Silver which was the version we tested.
The result is what many of mature years would consider a "proper-looking", retro machine, reminiscent of the so-called café-racers so popular in the 1960s and '70s.
By modern standards, the 68 bhp power output and a genuine 115 mph top speed are modest, but this translates into substantial torque and thoroughly usable power, coupled with a reasonable Group 9 insurance rating and a €10,800 price tag.
It is a good-looking machine. The quality of finish is as good as the best, and for those with memories of Triumphs of yesteryear; no, it does not leak oil!
We had the opportunity to put the Thruxton around the back roads of Leicestershire; well-surfaced, traffic-free roads with plenty of hills and bends. The perfect environment in which to enjoy this machine. On this ride we saw a novel road sign: "Beware, Pheasants crossing!"
The engine is as smooth as the best of parallel twins. The 5-speed gearbox, the bike has so much torque that a six-speed box would be unnecessary, was smooth and precise. Steering, roadholding and brakes were well up to the bike's performance, and made for an enjoyable, vice-free ride.
This is a very "British" machine that will appeal to those who appreciate the sort of timeless, classic look and who relish spare time, "blowing away the cobwebs" rides at weekends and on summer evenings.
It's not that you couldn't use it as a ride-to-work bike; its forgiving nature, smooth, powerful delivery and relatively comfortable riding position do indeed make it a good all-rounder. But its real home is out of town, sweeping through bends, despatching gradients with ease. Those coming back to biking will instantly recognise this as the sort of bike for which they once longed.
Very traditional-looking as it is, it is a thoroughly up-to-date manifestation of earlier Bonnevilles. Retaining that unique spirit of Triumph it is a world away from the bikes of yesteryear. It oozes character and delivers all the performance you really need in these days of ever increasing restraints.
It would also be interesting to see how, in the right hands, Triumph's Thruxton would perform today on the Thruxton circuit. But you don't need a circuit to thoroughly enjoy this machine, "British" it may be, but it would delight on Irish roads.
TechSpec Triumph Thruxton
ENGINE: Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360° firing interval, 865cc (90 x 68mm). 10.2:1 compression. Producing 69 bhp at 7,250 rpm. Torque: 72Nm at 5,750 rpm. Twin-carbs with throttle sensor position sensor and electric carburettor heaters. Digital inductive type ignition. Chain drive, five-speed gearbox
CHASSIS: Tubular steel cradle frame, twin-side steel swinging arm. Wheels: front 36-spoke, 18 x 2.5", rear 40-spoke. 41 mm forks with adjustable pre-load. Rear: chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable pre-load. Brakes: front single 320 mm floating disc, two-piston calliper, rear single 255 mm disc, two-piston calliper
DIMENSIONS: Seat height: 790 mm, Weight (dry) 205kg. Fuel 16 litres.
PERFORMANCE: Top speed: claimed 120 mph, actual 115 mph. Consumption: 40 mpg (actual)
PRICE: €10,800