The Goodwood Test: Triumph Thruxton R – Modern Tech Meets Retro Rocker Style

HERITAGE

Thruxton is a name that has long been used for sporty Triumphs, though not remotely like this. In the Sixties the old, Meriden-based Triumph firm produced a special Thruxton edition of its 650cc Bonneville, to mark the Bonnie’s 1962 victory in the prestigious 500-mile production race held at the Hampshire circuit. The T120 Thruxton was assembled by hand using specially selected parts. Fewer than 60 were made; only a handful survive.

In 2004 the modern Triumph firm revived the Thruxton name, again for a sportier version of the Bonneville roadster, featuring a mildly tuned 865cc engine and a racier riding position thanks to clip-on handlebars and rearset footrests. The Thruxton 900 was no sports bike but cool looks helped make it a lasting success, boosted in recent years by the rise of café racer culture. Now the Thruxton R (and the standard Thruxton, which shares most parts) follows the same pattern. Essentially it’s a café racer based on Triumph’s new-generation T120 Bonneville, complete with 1200cc liquid-cooled engine.

DESIGN

This time round there’s much more difference between Thruxton – especially in racier R designation – and standard Bonneville. The sohc parallel twin motor has higher compression, lighter crankshaft, new exhaust and more, adding 17bhp to give a maximum of 96bhp. The tubular steel main frame is shared with the Bonnie but the Thruxtons have more modern, though still classical, styling. They get uprated electronics featuring an additional Sport riding mode, plus lighter rear subframes and racier chassis geometry incorporating a 17- instead of 18-inch front wheel.

The Thruxton R gains over the standard model with some classy components: Showa’s Big Piston Forks and Öhlins rear shocks instead of Kayaba suspension; Brembo Monobloc four-piston front brake calipers rather than twin-piston Nissins; and sticky Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres in place of durable Angel GTs. The R-model also complements its shared chrome-rimmed instruments and classical hinged Monza fuel cap with a polished top triple-clamp, stainless steel tank strap and a seat hump in colour-matched grey or red.

PERFORMANCE

That big, torquey parallel twin powerplant gives enough straight-line performance for plenty of street riding thrills. The mile-wide torque spread and crisp throttle response, especially in the sharper Sport mode (as opposed to Road and Rain), make maximising its potential outstandingly easy. The Thruxton is good for over 130mph, and it sits at 90mph or more, rider’s weight supported by wind pressure, so smoothly that it can cover distance with impressive ease, on a mild day at least.

The Thruxton R’s chassis performance sets it apart from the rest of the Bonneville family. At 203kg dry it’s no lightweight but sporty geometry and forward-biased weight distribution improve handling considerably and the R-model’s taut, adjustable suspension adds an extra level of control. Add those sticky Pirelli tyres plus generous ground clearance and powerful Brembo stoppers, backed-up by excellent ABS, and the result is a wonderfully enjoyable and rider-friendly bike that lives up to its café racer billing.

PASSION

Triumph has been careful to ensure that the Thruxton R is pleasant to ride at low speed despite its aggressive image. Its bars are set well above the shiny top yoke and its footrests aren’t dramatically high or rearset, so the riding position is tolerable for riders who were alive in the Sixties, even if they don’t remember them. Café racers are not designed to be versatile or useful, but the Thruxton should prove reasonably easy to live with, provided you prefer to ride alone. (A dual-seat and pillion pegs cost extra.)

That big parallel twin engine is economical, giving 45mpg even when used hard, for a range of over 130 miles. The instruments are informative; service intervals are stretched to 10,000  miles. There’s even a USB socket under the seat, something the original Thruxton definitely didn’t have. Triumph’s lengthy accessories list includes everything from a half-fairing and race kit to throw-over panniers. The Thruxton R is stylish, quick and bursting with character; a classy combination of retro style and modern technology. Would-be Rockers of any age, form an orderly queue…

Price tag of our bike: £11,700 (standard Thruxton £10,400)

Photography by Paul Barshon and Freddie Kirn