Triumph Thruxton, the sporting soul of the renewed Bonneville [ROAD TEST]

The name of this sporty Bonneville deserves a fair introduction, because the charm of its history is remarkable. It is in fact a motorbike linked in some way to the great Mike Hailwood, who together with Dan Shorey won the first edition of the 1958 Miglia on the Thruxton track in 200, with a Triumph Bonneville. For this reason, years later, in 1965, Bonnevilles were created for competitions, with sporty details, which sported the Thruxton wording for the first time, but above all which began a series of important successes, some of which remained in history, such as the first time (in his category) over 100 miles in the average lap at the 1969 TT, but in the same year he returned to win "at home", on the Thruxton circuit, in Hampshire, where he took the first three places in the race endurance 500 miles. Once the romantic parenthesis was closed, which took us back in time over 50 years, the name was frozen and revived only in much more recent times, when the sports version of the modern Bonneville made its debut, the one from 2001. We therefore arrive at 2016, when Triumph decides to revolutionize what, in fact, has become a range rather than a model, with the various all-new Bonnevilles, including the Thruxton.

In a market where segments practically no longer exist, we shouldn't be surprised if we notice more and more of these café racers on the streets, motorcycles with a classic look, but at the same time modern and captivating. Character, power and world-class performance. The new 1.200 cc Bonneville Thruxton and Thruxton R are the modern classic Café Racer par excellence. With authentic, dominant style, attitude, power, braking and handling worthy of their legendary name.

The new Thruxton is the cafe racer par excellence. A Modern Classic, but totally different. A beautiful combination of classic style and sporty soul, with high quality details and meticulous attention to detail.

Powered by the new 'high-power' engine (recognisable by the acronym "HP", while it becomes "HT", "high-torque" on other versions), 1.200 cc parallel twin, which is capable of transmitting adrenaline and emotions to no end while driving, managing to appreciate all its potential, also thanks to the amazing torque produced.

The new Thruxton and Thruxton R are characterized by the classic mold of the old-fashioned cafe racer, revisited with modern lines, characterized by semi-handlebars, tank finished with a unique design (even if under the beautiful old style cover we would have liked a metal cap and not in black plastic), LED daytime light inserted in the classic round headlight and 32-spoke wheels with aluminum channels mounted on 17″ rims.

The sportiest, the "R" version, differs from the "base" Thruxton for its fully adjustable suspension, which features a Showa "Big Piston" upside-down fork and for the Brembo brakes, equipped with radially mounted monobloc front calipers, floating discs and caliper with separate tank.

The engine the "bad" part of the Bonnevile range is the liquid-cooled, 8-valve parallel twin, with a maximum torque output of 112 Nm at 4.950 rpm, 55% more than the previous model. The engine, supported by a 6-speed gearbox equipped with slipper clutch, was designed by the English company to release more power and torque in the medium-high area of ​​the rev counter, which is the area most used in sports driving.

The complete instrumentation is much appreciated, integrated with two digital displays from which to scroll through the various data. ABS is standard, as is the electronic traction control that can be deactivated, the ride-by-wire accelerator and three different maps, which can be selected with each rotation of the right wrist between Road, Sport and Rain. The braking system consists of a double 310 mm disc for the front and a single 220 mm disc for the rear, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers. A style and beauty that captures attention, performance that thrills even the most expert motorcyclists and an inimitable heritage.

Our Test

The new Thruxton is a Modern Classic, but totally different, which is at ease in any context, from the city to mountain roads. We therefore had the pleasure of trying it both in everyday chaos and on roads made up of hairpin bends and medium-range curves. The instrumentation is made up of two circular elements, with a chrome frame, which are positioned in front of the fork, above the headlight, set in a satin metal plate.

Inside we find two displays, with numerous data available and a large series of service lights, which only become visible when they are turned on. The riding position is quite comfortable and relaxed, even if the clip-on handlebars obviously impose a sporty posture. However, the saddle is very comfortable and it is easy to maneuver the bike between one obstacle and another, given that the legs are able to push on the tank, giving a nice feeling. The saddle is low, only 805 mm from the ground, while the semi-handlebars are close to the body, which can easily slide on the long saddle.

If you intend to bring a passenger it will certainly be comfortable. The weight of the bike is 206 kg dry, but you can only notice when moving it from a standstill, while in motion that the Triumph Thruxton amazes us with its unexpected agility. Yes, unexpected because when you look at it it may seem the opposite, but by trying it we can assure you that it is very easy to handle, so in the end it is docile, even in straits. The credit certainly goes, in addition to the chassis, to the very powerful engine, capable of 97 horsepower (72 kW) at 6.750 rpm, which shoots you forward like a cannonball.

We like it on the move, for the ease of handling with which it can be driven, both thanks to the torque and the suspension which transmits an excellent feeling, right from the first kilometres. If we consider the type of bike, the power seemed almost excessive to us, even if the power delivery is pleasant and the Traction Control allows you to manage everything in maximum safety. The torque is felt strongly from 4.000 rpm, steadily extending up to 7.000 rpm, allowing us to accelerate without problems, even if we have one more gear than necessary.

The only real flaw of this type of motorbike is in city use, because the 1200 HP has a notable heat transmission towards the inner thighs, but we are obviously talking about a naked motorbike and this is quite normal. The gearbox is smooth and finding neutral when stationary is very easy. The sound of the exhaust is "tasty", a bad, overbearing voice comes out with a not bad temper, in full respect of the considerable power of the engine. Having left the city in search of a more interesting road, made up of hairpin bends and beautiful curves, you discover a very pleasant motorbike to ride, stable on the straight and which also allows you to take some nice turns.

The ABS works well, which is calibrated correctly and is never too invasive. The braking system, thanks to the double 310 mm front disc, offers powerful and precise braking, but if you are looking for emergency braking, it is necessary to also call into question the rear, managed by a single 220 mm disc, with Nissin 2-piston floating caliper. The vibrations are felt in a precise range of rpm, but do not disturb too much. A well-built and finished motorcycle with a style and beauty that captures the attention of even the most experienced motorcyclists and with an inimitable heritage. All this makes the new Thruxton a one-of-a-kind motorcycle, according to the classic canons of the English school.

The Triumph Thruxton is on sale for 13.700 euros, which rises to 15.700 for the "R" version, quite a few, even if it boasts noteworthy features and a very high level of care.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Finishes – Handling – Engine output and performance
We do not like it:
Challenging price, position imposed by the semi-handlebars

Triumph Boneville Thruxton: the Motorionline Report Card

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Test clothing:
Jacket – Dainese HF D1 Perforated Leather Jacket
Pants – Dainese jeans with protections
Gloves – Dainese with protections
Helmet – Cast MTII
Mask – Cemoto
Shoes – Dainese sneakers