Triumph Thruxton riders?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
Thruxton is a much smoother bike, smoother on the road, clutch, acceleration (which could be good or bad, bad to me), better handling and a lot more lean angle.
I like the fit and finish of my 48 better than the Thruxton but I wouldn't say one is decidedly better (though stock seat and shocks are better on the triumph). The sound is decided better on the 48, even with the neutered stock pipes.
Everything vibrates on a Harley, which is obviously something you need to keep in mind, with how smooth a triumph runs.
By a "better" bike I mean to the average person who has no predispositions about motorcycles at all, the Thruxton would be the more widely chosen bike because the limitations are less limiting and it runs a lot smoother. I just couldn't get comfortable with the riding position.
I like the fit and finish of my 48 better than the Thruxton but I wouldn't say one is decidedly better (though stock seat and shocks are better on the triumph). The sound is decided better on the 48, even with the neutered stock pipes.
Everything vibrates on a Harley, which is obviously something you need to keep in mind, with how smooth a triumph runs.
By a "better" bike I mean to the average person who has no predispositions about motorcycles at all, the Thruxton would be the more widely chosen bike because the limitations are less limiting and it runs a lot smoother. I just couldn't get comfortable with the riding position.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Thruxton is a much smoother bike, smoother on the road, clutch, acceleration (which could be good or bad, bad to me), better handling and a lot more lean angle.
I like the fit and finish of my 48 better than the Thruxton but I wouldn't say one is decidedly better (though stock seat and shocks are better on the triumph). The sound is decided better on the 48, even with the neutered stock pipes.
Everything vibrates on a Harley, which is obviously something you need to keep in mind, with how smooth a triumph runs.
By a "better" bike I mean to the average person who has no predispositions about motorcycles at all, the Thruxton would be the more widely chosen bike because the limitations are less limiting and it runs a lot smoother. I just couldn't get comfortable with the riding position.
I like the fit and finish of my 48 better than the Thruxton but I wouldn't say one is decidedly better (though stock seat and shocks are better on the triumph). The sound is decided better on the 48, even with the neutered stock pipes.
Everything vibrates on a Harley, which is obviously something you need to keep in mind, with how smooth a triumph runs.
By a "better" bike I mean to the average person who has no predispositions about motorcycles at all, the Thruxton would be the more widely chosen bike because the limitations are less limiting and it runs a lot smoother. I just couldn't get comfortable with the riding position.
When I rode my father's Dyna for the first time (also my first time on a Harley) I was shocked at the amount of vibration. But, I loved it. The bike felt like a living breathing thing. I certainly appreciate how smooth and vibe-free my Triumph is but there's something about those vibrations that spoke to me on a visceral level.
Thanks again for your input, it's much appreciated!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 488
From: Central California
The Bonneville by comparison is smooth and refined. It dives right into tight turns where the Sportster requires a little muscling sometimes. At freeway speeds, the mirrors are rock steady. I can't see much of anything in the Sportsters mirrors at that speed.
Shifting on the Sportster is quite a bit clunkier, and neutral can be difficult to find.
My Sportster is an 883 and at that, the power to weight ratio of the Bonneville is much better.
To recap, I love having both bikes. Each one offering up a different experience. If I were to only be able to have one bike, the choice would be very difficult.
I have both a Sportster and a Bonneville. I love both bikes. The each have their own unique personalities. The Sportster is loud, raw and unforgiving. It'll beat you up on an all day ride. I think the finish level is superior on the Sporty though. It's also much easier to accessorize with a much wider aftermarket.
The Bonneville by comparison is smooth and refined. It dives right into tight turns where the Sportster requires a little muscling sometimes. At freeway speeds, the mirrors are rock steady. I can't see much of anything in the Sportsters mirrors at that speed.
Shifting on the Sportster is quite a bit clunkier, and neutral can be difficult to find.
My Sportster is an 883 and at that, the power to weight ratio of the Bonneville is much better.
To recap, I love having both bikes. Each one offering up a different experience. If I were to only be able to have one bike, the choice would be very difficult.
The Bonneville by comparison is smooth and refined. It dives right into tight turns where the Sportster requires a little muscling sometimes. At freeway speeds, the mirrors are rock steady. I can't see much of anything in the Sportsters mirrors at that speed.
Shifting on the Sportster is quite a bit clunkier, and neutral can be difficult to find.
My Sportster is an 883 and at that, the power to weight ratio of the Bonneville is much better.
To recap, I love having both bikes. Each one offering up a different experience. If I were to only be able to have one bike, the choice would be very difficult.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
I have both a Sportster and a Bonneville. I love both bikes. The each have their own unique personalities. The Sportster is loud, raw and unforgiving. It'll beat you up on an all day ride. I think the finish level is superior on the Sporty though. It's also much easier to accessorize with a much wider aftermarket.
The Bonneville by comparison is smooth and refined. It dives right into tight turns where the Sportster requires a little muscling sometimes. At freeway speeds, the mirrors are rock steady. I can't see much of anything in the Sportsters mirrors at that speed.
Shifting on the Sportster is quite a bit clunkier, and neutral can be difficult to find.
My Sportster is an 883 and at that, the power to weight ratio of the Bonneville is much better.
To recap, I love having both bikes. Each one offering up a different experience. If I were to only be able to have one bike, the choice would be very difficult.
The Bonneville by comparison is smooth and refined. It dives right into tight turns where the Sportster requires a little muscling sometimes. At freeway speeds, the mirrors are rock steady. I can't see much of anything in the Sportsters mirrors at that speed.
Shifting on the Sportster is quite a bit clunkier, and neutral can be difficult to find.
My Sportster is an 883 and at that, the power to weight ratio of the Bonneville is much better.
To recap, I love having both bikes. Each one offering up a different experience. If I were to only be able to have one bike, the choice would be very difficult.
I would love to be able to keep my Bonneville and have a Sportster but I simply can't swing that.
But again, thank you, your input is very helpful. I'm planning on visiting a dealer later this week and will hopefully be able to test ride a 48 and possibly a Nightster.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
Thanks so much for your reply, Mike.
I would love to be able to keep my Bonneville and have a Sportster but I simply can't swing that.
But again, thank you, your input is very helpful. I'm planning on visiting a dealer later this week and will hopefully be able to test ride a 48 and possibly a Nightster.
I would love to be able to keep my Bonneville and have a Sportster but I simply can't swing that.
But again, thank you, your input is very helpful. I'm planning on visiting a dealer later this week and will hopefully be able to test ride a 48 and possibly a Nightster.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 202
Likes: 8
From: new york
I've had 2 thruxtons in my life. A 04 carb thruxton and a 10 fuel injected. I absolutely loved it but always had an eye out for a 48. One day a deal that I couldn't pass came to me so I sold the thruxton and bought a 2014 48. I regret selling my thruxton and wish I had the funds to keep both bikes.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
I've had 2 thruxtons in my life. A 04 carb thruxton and a 10 fuel injected. I absolutely loved it but always had an eye out for a 48. One day a deal that I couldn't pass came to me so I sold the thruxton and bought a 2014 48. I regret selling my thruxton and wish I had the funds to keep both bikes.
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
As others have pointed out, two different but excellent machines. Your reaction to the Dyna makes you a good candidate for a Harley in my opinion. Good vibes is a big part of the character of our motors. Make sure you test ride a few different models. The 48 is beautiful and fun, but also the least lean angle with stock suspension. Since you really liked the Dyna, try a few of those too. Sporty's and Dynas are both great but also different.
The dealership I will be visiting has a nice selection of used Sporty's and Dyna's so I should be able to experience a good amount of each offering.
I've had 2 thruxtons in my life. A 04 carb thruxton and a 10 fuel injected. I absolutely loved it but always had an eye out for a 48. One day a deal that I couldn't pass came to me so I sold the thruxton and bought a 2014 48. I regret selling my thruxton and wish I had the funds to keep both bikes.
Sportster being the better of the two, I gather? Thanks for the reply!