Triumph Thruxton riders?
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 174
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From: Chicago
Triumph Thruxton riders?
Anyone ever ride a Thruxton and compared it with a sporty, 48 specifically? I am getting ready to spend thousands on parts to cafe out my 48 and it occurred to me that improving the straight line abilities of a Thruxton would be a lot cheaper, and then many of the limitations of the 48 would be gone (handling in curves, fuel range, two up riding, terrible seat and shocks, etc.).
Don't get me wrong, I love my 48 and was well aware of the limitations going in. The 48 and Thruxton are very different bikes but are both geared towards more of the urban runabout and I can't help but think the Thruxton would be less limiting and more fun in he twisties, etc.
Anyone have experience on each?
Don't get me wrong, I love my 48 and was well aware of the limitations going in. The 48 and Thruxton are very different bikes but are both geared towards more of the urban runabout and I can't help but think the Thruxton would be less limiting and more fun in he twisties, etc.
Anyone have experience on each?
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 105
From: Houston, Texas
Triumphs are great bikes all the way around. A couple of guys at work ride both Triumphs and Harleys, and they rave about their Triumphs. Just the look on their face when talking about their Triumphs say it all.
I had a nice Triumph Sprint, while not the fastest it was the smoothest best handling bike I've ever owned. One of the few bikes I regret selling.
I had a nice Triumph Sprint, while not the fastest it was the smoothest best handling bike I've ever owned. One of the few bikes I regret selling.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 68
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From: Taylorsville, UT
My riding buddy has a Thruxton, I know he loves it like crazy. Good step up from his old shadow. He has pipes and a/c and a rejet and we are dead even when going wot. I only have a/c and slipons for power. I did put 13" shocks and can corner faster/tighter than him so far, but he isn't scraping anything, I scrape my pegs, mufflers and boots all the time. That said, once he finds his confidence in the bike I think I will be trying real hard to stay on his tail up the canyon. I've only rode it once but it was light, super smooth, great handling bike, not as torquey as the sportster but still plenty of power.
With 2 of the most iconic brands in motorcycle history, you can't go wrong either way. IMO.
With 2 of the most iconic brands in motorcycle history, you can't go wrong either way. IMO.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
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From: Central California
That had to have been your post over on triumphrat.net!
Good to get a wider cross section of opinions from both sides of the equation.
I reckon having both is out of the question?
Good to get a wider cross section of opinions from both sides of the equation.
I reckon having both is out of the question?
The Thruxton is a great little bike. It's not much better than the 48 for carrying a passenger, probably less so. Fuel range too is not great, but more than a 48.
Even power is less than it should be for the style of bike. Lots of upgrades available though.
The biggest difference is the handling. The Thruxton is far superior in sport handling, and less stable (and comfortable) on the highway.
My choice would be (and was) a Sportster cafe conversion.
Even power is less than it should be for the style of bike. Lots of upgrades available though.
The biggest difference is the handling. The Thruxton is far superior in sport handling, and less stable (and comfortable) on the highway.
My choice would be (and was) a Sportster cafe conversion.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
The Thruxton is named after a British race circuit, where Triumph had success in long-distance races in the good ole days, so I would hope the current lot at Triumph took that into account when designing and building the latest bike to carry that name! If you want a sporty Sporty then a Roadster would be a good place to start IMHO.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Chicago
Just went on a test ride on the Thruxton. Really smooth, great handling, I'd agree a better bike than my 48. Unfortunately the riding position put a lot of pressure on my elbows and wrists and that was after only 15 minutes. 48 it is for me!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Central California
The test ride would also tell you a lot about the plans you have for your Sportster. You and I are the same page. We love the look of the Cafe style, but physically can't deal with the low bar, high seat position for too long of a time. I was gonna do the Ryca kit on mine when I first bought it. But I already had done the Cafe treatment to a small cc Suzuki. Fun, yes. A total hoot to ride…..for about 45 minutes. I ended up with a set of bars with a low rise, but a good bit of pull back and a Mustang seat. Comfort is king for long rides!
I ended up buying a Bonneville and now that I have that, I may start dinkin' with the Sporty since I don't do any big distance on it anymore.
I ended up buying a Bonneville and now that I have that, I may start dinkin' with the Sporty since I don't do any big distance on it anymore.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 11
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From: Los Angeles
Hi guys,
As an owner of a semi-custom Bonneville T100 who has a hankering for a 48, this thread has given me slight trepidation.
I've had my Bonnie for a year and it is great - I really love it. But I made the mistake of riding my father's souped-up Dyna Wide Glide and have had a desire for a Harley of my own since. I've always loved the looks of the 48 and since they're cheaper than a new Dyna and a bit more suited for city riding (99% of my riding is in the city), I figured it was a good first foray into the world of HD.
When you guys say that the Thruxton is a better bike, are you referring to handling, fit & finish, all of the above, etc.?
Thank you.
As an owner of a semi-custom Bonneville T100 who has a hankering for a 48, this thread has given me slight trepidation.
I've had my Bonnie for a year and it is great - I really love it. But I made the mistake of riding my father's souped-up Dyna Wide Glide and have had a desire for a Harley of my own since. I've always loved the looks of the 48 and since they're cheaper than a new Dyna and a bit more suited for city riding (99% of my riding is in the city), I figured it was a good first foray into the world of HD.
When you guys say that the Thruxton is a better bike, are you referring to handling, fit & finish, all of the above, etc.?
Thank you.