Anybody here ridden a new Thruxton?

How does it compare performance-wise with a good-running Commando?

I'm looking for a new motorcycle to partner with the Commando and the Thruxton is in the mix…so was a Guzzi V7 but I think it's probably a bit too anemic. At the moment the Triumph Tiger makes the most sense but I don't care for the look at all. Local folks are recommending a Triumph scrambler. It might be a possibility but I don't like the look of that either! THe bikes I REALLY like (sport bikes) are totally impractical here but a NEW bike is in the cards so something's going to happen in the next few months. I like the cafe look and I figure a modern one would have a better suspension than the Commando and could therefore handle the rough roads a bit better.

The last ride - which we missed because we had to close on a house that day - included 30 miles of rutted dirt/gravel. The Commando CAN do it but I don't like forcing it to do that any more. So maybe the Thruxton… ???

IMPORTANT - MOST of the riding is on paved roads; I'd guess at least 90% overall though there are a few rides that have a fair bit of rough surface. The total distance for the ride the other day was about 170 miles.

MikeT has one. I rode it a little bit. I like it more than my T100.

If I were you I'd wait for the new Triumph next year. Unless you can't wait that long.



http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/12/18/20 ... py-photos/

The Thruxton has the Cafe styling. The suspension is better that old commando standard, but still nothing to write home about. I've ridded one, and stock they do turn in better than the 19 inch wheel T100, but the difference is marginal. On the other hand, the mag wheel Bonnie (17" front wheel) has noticeably quicker turn in. You can "Cafe" a mag wheel Bonnie to look like a Thruxton. Also, the 17" front wheel allows you a much better choice of rubber to mount, than the 18" on the Thruxton.

Whichever you choose, you'll find they are as reliable as a cast iron potbelly stoves.
If you get one, you will be modding the hell out of it very soon.
Lots of Horsepower, suspension, wheels, brakes, bodywork options.
It becomes a disease, as bad as owning a Commando.

That front wheel thing can be dangerous. If you get the geometry wrong it can bite you when you least expect it.

Yeah for sure the geometry is important, but the Hinckley design is pretty conservative:

Rake is 28 degrees, and 110 mm of trail, with a frame that is built like a brick shithouse.
It is heavy, but real strong. The basic handling is good, even with stock crappy undersprung forks, and oversprung limp shocks.
It's no sportbike, but nimble around town, and stable on the road.
I have Bitubo cartridges and springs in the forks, and Hagon replacement shocks, and the bike makes a nice back roads scrapper.

Hi Mike

I brought a new 2013 Thruxton and just love it, when i brought it I had the dealer put on TOR mufflers (Triumph off road mufflers) on it which make to bike perform a lot better with out making it to loud and they look the same as the stock mufflers, as well I spent just on $1,000 to put decent rear shocks (Gazi piggy back) and Racetec springs with Ecumalators in the front end which made the bike handle great, its not a sports bike but it gives them a good run through the twisties, I also run a steering damper but other than that the motor is all stock, I now have over 25,000 ks on it and have done 2 x 1500 ks trips (15 hrs ride time both ways) and it was very comfortable, it handles and goes as good as my Norton and I am very happy with it, I have ridden it on many dirt roads and handles that OK, the rear sets are very comfortable for me (5'8") and I am 56 years old, I have a rack on the back and have throw over saddle bags for traveling, I have had the tyres right to the edge with out any problems, I will add a pic when I first got it with the stock shocks.



I still like riding my Norton as it has a bit more performance as I have a hot motor, but as a stock motor on the Thruxton I am happy with its performance and is fast enough for this old man to get into troubles.
Ashley

I love the Thruxton as my "push-button" bike. I’ve always only ridden vintage bikes, so it feels really modern and smooth compared to my other bikes, although I read that faster/sportier riders find it a little tame. A lot of guys upgrade the rear suspension and seem pretty unhappy with the front brake and forks. For me, it’s just fine. I’m not really a speed merchant, so it’s just a great all-round classic looking bike. I fitted the British Customs “Predator” mufflers/exhaust pipes as it sounded like a sewing machine with the stock pipes.

When comparing with the Commando, the Thruxton feels significantly bigger and heavier but I’m pretty short. It’s a much smoother delivery but much higher revving, which I find a little annoying at times. I find that quite different - getting into 5th gear before the end of the street as opposed to 2nd on the Commando! I hadn’t ridden the Commando for a while after getting the Thruxton and since the Commando needed a few jobs doing. When I finally got around to finishing the jobs on the Commando and took it for a ride, I was grinning ear to ear when I got back. It’s fantastic.

Here are a few pics and movies..





Thruxton:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nipm-Jb150

Club bike line-up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ekwy17CNLM

Club ride on Commando (apologies for the camera angle)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEM_UFVM_TY

Cheers
Mike

I had a 2004 Thruxton about 3 years ago, ok all rounder, even did some levels of the California Superbike school.
Probably about 50 BHP , but you can spend some ( lots) money 'freeing' a few more.
Suspension is poor, a set of Ikons made the rear better, front needs emulators/springs.
Stock exhaust is very quiet.
Over here they hold their price well.
I now have a 1995 Ducati 900 SL more performance than I can use. :wink: