Carbon Wheels

A few years ago I tried contacting custom wheel suppliers to see if they would be willing to manufacture a set of alloy mags for the 961. Renegade Wheels, Performance Machine, Coastal Moto and others. They make CNC manufactured alloy mags for Harleys from forged alloy blanks. The wheels are very strong and much lighter than the laced alloy wheels on the 961’s. I was looking to get a set of 70’s classic 7 spoke Morris Mag styled 17” wheels. Most of the manufactures weren’t interested in developing the CNC code to cut 1 set of wheels for me, and they doubted that there was much of a market for 961 wheels elsewhere.

I think I was quoted a price of $8,500 for a set from RC Components. I would have to furnish my 961 to them for inspection and measurements. Needless to say, I still have the stock wheels on my 961.

Carbon Wheels
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Mr thicko alert - I didn't realise my spoked wheels are tubed - I have just bought a shiny new set of wire wheels for my Morgan and those are tubeless so I assumed.......
 
The wheel pictured is a 70's Morris magnesium race wheel off my old race bike.
The spokes on Lesters are shaped differently.
I don't think there will ever be a replacement alloy mag for the 961 unless the factory decides to offer an alloy mag option for sale.
Wheel companies like Marchesini, Carrozzeria, and Campagnolo are not going to develop a wheel for such a low quantity production vehicle like the 961.
The custom wheel folks operate the same way; no profit, no point.
A set of Carrozzeria alloy mags for a Hinckley Bonneville is about $3500.
I would pay that much to get a set of Morris styled wheels for my 961.
 
BritTwit said:
A set of Carrozzeria alloy mags for a Hinckley Bonneville is about $3500.
I would pay that much to get a set of Morris styled wheels for my 961.
Click to expand...

Are the Carrozzeria wheels available for the Thruxton R? I was never able to find an upgrade for that bike when I was toying with cancelling my order for the 961 :eek: in favor of a Thruxton R.
 
Carrozzeria was recently acquired by Core Moto.
I checked their site and the only Carrozzeria wheels they have are for the 2014-2016 Thruxton.
Nothing for Norton.
 
Oh wow! Now all I need to do is find a throttle body replacement for those hideous stock versions and I'd be tempted to look at the pre-owned market. (Except I don't have any money left :().
 
Really,
Triumph styled them to take after the old Amal Monoblock carbs.
I thought they looked pretty neat for faux carb throttle bodies actually.
Much nicer than the fake Keihin carb units they put on the prior 865 model EFI Bonnie/Thrux.
 
I think that sums up the Thruxton. It’s loaded with small details that some people rate as super attention to detail... and some people hate as overly gimmicky and false etc.

It’s a bit like religion though, there is zero point in arguing cos neither side will ever change the opinion of the other... The only solution is to agree to disagree!

Here in the U.K. even motorcycle press journalists are split along the same lines.

Personally, I’m in the latter camp. When I first saw pictures of the Thruxton it was a no brainier ‘must have’. But when I saw it in the metal for the first time I was less keen. Then the closer I looked the less keen I got. Then I rode it, and couldn’t fault it, but didn’t like it!

When it first came out I posted on here that it would be huge trouble for Norton, it seemed to sideline the 961 altogether. But here we are now, and I’ve completely gone off of the Thruxton and have just ordered a Norton!

But that’s just me...
 
Fast Eddie said:
But here we are now, and I’ve completely gone off of the Thruxton and have just ordered a Norton!

But that’s just me...
Click to expand...

And you are one unpredictable "fellow" (my original choice was not PG rated :D). I would never have bet money that you would move over to our side, Nigel.
 
Fast Eddie said:
I think that sums up the Thruxton. It’s loaded with small details that some people rate as super attention to detail... and some people hate as overly gimmicky and false etc.

It’s a bit like religion though, there is zero point in arguing cos neither side will ever change the opinion of the other... The only solution is to agree to disagree!

Here in the U.K. even motorcycle press journalists are split along the same lines.

Personally, I’m in the latter camp. When I first saw pictures of the Thruxton it was a no brainier ‘must have’. But when I saw it in the metal for the first time I was less keen. Then the closer I looked the less keen I got.

...
Click to expand...

I seem to recall that you had a different reaction back then-

"Well gents, I just got back from the motorcycle show in Birmingham, England.

First thing to say is that Triumph had one of the biggest stands there, and it was by far the busiest, these new Bonnies have caused a storm.

I can also say that the bikes are better in the metal than they are in pictures. The T120 black and the Thruxtons being my favourites still."

That's the trouble with the internet, everything is recorded for posterity plus there is always some annoying nitpicker who searches to find these things. .:)

Glen
 
You’re right Glen, I’ll take that correction! I was still ‘on a high’ with them when I first saw them.
But, it is when the doubt first set in... and continued to grow.
 
Fast Eddie said:
......but here we are now, and I’ve completely gone off of the Thruxton and have just ordered a Norton!
Click to expand...

I saw my ThruxtonR on a stand in the showroom and it was love at first sight! It reminded me of my first Commando 750 back in 1975, with clip-ons and fairing. I have never owned a Triumph and knew nothing about the Hinckley setup so I had no past history with which to compare, but it has been a breath of fresh air compared to the very long list of Japanese and American 'cycles that I have owned and I won't be parting with it for a long time.

What the Thruxton has shown me over the past few months is that I want a bike which is more than just a 'retro' and less 'sanitized'.... I want more of that harmony between bike, rider and the elements.... so I've just ordered a Norton :)

There was a stunning advert circa. 1976 which featured the Commando MkIII and the Triumph T160V in front of Stonehenge, anyone remember? I lusted over those two bikes, maybe I can recreate this poster with my two gorgeous girls at some point!
 
Fast Eddie seemed to like to lob a few grenades into our Norton party. He's softened a bit and I like him that much more for it. And Nigel, you are right. Agree to disagree. If we all liked the same thing, it would be like wearing grey uniforms in former communist Russia and China.

Like this:
 
Oh, I’m not so sure I’ve gone all that soft. I might still lob in the odd grenade. Depends what the bikes actually like I guess!

I still think Garner is ‘his own man’ when it comes to running a business. And I still think they cudda / shudda done more to / with the 961.

But Garner has still achieved what he has achieved with Norton, and that has to be applauded. And it’s a lot more than I could have done. Same goes for the rest of his business empire.

And although I think there are some missed opportunities with the 961, it is still an incredibly attractive motorcycle.

So, in summary, I have not softened... but I may have become a slightly more optimistic pessimist...
 
And... as I’ve said before, it’s you bastards fault...

I even emailed over 20 of you a while back.

Not a single one of you had had a trouble free experience.

But every one of you loved the bike!

Bastards....
 
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