Triumph Thruxton

The Triumph Thruxton 1200 is the latest interpretation of a classic Triumph motorcycle from the 1960’s. Like most UK based motorcycle manufacturers it has a convoluted corporate history. Needless to say those living in the 60’s and 70’s would be more aware of it’s true history than the numerous and erroneous posts circulating no the internet – which I don’t want to add to. Regardless the latest Triumph Truxton 1200 is the step up from the Bonneville series and both are based on the brands past classic designs.

Unlike some other retro motorcycles I’ve featured in this series of posts, the Triumph Thruxton design is not really that old, dating back to the late 1960’s and it’s claim to fame is that is a modified Bonneville (whose name plates dates back to the start of Triumph motorcycles) but the Thruxton is dressed as a retro cafe racer. The Thruxton branding may be pretty new but it does hark back to the brand’s racing roots on the racing circuit it name comes from. In fact it’s retro looks are the key selling point for the brand which has been unable to sell more modern looking and spec’d motorcycles.

In terms of engines and technology the Trruxton comes only with a 1200cc engine although previously a 900cc and are a parallel and vertical twin cylinder engine. The upright cylinder placement is a design statement and one of the retro features. While retro motorcycles are not about speed, power or handling there is still nothing technically special about the Thruxton to highlight, although they are modified from the donor Bonneville for more power. (Hence the cafe racer tag) Needless to say the usual analogue and LCD display, trip computer, USB charging port, ABS and EFI with riding modes are expected at this sort of price.

The Triumph Truxton to me looks like a retro cafe racer from my imagination, no question. If you like the look then this is one of the best retro motorcycles you can buy in 2020. There are modern touches like the USD front forks (optional) with matching rear gold springs on the ‘RS’ variant or the rubber sleeves on the front forks on the regular model grades with matching chrome rear springs and convex engine covers add visual appeal missing from other current retro motorcycles. The Triumph Thruxton is expensive with a starting price of around $19,000 AUD which is unfortunate because while it looks great it doesn’t really look the price – but then are retro’s supposed to?