TRIUMPH THRUXTON 900 (2003 - 2018) Review

Version: Carburettor Clip on handlebars version.

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £150

I'm on my second one of these. The First I bought at a year old (2007 bike) in 2008 after chasing speed with a Daytona 955i (Sold it to buy the Thruxton) and I loved it. I kept it 15 years. And we only parted company after it was written off in 2023. I changed things over time. It went from blue to black with an aftermarket alloy tank. Triumph off road silencers and a steering damper and shock upgrade being the major modifications. It wore more upright bars at various points and reverted to clip-ons as my rides became shorter. I've toured all the way through France, Germany and the low countries on it, lugging panniers top box and tent. Which it handled brilliantly. Its been on the track and was pressed into service for a few laps of the TT course often giving nothing away to admittedly badly ridden sports bikes on the more twisty sections of the course. And I've commuted on it through city traffic. It was not the fastest thing it was not the best handling thing, but it was a do it all bike that I could chop and change and upgrade with a few basic tools and a bit of time in the garage. It brought the fun back into motorcycling after years of chasing faster n faster and more n more tech and I loved it. So when it got written off what did I do? I looked about for whats next and decided I loved this so much I replaced it with an even earlier model. A 2004 one in red. I'm ready to resume a 15 year love affair all over again. Why a 4 because its not absolutely perfect but damn nearly is. And the not absolutely bit is just fine as I love a bike I can tinker with and make better. My experience with most more modern designs is tinker and you generally make them worse!

Buying experience: My first one was bought from a dealer and that was fine. This one I bought privately with an unbelievable but checked and accurate 6400 miles on the clock. On a 2004 bike thats amazing and I barely believed it. But its true as the service record and MOTs confirmed !

Version: 900 EFI

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £500

Now the stock bike dose lack a little but with a little time and funds you can make it an really enjoyable ride. I put 110-80 on front 140-70 rear both performance tires, tubeless kit, Arrow racing pipes, polished the ports intake and exhaust, Progressive springs and emulators in the front, multi adjustable racing shocks in the back, removed air box, removed the air injection, high end pads front and back, remapped the injection and timing, Booster Pack, fender eliminator kit. With this done the Thruxton preforms great and I get good comments all the time plus the sound is amazing turns many heads.

Version: 900 EFI

Year: 2013

Yes stock it lacks a bit but what bike with this spec range dose not. After a few mods mine runs great and pulls the front tire up easy. I put on Arrow racing exhaust, multi adjustable rear suspension, replaced the front springs with Progressive springs and a set of emulators. Polished the ports, intake and exhaust, changed the breather box, tail tidy kit installed, high end brake pads and rotors both end, removed the air injection, Re-mapped and put on performance 140-70 on the rear 110-80 on the front plus made the rimes tubeless. This made the Thruxton 900 perform great.

Buying experience: With the mods I did the bike is completely different in performance and handling, just a little time and changes makes the Thruxton a more responsive machine to ride.

Year: 2008

In my opinion, this is one of the best looking motorcycles ever built. The nod to sixties, ton up boys bikes is just what I was looking for. I have owned genuine 1960's bikes, but what a difference to be able to just jump on and go. Nothing cracking through vibration, no bits falling off, no oil leaks, no endlessly fixing minor problems. The Thruxton is not perfect. The exhaust note is more Superdream than T120. The rear suspension is a little squishy, and for a twin, the weight is high. Not a bike for modern day sports riders, but just perfect for those who dream of 'the good old days'

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer with only 5,500 miles on the clock. I paid £5200 in 2020. Was supplied serviced by the dealer. Oil had been overfilled and clutch was dragging. Easy fixes, but slap on the wrist for the dealer.

Year: 2014

Changed out the exhaust and removed the back fender....a few other tweaks.....awesome smooth and now a great sound

Version: Ace Cafe Special

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £250

Best feature is the feel of the bike. Solid. Handling is very good. Brakes are good, and certainly enough for most road riders in the real world. It looks fantastic. Always attracts attention wherever I go. Worst feature, and I'm nit-picking, is the lack of centrestand. Definitely recommend it. Overall, this bike makes me smile whenever I ride it. I can feel what it's doing, no computers to overide the cerebrum - wrist - throttle interface.

Buying experience: Bought from Staffordshire Triumph. I only popped in to buy an oil filter for my Bonnie! Paid advertised price of £5999. Still had some Triumph warranty left and only 1200 miles. Came with TOR exhaust and standard exhaust.

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £250

The best feature is the power without the 'whizzy' sound of a triple also wonderful 'pulling' power when tank bag & panniers fully laden. It's as if the Thruxton forgets it's a cafe racer & becomes a work horse. It's a constant lovely thing to look at & it is a joy to ride, the only wish would be that it was just a tad lighter.

Buying experience: Bought new from Metropolis in Vauxhall a great dealer with terrific after sales & clothing department part exchange from a previous Thruxton & before that a Bonneville

I own a 2013 Thruxton 900 and LOVE it. I have put on aftermarket cans and a few other accessories. I also have had the engine remapped. It is now a bit faster but sounds sooo much better than when new. It has everyone looking. It looks beautiful and can keep up with anyone in the twisties. It isn't as fast at accelerating, but I have so much fun on good UK country roads. I have so many people asking me about it at lights and filling stations. I even commute on it (I got the Triumph Gel Seat) and with some TLC it got through the winter in perfect condition. I have done 3000 miles on it and can't get enough of it. If you commute then you might prefer some wind protection, but I like this bike so much, the look, sound and feel remove any atmospheric discomfort that there may be... What MCN has said that is negative can easily be remedied with Triumph accessories or aftermarket ones. Own one, love one.

Had red one - with sports pipes - excellant bike - real head turner - not yr boring little plastic crotch rocket - Try it =

Bought new in November of 2005, after nearly 4 years of service, I submit the following for review: In four years I have put 12,000 miles on the clock, changed the tires once (Avons), changed the brakes pads twice, seasonal fluid changes, all without incident. Battery is the original and shows no sign of failure, being maintained by a tender when not in use. I have had zero quality issues. No rust, no chipped paint, no crappy chrome, no torn seats, no frayed cables, no nothing. The 'Old Fashioned' Carburetors have performed flawlessly since new. My Thruxton is ridden year round in new England, but not in all weather situations. I don't ride in the rain or snow, but have ridden at temps below freezing, as well as temps above 100 degrees F. and regardless of temps, the Thruxton seems to perfectly do what is asked of it. It certainly isn't the fastest, quickest, nimblest, or advanced. But it has become is one hell of reliable motorcycle that can make your face smile, and it will always be an attention getter, as it will pull a crowd away from the Harley Davidson, Ducati, or the Japanese ride at any event, and you'll find yourself answering the same questions over and over from interested folks. It is, exactly what Triumph Motorcycles wanted this motorcycle to be...a very appealing, all around reliable motorcycle.

Bought new in November of 2005, after nearly 4 years of service, I submit the following for review: In four years I have put 12,000 miles on the clock, changed the tires once (Avons), changed the brakes pads twice, seasonal fluid changes, all without incident. Battery is the original and shows no sign of failure, being maintained by a tender when not in use. I have had zero quality issues. No rust, no chipped paint, no crappy chrome, no torn seats, no frayed cables, no nothing. The 'Old Fashioned' Carburetors have performed flawlessly since new. My Thruxton is ridden year round in new England, but not in all weather situations. I don't ride in the rain or snow, but have ridden at temps below freezing, as well as temps above 100 degrees F. and regardless of temps, the Thruxton seems to perfectly do what is asked of it. It certainly isn't the fastest, quickest, nimblest, or advanced. But it has become is one hell of reliable motorcycle that can make your face smile, and it will always be an attention getter, as it will pull a crowd away from the Harley Davidson, Ducati, or the Japanese ride at any event, and you'll find yourself answering the same questions over and over from interested folks. It is, exactly what Triumph Motorcycles wanted this motorcycle to be...a very appealing, all around reliable motorcycle.

I got my Thruxton at the begining of the year and have riden it nearly every day since. I love this bike and would recomend it to anyone who likes to cruise fast. I realise its not a fast bike but the twin gives you plently of low torque while the the rider position gives you a fast feel- I get to feel like I'm a retro holigan without too much risk to my licence. If you get this bike just remember, your not buying a super bike. your buying something that will put a grin on your face. nothing pleased me more when my colegue, who rides a GSXR6 came over to me bitching because everyone who stops by looks at my bike and not his. Thats why I ride a Thruxton ;) Ride and handling: Front brakes could be better. A second disk would cure it and the suspension could be beefed up but I think a second disk would spoil the look and feel of the bike. Equipment: plenty of after market bits you can add if you want them. I h\ve no complaints here. Reliability: I've put 4k on my clock since January and I had one thing go wrong in that time (touch wood- I have to ride home tonight). The front break braket broke. this, I think, was due to me putting a disk lock on my bike and trying to ride off with it on. I must have put a hair line fracture in it or some thing because it broke shortly after. Turned out to be a recall part anyway as the bolts that hold it all on are too short. you can get the whole thing fixed by Triumph free of charge. Value: I guess you could get more for your money but I guess Triumph know they are selling to enthusiasts, dont they. Engine: Again, 4k miles and not a peep. not one drop of oil either. my only negative is its a little under powered and doesnt sound the way it should unless you change the pipes. my bike is going to get a few upratings but i have the better pipes so at least it sounds closer to what you want. Overall. Great bike. If you want one- get one. you will not be dissapointed.. but you will want to tweek it. Do not leave the show room with the standard pipes on. You have been warned.

I've repeatedly been given a Thruxton as a courtesy bike from my local dealer, and I have to say, I love it. The bike I rode had a few mods, the Arrow 2 into 1 can, a headlamp cowl and a single seat conversion. With the clubman bars, bar end mirrors and the racy riding position it equates to a lot of (slow) fun. The aftermarket can makes it sound angry and loud enough to scare small children, it barks on big throttle openings and pops and bangs away on the overrun, which I have to admit is part of the appeal. You just have to get into the spirit of the thing and wear an open face helmet and goggles. As a practical everyday machine, look elsewhere. As an experience, well you just have to try it.

For what I paid for my Thruxton, I had other choices. This bike suits me, though. It's different. Not a plowhorse Harley, not a racehorse Ducati, just a sleek, retro-cool machine that has a long pedigree. Harleys feel like they're made from tractor parts. There's that whole macho-scowl thing that goes with riding them, too. And the sport bikes are more scary-fast than I can handle, or can use riding to work on 35 mph streets with dozens of stop signs and signals along the way. I just sold a 1968 Bonneville, and got used to people stopping by to talk with me about it in parking lots and at stoplights. I get a little of that on the Thruxton, too, to my surprise. There's a lot of nostalgic Triumph lovers out there. In standard trim it's too quiet, so I traded the mufflers in for Triumph offroad-use-onlies - "TORs" -which make it sound a lot better. I also eliminated the rear fender to capitalize on that cool littl tail-cone on the back of the seat. Finishing touch - painting it exactly like the 1968 Bonneville I just sold. It's the only full retro Thruxton around.

The thruxton may not be a genuine racing machine, it lacks some stopping power, and it's hp-output is a little sad for a 900. But those are all little things you can easily fix yourself (just like the sound). Personally I think it's the best bike I ever had, it took me from Belgium to Greece in less than a week, without even drinking a drop of oil. Ok, if you ride it for a complete day (let alone 4 days), you'll feel a bit shaken & banged up, but hey! at least you know you've been riding a motorcycle! :) I added an old ducati 750 tophalf fairing & a steering damper, switched the sprocketguard for a lighter one, removed the air injector, half-emptied my exhausts, and made some crash protectors and an other taillight. Not necessary, just fun to do. In my own eyes this bike beats anything else. (neglecting the classics like a ducati 900ss, triton and norton manx of course)

as a second bke it is a very satisfiying bike to own and ride.it is a good contrast to my other bike(RS Sprint). As a 856cc air cooled motorcycle the power out put is what you would expect with todays emision laws, but in spite of the lack of modern day power it is very rewarding to ride. Yes the clip ons are low but for my height (5'8) its make a good ride. To sum up its fun and relistic bike to own.

Before you even consider the Thruxton, you have to consider what you're looking for in a motorcycle. Me? I was after something completely different, a different ownership experience, where the pleasure of riding and owning would rate higher than having the most sophisticated technology, razor sharp handling or power output. I wanted to enjoy the ride and stay well within the bounds of the law. Being able to take in the sights and sounds at a slower pace, yet having a smile in every mile. My other thought was that I wanted to experience the 'golden age' of motorcycling, without having to deal with dodgy electrics or small puddles of oil... There was a few choices available, but the Thruxton ticked (almost) all the boxes. I felt it was better value than a Harley Davidson and presented a better experience than perhaps an aircooled Ducati or even an ol' Enfield. It's important to do a little research and work out what upgrades and changes will cost. The aftermarket parts for a Harley were just to expensive to be justifiable and I really didn't buy into the 'lifestyle' experience they were pushing. Triumph seems to have remembered that bikes are about, well, bikes... and not about mass branding and 'image'. The Triumph doesn't over promise and under delivery. It does axactly what it says on the tin. So far, I've been pretty impressed with my choice. Yes, it doesn't bear any comparison to any modern Japanese machinery. The brakes are weak and lack progression, the suspension is soft at the front and stiff at the rear as standard... and the stock exhausts hardly raise a whisper. I have to say that the brakes were the only immediate disappointment, with my expectations higher, but I can accept (to a degree) that some budgeting had to be done is sourcing the caliper (rubbish!) and the master cylinder (not far behind it). With the initial niggles adressed, the riding experience needs my head to be re-calibrated. With open pipes, there is a satisfying rumble from the engine, with just a hint of crackle on the overrun (carbs are lovely in that respect). It can only really be described as 'soulful'. The performance doesn't break any records (the originals weighed less and had more power), but there's reliable, usable electrics and electric start. I would say that the engine is willing, if totally understressed. There's certainly more than a little tuning potential to be had using traditional tuning techniques (filter, exhuasts and jetting... remember those?) The Thruxton does benefit from adjustable front forks (unlike the standard Bonnevilles) but only for pre-load. Adjustments are essential if you're going to even think about a pillion. What I like is being able to build that 'bond' with the bike. Take apart, service, fettle and adjust as I need; without needing a diagnostic or a degree in electronics...

I've had 15,000 fantastic, trouble free kilometres on my 2006 Thruxton. Certainly the standard power, handling, weight and braking does not compare to modern 900 cc Jap bikes. After all it is a 2 cylinder, carb fuelled air cooled bike with twin rear shock suspension. The fundamental faults, sans the weight are relatively easy to fix. And then you have a fantastic personal motorcycle that really turns heads. Go on be different...

This is a really cool bike honest.the look is just right (in black of course)loud pipes are a must for it to feel old skool. the noise is just perfect!! it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up each and everytime i start it up. Power is smooth and progressive but not stunning (last bike was a blade)95mph and its running out of puff but it gets there in such a fun way you wont mind. B roads are the best place for it really but motorways are ok just as long as you dont mind people gawping as you thunder past. The brakes are naff no feel or power this for me is the weakest part of the thruxton and its shame.Most bikers dont realise its a quickish bike in fare hands so some will laugh it off until you are right up there chuff when they mysteriously move over to let you past (funny that !!)its not everybodys cup of tea but its mine

3 years and 10,000 miles later I cannot think of another bike that works as well for me. I wanted a b road bike and my licence needed me to slow down. I needed a machine that would be fun at real world speeds and that I could wring out flat out through the gears without risking a jail term. In other words I wanted a bike that makes 100 mph feel fast and not just somewhere you flash through between 2nd and 3rd gear. The Thruxton is that bike. In performance terms it's equivalent to a jap 400. In handling it's distinctly eighties and probably a match for an LC down a b road, but anything more modern would leave it for dead. So it defies comparison with anything made in the last decade. But with the almost obligatory noisy exhausts it sounds wonderful and delivers a wonderfully retro riding experience. So the good points? Reliable, despite my flat out riding style: nothing went wrong in 10,000 miles. It makes sensible speeds feel exciting, looks great and sounds excellent at full throttle. The Thruxton is also cheap to run and insure and (given that I had a Hayabusa before) the tyre life amazed me. It also depreciates incredibly slowly and is comfortable over a distance. The bad points? The styling may be pure 60's but the handling is stuck in the 80's. The suspension goes off within a few thousand miles if you hack around bumpy b roads. There are a couple of niggles. Where do Triumph designers live that they don't consider a lockable fuel cap a necessity? ..and if they are not saving weight perhaps they could fit a main stand. Otherwise a great ownership proposition as long as you prefer to ride without a pillion and don't mind dumping the race leathers for black ones and looking as retro as your bike.

Lets face it, if your looking at one of these your NOT buying it for 1)Comfort 2)Top speed! This bike is one of the best looking bikes i have ever owned, everyone comes to talk to you about it because it looks like an authentic 60s cafe racer! The ride is a litte uncomfortable at low speeds but once the pace heats up its pretty good. Riding the bike is a dream it corners solid as a rock (think ZX7r or any older Kwaks) not the quickest but predictable and goes where you want it to. The engine is lovely straight from tick over to the red line is one linear power curve, no matter what gear and what speed just open the throttle. Build quality is not the strongest point of the Thruxton, both speedo and rev counter started leeking and both engine cases started to look very poor after 90 miles of poor weather use, but at least triumph were quick to sort my bikes problems under warranty. Overall its a great bike as long as your not looking for a zx10r or Busa or R6 or anything like that its the engine character and looks that sold this bike to me and will to plenty of others too!