Triumph Thruxton R launch report

Live from the launch of the Triumph T120 Black and Thruxton R.

After a gentle morning on the T120 Black, the pace certainly picked up with the arrival of the Thruxton R this afternoon. Compared to the relaxed Bonnie it is chalk and cheese!

As well as giving the 1200 engine a low inertia crank, both Thruxton models (we only rode the R) have a higher compression and sportier fuel maps when compared to the T120. This, added to lower gear ratios, totally transform the motor’s feeling. The Thruxton is a really rapid bike that makes the most of its 95.6bhp and 82.6lb.ft of torque, so much so in fact that you often end up battering the rev limiter as you accelerate with such haste.

However it is the Thruxton’s chassis that impressed me the most – kneedown on a modern retro? you bet! The Öhlins shocks, Brembo brakes and Showa BPF forks give excellent feedback while the incredibly short wheelbase and 
sportsbike geometry make this retro handle and stop like, well, a sportsbike!

Ground clearance isn’t an issue on the road and the riding position is even pretty comfortable, although the seat is a touch firm.

The Thruxton costs £10,400 while the Thruxton R is £11,700 (the T120 is £9600) and when you consider you are getting Öhlins, BPF, Brembo, traction control, ABS, ride by wire, wire wheels and all on one of the most  beautiful bikes to be launched in years, that’s quite a bargain and explains why it is 
selling out fast! Read the full review in this week’s MCN.

UK Price: £11,700 (£10,400 for the Thruxton)
Engine: Parallel twin, four-stroke, eight valves, SOHC, Liquid-cooled 1200cc, 97.6mm x 80mm
Claimed power: 95.6bhp @ 6750rpm
Claimed torque: 82.6lb.ft @ 4950rpm
Weight: 203kg (dry)
Fuel capacity: 14.5l
Seat height: 810mm
UK on sale date: April