Bike Trader

But if one lesson from the past has stood the passage of time, it’s that the basic essence of motorcycling transcends all technology. What a bike is and represents to the owner is very nearly as important as what it does. All that’s really needed, for many, are an engine, two wheels, a seat and a pair of handlebars. The Thruxton captures that spirit. 

Drawing on the spartan café racing machines of the sixties and taking its name from the near-mythic racing Triumphs of that era, the Thruxton receives a host of changes for 2008.  

With its perfectly proportioned evocative silhouette the Thruxton is a truly beautiful machine, firing the imagination of many of today’s young riders who seek a distinctive and involving bike that seamlessly mixes the classic sixties style with a modern attitude.

The restyled, one-piece tubular chromed steel handlebars have been raised, enhancing the ergonomics of the bike and giving a more upright but still sporty riding position, while stylish bar-end mirrors, engineered specifically for the Thruxton, come as standard. The top yoke, risers and instrument console are now finished in black, contrasting strikingly with the chrome of the handlebars and mirrors. 

Its 865cc, air-cooled, twin cylinder power plant, the most powerful of Triumph’s twin cylinder line-up, gets fuel injection for 2008. The fuel injected engine is cleaner running than the carburettor version, runs smoother and is easier to fire up from a cold start. The cool café racer styling that defines the Thruxton remains uncompromised as the fuel injectors have been cleverly concealed by throttle bodies designed to look like carburettors. 
 
Peak power output of 69bhp is delivered at 7,400rpm and peak torque of 52ft.lbf arrives at 5,800rpm. The engine shares the same 360-degree firing interval as the Bonneville, as well as featuring ‘hot’ camshaft profiles, a compression ratio of 9.2:1 and megaphone style exhausts. 

Wrapping the motor is a chassis that inspires confidence, its harder edge delivering real sporting character. The sturdy, preload adjustable 41mm telescopic forks and twin rear shocks give superb suspension action and compliance while sharper steering geometry, a wheelbase of 1510mm (59.4in) and 18 inch aluminium-rimmed front wheel all aid steering input.

A fully floating 320mm front disc and twin-piston brake caliper provide powerful, but sensitive, braking performance and the tubular steel twin cradle frame and box section swingarm easily contain the engine’s power output. 

Colour options available in 2008 are a vivid Tornado Red with colour matched mudguards and white centre stripe, Jet Black with colour matched mudguards and a gold centre stripe and Aluminium Silver with colour matched mudguards and a red centre stripe.

A comprehensive range of accessories, including less restrictive silencers (not for use on the road...), fly screen, soft luggage and various chrome additions are available.