News
“If I’m getting a Thruxton I want a proper Thruxton!” | Editor’s Pick
The new Thruxton is an A2-friendly single but its predecessor was rather more serious – and surprisingly affordable, it turns out
Freelance reviewer Phil West writes…
“Watch this space for our review but I’m sure Triumph’s latest spin-off of its popular A2 licence friendly Speed 400 single will be a blast. The new Thruxton 400 looks to have all the ingredients it needs to succeed, namely the same 40 horsepower 400cc motor, the fine handling we expect of all Triumphs, stylish looks thanks to that distinctive half fairing bring to mind the handsome but short-lived Speed Triple RR and a tempting affordable price of a little under six grand.
“And yet … if you’re open to the idea of going used there’s also another sub-£6K Triumph Thruxton which, in my view, is more tempting still.
“When Triumph relaunched its popular Modern Classic family in 2016 it didn’t kick off with a Bonneville or Scrambler but, rather, the Thruxton 1200, a higher performance café racer version. The very first Thruxton was a production racer hand-built by Meriden Triumph in 1965 based on the then Bonneville T120. The name was then revived by Hinckley Triumph in 2004 for its drop-barred, café racer version of its 865cc Bonneville retro roadster. “But its greatest incarnation to date in my book was the 2016-2024 1,200cc version. As the flagship of Triumph’s new T120 Bonneville family, the Thruxton 1200 had the 97 horsepower version of the new liquid-cooled engine, bespoke bodywork, extended tank (complete with Monza-style filler, natch) and sporty, café racer riding position including ace bars and rearsets. Yet it was still relatively comfortable to ride. “Best of all, it also came in two forms. The standard Thruxton 1200 with conventional telescopic forks and non-radial Nissin brakes, and an uprated 1200 R with inverted Showa Big Piston forks, Öhlins rear shocks, Brembo radials, polished top yoke and pillion seat cowl. Both had characterful punch, sweet handling and classy detailing but the R was a true sportsbike among retros – and one improved even further with the even more powerful, lighter and better-equipped Thruxton 1200 RS launched in 2020.
“When Triumph relaunched its popular Modern Classic family in 2016 it didn’t kick off with a Bonneville or Scrambler but, rather, the Thruxton 1200, a higher performance café racer version. The very first Thruxton was a production racer hand-built by Meriden Triumph in 1965 based on the then Bonneville T120. The name was then revived by Hinckley Triumph in 2004 for its drop-barred, café racer version of its 865cc Bonneville retro roadster. “But its greatest incarnation to date in my book was the 2016-2024 1,200cc version. As the flagship of Triumph’s new T120 Bonneville family, the Thruxton 1200 had the 97 horsepower version of the new liquid-cooled engine, bespoke bodywork, extended tank (complete with Monza-style filler, natch) and sporty, café racer riding position including ace bars and rearsets. Yet it was still relatively comfortable to ride. “Best of all, it also came in two forms. The standard Thruxton 1200 with conventional telescopic forks and non-radial Nissin brakes, and an uprated 1200 R with inverted Showa Big Piston forks, Öhlins rear shocks, Brembo radials, polished top yoke and pillion seat cowl. Both had characterful punch, sweet handling and classy detailing but the R was a true sportsbike among retros – and one improved even further with the even more powerful, lighter and better-equipped Thruxton 1200 RS launched in 2020.
“Today, all are now dropped in favour of models like the Speed Twin, and all, in my view, are underappreciated potential bargains. They’re better-looking than a Bonneville, have a fancier spec and are sharper to ride. If worried by the café racer riding position, don’t be, given many have official higher bar kits fitted.
“Best of all, due to their style they tend not to have high mileages and can be cheap. While the standard Speed Twin 1200 currently costs £12,795 new, the fancier RS from £14,795 and the new Speed Twin 1200 Café Racer from a whopping £15,995, I’ve just seen on Autotrader a spiritually identical, 2,000-mile RS for just £9789, a 3,000-mile R for only £7,699 and, cheapest of all, an 8,000-mile stocker for just over £6K. Or about the same as the new 400. Being retros, their looks and appeal haven’t dated one bit and, for riders on a full licence, arguably offer a lot more bike for the money!” Search for a Triumph Thruxton 1200 on Autotrader
“Best of all, due to their style they tend not to have high mileages and can be cheap. While the standard Speed Twin 1200 currently costs £12,795 new, the fancier RS from £14,795 and the new Speed Twin 1200 Café Racer from a whopping £15,995, I’ve just seen on Autotrader a spiritually identical, 2,000-mile RS for just £9789, a 3,000-mile R for only £7,699 and, cheapest of all, an 8,000-mile stocker for just over £6K. Or about the same as the new 400. Being retros, their looks and appeal haven’t dated one bit and, for riders on a full licence, arguably offer a lot more bike for the money!” Search for a Triumph Thruxton 1200 on Autotrader
