2021 Triumph Thruxton RS - The Sportiest yet, but is it the best?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ค. 2024
- Triumph very kindly gave me a couple of weeks to reacquaint myself with the Thruxton. The last one I rode was the 'R' model back when it was launched in 2016 and this time I was on the Thruxton RS, which is the only model currently available in the range. The Thruxton has always been the best homage to the original Cafe Racers, so what have all the changes meant for the RS version? In this more Motovlog style, I discuss what I like as well as what I'm not so keen on with the sportiest Thruxton yet.
Filmed with an Insta 306 One X2 - www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?i...
and a GoPro Hero 9 Black - www.pntrs.com/t/SENKTE9HSEhDS...
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Intro - 00:00
Whats New? - 01:00
Ride & Handling - 04:40
Engine Changes & Power - 06:26
Looks & Riding Experience - 08:04
Tyres - 09:30
Odd & Sods - 11:56
A couple of overtakes - 15:32 - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I have been riding almost 60 years, owned 60+ bikes ridden countless others and my Standard 2016 Thruxton 1200 just amazes me. This engine has no rival for feel and delivery. Only the discerning will get this bike because it is incomparable to anything made today.
One of the first things I did to my R was adjust the suspension to the "Comfort" settings. I then firmed it up slightly, but just slightly. It's now perfect for the bumpy canyon roads I ride. For me, I never considered the standard Thruxton. The R was exactly what I was looking for.
Exactly what I have, an 09 Thruxton and a 20 Tiger 900 Rally. Perfect combo for me.
I’ve got a standard Thruxton 1200 2017 in white with the fairing. Took the single cowl seat off for the triumph retro pillion seat & pillion pegs.
Looks great every time I see it.
It gets so much attention it’s a bit embarrassing sometimes, nice other times. People love to come up and chat. I fitted the matching chrome Triumph Vance & Hines pipes on but the standard ones are good. V&H ones sound a bit better but not that much. Not essential as still baffled quite a bit for euro regs. Might drill modify the standard pipes baffles, might as well experiment, they are just sitting there collecting dust now.
The engine has a lovely torque pull. I dyno tested mine, 85.6 bhp at the rear wheel and that feels just as my butt dyno predicted with 71.44 lbs foot of torque.
No sportsbike at 224 kgs with a full tank. I think of mine as a sporty retro cruiser that handles. Does corner well when you allow for its weight.
Great fueling in and out of town.
Motone decat did very little to the sound of the exhaust and weight so not worth it at all I’d say.
Sports Air filter and air snorkel removal very cheap and very easy mods to do and make a slight difference so are worth doing.
Pirelli Angel GT tyres are pretty good in the dry, ok in the wet.
Non R Suspension ok, adequate. Good on a decent surface. I’d say 6.5 out of 10. Fine for everyday riding. Front fork gaiters look very old school retro and cool. Rear springs look good too. Non of that gold out of place bling. Basically the R suspension is much better but looks a bit out of place.
Non R, standard version brakes. Same as on Bonneville 1200. I’d say they were average. Adequate. Rear has more feel than the fronts. 6 out of 10 i’d say. They do the job. Not much feel in the front brakes but they work. Brembos on the R and RS much better. That I would say is the biggest difference between the standard Thruxton 1200 and the R & RS.
Great looking bike, don’t think i’ll ever sell it.
I love how it takes off with a little twist of the throttle. Handling in the town is good too.
Yep overall its a fantastic bike, I just think they've gone overboard with the standard suspension set up
Thank's for the class video Tony. As I said before, your video's are very professionally good & I really appreciate the effort that you put into them. I thought about buying a Triumph, but too many other bike's kept getting in the way. I am now in the latter stage of my riding career @ close to 70y.o.,so I know it won't happen now. I don't like all of the latest electronic safety feature's & am quite content to ride off into the sunset with my 1999 Guzzi Bassa, 2007 Guzzi Vintage, & my 2014 B.M.W. R1200R. Thank's for your time! Have a great day!! From across the pond in Illinois, U.S.A.
Thanks Larry. As the syaing goes, If it ain't broke..... Ride safe
Come on Larry. Add a Triumph to your stable. A T100 is a relaxing ride if you feel the Thruxton is too aggressive
@@jjnewman65 Trust me Jamie; If I was about 10yrs. younger, I would definitely do that. I have alway's been impressed with your British bike. Have a great day!!
Simply the best looking and best performing bike out there. I will be ordering the 2023 Thruxton RS very soon. Thanks for your review
Have fun!
I must have a Trumpy in my life before I die. There's just something about them.
Do it !
Nice honest review, I have a standard Thruxton as a second bike to a kawasakizzr1400 and what you said about it being completely different is bang on and exactly the train of thought I used when I bought one (BTW mine came new with Pirelli Angel GT tyres, which are really for shaft driven tourers, strange choice I thought).
Cheers
I would love to have my Thruxton again. It and the SP1 are the two I miss the most.
Thank you for a great honest view, agree for some reason Triumph's suspension does lean to the over stiff side. I just sold my Street 765RS because it was like riding a plank on Aussie country roads...
No problem, I just felt it was a bit over the top for what is supposed to be a retro styled street bike
Great vid. I bought one last Dec, lovely bike. I’m with you on the suspension though, it’s a little hard🤣 I just love the cling on for dear life experience. Not sure I’ll ever change the tail though, think it’s all part of it’s charm.
I know right! WTF are the suspension guys at Triumph doing?
The stock tail is surprisingly functional, as riding in a rainny area, i wouldn't change it for anything.
Hi Northern Boy. Can you tell me if the spoked wheels are tubed or tubeless? cheers.
@@kingy2063 Tubeless. Still managed to fit some tyre seal though👍
@@kingy2063 sorry mate, I was meant to say Tubed🙈
Bonneville Speedmaster is my all-time favorite. But I'd love to give this one a go.
How is the power so low on a 1200, was kinda shocked to see HP and torque numbers.....am total newbie to these retro bikes
Really a great review of what the Thruxton is and should be. To me the desirability of the bike is in the classic design; the machined and polished exposed metal makes it art. Most importantly lacking a quick shifter and cruise control makes it a great second bike. My S1000XR has all the bells and whistles to customize the ride throttle response and shift points doing everything quite well. Totally agree about the rear fender/tail tidy and LED lights. At least you can still reshape the bike the way you feel is best. BMW has the complicated and fussy CANBUS electrical system you dare not touch. Overall, no amount of plastic will ever make my BMW as pleasing to just look at or stand out on the street as the Thruxton.
Cheers
Been looking at getting a Speed Twin. But I've just had my first lesson on the 600 coming from a 125 and I have to say, I miss the fuller interaction of getting up to speed and working the timing. The power isn't there past 30-40mph on a 125 (obviously) which yea... is crap; but would you suggest maybe getting a 300 rather than a 900 - 1200 then [for me] I just feel the 125 is more fun? The 600 was an old Honda CB something or other. I have a Herald Cafe 125 which maybe means I'm finding the riding position and ergonomics more fun than maybe the engine/torque.
You'll probably have to bear in mind that those riding school bikes live a hard life, and won't be the sharpest. I think it would be worth taking a look at the new Triumph Trident, or maybe a Honda CB650R, both great middle weight nakeds. Alternatively the KTM 390 Duke or Husqvarna 401 Vitpilen are great fun bikes to ride, definitely worth a look?
I might have missed it, did you adjust the suspension?
They finally got rid of that annoying yellow spring. Oddly, that would have brought a little life to this all black blob that looks like it was designed to go to a funeral.
It's nice to hear someone else notice what I've been saying forever. Putting race parts on a street bike doesn't make it better. It makes it more expensive and usually worse. The suspension on the R version of these bikes is so oversprung even for a fat cat like me, that it might as well just be a couple of poles.
Even the suspension that came on my standard Thruxton was way over damped, particularly in the rear. I put Wilbur's touring shocks on it and changed the fork oil to 5w and it's beautifully suspended now.
In any case, an extra $5k for an extra 5 peak hp and harsh suspension isn't any incentive to get rid of my 4 yr old plain old Thruxton with 35k miles that still looks and runs like new.
Exactly
Are you happy with quality of finish on thruxton Mr saddle bags?
@@paulbarnes6124 They have been very good for a couple of years, but one of the latches recently worked its way out of the leather. I put it back in and bent the tabs back by hand, but it doesn't feel really secure. I need to figure out a tool to use to apply more force. Though honestly, it really doesn't matter. The latches look nice, but even unlatched, the top isn't going to come open. I forget to latch them about half the time anyway. They have little snaps at the front and rear to keep them shut too. I never use those either, but if I had them packed to the rim with clothes I might.
Lovely bikes, I have a TFC and it's quite entertaining
Yes they are!
I'm guessing you didn't adjust the suspension to FULL soft on both ends. It does make a huge difference from the solo recommended settings. I have been playing with mine for 5+ years street vs racing.
I put a Corbin seat on because it makes a difference. I'm also running the Race Tec tires too.
I backed them right off, and it helped a little, but its was still a bit too aggressive.
@@mancavemoto True, I am a small fellow and had to back it off completely but that made a big difference.
Can we get a Speed Twin RS please?
I am getting old and need to sit up a Skosh.
I’m really surprised they haven’t.
Honest review Tony. I am looking at trading in my bobber black for one of these. Did it make you smile like thw bobber did?
Cheers, yes it made me smile, I just dont know if I could live with that suspension. I know you should set it up for personal taste, but you can only adjust it so far.
I had a go of a 2020 Thruxton RS back in the middle of last year. I think the clip ons had been lowered more than normal. It was lovely to look at, but I wouldn't swap my Speed Twin for one. I found the Thruxton riding position very uncomfortable. 20 minutes, and I'd had enough. I could ride my Speed Twin until I have to stop for petrol, so at least 2 1/2 hours. Maybe my middle aged body can't handle a full on sports bike position. I wasn't keen on the sports bike position on a CBR500R or a CBR650R too. Slightly sporty naked is my body's limit !
They do offer a set of accessory clips ons that dont have the raised arm.
Same. I sold my Thruxton and bought the Speedy. Ride all day 😎
Surely with the high quality suspension there is lot to adjust to make the suspension suit your taste. Few twist here and there on the compression and preload should be able to make it much smoother.
You’d think so
You certainly can adjust it a lot but the range is from too firm to brain rattling hard.
I honestly don’t know what the suspension engineers at Triumph are smoking but I can take a guess and it ain’t tobacco. I am average weight and my R was far too harsh for spirited road riding on anything but the smoothest roads, I see they still haven’t fixed that with the RS. Apparently a common complaint. I had to have mine revalved etc which isn’t something that should be necessary for a road bike with an average weight rider with adjustable suspension. I hear the new Speed Triple RS is suffering the same issue but at least that is a much more focussed bike than a Thruxton so has some excuse for the harshness. The Thruxton R/RS have absolutely no excuse for grossly inappropriate spring and damping rates. My next bike will be a BMW S1000R instead of a Speed Triple for this reason. I am not rewarding poor suspension setups with my money.
You've mirrored my thoughts exactly. I recently rode the Honda CB1000R, and with its relatively 'basic' standard suspension, it rode much better
I have one of these ready to go I pick it up Saturday. It is specifically the Chrome edition. I went back and forth with getting one of these a couple of years ago and regretted it. I sold both my Harley and Ducati.
The Chrome Edition looks gorgeous!
I bought one 6 weeks ago and absolutely love it. I agree the suspension is very firm on bumps, but happy to live with it. I rode through an absolute downpour for about 10 miles the other week, including lots of standing water. I did back right off as I could hardly see, but the tyres never skipped or aquaplaned at all. Not sure how given the lack of tread.
Thanks for sharing
Hi Tony, I responded to you previously, but am inquisitive about other issue's. Don't know how else to get in touch with you other than this way. I know i'm going to open a couple can's of worm's with my question's but I want some British imput to understand some of my lack of knowledge. Maybe you have addressed my question's in some previous video that I missed; so here are my question's. How does the majority of you Brit's feel about the majority of Triumph's being built in Thailand? Does this Brexit thing have something to do with question #1. Since I have such high regard for your knowledge & respect for the British people, I know that this is the best platform to try & understand what's with these issue's. Thank's in advanced to all who can help me understand these thing's. Have a great day!! Illinois, U.S.A.
Hi Larry, no problem asking questions on here. I obviously can’t speak for the majority of Brits, but personally I don’t have an issue with the Thai construction. They are made in a Triumph factory with the same Quality Controls and processes. Yes of course it would be good to keep the work in the UK, but I guess it all comes down to economics for a global company like Triumph. Many other brands are in the same situation. Brexit would only impact dealing with the EU, so not a reason for any production move. Maybe your question is a similar one to “how do the majority of Americans feel about Apple products being made in China?” A different commodity, but essentially the same scenario?
@@mancavemoto Tony, Thank you for your response. I guess my main thought was the one that you answered in being that the quality would be the same produced in Thailand as opposed to U.K. Still seem's a bit weird, but that's the global picture we have to deal with in today's world. It's a little more difficult for us old-timer's to adapt to the constant bombardment of change's. As usual, I love your video's; they are top notch. Keep rolling them out!! Have a great day!!! Other side of the pond-U.S.A.
Thanks for that review, why am I not surprised Triumph have "more focused" ie ruined another fun bike following the Speed Triple and Street Triple. Surely you'd just buy a CB1000R wouldn't you?
Have recently ridden the CB1000R, yes I would
@@mancavemoto No class in a CBR1000R, The Triumphs are pure class.
Tubed tires?? Come on Triumph, there are plenty of ways around that...
I'd have those bars with the fairing. An everyday bike would be a Tracer 9GT. A Thruxton RS IS a bike with an edge. Put on a set of Vance and Hines cans.
It’s a good looking brute. I think I’d buy a SpeedTwin over this though.
Thanks......oh you mean the bike?! ;)
@@mancavemoto 👏😜😂
A great bike but for old geezers like me for no more than an hour at a time, in an ideal world it'd be nice to have amongst a stable of your favourite bikes but for now my Street Triple R does me for everyday riding and the occasional naughtiness.
I agree with your comment about the Word 'Cafe Racer' being highjacked by companies...Individuals who have no real idea of the Cafe Racer genre....The Thruxton is about as close as makes no difference to the original concept of the sixties era bikes, built mostly by ..''A bloke in a Shed''...Regarding suspension, I guess its a compromise between good precise handling or a 'plush' ride. I own a 675R Street Triple which has hard or harder suspension!!..fortunately I live in Spain where the roads, even most country roads are very good surfaced........Hot tyres and smooth roads....
I'm not sure I like the auto frosted glass function of the speedo...
It’s OK you can switch it off 😉
Personally I think the Speed Twin is a better road bike, it's shorter and lighter with flat bars, same engine and a better profile. A real roadster. The Thruxton is just a little too focused. Oh and change the tyres!
Interestingly the Speed Twin has a 15mm longer wheelbase and its only 1kg lighter, so theres not that much difference. But I do like the profile of it
Interesting... Hahahaha, great reaction.
Just adjust the suspension to be more plush!! it has a huge range of adjustment front and rear.
That’s one of the problems, it doesn’t have a huge range. It works within quite a narrow band
@@mancavemoto I own this bike, you can definitely get it squishy. Just takes tweaking and if you really need to get extreme , use different fork oil. All in all it is a very adjustable set up. It is a wonderful bike.
All this but no tubeless tyres.
Overly sporty suspension is the biking equivalent of low profile tyres on modern cars, look great but for 90% of the time make the ride worse on UK roads
I have to agree
I agree. Why are we still putting gold forks all over everything. Especially on the Thrux, they just look off.
'shrug' it seems maybe to be a status thing?
If it was chapter I'd consider it but at this price... No.
Predictive text strikes again.
Did you ever try riding a BMW R nine T, it's much better than Triumph.
I did, I was going to but one instead of my Street Twin, but didn’t have the extra £5k!
@@mancavemoto Don't get me wrong Tony I like Triumph as well, but to me BMW is just on top of the game right now.
I agree, I loved the rninet roadster, I’ve been considering one for a build project now you can pick early models up for a decent price
@@mancavemoto That's exactly what I did a year ago and been upgrading it ever since. Nearly finished but I still have some major upgrading to do, like Nitron suspension fron and rear and SS headers by Akrap or something like. It's gonna have to wait a bit since I reen out of money.
👍 sounds cool
You were just getting to the nub of the reason for the video when you decided you were going off o a tangent and not tell us why you might be changing your mind. Not standing as an MP yet?
every one should do their own bike setup, stop complaining and do the setup, do it now....
I agree, but there just isn’t the range in this setup to do much with it.
I have had professionals try to adjust mine but the range is from harsh as hell to to rock hard. It’s an abominable setup no matter what you do. Needs different springs, shims and revalvling