2015 Triumph Thruxton

The Thruxton is born of the caf racer culture that dominated motorcycling in the 1960s.

Back then, British twins, usually Bonneville engines, were used to form the basis of home built bikes. Used to race from one caf to another, they featured extensive modifications such as dropped bars, single seats and upswept exhausts.

To this day, weve kept many of these styling cues for the modern Thruxton. Named after the high speed British circuit where Triumph enjoyed great success in production racing, it follows in the tyre tracks of the legendary 1960s Thruxton T120R.

And just like those caf racers of the 60s, the modern Thruxton is Bonneville based but nowadays, our engineers have made sure it rides like a modern Triumph twin. So its dependable enough for everyday use, easy and fun to ride yet still evokes the classic caf racer look.

• Bodywork

We created a style for the Thruxton that echoes the 1960s caf racers. Back then, machines were modified by their owners for higher speeds and sharper handling.

We used classic 1960s paint schemes with period sports stripes and fitted a typical single-seat, or so it looks thanks to the rear cover. In actual fact a passenger can enjoy the ride on a Thruxton too.

• Handlebars

Low and narrow Ace handlebars, named after Londons famous Ace Caf, with classic bar-end mirrors sit behind a colour-coded flyscreen.

• Instruments

Twin instrument pods sitting high on their top yoke mounting position.

• Engine

You get the same iconic, air-cooled parallel twin that sits proudly at the heart of the Bonneville. Setting the 60s style for the entire bike.

The engine and transmission has been engineered with the look of the classic Triumph twins in mind. Even the fuel injection has been moulded so you get the appearance of a pair of carburettors. And there are double overhead camshafts despite what looks like a pushrod tube at the front of the engine, just like the caf racers of the 60s used to have.

• Performance

The caf racers were built to perform, not just to look good.

• Configuration

The basic format is the same as the current Bonneville, with 360 degree firing intervals, double overhead cams, eight valves, twin balance shafts and fuel injection. So you know its a thoroughly modern engine that, despite its convincing old-school looks, easily meeting Triumphs high standard of reliability, durability and efficiency.

• Sound

Its the sound and feel of the engine that matters, from the thumping thrust of the generous low rev torque to the eager high revs and the purring, even exhaust note. So distinctive to the parallel twin.

• Frame

All of our extensive chassis experience and technology has gone into the Thruxtons simple tubular steel construction. Providing easy, neutral steering and exceptional balance even at low speeds.

• Suspension

We fitted 41mm forks and chromed rear shocks and retuned them for a firmer ride and tighter control in high speed corners. The shocks include adjustability for spring preload for carrying a passenger or to suit your riding style.

• Brakes

We fitted the front with a big 320mm single disc strong enough to match the sporting pedigree of the Thruxton with plenty of feedback to enhance your ride. Yet weve made it as unobtrusive as possible within the 1960s styling.

• Wheels and Tyres

The wheels are wire-spoked with aluminium alloy rims, 18 inches at the front and 17 inches rear for the classic caf racer look. Theyre lightweight too, for increased suspension performance and handling agility.