Triumph’s latest T120 Bonneville has been spruced up to provide a 60s styled bike called the Thruxton R in the true style of a Cafe racer.
Does this bike have enough to make it in the retro cool market place? Well, riders looking for the ultimate retro machine need look no further than the R.
Adding subtle touches to the T120, it echoes the “deluxe” models of the sixties while delivering a thoroughly modern riding experience, ample performance, easy-going road manners and a mellow parallel twin backbeat which ensures a relaxed and enjoyable ride.
The Thruxton R costs £11,700 on the road and is available from all Triumph dealers. It may be expensive but this is the best handling, best looking and most complete Bonneville that Triumph have ever produced.
The R is a machine with timeless styling, but possesses 21st century engineering resulting in a 100% Triumph experience. The basic Thruxton could be said to be a little bit of a budget buy but this model gets a decent amount of goodies, namely Showa big piston forks, daytime running lights; traction control with varying modes ABS brakes; Brembo callipers, stainless steel tank strap, polished yoke, brushed engine cases and bar-end mirrors.
This Thruxton is powered by the classic Triumph 1,200cc parallel-twin, has a six-speed transmission and looks really special. The R is Triumph’s modern interpretation of the classic Bonneville that ruled the roost back in the 1960s.
With twin tapering exhausts, a superb paint job and the classic Triumph styling that immediately says Bonneville, this bike is the epitome of the classic British icon.
While the R may look like it has come straight out of a 1960s film set, the technology and ride experience most definitely are not. There’s the 1,200cc engine, an air-cooled parallel twin, of course, with pretend Amal carburettors.
Suspension and brakes are state of the art too. If you try to wring its neck, you’ll not find the R wanting. This bike is designed to be ridden either fast or with serenity on a sunny early morning in summer. Whatever mode you choose, the Thruxton R delivers in spades.
The Triumph Thruxton R is an impressive bike that still has plenty to offer in making that Sunday morning spin through the countryside or quiet urban streets a thoroughly exhilarating riding experience. It may not be cheap but it is worth every penny.
THE FACTS
Bike: Triumph Thruxton R
Price: £11,700 on the road
Engine: 1200cc parallel twin 8-valve dohc
Power: 96bhp @6,750 rpm
Economy: 50mpg
Seat height: 810mm
Tank size: 14.5 litres
Wet weight: 203kg
