Hi guys and girls,
I’m on the market for a new bike (as well as a swap for my vfr - cb500 or something) and I really like the look of the Thruxton and I’d like to see if anyone has any real life feedback on it like reliability (important as I ride all year round - over 15k), service costs, fun factor, etc. etc. All the journo reviews are subjective and only based on a few hours spent hooning it round a track.
Nate 
I do like the special edition. Went caressing it several time in the NEC show. The mirrors makes the difference.
I saw one on the westway other day, looked very nice and was going forward effortlessly.
hi i am a friend of cb11r i have had one of these for over 2 years in which i have done over 7000miles in all weathers i have had no trouble with it and would recommend to you. i find it great to ride and it always brings on a big grin every time i take it out
Going up from a CB500, you won’t notice the underpowered Thruxton - it goes fine, but it’s certainly not a bike you’d use for tracking the road with laser precision like a sports bike. I tried one briefly and felt underwhelmed by its technical side. Aesthetically it’s a really handsome bike if you like that kind of café racer, but still not as stylish nor as well put together as the Moto Guzzi shaft bikes with their patented CARC system. The new breed of Moto Guzzi’s like their 940cc and Griso bikes - all outperform the Thruxton. Even the Le Mans is probably more reliable lol.
Given that you ride 15k/year, you might prefer a modern Piaggio tech inspired Moto Guzzi with no chain to maintain. Don’t get me wrong - the Thruxton is a great barbie bike, no doubt helped by some filmstars who have a thing for it. Way better and able than the underwhelming Bonneville which is more for Sunday pootles although my guess is you’re going to have to service it like a Triumph. The good news is, Triumph sales now outstrip Japanese bikes (the rising cost of the Yen/imports for Brits, compared to homemade bikes). You shouldn’t have a problem finding a Triumph service garage near you. Personally, I’d go for the iconic Italian Moto Guzzi rather than the Triumph. Go out and test ride one and then make up your mind about the Thruxton.
I run a Triumph scrambler all year round ,build quality is good ,handles quite well , but a japanese middle weight it is not ! saying that i wouldnt swop it for one , a nice bike that turns heads .
Lovely looking bike, but I was given one as a loaner and hated it. Couldn’t wait to give it back. 15k a year and all that chrome? I know Triumph chrome is supposed to be good, but seriously???
Hi there
I own a Bonnie T100 which I think has the same engine as a Thruxton. I’d go see a Triumph dealer and take one for a spin and see what you think… The Triumph dealers are keen to help out and get your money! I’ve read that they can be a bit cramped for taller people like myself, that’s why I went for the Bonnie. Retro Triumphs tend to be brought by enthusiasts so they’re usually well looked after and there’s a few around second hand.
Engine / reliability wise – now I don’t ride to work everyday I can only speak as a weekend rider but I’ve had no problems. They are basic eg there’s no locking petrol cap, switchgear etc is pretty uninspiring but works. There’s lots of after market goodies to buy, including new “silencers” that really are worth the money they sound great and let the engine breathe. A decent second hand one would probably be sorted for stuff like this.
I spoke to a guy who services Triumph’s a while back and he told me one of his clients commutes every day and has a Bonnie with 100k on the clock with no major problems. Old Meriden Triumph had such a bad reputation for oil leaks / vibration etc that the new Hinckley twins are deliberately over - engineered. I’ve got an old Triumph too so I know! I wouldn’t be concerned with engine reliability. As for handling it’s fine, what servicing I’ve done hasn’t been that expensive because they are basic twins. It won’t be as harsh on tyres, chains and sprockets as a big Jap four sports tourer.
I’d be tempted by the Guzzi too but for me it’s Triumphs all the way. The Thruxton looks the b*llocks and it’s British! If you do get one you will have old boys coming up to you telling you they used to ride one back in the day, which can be a good or a bad thing. There’s a good owners club and for me personally a Triumph has certain kudos or whatever that most modern bikes just don’t have. I love riding mine and it gives me a 10/10 grin factor. Hope this helps…but you pays your money and makes your choice etc…
these guys are the experts and the forum is very helpful
I commute every day (as does my partner) on a Bonneville EFI which is mechanically very similar. Breakdowns so far (after three years) have been restricted to:
Apart from that, they are no trouble at all.
And they look cool.
Very cool.
Chris.
and the rest, try monthly rider, lol.
Cheeky! There ain’t enough hours in a day at the moment to do any riding. Although I’m finishing off the Daytona, hope to have it back on the road this month. Then I’ll have two bikes that I never get to ride! 
I’ve got the Bonnie. Got it second hand with just 5,400 on the clock.
Commute on it every day so I do a minimum of 120 miles a week. Also take it up to see the folks in Suffolk every so often which is a 250 mile round trip. It’s more than comfy enough to do that in a day.
Having said that, I’m a smoker, so I do stop every now and again.
I’ve had it since April '08 and am just about to clock 30k. No breakdowns (yet, touch wood) the odd puncture and wear and tear, but it’s reliable and fun and enjoys taking a pillion too. Plus it’s just gorgeous to look at.
Going to be taking it to France for the 3rd year running on Saturday.
I couldn’t be more pleased with it.
:o)
