2009 Triumph Thruxton Review

Introduction

Like on all of their Modern Classics, Triumph uses the consecrated air-cooled, 865cc, DOHC, parallel-twin motor which starting 2009 is being fuel-injected for that same models, including the Thruxton. What’s the best of this bike is the racing heritage that comes with the name. That same heritage determined British engineers to get the most out of the engine - 69bhp at 7,400 rpm and 52ft.lbf at 6,800 rpm – and call this their sportiest timeless machine.

The engine carries on being mated to the five-speed gearbox while the right rider side X-ring chain is no only one of the manufacturer’s characteristics, but also the appropriate type for a motorcycle claimed to perform as good as it looks.

2009 Triumph Thruxton

Both the frame and the swingarm are made out of tubular steel so at least we have what to blame for the 451 lbs dry weight of this piece of history. The standard spoked 18-inch front, 17-inch rear wheels remain faithful to the 1960s style, but the braking system featuring a 320mm floating disc and two piston calipers and a single 255mm disc with two piston caliper is as modern as they get.

We could just say that about the suspension package as the 41mm preload adjustable forks are anyway but vintage while the chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload sure look like total opposite, but still get the job done. Thruxton’s sporty handling is ensured by a 27 degree rake and 97mm trail, but the bike’s low center of gravity and the 84.6 inches overall length are no disadvantages either.

What’s the best of this bike is that it has been looking and performing like this for decades, the only things that Triumph took care of through years being easily called details.

2008 Triumph Thruxton History

Competition

2007 Ducati Sport 1000

Back in 2007 when Ducati introduced their Sport Classic lineup, the Ducati Sport 1000 was exactly what the Italians needed in order to give Triumph a hard time, but meanwhile this model has evolved into Sport 1000 S which distinguishes by featuring an early style upper fairing and windscreen, but doesn’t compete with the Thruxton any more.

Ducati’s GT 1000 though is the closest thing you’ll find to the 2009 Triumph Thruxton. This bike too is inspired by past legends of the track so it features classic lines, standard spoked wheels and the Thruxton-like exhaust although we’re aware that this is not the ideal looking thing. Still, it gets the air-cooled, 992cc, L-twin engine with two valves per cylinder Desmodromic developing 92 hp at 8000 rpm and 67.3 lb-ft at 6000 rpm. The Ducati uses a Marelli electronic fuel injection with 45mm throttle bodies while the gearbox is a six-speed unit so the maximum speed and the rest of the performance figures are clearly superior, but style isn’t and that’s what these bikes are all about.

2009 Ducati GT 1000

Exterior

2009 Triumph Thruxton

When Triumph was set to create a modern interpretation of a big piece of their past, they had where to inspire; the Thruxton racing bikes of the 1960s, machines that lead to the café racing frenzy gathering an incredible number of fans in their way. Originally, this is how the British idea of a sports bike looked like and while it wasn’t bad at all, time saw Triumph lining up to the modern tendencies in this domain and Thruxton remaining a bike for the versant.

Also with time, refinements became more impressive than ever before and the bike still retains most of the original look and feel so I guess we can say it is now lost on the thin line between old and new. This is Thruxton’s main advantage, the British old school look with the spoked racing wheels, round headlight and instruments and especially the low bars with the mirrors positioned at each end. All these features have everything to do with the aggressively positioned forks.

The gas tank is mounted down on the frame both for a low center of gravity and that race bike look. Down under, the two air-cooled cylinders look like still being carbureted despite of the fact that fuel injection is by far the most important change that the bike gets for 2009. With polished engine heads and side covers, those carburetor-looking injectors don’t look out of place just like the Thruxton characteristic exhaust don’t do either.

Café racer seats aren’t quite known for comfort, but in this case the situation isn’t going to get dramatic in any way. The chromed rear suspension springs are a nice distinctive touch, but allow the bike to look its best only when the rider is actually sitting on it. That’s when the rear fender looks better too, not to mention the passenger’s place.

Triumph definitely got the recipe right from the very beginning as the main idea – also reflected by the 2009 Thruxton – is to have a bike that is long, low and as aerodynamic as possible even if that means to sacrifice the rider’s jewels. This last aspect is not retained by the modern bike.

For 2009, the color schemes don’t change so the Jet Black with Gold Stripe, Tornado Red with White Stripe remain the shiny racing colors ensuring that the bike continues to stand out.

2008 Triumph Thruxton Test Ride

Triumph added the fuel injection system to their 865cc parallel-twin motor just so that it would meet Euro 3 regulations and didn’t affect the power and torque curves so you get the same rush as on the 2008 model year without worrying about how to pass technical inspections. 

Price

Even though having virtually no competition, the Triumph Thruxton comes with an MSRP that starts at $8,599, which is close to a Japanese supersports motorcycle. Yet, it sells well which means that it has left many riders intrigued about this unique idea of a sports bike.

Conclusion

2009 Triumph Thruxton

If it wasn’t for modern legislation requirements, Triumph would have most likely kept the Thruxton engine carbureted for years and years to come, but fuel injection system modified so that it would look like a pair of carburetors is just as good. That’s in essence what the bike brings new compared to the previous model year so I guess we’ll be seeing it changing only color schemes from now on.

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SPECIFICATIONS

2009 Triumph Thruxton Engine

Engine and Transmission

Type: Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360 degree firing interval
Capacity: 865cc
Bore/Stroke: 90 x 68mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Fuel System: Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI
Final Drive: X ring chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox: 5-speed

Chassis and Dimensions

2009 Triumph Thruxton Chassis

Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm: Twin-sided, tubular steel
Front Wheel: 36-spoke, 18 x 2.5in
Rear Wheel: 40-spoke, 17 x 3.5in
Front Tyre: 100/90 18
Rear Tyre: 130/80 R17
Front Suspension: 41mm forks with adjustable preload
Rear Suspension: Chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload
Front Brakes: Single 320mm floating disc, 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes: Single 255mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Length: 84.6in
Width (Handlebars): 27.4in
Height: 43.1in
Seat Height: 31.1in
Wheelbase: 56.7in
Rake/Trail: 27 degree/97mm
Weight (Dry): 451lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.2 gal

Features

2009 Triumph Thruxton

Engine: The Thruxton’s 865cc, air-cooled, twin cylinder power plant, the most powerful of Triumph’s twin cylinder line-up, has a peak power output of 69bhp delivered at 7400rpm and peak torque of 52ft.lbf arrives at 5800rpm. The engine shares the same 360° firing interval as the Bonneville, as well as featuring ‘hot’ camshaft profiles and a compression ratio of 9.9:1.

Fueling: The Thruxton features a fuel injection system designed for clean running and to meet Euro 3 legislation. The retro styling remains uncompromised though, as fuel injectors are cleverly concealed by throttle bodies designed to look like traditional carbs.

Handlebars: The Thruxton’s handlebars are one-piece tubular chromed steel bars and are set to give a sporty riding position. The stylish bar-end mirrors, engineered specifically for the Thruxton, come as standard.

Chassis: Wrapping the motor is a precisely crafted chassis that inspires confidence; its harder edge delivering real sporting character. The sturdy, preload adjustable 41mm telescopic forks and twin rear shocks give superb suspension action and compliance while sharper steering geometry, a wheelbase of 1490mm and 18 inch aluminium-rimmed front wheel all aid steering input.

Brakes: A fully floating 320mm front disc and twin-piston brake caliper provide powerful, but sensitive, braking performance.