By Bob Maddocks | Colorado/Wyoming
In addition to being lifelong fans of European and Japanese sport touring motorcycles, Mary Jane and I have always enjoyed owning Hinckley Triumphs. Our first was a ‘95 Trophy 900 Triple, a great sport tourer that we happily rode for eight years, trading up in 2002 for a new BMW R1150RT. Our second was a ‘05 Speed Triple, truly an outrageous performer and exciting commuter bike. The “new” Triumphs, particularly the triples, are unique sporting motorcycles and certainly a bit more durable and reliable than some of their predecessors. Triumph has enjoyed a renaissance in the last decade by successfully marketing modern vintage motorcycles as well as sport, sport-touring and dual-sport machines.
Of note, we recently bought a 2013 Triumph Thruxton 900 EFI twin. As you probably know, the Thruxton is a factory “cafe” styling exercise based on the 900 Bonneville twin. Out of the box it features clubman-style down-swept handlebars, modest rearset pegs, and a stylish seat cowl. The ‘13 comes in a dark metallic green with gold accent stripes.
The stock Thruxton is fitted with an air-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, parallel-twin displacing 865cc’s. The factory claims 68 hp at 7400 rpm and 51 ft-lbs of torque at the crankshaft. The engine redlines at 8500 rpm. Power delivery smooth, linear and certainly entertaining on a bike with a 58” wheelbase, but this is no sport bike. The final drive is via an X-ring chain, and the motorcycle utilizes a wet clutch and 5-speed tranny. Fuel capacity is 4.2 gallons (16 liters), and wet weight is 506 pounds. Fuel efficiency is reported to be 43 mpg in city conditions and 57 mpg on the highway. We’ve been averaging in the high 40’s at semi-lunatic speeds. Suspension is provided by KYB on both ends, with a 41mm front fork and twin shocks, all adjustable for pre-load only.
Not to leave well enough alone, our Thruxton’s current configuration includes Progressive front suspension springs & preload inserts; Triumph OEM gaiters and tank pads; a T.E.K. steering dampener; Dart U.K. Fly Screen; R&G Racing fender eliminator kit; Joker sprocket cover; a U.K. disk holder & replica tax disk (FromAnotherTime.com); New Bonneville Air Induction (AI) removal kit; and considerable aluminum polishing. We also recently installed R&G Micro turn signals, which clean up the front and back ends nicely. Total weight reduction from these fairly simple mods has been significant, over 30 pounds so far. Additional future farkles will likely include aftermarket pipes, an ECU re-map and Gazi Sport X shocks.
Light, relatively agile and decently powered, the Thruxton runs briskly, handles well and draws a crowd in parking lots. Great fun at a reasonably modest price!!
