After months and months of analysis and research, I recently purchased a brand new 2013 Triumph Thruxton. I thought I’d write a quick post on my observations of the Triumph Bonneville vs. Triumph Thruxton, to help others who may be trying to decide between these two great bikes.
Why Triumph
Well, my father-in-law has been buying and restoring older Triumph Bonneville’s for years, so he’s the first person that got me hooked on the Triumph brand.
My brother-in-law purchased a new 2007 Triumph Bonneville Black back when he started to ride, and has had nothing but good (make that great) things to say regarding the bike.
Finally there’s the cool factor. I wasn’t looking for a super sport bike or a cruiser, but was looking for something different that looked cool. You don’t see many Triumph’s on the road, at least where I live, and the Bonneville and Thruxton both have that cool retro look. Once I got past looking at the Street Triple, don’t need that much power, I pretty much settled on the Bonneville.
The Bonneville
On my third trip to the Triumph dealership, after sitting on the Bonneville many times, I finally decided I wanted to take the Bonneville for a test ride. After 5 min. of paperwork, they started one up for me, explained the controls and told me what route to take. A solo test ride, seriously?
Well off I went. It wasn’t a long test ride, but it was enough for me to get a feel for the power and acceleration and realize this was more than enough bike for me. The one thing I didn’t like about the Bonneville was the placement of the foot pegs. It may have been how I was sitting on the seat, but the pegs were situated in such a way that they interfered with how I was putting my feet down at a stop. I had to situate myself to put my feet down behind the pegs or in front of the pegs, and it was somewhat awkward. I’m sure I would have gotten used to it, but it just felt a little weird.
If you’re interested in comparing the different Bonneville models, read my Beginners Guide to the Triumph Bonneville. I also recently took an extended ride on a Bonneville in the canyons of Colorado, so you can read my thoughts on how the Bonneville handled.
The Thruxton
As I was getting ready to leave, I took another look at a Thruxton that was on the dealership floor and decided to sit on this to see how I like it.
Now the Thruxton has a bit of a sportier look then the Bonneville, and this is what drew my eye to that. I just liked the looks a whole lot better then the Bonneville, but my concern was the sportier riding position and how comfortable this would be for my 48 year old body.
Unfortunately, the dealership didn’t have a Thruxton that I could take out for a test ride, so I’d have to rely on some research before I could make a decision. After that visit, I spent countless hours researching the riding position of the Thruxton, reading reviews, visiting forums, and watching YouTube videos.
The decision
Of course I went with the Thruxton (Brooklands Green).
There were a number of factors that went into this decision. First off the Thruxton has a more sportier ride, I really like the forward lean with the rear set foot pegs, but it wasn’t so much were it appeared it would be uncomfortable (at least based upon my seat time at the dealership).
The salesman I was talking to said they could rotate the bars a bit to bring them closer to me so the forward lean wasn’t as much, and they could put a different bar on if it was too uncomfortable. However, you need to be careful as there is only so much play in the cables that lead to the clutch, throttle, and brake controls. So if you do decide to put a different set of bars on that will raise them up, you may run into additional expenses to extend the cables.
The Thruxton also comes with a tachometer, which the standard Bonneville doesn’t have. The Thruxton also has a bit more horsepower and torque then the Bonneville due to some higher compression in the engine (so they say). Both the front and rear suspension on the Thruxton are adjustable for pre-load, where the Bonneville only has an adjustable rear suspension. Finally, there’s the look. The Thruxton has that awesome looking seat cowl that gives it that cafe racer look, and the bike looks amazing if you eliminate the rear fender.
After putting 250 miles on the bike in the first week, I can tell you I made the right decision.
Every time I see the bike sitting in the garage, I find myself standing there just staring at it. It’s an awesome looking bike.
The riding position is perfect for me. Took me a bit to get used to on my first few rides, but now it’s just a matter of jumping on her and my feet automatically go to the rear set foot pegs. As long as you remember to use your core muscles, and keep the weight off your wrists, the riding position is very comfortable. This isn’t as difficult as it sounds, and is much easier when underway as the wind actually helps you stay more upright.
I don’t regret purchasing the Thruxton at all. While both are great bikes, I prefer the looks of the Thruxton over the Bonneville, and absolutely love the riding position.
Oh yea, a little about me. I’m 48 years old, stand 5′ 8″, have an inseam of about 30″, and weigh 160 lbs. I can easily flat foot the bike, which was a requirement for me for any bike that I was going to buy.
If you have any questions, feel free to post a comment and I’ll be happy to respond.
Edit: In just over 2 months I’ve put close to 1000 miles on the new Thruxton, and couldn’t be happier with my purchase (read my 1000 mile Thruxton review). I’ll also follow this post up with a 1 year review when I get the chance.
One conclusion I’ve made is it’s needs some louder pipes. The stock mufflers are way to quiet! Not that I’m looking for something that is extremely loud, but the poor bike needs something that will give it a little more character. I created a simple graphic comparing after market exhaust options that should give you some upgrade options.
Edit: I recently (May 2015) upgraded the stock exhaust to the Dominator Touring exhaust. Crazy difference!
Haven’t had any concerns with the suspension, but many other Thruxton and Bonneville riders say that’s one of the first things that need to be changed. I’ll stick with the stock suspension for a while, as I can live with that.
Edit: The stock suspension is terrible! That will become obvious the more you ride it. You’ll want to upgrade that pretty quickly, and I went with the Hagon Road Shocks.
Thanks for the comparison and review. I am also in the market for the same two bikes and also considering the T100. Are you going to install any aftermarket parts on your Thruxton? If so, please update with pictures and review.
I do plan on making some mods, but don’t plan on starting that until next spring. Have a whole list in my head, but plan on taking my time instead of doing e big bang approach.
I’ve not long had my 2012 thruxton , it has the triumph off road pipes ,fender eliminator kit , really enjoy rideing it even more now I’ve flipped the bars around it suits me much better, mines black , sound good but not to loud. Cheers all
Thanks for commenting Dave. I’m just getting ready to make some mods to mine (pipes, fek, etc…). Just waiting for Spring to get here so I can get the thing out.
Hi. …. I am having the same delima as you did. I’m torn between the Bonny and the Thruxton. I also like the looks of the thruxton better however, thanks to my parents, I’m vertically challenged standing at 5′-6″ tall with a 29″ inseam. I also want to flat foot any bike I buy and with the Thruxton I’m on my toes. I spoke with the dealer here and he said the only shocks he could find that would lower the bike could get it down by about 1-3/4″. I would still be about 1″ away and I think I could possibly make that up with a seat change but I’m not positive. The Bonny fits me much better however. .. I am also concerned about the riding position. Having always owned cruisers (Harley’s) and having had neck surgery a while back, I’m concerned I will be really uncomfortable in that forward position. I would like to get some additional thoughts from you about this. …. I am also 48 years old and I’m wondering if maybe the Thruxton is just meant for a younger rider. … Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Ride safe!
I don’t believe the Thruxton is meant for a younger rider, if you read any of the Triumph boards you’ll find a wide range of ages that ride them (I turn 50 this year if that helps) . The forward position is quite comfortable for me. I was also concerned about this, but having rode the thing last summer/fall I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
I would be most concerned about the height of the bike, as it is taller than the Bonnie. I’m only 5’8″, but my inseam is a bit longer so I don’t have an issue flat footing it. If I wasn’t able to do this, I would have gone with the Bonnie.
Keep in mind you can also “thruxtonize” a Bonnie. Easy to do with a seat cowl and some different bars, lots of options out there.
I fully agree. The Thruxton is not meant for younger riders only. Here is my story.
I used to own a 1970 Bonnie T120 and I deeply regret for ever that I sold it, back in 2006 – What was I thinking!! Anyway, earlier this year I decided I wanted to own again a classic motorcycle and after looking a bit at the Moto Guzzi V7 Special I quickly concluded I wanted to stick with Triumph and I had my eyes set on the T100. I looked in the dealer shop at the Thruxton 900 which I thought looked incredibly cool in Brooklands green but I quickly dismissed it as being a bike for young people. Boy, was I wrong…
Last weekend I took the T100 on a sole 50 miles test ride. I liked it but was not overly thrilled – also got a numb butt after 30 miles :-)) When I brought it back I asked the Triumph Test Center guy whether he thought the Thruxton would be something for me and he just said “you have to try it out”. So I hopped on the Thruxton and did the same 50 miles on it. It rained a bit so not ideal but let me tell you the bike convinced me right from the start. I was THRILLED! Smooth, responsive, taking bends on twisting roads laser sharp, sufficient torque in low rev’s… What a cool and fun bike!! Contrary to my initial thought, I loved the riding position. It is very comfortable. I have had a hip replacement recently and the position on the Thruxton was in fact better for me than on the T100. If you wondered, I am 57 years old, stand 6 foot tall and weigh 185 lbs.
So, I ordered my new Thruxton yesterday (in Brooklands Green). The only thing I did not like from the start is the entire rear lighting section on the bike and the rear fender so I am taking the fender off and replacing the signals by smaller ones – the polished version – not black- produced by Paris based Mecatwin (See http://www.mecatwin.com/en/motos/triumph/GT/index.htm)
As far as the sound of the Thruxton goes, I did not hear the deep growling sound I got so accustomed to when riding my 1970 Bonnie so I may decide to change the mufflers over time. I am waiting a bit as I don’t want to make a change like that during the bike’s warranty period. In the meantime I will be looking at Staintunes, Arrows 2:2 (a bit too metallic sound for me) and a couple of others, including Mecatwin which seems to come close to the deep and not too loud sound I am looking for.
Can’t wait to take possession of my new Thruxton 900 in 2 weeks from now. Wow, I feel as if I am in my twenties again :-)) I’ll keep you guys posted. Phil
Awesome! I also have the Brooklands Green Thruxton. Love this bike. Keep us posted Phil.
Really interested to hear how you’ve been getting on with your Thruxton Phil. I’m just recovering from my second hip replacement – a matched pair now – and have a hankering for a Bonnie, but would LOVE a Thruxton – except that I’m a short arse at 5’5.
I also got my second hip replacement Jan of this year. I started to feel pain on longer rides with the Thruxton even with the new saddle (btw the best investment I ever made on a motorcycle. Had it done by Baldwin Saddles in Kansas City http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/ They take your stock saddle and customize it for you!) Since the operation I have done another 5000km with my Thrux (all pain gone) and I absolutely love it, but want to go for a deeper sound. So, I just ordered the TORs and will do a remap by TTP – http://www.triumphtwinpower.com/ These guys know what they are doing. I was lucky to find a guy who let me drive his Bonnie after he had it retuned by TTP and the result is just amazing. Can’t wait to have mine changed. Will keep you posted. What did you decide on after all: Bonnie or Thrux?
Cheers, Phil
I am also torn between the Thruxton and the Bonnie. I love the way the Thruxton looks and rides (lucky enough to take it for a solo test ride!), but I don’t know how comfortable it will be for a passenger. Luckily, my wife and are are both tall and skinny, which is usually good, but I think she might be cramped at 5’9″ on the back. I doubt we will go on many long rides together, but it is the one thing that makes me think we would be better off with the Bonnie.What are your thoughts?
Thanks for commenting Ty. I have yet to ride with a passenger, but based upon the placement of the foot pegs on the Thurston there doesn’t appear to be a lot of extra room. You may want to check out the Triumph Rat forum, as I’m sure you could get a better perspective from some of the folks that ride two up.
Im 54 years old and bought my THRUXTON almost a year ago. What a wonderful bike! Mine has Arrow 2 into 1 exhaust rear, fender eliminator, smaller turn signals, flip up gas cap and ajustable levers. What an excellent bike to ride. I have a few {10} other bikes but I love this one. You wont be sorry.
I’m relatively new to riding I’ve only put about 1000 miles on my bike this year and only 500 last summer. I find my hands get numb and wrists sore on the Thruxton. I try to remind myself constantly to not lean on my hands but I just do it without thinking. Maybe that’ll get better but at highway speed I still seem to grip too hard and lean on my hands too much.
Question: How does one flip their bars? Are we talking just rotating them up towards the rider or down away from the rider? I’ve considered getting bonnie bars but they’re so steep I’d have to get new cables. Or I could just trade in my Thruxton for a Scrambler I love those too. lol
Hey Nikolas – Thanks for commenting. You can do it both ways. There’s a ton of information on the Triumph RAT forum for this, if you haven’t checked that out yet definately do that. Your first option should be to just roll them upwards a bit, you’ll probably find this will make a huge difference. Also, when I bought my bike, the dealer told be to be careful if I was going to try this as you could run into some issues with certain cables not being long enough.
Thank YOU for the reply 🙂
How many miles do you have on the bike now??
I just rode for 2 hours and I adopted the 2 finger grip on my throttle. Index & middle finger hovering over the brake and that helped a ton. At high speeds (80-90mph) I still tend to hold on too tight but…. I don’t go that fast very often 😉 😉 I’ll try flipping the bars a little bit and report back. Maybe It would help another person who stumble on this page. 🙂
I’m also considering getting something like this. http://www.brakeawayproducts.com/
Sorry another post. David Beckham is actually doing a documentary right now where he’s motorcycling across Brazil. On a Bonneville! How cool is that! Granted it looks a lot like they just modified it into a scrambler. Did you ever try a Scrambler out?? I think when I’m done financing the Thruxton I might buy its chunky tired brother as well.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/600/18633/Motorcycle-Article/David-Beckham-Explores-Amazon-on-Bonneville.aspx
I’ve seen the stories, but haven’t had a chance to watch or read them much. Never rode the Scrambler, I was going back and fourth between the Thruxton and Street Triple. I still like the S3 a lot, but liked the classic looks of the Thruxton which sold me on that bike. Thanks for the links, and by all means report back on what you ended up doing with the bars.
Great to see this comparison as I’m also wrestling with this decision (and we’re the same age). My one concern about both bikes is the braking. I’ve always ridden sport bikes except for a brief stint with a KLR dual sport and the brakes on it were horrible. Reviews of the triumphs seem mixed on the adequacy of the brakes. I don’t expect sportbike stopping power but would be interested in your view on whether the thurxton brakes are a weak point.
I’ve hand no issues with the brakes Mark. I also read mixes reviews, but honestly I’ve had no concerns.
I’ve read mixed reviews as well, and coming form an old 80’s Kawasaki KZ 650 I can’t compare the brakes to a sport bike. triumphrat . net has discussions about brakes. Different brake pads and a few other upgrades seem to help.
question guys. I am 6’1 about 195-200 lbs. Am i too big for the thruxton or bonneville ?
Not sure how much I can help Bryan, I’m a little guy. I’m 5’8″ and about 160 and the Thruxton fits me well. I’m defiantly not cramped on it, and would be comfortable if I was somewhat taller and weighed more. Have you checked out the TriumphRAT forum. Lots of information over there.
I’m 5’11 185lbs. The triumph fits me very well.
I am 62 yrs , 6 ft , 210lbs. on a 2007 Bonneville Black. Best bike I ever owned…. fast,reliable, comfortable
Thanks for the lovely article — I keep coming back to it over and over again as I’m torn between the T100 and the Thruxton. Honestly, compared to the T100, is the Thruxton’s riding position suitable for long-distance touring?
Define long-distance? A lot of my riding in the summer months is to and from work. Stop and go in rush hour traffic with my computer and other things in a backpack. Typical ride is over an hour. Not the most enjoyable ride, but it is a ride.
Longest ride I’ve been on is about 125 miles. No issues with that either.
I would think the Bonneville would be the obvious choice if your primary riding is going to be long distance. It’s a more comfortable and laid back ride. But you gotta love the looks of the Thruxton…
Thanks for the reply, Craig. I’d mostly be riding in the city at a max of two hours continuously — will that be tiresome on a Thrux? For long-distance, I was thinking of occasional inter-state rides.
But I just went to the Triumph dealer for the fourth time — you’re so right, you can’t go wrong with something that looks this good!
I don’t have any issues Faezal. Like I said, I commute in stop and go traffic which isn’t the best situation, but I don’t have any issues with that ride.
I would say if you don’t have back or knee issues, you probably won’t have any problems. The bars on the newer Thruxton’s don’t give you a terrible lean. It’s nothing like the clip-on’s.
I was probably at the dealer 4 – 5 times sitting on the thing before I finally bought mine. I was in the same boat as you, I was concerned with the riding position. But it was really a non-issue.
Best of luck, let me know what you go with.
Am booking a Thruxton tomorrow (March 5, 2015)! 🙂
A million thanks, Craig, for the reassurance. God bless!
I got a 2014 thurxton and loving it every time I go for a ride. I put some gasser pipes on sounds nice. The wife loves it too best thing I have ever done…..Thanks Dean
I’ve got both a Thruxton, Ace Cafe Special, and a Bonneville SE . Both have been modified with the airbox baffle removed, SAI removed, O2 sensors removed, high flow airbox intake and filter, better exhausts and stage 2 Triumph Twin Power remapping. Both are brilliant bikes and i can never decide which one to take out! My lady prefers the SE for pillion. I prefer the Thruxton for faster rides, although there’s not much diference in speed between the two bikes. The Thruxton is slightly quicker. I’ve fitted Thruxton rear shocks on the SE and left the Thruxton suspension alone. I spent good money messing around with Hagons and Proggressive rear shocks on the SE and they’re not as good as the Triumph OEM Thruxton shocks. I’ve had many bikes over my riding life and these are the best two, no question. Better than Ducatis, Guzzis, Harleys and Jap bikes, and I’m saying that after owning all of the brands at one point or another.
Thanks for the feedback Steve.
I’m 50 and 5’8 and have been riding café style bikes all my life pretty much.
I’m loving my new 2010 Thruxton with ridiculously low mileage and snortin’ Arrow exhaust
I’m about to get rid of the efi air induction as it makes it Really jumpy in low revs and blues the pipes.
I only wish that I could find some city bags for it as it has higher swept pipes than the Bonnie.