Motorcycle specifications Triumph1200 THRUXTON 2018 Hinckley's commando mission

England is full of suburbs, stars and stories. The Thruxton's story began in 1969, on the track that gave the model its name... many years later.
That year, best known for having seen man set foot on the moon, three Bonnevilles took the podium at the Thruxton 500, a former military airport closed down after the Second World War. Reconverted to the delight of competitors, it also served as an endurance showcase for British brands, who were able to demonstrate the efficiency of their bikes.
Triumph took advantage of its superb victory in '69 to create the T 120 R. Production continued, and the manufacturer made its way through the decades as best it could. And once the shape had returned, the Thruxton name was revived in 2004 for the café racer version of its Bonneville of the 2000s.
The machine didn't get the engine it deserved, and came across more as a handsome, parading toy than a sports machine. With this 1200 evolution, the discourse changes, and so does virtually the entire bike.

the Thruxton remains the Bonneville's sports bike. So it's only logical that it should adopt the new parallel twin. And adapts it to get even more energy out of it. This 1200 cm3 block features 8 valves, dual-throttle injection, Ride-by-Wire and liquid cooling. On the Thruxton, a lightened crankshaft, special airbox and higher compression allow the bi to go from 10.7 to 11.4 mkg of torque. At last, some real muscle for this racy machine. Admittedly, maximum torque is perched higher than on the Bonneville, at 4,950 rpm. But let's not forget the spectacular gain over the previous 900 Thruxton: 62% more power. More torque and considerably more power. From 80 hp on the Bonnie, the twin seriously steps up the pressure and spits out 97 hp. With the Thuxton weighing some twenty kilos less, the power-to-weight ratio has improved markedly, confirming the bike's sportier side. It's not all about what you see, it's also about what you get.
This engine will finally be able to arouse the rider's emotions, and not just with its watts. The whole is beautiful, well finished, with a well-integrated radiator and everything needed to flatter the eye. Superb aluminum crankcases with bronze-rimmed badges, a small "Bonneville 1200" plaque on the edge of the cooling fins, high-quality casting, injection well hidden behind imitation carburetors, chrome exhaust bezels. And nothing gets in the way of the simplicity of the picture. No loose wires, no unsightly hoses, just metal and layout; it's clean and pleasant.

The 1200 Thruxton knows how to present its engine. It also knows how to spice up its silhouette with an authentic café-racer profile from the belle époque. It's all about the look, and it's all about the bike. Details count and make all the difference for enthusiasts. From the simplest, like the fork gussets, the now 17-inch front wheel or the single-seat saddle. From the most eye-catching, like the aluminum mirrors mounted on brackets at the end of the handlebars, the headlight mounting plates, the "Monza" fuel filler cap or the drilled airbox covers. The sporty look is reflected in selected parts, such as the swingarm and spoked rims, which are made of lighter aluminum.

the past and hints of glory glide and shimmer over the Thruxton's plastic. But it hasn't forgotten to poke around Hinckley's technical department. And emerges with a pocketful of modern treats. Do you have different ways of driving to suit your mood? So does the 1200 Thruxton. It comes with 3 fuel injection maps (1 more than the Bonneville T120) ranging from Rain to Road to Sport. The latter provides a more direct response to throttle inputs. And if you're feeling optimistic, there's no risk of stalling, as the anti-dribble clutch and traction control keep a close eye on things. Unless you disconnect it. Both the clutch and ABS can be disengaged.
Like any modern millstone, a few more or less useful trinkets are found on board. Everyone can appreciate the LED daytime running light and rear light, the USB socket on the fork head, the transponder in the key as an anti-theft device, or the dashboard controls on the handlebars. An almost indispensable extension, given the wealth of information on the dual speedo.
A beautiful piece, very sober in appearance and very British. Its small digital windows display the riding mode setting, the gear engaged, the total trip and two partial trips, a maintenance indicator, the fuel autonomy, its level, the instantaneous and average consumption, the deactivation of the traction control system and ABS; a clock completes the whole. Would you believe that its tachometer is 10 mph faster than the Bonneville? You don't care, because you're already chasing the "tone" (100 mph), the exhilarating exhilaration provided by the half-guides and the feeling of gripping the front end just right, and that feeling of having a sports bike like no other.

The wind rattles between the teeth, the twin whirs between the Hampshire and the ignition key, but for some that won't be enough. Triumph promises more, with a host of accessories, over 160 references, and two "Inspiration" kits to take the experience a step further.

the "Track Racer" kit

- A streamlined cockpit
- Painted seat backrest
- Low-profile handlebars
- Rear fender delete kit with compact light
- Vance & Hines silencers
- Leather tank strap

café Racer" kit

- Rear fender delete kit with compact light
- Vance & Hines exhaust systems
- Painted seat back
- Triumph rubber knee guards
- Leather tank strap

the Thuxton 1200 is also available in R version, where it can fully express itself with its top-of-the-range suspension and braking. Desirable in every way, with allonge reserved for gentlemen.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos