The new exhaust pipes were extensively re-worked to not only aid the power increase, but to have a different tone. Triumph wanted a throaty Bonneville beat while still meeting noise and pollution standards, always a compromise at best. The new power plant now makes 69 horsepower, compared to the original Bonneville’s 62, and the increase comes at the upper end of the power band for a more spirited ride.

Interestingly, the Thruxton’s peak power occurs at 7,250rpms compared to the Bonneville’s 7,400rpm, while torque figures jumped to 53ft.lb from 44ft.lbs. Due to the nature of the power gains, this figure now arrives at 5,750rpm, not the original’s 3,500rpm. The Thruxton retains the Bonneville’s 360-degree firing order also, and I wonder if this new engine will find it’s way into the rest of the Bonneville range at some point in the near future?

Chassis changes were limited to new, longer rear suspension to help quicken the steering, as well as upgrades in the forks. Braking was improved to handle the extra power, with the use of a single 320mm floating disc up front and a smaller, lighter 255mm disc out back. Both calipers remain two-piston. 

I am positive the Thruxton will make a fantastic platform for some cool modifications once it hits the streets, and am certain that we will be seeing them with trick shocks, brakes and a variety of other modifications.

To complete the café style, clip-on handlebars, rear set foot pegs, a sporty front mudguard and a race-inspired seat hump help complete the visuals. The engine cases are also polished.

The Thruxton is aimed at riders who like the style and the heritage, it is intended to be a unique, fun motorcycle that doesn’t pay the penalty of high purchase price, large insurance premiums and the fear of collecting a bunch of speeding tickets.

So how does it go?