2016 Triumph Thruxton R Review | MC Commute

[@KingOath]

This guy has so many good one-liners. I love his reviews. “I’m going to turn the traction control off, because that’s the kind of person I am” “It’s a thumbs up for the suspension, because they didn’t make it” Tells it like it is 😂

[@nightwing2348]

The whole new Bonneville line is INCREDIBLE!! From reviews, on paper, and presentation, much much better. Excited to ride one! love the simple engine, extremely good fit and finish, and they're all up my ally, NOT to powerful. THANKS for reviewing this bike on your work ride, one of my favorite bikes youve done so far.

[@tsmgguy]

The T120 and Thruxton were both introduced in late 2015 for model year 2016. Early product introduction information stated that both bikes would be offered with fully integrated factory cruise control systems with the ability to accept add-on cruise control kits. Sure enough, all T120s were produced with cruise control maps. CC kits followed the T120's introduction by a few months but such kits were never offered for the Thruxton. The Thruxton ECU has no CC map to this day, so it's not just a case of adding the left switch plate with CC button and activating the CC system as it is with the T120. In the right light, you can see a green cruise control icon on the right instrument face of the Thruxton, which is all that remains of this idea. If you want true electronic cruise control for your Thruxton, the MCCruise kit is the only option.

[@Ryan-ot5bf]

FYI-The reason the bike is narrow is to have that retro cafe look. The reason the motor isn't "snappy" is because your riding in "road" mode with TTC on, if you were to switch to sport mode it would take of like a rocket. When you say it's too related to the street twin that's probably your riding technique. I noticed a huge difference between street twin and thruxton. I get a fast take off, specs are 0-60 3.1 sec, and so far I've been able to blow the basic sport cars away like chargers and mustangs. I gotta be honest a first time ride on this bike doesn't do it justice since there is so many adjustments to learn.

[@fastj1962]

My exact sentiments, Way to go living in Newport though :)

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Ryan road mode makes this bike SUPER easy to ride lol. One wouldn’t expect that from this bike if you read the spec sheets lol

[@Eidrian111]

Sorry I had one for a week and it’s slow as shit. Ok the 0-60 May be fast but beyond that is shit. R Nine T is far better.

[@in0neday]

@@Eidrian111 that bike is faster than you'll ever be. The r nine t is literally trash and comes with less performance goodies and higher maintenance and repair costs. Have fun with that. I've owned both and the r nine t looked more like an mt07 than a cafe racer.

[@JensLine]

I like this MC commute thing. I hope to see more of it in the future :)

[@robertp457]

Agreed pretty good stuff.

[@saxpride]

Like this new take on the bike review. I feel it's more honest, maybe it's because Zack hasn't had the chance to wake up yet lol.

[@AziziKov]

Aha!

[@Carreidas]

Can confirm.

[@justdad53]

For a initial review I though you did a good job. As a owner of one for just over two years, the performance is deceptively good. A solid low 12 second quarter mile bike with a 130-136 mph top speed depending on gearing and Triumph quarter fairing. Mid 50's mpg is normal, engine is smooth, shifting is easy, suspension is comfortable. Seat and bars make it less than ideal for touring for me. Replaced seat with Corbin seat which is an upgrade. Highway speeds removes much of the pressure from bars but the high foot pegs makes leg stretching every one miles necessary. A 200 mile ride through curvy mountain roads is what I enjoy most about this bike. Doesn't work as a commuter or touring bike for me but just okay in pinch for both.

[@RobertKwolek]

Great video, to the point and honest. My only request to make them in 1080p next time, it makes a big difference with a larger screen. Love the Thruxton R, btw, my dream bike right now. Saw it at a bike show recently, simply beautiful.

[@beastofpripyat1147]

You should looking at getting the racing map done and removing the baffles in the exhaust. That upper-range will shine.

[@MrBlompod]

I have one in silver and its really quite awesome. I like that its not 150hp so its beautifully punchy engine has all usable in the real world power . Easy to keep in in the sweet spot of its torque. Its form and function in one ride, and drop dead gorgeous :o)

[@Surpriseify]

How long did you own yours? Or still have it? How did she serve you reliability wise?

[@MrBlompod]

@@Surpriseify no I sold it years ago.. I change my bikes often 😅 It never missed a beat though. I had an old and a new Rocket 3 too. Fit and finish on the first Gen Rocket was an issue.. It looked ten years old after just two years but that was back in 2007..

[@Spartansrule118]

@@MrBlompod what did you get instead?

[@MrBlompod]

@@Spartansrule118 think I’ll get a new Ducati Monster SP

[@Victic005]

50 shades of silver.

[@alwynmcmath]

So nice to get an honest, warts and all, review. Nice job. Look forward to the next one. Greetings from London by the way.

[@saxpride]

"Big thumbs up for the suspension Triumph. It's because they didn't make it." Nice hahah.

[@hothatchpa]

Did I miss it or did he not discuss ride modes? Also I rode a black R on Saturday and with traction control ON it still lifts a wheel in standard driving mode. Be there no mistake this bike is snappy and likes to get its revs wound out. Sport mode makes throttle response much more direct. The biggest impression this bike left is that all elements come together in some oddly very satisfying way that is hard to put to words. Its just something special.

[@RandomGuyDan]

The engine power band is classic Brit twin. Also, a "cruiser" power band is better for commuting than a peaky sportbike engine. I also think on most roads, including California canyon roads that fat midrange is great.

[@TheNickypops]

I really enjoyed the normal ride and commentating about it. Good simple video

[@alexdomino23]

this motovlog style with somebody who is a real legit journalist is cool do more videos like this

[@truantray]

The "carbs" don't bother me, but the fake tank strap does. Also the paint makes it look like an Enfield GT. The standard Thruxton in Green is much nicer, and much less expensive.

[@scottharvey241]

Truth be told, the Enny is closer to an authentic caff bike in terms of power.

[@sportsmusiclover]

Oh yeah it does. Personally, dare I say this, I prefer the Enny to a Thruxton anyday. The Bonnie std is another matter.

[@Death666wish]

I thought it reminded me of the GT in the end, I just told myself "nonsense it's just the same style"!!

[@Moleskineman]

Yah, the British Racing Green Thruxton was awesome!

[@joaosoares3719]

It's also closer to an authentic cafe racer in terms of reliability.

[@aaronbehindbars]

This bike with the Triumph parts Vance and Hines slip-ons is pure eargasm. I rode one and it was the beat sounding bike I've had the pleasure to ride. It was also the hottest bike I've ridden.

[@DJMotoVlogs]

Nice, really enjoyed the motovlogging style review. The bike looks killer and sounds great. P.S. That wasn't a Passat that's a Phaeton which is a very impressive understated car. 👍

[@hothatchpa]

I wasnt gonna say anything haha Its more impressive though that he hopped a Phaeton but also sad for VW that he thought it was a Passat.. Says something about how understated it was on the outside for 100 grand.

[@darthkay]

Would like to see how a KTM Duke 690 2015/16 would be as a commuter, heard alot of diffrent views on it.

[@avyansh2310]

MC Commute is a great addition Zack. Way to go ! P.S.: Hope to see more Triumphs (Other than classics) on the show

[@rayb7414]

Appearance wise it is fab, I'm getting one when I can find it at a decent price, Performance wise it doesn't come close to the MT10, CBR100R etc. but saying that it is a fabulous machine

[@BasedOnLiberty]

watching a random commute video only to find out its my usual commute lol. perfect

[@ThenVersusNow_]

And then the Yamaha XSR900 came out. I love retro bikes, I love the Thruxton but that Yamaha is serious. 115 HP 65 Torque.

[@skater9368]

and when they finish it i may buy one, yamahas finish is sadly lacking on its new bikes apart from the R1

[@ripmax333]

William Bratby exactly what i think, the XSR900 and 700 look they are unfinished projects, too much rough looking and honestly very ugly. There concept of retro is very poor.

[@EarTipper]

Picking up my 2017 this morning

[@musguelha14]

That wasn't a Passat, it was a Phaeton.

[@ernestolopez9364]

Yea.. Anyone with eyes would have known it was a Phaeton.

[@badopinion]

If only it was a W12

[@anthonyjaswinski5732]

Agreed with the pipes. I modified with X pipes just to get the note right and it sounds wicked

[@Blackfinity1]

Love these reviews. Reminds me a bit of "Weekly Rides with Reuben" back when Reuben Bakker was doing them. But would like to see the camera angled a little higher and/or taken off the helmet completely and mounted high on the chest; too much head movement makes me a little queasy :)

[@shinethelight01]

Looks nice, sounds beautiful! Needs to be tested in the twisties.

[@Death666wish]

My friend is considering this bike or the R9T racer, leaning more towards the racer. No one reviewed that bike though and can't go by the reviews of the standard R9T since it has better suspension and brakes.

[@saddle8bag]

If you want it more raw, throw on the Vance and Hines and run around setting off car alarms. Me, I'll be throwing mine down twisty roads.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

saddlebag my buddy has the Vance and Hines pipes on his. Boy does it sound good lol...

[@amvj]

What a lovely and civilized place. Great place to ride this lovely motorcycle.

[@brettcummings7834]

Would love to see a review of the current iteration.

[@mathewbrady9526]

please please please send him home on the 2017 SV650 when you get a chance? I had a Second gen SV and am thinking about getting a new one. Very curious about his opinion.

[@jayhafe]

I saw one of these on the road the other day. It was absolutely gorgeous.

[@daniellekoran7906]

First time I ever heard anyone complain that a 100hp bike was a weak cruiser, and that it's just like the 55hp Street Twin. Crazy cuz the Street Twin in basically every way.

[@musclenugget92]

And it's only 400ish lbs. Most cruisers are 600

[@fishman1955]

a work of art.

[@TerribleTimes]

the faux carbies are kinda silly, but I understand why they did it like that...

[@katana258]

retro ..amal carbs .. hello .. would a square box be better for you .

[@TerribleTimes]

not a fan of ornament for the sake of nostalgia.

[@katana258]

its not a ornament .. its a working efi unit that looks like an amal carb .triumph has been doing that since 2008 .are you saying on a retro bike it should be a square box ?? .really ..retro bike should not look retro ..then what should it look like ...???

[@TerribleTimes]

I think you made my point for me, an EFI system made to look like a carb, the very definition of ornament, something used for decoration... throttle body EFI isn't shaped like a cube, not sure why you keep saying that..... I vote for form to follow function, the honesty in that will be appreciated.

[@katana258]

so a retro bike looking old style 1950-1960 that had carbs , should have an efi that looked like what ??

[@motomusing8378]

Thank you for the review Zack. A couple of motovlogging questions since the audio is very good in your video: 1. What mic and mic setup do you use? The Thruxton doesn't have any wind protection, but your audio was still nice and clear. 2. How much do you process your audio in post?

[@ashrafc7794]

Nice bike. Like your colour choice. I love retro bikes. If I was an experienced rider, I'd maybe get the RnineT. I wish more of these bikes would come with cruise control for freeway riding. Thanks for the vid

[@captainamerica9353]

If you want cruise control, get a GoldWing.

[@katana258]

well how do you explain where they just threw the horn ..pipes and cat will be the first to go, efi reflash another 8-10 hp

[@hooahayes]

I really like the styling of the Thruxton R and all of the tech they were able to pack into it without spoiling that styling. I am curious as to how you think it compares to an Indian Scout (not the Sixty) as I ended up buying the Scout because I wasn't comfortable, at 6'1" with the position on the R. Did I really miss out performance wise? The numbers seem comparable, but I am curious as to your take on the two. I realize these bikes wouldn't normally be cross shopped, but they are both a modern-ish take on a retro theme, so it sort of makes sense.

[@Moleskineman]

Is it a bigger bike physically? I test rode the old Bonneville and, being 188cm, I found it absolutely tiny. It even looked silly when I was on it. I was told by a friend who works for Triumph (he designed the 2017 Street Triple engine!) that the new classic range is bigger all around.

[@CubanRider]

How do you ride past a Triumph Spitfire around 1:30 and not mention it. ;)

[@danilocapellan1316]

This motorcycle, is a must have in your garage, I love it. 👍🏼

[@element1344]

Just wondering, what mode did you have it set in? It would be really good to have that kind of information. I'm guessing you had it in Road mode rather than Sport with you saying you thought it lacked punch.

[@colinmeans1316]

Dug the review and especially like how you mentioned that everything on the bike is on purpose. That is something i haven't seen many reviewers take the time to point out.. the thruxton definitely lost a bit of that raw cafe racer feel with the new gen. A pretty bike but i still prefer my carb driven gen 1 thruxton.

[@MartinezClan]

Good stuff, Hope you guys put more commuting videos since it brings a more realistic perspective to consumers.

[@insaineyesay]

These reviews are awesome. Funny as sh#t sometimes too. Great work. Keep em coming man.

[@82phalanX]

what you thought was a Passat was likely a Phaeton :-)

[@gwwayner]

First off you are not riding this motorcycle in it's element; twisty back-roads where you can make use of it's handling and torque-rich top gear. Close to 100 hp is lots of power for public roads, it is not intended for race-tracks (buy the Daytona for that). I remember when 70 hp was a super-bike!

[@Moleskineman]

I was just reading the specs...the Triumph UK website says 96Bhp...I used to have a Suzuki Bandit 650 and that was 92Bhp (I think) and it'd rip pretty hard when I opened it up. If this Thruxton R is anything like that, then I'll be more than happy with that much power!

[@Nerdferly]

gwwayner this guy is an idiot.

[@snowlyon4802]

James Murphy the 650 has 70 rear-wheel horsepower and 40 foot pounds of torque at a lot higher RPMs and weighs 530 lb Thruxton is 87 rear wheel horsepower and makes 75 foot pounds at only 3500 RPMs. And weighs less than 500 lb fully wet

[@snowlyon4802]

gwwayner I was thinking the same thing how could you call a bike with this much power and torque slow it's not even a heavy bike it weighs less than 500 pounds fully gassed-up

[@ricksimpson2167]

In 1979 in the USA Triumph and Norton's were very rare no one knew what they were you could pick them up for $250 to $350 Triumph was known as Norton's little brother I built a 1965 Norton Commando engine on a Scrambler frame with Atlas tank Hardware and fenders I was able to stay with a Kawasaki 900 with a passenger on the back until he hit fifth gear and start pulling away

[@randytovarful]

Does it stall on you? Mine stalls everywhere in traffic after running for more that 15 minutes.

[@fescen9]

They sent out a notice for that. Make sure they update your ECU on your next service. Mine hasn't stalled since.

[@BillyJoe1305]

This is a good segment, I hope you keep it running. That said, I just don't think the Thruxton is a $15,000 bike. I'm aware that's what they charge, but I don't think it's worth anywhere near that.

[@SineOccasu]

I love the looks, and sound of it, but l wouldn't spend that kind of money on it either. I will wait for it used in a couple of years :).

[@IscariottActual]

I got a 'worst of both worlds' feeling watching this bike. I went from sport bikes to cruisers(Vrod, then low rider S from harley) and my heart wanted to like this thing because V twin on a proper suspension. After the ride when he did the walk around I was just not psyched. 9-11k and I'm thinking "Hey it's got a place" but who is buying 15k sport bike ergos on a cruiser mill? You could almost buy a new 600 SS and a used 1st gen thruxton

[@alderinerush]

lol I chuckled when you pointed at the fake carbs

[@gooondie]

Please have him do a Honda cb500x or an nc700x!!!!! Please!!!!

[@Marshall498]

You said you have never ridden a base thruxton....but didnt you and Ari do a trip to barber and you ran in the thruxton cup?

[@ElroyMcDuff]

What's with the stoplight that makes you stop for no(?) reason at 7:28?

[@batfitch]

To help control traffic on the freeway by lowering the rate of new merging traffic. Basically to try to loosen up a traffic choke point.

[@ElroyMcDuff]

Ah, thanks!

[@DearMajesty]

Cool! I like these candid one-take videos!

[@xleeb0y13x]

Would love to see this on the track. Not a ton of power but with the killer suspension and brakes it seems like a bike you can really push closer to its limits. Also love the triumph fairing kit for it.

[@fastj1962]

The 90ish HP and huge touque makes it very competitive on a track with the big bikes as long as the track doesn't have huge straights.

[@ricksimpson2167]

In the late 80s we use complete Yamaha front ends on 650 and 7:50 bonnevals

[@aK1baby]

I wanted to know, if you would recommend this bike also to go for a longer ride probably with a 2nd person on the rear. I understand that a cafe racer is designed for a single person on short - mid range rides. It is not a touring bike, but still is it comfortable enough to have joyride over a weekend with your wife (ergonomic sense you mentioned it's a bit more aggressive)? What would you suggest? I really like the design and look

[@justacrlon3963]

i think it s the best motorcycle for loong trips. because it s that comfortable. but if there s people who go on trips on a scooter, then why not on a cafe

[@1jfmurray]

One seater.

[@aK1baby]

there is a kit available for 2 seats as well.

[@ilyketrainz]

Riding on the two up seat is completely different, the one-seater that comes stock on the R variant isn't the softest and is meant more to keep you dug into the riding position for corners, the 2 up seat is way more comfortable and you'll ride a bit more relaxed as well, depending on your and the misses weight, it should still be comfortable for a longer ride, under a 400 mile mark.

[@aK1baby]

thank you for this answer

[@joshnme]

Good review. I find the Triumph to be a nice bike and probably on the more reliable side. I like the overall build of the Norton 961 better, at a few grand more, of course. The Thruxton is just a bit too refined and numb for my tastes.

[@freddieriboni6322]

Awesome bike. I ride a Ducati 821 and love my bike but honestly I might have bought this one if it was out.

[@kiwiandyt123]

Liking these commute/reviews! So, this or the BMW R Nine T?

[@sisler42789]

Were these same-lane passes legal where you are? Just curious! I wish we could pass jack-wagons taking their good old time, or being in the HOV lane when not being a HOV...

[@modsurgeon]

Old question, but yes. Lane splitting is legal in California, and it is fantastic.

[@GIGABACHI]

Love it but i would have to swap out that tail piece for something else, never been a fan of the rounded blunt look. I prefer a duck tail like a 197X KZ1000.

[@thomasruiz2307]

I think he said he wanted me to try out the street twin. So you guys can send that over to my house whenevs. nbd.

[@thedaily30]

Dude... Did Zack just call that guy a "douche nozzle"? That's AWESOME!!!

[@rodneylisabutler6966]

dude you hammered the bike, rough night?

[@Kodreanu23]

I liked the video. Was hoping to see you thrash it, just a little bit on some B road so you could talk a bit much more about handling, but hey, nice video, after all :)

[@jeffkatzer]

That was fun... Following you on your ride to work I mean. As for the bike, well not my cup of tea, but it was nice to look at.

[@jeffkatzer]

Cool. I'm a Yamaha WR250R guy. Would love to see more of that little beauty.

[@MDHenry4]

So much done right gauges, suspension, race look.. But gauges need a contrasting color needle agree with to many contrasting chromes, R=race non cruise let the motor sing out of the crate make it go to 11..

[@anthonyjaswinski5732]

That racing green Thruxton FE. Melt in your mouth

[@daltonwilliams6297]

Motor like a cruiser but uncomfortable like a sport bike, seems like the worst of both worlds to me lol. Good video though would like to see more of the commuter videos!

[@jasonw8325]

Overall a very attractive bike. Zak seems to have a cold? Something up with his voice.

[@g496r500t]

Hangover

[@knottymatt]

Haha quicker than a Passat, good to know! The Passat vs Thruxton R argument has been raging in recent times....

[@reversecaoboy]

Oh wow. MC office is really close to my work. Haha.

[@-runningwithscissors-9766]

Nice! Note: You really should angle the camera up a fair bit, though...........

[@hxgianni1]

That's a beautiful bike !

[@paulespinoza6159]

Gonna start saving up for this one after I get my ktm 200 duke

[@draegus0072]

i'd like to see this in 1080p,

[@march11stoneytony]

Lol I think the fake carbs a bit much but that's just me

[@katana258]

its a retro bike .. hello

[@DoRC]

+Roy Rodriguez hi:)

[@march11stoneytony]

Roy Rodriguez If they were really concerned about the retro aspect the could've, i dont know, put a real carb on.

[@katana258]

what ?? . ya a carb is the way to go and did for 2001 2008 but euro 4 , epa , say no can do , mpg / smog regs ... where have you been for the last 8 years ..

[@march11stoneytony]

Roy Rodriguez unaware of the euro epa. Regardless, I a feel like any fake component is a flawed alternative.

[@9999plato]

It would be a good bike at $11,500 so the owner coud mod it to be as it should be for 15K. PC, Decat, Cafe racer bubble, new exhaust, and a dyno/ remap. Assuming there was a dealer nearby I'd rather have a MotoGuzzi Griso 1200 or a MV Agusta Dragster rr/ SUPERVELOCE 800. I have multiple bikes so no bike is needed to be terribly practical these days, just viscerally enjoyable.

[@psdirewolf]

how does it compare to the RnineT????????????

[@wnnarace]

ayy your offices are in Irvine

[@Ryzen_56X]

I personally prefer the new CB1100RS from Honda with its big bore 4cyl engine must be very sweet, it falls in the same segment as the cafe racer retro look style, they both fall into the same price range.

[@andyalton4583]

Let's see the Street Twin!

[@robinbasulto9313]

How is power compared to like an r6?

[@SheepDogNumber6]

S model in green is sweet.

[@srhintz]

If all the silver was the same shade you would call it mono-tone. You don't even go through the ride modes but complain that it's not as snappy as you hoped. You want it to be more "raw" but don't want to see wires?

[@lordbentley730]

He thinks this bike is "slow". Is panigale v4 fast? Not faster then thruxton r up to leagal limit. I kept up with a gixxer on back roads with ttr. Maybe my thruxton is a little bit tuned. Dont know but it has an x-pipe. But not pani hp 230hp as my old pani akra v4 bike. Ofcourse my old pani was faster between 100-360kmh. But not inside leagal limit. This bike is like 5% of the insurance cost of a panigale v4. Could i track the pani no to high db with stock muffler and cat. Over track db limit.

[@flamintasty]

Cool story bro

[@FunWithAJ]

question for Zach, would he recommend this bike for a first time older (30 yr old) rider? Setting the bikes cost aside. I love the style but is it forgiven enough for a new rider? I'm assuming the answer is yes based on all the lack of power mentioned but curious.

[@insaineyesay]

I'm a sort of new rider, been riding just over a year, but not much, I put less than1k miles on my vstar 650 cruiser in that year. Then I just bought a new Thruxton R. And coming from a cruiser, this bike has tons of torque and it was a blast on the twisties. I even accidentally pulled a small wheelie in 2nd in 'Road' Mode. nearly lost my $h!t. I have about 200 miles on it so far (within 48 hours), and its all i can think about. I find any reason i can to ride it. I absolute love it, and everyone oogles at it while I'm riding it. Made all my riding buddies jealous too. lol. It could be a first bike, but man, you better be careful. Don't let the 96bhp be the judge, the TORQUE is what makes this bike fun, not to mention its sexy as hell. Zach gives excellent candid reviews, but he is also a beast on the track, so... if you're not a track rider, or if you're a rookie, this bike will give you tons of fun.

[@modsurgeon]

This is an incredibly easy bike to ride. It does everything exactly as one expects it to... It does not lack power. It wheelies on demand. It's no GSXR, but it's not a Honda Rebel either.

[@HockeyVictory66]

Sounds really nice.

[@patrickcallahan2885]

Love the looks and the build quality, but a bit of a hipster bike. Would take the Street Triple or Speed Triple over this any day.

[@ekykurniawan4279]

Please ride Kawasaki W800.. pls give comparison to Hinkley Triumph's Bonnie T100

[@exothermal.sprocket]

All this talk about not being especially powerful. Get realistic. Spend more time on lower power bikes instead of 1290 Super Dukes and Tuono 1100's and S1000R's. It's a 1197cc beautiful 270° parallel twin that will run forever and sounds rad and is pretty efficient for the displacement. It's not a cruiser. The Bonneville 1200 version of the motor is the cruiser.

[@alsaih]

Can you do ducati diavel review

[@ricksimpson2167]

I would do the mods that I mentioned about three comments down to this bike Plus I would drill and add handlebar mounts and install rinhal dirt bike handlebars to give it a more upright ride and not have to lean over it it would also give me the Leverage to jerk back and lift the front wheel off the ground in 5th gear it's a beautiful bike as it is but everybody has to tweak them a bit to suit themselves nothing comes from the factory the way you really want it but this bitch is damn close

[@theloniousMac]

Odd you say it has not that much power because pretty much every other review goes on and on and on about the power.