Triumph Thruxton R vs BMW R nineT Review | Visordown back-to-back test

What do you think of the Triumph Thruxton R and the BMW R nineT and do you agree with our verdict on which is best?
BMW's R nineT raised the bar for heritage motorcycles and two years later Triumph has finally answered, with the 2016 Thruxton R. Watch our review of the two kings of the retro class. Read the full review here: www.visordown.com/road-tests/b...
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[@livebyreason]

So, VD picks the Triumph, even though people don't look at it, it's slower, and is prone to stalling. Who'd have guessed?

[@Supernova12034]

and the audio quality is shite, when you want to hear the bike you hear the commentator, when you want to hear the commentator you hear the bike...

[@FasterThanSoup]

+Supernova12034 This was extremely annoying. Several times I was tempted to skip the video.

[@simons.2948]

BMW for me

[@ianclark5644]

Great, concise and clear review.

[@nrejack]

I rode an R nineT as a rental through the Three Twisted Sisters region in Texas and it brought me back to the fun I experienced when I first learned to ride, feeling like I was flying. After this I knew I had to have one. I don't find it particularly 'retro' other than the fact that it obviously is not styled like an S1000RR or similar and has a round headlight- it's a modern, oil-cooled naked machine.

[@johnsumser1672]

I was surprised at the conclusion -- almost all earlier comments favored the BMW.

[@onyekaonyia8395]

John Sumser that's Visor Down for (particularly that specific reviewer). He decides which is his preferred bike (in this case the Thruxton) then he goes on to find every reason why the other bike is oh so much worse. Even when it's abundantly obvious that his "preferred" falls on every metric. Take a look at his MT10 vs S1000R comparison. Exactly the same.

[@andrewtaylor9799]

Exactly; the reviewer mentions each of the Thruxton disadvantages, then goes on to explain why that makes him prefer the bike; it's not very convincing. I do feel like BMW skimped on electronic driver aids.

[@badger4361]

I desperatley wanted to love the Thruxton R I really did. Took one for a test ride, it looks and sounds gourgeous but the seat was an instrument of torture, I found the handling a bit heavy and to be honest it was a bit gutless. When I got back to the dealer I was properly angry because I was so disappointed. But some people love em, good luck to em.

[@triv7252]

having ridden both and as a current Triumph owner (Tiger Explorer) - I can honestly say that the BMW is the far superior bike in every aspect.

[@patthonsirilim5739]

yeah but the truxton looks better and more retro looks and feeling is everything in this class because to be frankly honest any mid level naked bike would blow these class of bikes away in terms of performance practicality and price heck for the money you can easily get a s1000r monster 1200s z1000r superduke etc those will easily eat them up in every measurable way

[@nathanf1934]

@@patthonsirilim5739 Exactly. My 1st gen street triple out performs both and weights a lot less.

[@gonnahavemesomefun]

@@patthonsirilim5739 It's a matter of personal taste. For me, the Triumph looks more old-classic than modern-retro, which is the look I prefer. Again, just personal taste. Close up to the bikes, like Big T commented earlier (2 years ago lol) the BMW is far superior.

[@TheTwinPost]

A comparo between the R Nine T vs the Speed Twin would make an interesting scenario.

[@divyanshnath696]

both bike are suitable for long rides or not?

[@trananhquy304]

I LOVE BMW R9T

[@GorillaProduction38]

I own several bikes and among them is one BMW RnineT. Each has its own character but my first option will always be my RnineT because it feels I'm 100% in control. Like they say: It takes long 'till you ride one but after that you'll never wanna ride anything else.

[@RRodrigues]

Two amazing machines, very cool!

[@pnwgreg300]

how can they bag on the BMW for not having chrome on the gauges when the Thruxton has a double rear fender???

[@TannyrSD3]

I think you have mistaken the seat cowl for another fender?

[@guzziventure1750]

Great review again. What do you think about Moto Guzzi's V9-Roamer? I have a 1976 850T3 and I'm sure that that is the bike the V9 (also 850cc) is referring to. The 850T3 is not so well known as for instance the V7 sport and I suspect that is the reason they haven't called the V9 a 850. Look at the riding position, buddy seat, exact the same idea as that 850T3. By the way, on the videos I saw the V9 has the best sound of all bikes I think. And all the heritage...

[@Blahde]

It's just like...That...Sticky out bit on the Beamer...I feel like the 'King with no Clothes' right now BTW, but you guys can see the HUGE Sticky out bits on the BMW? You can right??

[@superskidmarkz]

i'd like to see that engine, suspension and brakes in the street twin. If they could get the price less that £9000 it would be a winner for me.

[@danscram]

Now, do the review again with the exact same bikes and tell us how well they’ve aged and who wins in reliability

[@f4aus508]

I bought a Triumph thruxton R but I do like the BMW R9T. I went for a test ride on the triumph and it put a big smile on my face. . I was going to test ride the bmw As the dealer is only just down the road from triumph dealer . If the BMW rides as good as the triumph I'm just sorry I didn't give it a try. Maybe the next bike I buy will be the bmw 😀 nice to see a review on the 2 top retro bikes!!👍

[@MSmifffy]

I took both out on Test Rides - the Trumpet is the much prettier machine, but I opted for the Beemer. The 2 year warranty and break down cover was a big factor in the decision. I actually went for the Scrambler and no regrets whatsoever :-)

[@BlissLovePeace]

entirely different approach ... BMW interprets heritage in a modern way, whereas the Triumph is actually more of a replica kind of bike ... both beautiful and masterpieces ...

[@matthewdeepblue]

Help please. So here is the deal guys, I'm in my mid 20s and I want a bike. I've never had one before, want to learn. I want one to commute on mostly (about 20miles). Also I want, well put girls on the back of, and occasionally take on a day trip. I would rather a Triumph Bonneville, Thruxton, Scrambler, or Royal Enfield, continental Gt.... but what do I know? please give some advice thanks

[@cperine39]

Awesome!!!!! loved this!😁

[@richardrosen8474]

A fairer comparison would be to have used the R9T Sport with the Akrapovic equipped exhaust

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Give me the BMW any day?

[@robertparisi8016]

have driven both models on substantial rides, prefer the r9t, both have phenomenal pickup and braking power, shaft on the boxer, chain on the triumph, traction control on the triumph, heated grips on the beemer, US pricing, the r9t is more money, the guzzi griso should be part of this comparison. all in all, try them out and make a decision that will make u smile and no one else!

[@andrewtaylor9799]

Tell us more why you prefer the r9t if you remember

[@addario]

That's not good to hear the thruxton cuts out, mt-07 does the same thing fixed by a little increase to the fueling. Wonder if this is going to be a more common issue we see on new bikes trying to meet fuel emissions.

[@3star2nr]

I think its the transition to ride by wire. The new Ducati have the same issue

[@brightondude9327]

I think the styling of the RnineT is miles better. The new Thruxton is a totally safe bit of styling whereas the RnineT is quite inspired. The RnineT has the essence of early bikes but doesn't try to be one, the Thruxton just looks like one of the older Triumphs but which has gained a lot of weight over the years. So for looks and style the RnineT wins for me every time. I'd have to ride them to find out which I really liked of course.

[@sandydennylives1392]

Close up the body details on the RnineT look a bit acme and the cheap plastic dials would bore quickly, and stuck out cylinder heads in ever present traffic, no thanks.

[@highlightfactory85]

I'm amazed that anyone could think the Thruxton r was the less attractive bike. It's gorgeous.

[@trophyian]

I agree !

[@kenshi1204]

Reliability ?

[@Pen15UK]

You should have used the R nineT sport

[@johnsumser1672]

That would have been a better comparison -- or the base Thruxton to the base RnineT. The Sport is about a thousand dollars more. Or maybe a thousand pounds which after Brexit is about $500. (Just kidding.) The base Thruxton is almost $3000 less than the RnineT.

[@EdwinHenryBlachford]

the only "classic" BMW I can think of is the pre-WWII bike that the Cossack is copied from. On the other hand, a Triumph has always been the subject of posters on young boys walls.

[@1250GSX]

Edwin Henry Blachford Today's Triumph has no relation to the brand of which you speak.

[@EdwinHenryBlachford]

perhaps so. I have a photo of my Scottish Gran kickstarting her Triumph 500cc single when 83 years old. The classics are gone and the world is weaker for it

[@bildo0162]

I hate the smaller wheels on the Triumph. They started that in 2010 or 2011, I think. I love my Bonneville, but I have to admit that the Thruxton is one sexy machine.

[@pablononpicasso1977]

The difference is comparing like with like which these two aren't. The Triumph I would consider a sports classic sports with modern systems, posture and ride is more forward as mentioned in the review, whereas the R Nine T has a bulk load of bugger all electronics on the handle clusters (I just checked one at the local dealer), simple style yet good road performance. Both are stock standard and the BMW can go to a single aftermarket Akro can which gives it a big sound lift. I am going to haggle with a dealer on Monday over a low K's R Nine T trade for my Aprilia RSV4R. (I have an R1 track bike so I can get my super fix there.) Thanks for the good reviews even though I think there is a little bias for the Brexit Triumph here. ;-)

[@HighTowerAU]

Interesting to see another RSV4 owner intersted in the Thruxton R, Ive got an RSV4 Factory and that aint going anywhere. Might be time to clean up the garage and make space for a 3rd bike.

[@andrewtaylor9799]

Did you get the R Nine T? How do you feel about it?

[@sergeyakinin997]

I haven't ridden the Thruxton R (hopefully yet), so it might evoke a heritage experience more faithfully... it does stall after all. I just don't see how it's a better motorcycle, the things you listed should have put it behind the R9T. Both bikes are beautiful in their own way though. Also, cable throttle > throttle by wire. It's not even a system limitation, the computer is fast enough, it's the stupid algorithms that take predictability out of the throttle that bother me.

[@3star2nr]

What makes u think that. My mustang uses ride by wire and its fucking awesome. Very easy to control and really I cant feel a difference the pedal even vibrates like a cable pedal does. Only issue to ride by wire is on some vehicles the throttle is "too" sensitive so the car feels snappy but you get used to that very quicklly and it makes rev matching way easier and more fluid

[@stevenenciso5023]

Wow it's been a while since I've heard someone use philistines like that haha If I wasn't already subbed I'd sub again

[@vriendelijkegroet]

Loving machines, but at the end, I dont like taking care of chains..

[@chrislecouteur2360]

Things they missed out after test riding both Thruxton R you have to give it the beans to keep up with the 9T which will plod along easy with power to spare Fuel your getting very low 40's As to get the most it's high revving Plus such a small tank 96 miles before filling up. 9T was getting almost 50 per gallon (49.6) We swapped bikes after 2 hours to ride back and take the Thruxton back. With 12k to spend on a bike I pick my ............ bmw r nine t up next Thursday Better power, better looks, better fuel, better handling and has street appeal 😎

[@riccardocaregaro8469]

Still prefer my R9T Urban Gs, I think you have to watch to the Boxer as a pros, not a con.. btw are both faboulous bikes imho. Just buy the one you can afford and the one that keep high your hearthbeat everytime you ride it :)

[@sprocket242]

That Thruxton is a beauty!

[@kushsakhu]

I was in the process of buying a R nine t...why...b'cos is drive BMW cars and I loved the look of the R nine t. But I bought a Triumph street twin instead and I love it. The sound the feel and the looks. The moment i left the show room a black cab driver said 'nice bike' and I get a lot of that. I now think the BMW looks very good, but not classy. No regrets from me.

[@richardrosen8474]

Anyone that doesn't think the R9T isn't a great example of a modern day heritage bike doesn't know their history very well

[@saddle8bag]

Not a fan of the Thruxton's fuel tank. BMW has better lines to my eyes. And for essentially the same money, the BMW comes with a shaft drive...not really into these, but it would be an easy choice if I were.

[@wolfgangmit]

Mud guard bracket almost interchangeable except it's made of plastic.

[@ridewherever]

Am I the only guy here that likes the RnineT Racer more than both of these? Oh well, I’m buying a Street Triple RS anyways.

[@Lar308]

The thruxton does it for me too. I know there are probably better bikes out there but none of them excite me like the thruxton R. even the name is exciting. R9t sound's like some sort of photocopier. Might get one as a 60th birthday present for myself to join with my recent purchase the T120. Hopefully before Brexit takes effect and these bikes no longer offer good value in Ireland due to import tariffs.

[@brothersoulshine]

Narration too low in the mix. Can't bloody hear it.

[@3star2nr]

The r9t is juzt such a mean looking bike. I love them both and I'm a triumph fanboi but the BMW is the better looker. That said, non adjustable suspension and shaft drive are a major deal breaker for me so id go thruxton given the choice. The used market is better for the BMW though they retain their value well the thruxtons don't do as well

[@pablodunfee]

Hard to assume the result as the Tiriumph seemed to "die" several times during the test... anyway, not an easy thing to do to pick one of both bikes. The Thruxton is the first retro bike from Triumph featuring real performance, and not only retro looks, and that equals forces, since the R nine T is a proper performance naked bike... as I said, difficult choice here

[@alterglobo]

Perhaps the BMW s better objectively and it also sounds better, but the Thruxton R makes me melt at the first sight.

[@kevinwoodburn1]

Have you geard a thruxton R??? BMW sounds like a washing machine without the Acrapovic!

[@garywilde5014]

I don't see how the Thruxton R does it better when it keeps stalling all the time. To me that is a dangerous fault that demands a full recall. I love Triumphs and have had several but the BMW wins it for me on this occasion.

[@iuhascristianioan]

Brits and Triumph... Who would have thought the BMW (obviously the better bike) will lose? :)

[@fyorbane]

Because the Thruxton is the better bike .

[@Tom-jc2fq]

Boz you work for triumph?

[@kevinwoodburn1]

Trying to find whats obviously better about the BMW? Certainly not the finish... sound? not a chance! Looks? Subjective but boxer pistons are ugly. So to me its just power? Im on my 4th BMW but that R does everything better.

[@kevinwoodburn1]

@rockn roll the BMW looks like its from 2014 with a boxer engine it's not a retro styled bike

[@Knotdead73]

RnineT all the way!

[@LoveMachined]

This is my next bike! Thruxton R

[@arsoul3591]

Everytime I hear someone review a retro bike and comment on how much attention it receives from onlookers it makes me cringe. This is why people associate modern classics with hipsters.

[@brianclark4873]

This is so funny, but all the British jrmos always go with the triumph vs bmw, in nearly All the reviews, lol

[@leemarsh6014]

we now have the R9TRacer with a fairing at no extra cost, plus superior build quality and a boxer engine that with outlast the trumpets

[@heatherhelm4187]

Both are not that fast, I own the Beamer 2015 model and a Suzuki 1250 FA both the BMW and The Triumph are slow by comparison to the Suzuki. Having said that I feel the Thruxton R would be a bit to dull all together.

[@Tom-jc2fq]

BMW has far better stock exhaust sound esp dropping gears and looks more beautiful. oh and it's faster.

[@greyminky1]

Both bikes definitely have soul and great engineering they both ride superb, however like most post 2000 BMWs after a couple of years BMWs tend to look ugly and sadly now the R9T is already getting there, it is no longer different just ugly, I know you have to have ugly bikes eitherwise we would all be riding the same machines but look at the R1200C, R850R, K1200LT, K1200RS, F650GS, R1150GS and pre 2013 R1200GS they win all the awards for the ugliest bikes ever made, but people do not purchase them because they look good or that they are reliable they buy them because they have a BMW badge, (This is from someone who has owned 2 BMWs in the past 18 months) the Thruxton however will look great even in 50 years time and its Triumph, and just like the old Triumphs they will be sort after and demand a high price unlike any BMW, sorry BMW but you know it is true. And yes I have just bought a Thruxton R.

[@busterrabbit]

Yes there are a few BMW "all the gear no idea" snobs about, but you could say the same about many Harley or Ducati riders. You say "and it's Triumph" inferring that you are biased. Most bikes are used for posing about on a sunny weekend so realistically almost any bike would be absolutely fine, it's just personal preference. Personally I would never buy a bike with chain drive, that part of heritage you can keep!

[@johnsumser1672]

I also think the BMW is ugly but I rode one and I really liked it. I was shuffling bikes around for a friend who was moving his rental shop so I rode a bit of everything -- Ducatis, HDs, Kawasakis, and some BMW GSs -- then I got on the R9T and it was the first bike in a long long time that broke through my it's-just-another-motorcycle bordom...it is a very nice bike to ride and when you're on it, you can't see it.

[@london_biker6177]

So true, the R80 is still looks amazing though and they are still trading at £6-10K! They need to take it back to the same design.

[@marshallhewison8729]

I've just rode 2500 miles around France on my R9T in scorching heat, not one issue! BMW has designed this bike as a base for you to customize, so much more you can do to make it your own . With the Thruxton R that's it, same as the next guys.

[@dvperr]

Having spent time on both of these bikes I still prefer the Moto Guzzi Griso.

[@johnsumser1672]

Yes, it's hard to beat a heavier bike with less horsepower and a dealership every thousand miles or so.

[@freddieriboni6322]

Motto guzzi Grizo actually has more horse power then both of these bikes last l looked 114 hp on 2016 with 80 pounds of torque... Bmw has 110 and thruxtan has 96. Hp. ... But its all relative. Alll great bikes

[@ianwilson9353]

The Thruxton is sooooooooooooo much better looking. That’s just my opinion

[@zane5598]

It sounds like Ricky Gervais has taken up bike commentary....

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

The only reason u would buy a Thruxton R is because you already have an R nine... The Triumph is too faux, does not adapt and way too limiting. The Thruxton R is just not sincere enough for me and if you must compare riding stance please do subjectively because I am sure front feel can be equally aquied on th R nine in racer guise. The R nine beats Thruxton in cafe/racer form and the Bonneville T120 and T100 in any form other than scrambler. The only retro thing Triumph have got going of worth is the bobber and T120 as sit up and beg commuter/town bike.

[@markjurczyk]

One winner here, BMW ! Case closed ...

[@fyorbane]

Nah. Not with those horrible sticky out cylinders. Thruxton all the way.

[@DomRivers67]

reckon you could just gabble in a bored fashion

[@ferdinandvs.benedictvs]

this guy is a clever british motorcycle promoter!

[@balsara675]

the bmw is super costly compared to Thruxton in india

[@paulmather451]

Thruxton is a class act !

[@VlADDer4721]

I love de bmw r ninet 😜

[@jalexandr55]

As an American, it is refreshing to see an 'only slightly biased' review from Brit Journos on a Triumph. I would point out that the R9 was designed/ released to be 'Modified.' Whereas the Thruxton is about ... 'Wrung out!' as in not much room for improvement -performance wise ... I'm happy with my Ohlins equipped R9T , it cost more ... but it will last a lot longer than a Triumph.

[@teddd10]

I wouldn't shit on the triumph... R9t all day long in my opinion.

[@teekay19.77]

Does it better? How? That was your bottom line yet your audience doesn’t agree with u.

[@johnlaw5762]

“They’re all philistines…” and that folks, is why you can never trust an englishman for a non-biased review when a Triumph is involved 😂

[@ribinrobin8925]

Thruxton is the only retro bike here. If they throw the xsr900 in the mix that would out perform both bikes, but like the Bmw it's not really a retro.

[@salahmu6007]

haha trying to sound unbiased but all i hear is british, british, british, bmw BUT thruxton does it better here and there. why even bother do a comparison. so predictable. and don't get me wrong; i don't care either way. was thinking of bmw r nine t and now literally dreaming of new speed twin (which has the thruxton's r engine)

[@gv7060]

You got Brits reviewing the triumph sooooo

[@trophyian]

I ride a Thruxton R, I am afraid to say - it is the business in looks and handling. I love it and compared with my older 900 efi model handles, accelerates and stops so much better. Did I consider looking at the BMW 9RT? - not at all, partly the styling and i don't like my pots sticking out! And even as a BMW K1600 rider their offering just doesn't cut the mustard for me. Who indicated you cant customise the Thruxton R ? Well just wait a year or so and watch again.

[@guykeegan]

Possibly one of the most biased reviews I’ve seen, Thruxton cuts out a few times not as good looking according to the publics response, not as powerful and yet the better bike

[@Castulos4]

I don't agree ... The BMW is a better bike. Shaft vs chain. BMW wins

[@THEfindmaster]

It isnt even a R nine T what a unserious test...

[@benjamincs1]

Fucking hate cafe racer looks!

[@SvenTviking]

Who needs traction control on a 97 hp bike? Now apparently, the triumph's brakes are better even when they are exactly the same calliper!

[@xDx0xUxGx]

These bikes look terrible with the gold suspension...

[@volkswagenparts7262]

BMW Much better

[@rayb7414]

IT IS NOT A BRITISH BIKE, nothing on the bike is British, it is Thai, Japanese etc. if anything. The company in Hinckley is British but these are not made there. Awesome bike the Thruxton but face it Bloor shopped them out.

[@fasthracing]

Triumph all the way from Thailand. No thanks

[@SmokinZen]

The truth is with all of their flaws it doesn't matter because they will only be ridden to Starbucks and parked most time. No serious riding bikes here just jewelry.

[@kirteshlad7208]

I've had an extended ride on the new Thruxton and man was it good, beautiful styling and great handling all with that fantastic engine however, and this is something really annoying to me, the whole going through the rider modes and switching things on and off is really just way too much for a sub 100hp motorcycle and it seems very gimmicky. I did a good 250-300km on pretty much all the best roads in Madrid's Sierra and every time I stopped to have a coffee break I had to go through the damned options and switch off the traction control and set the sport mode. It would get really annoying really quick. The styling is fantastic but the detailing lets it down.. the famous plastic "aluminium" front fender bracket and some letters falling off the fuel tank were not what I'd expect from a €14,000 motorcycle. That's just not on.. same happened to a friend (journo) when he took the Monster M1200S for a photo shoot.. one of the letters spelling Ducati was peeling off. I think I'll go for the R NineT.

[@spencerthode3581]

BMW, clearly the better machine.

[@pepsilui]

Bias review.

[@drewburdon9457]

Yep, wonder how much Triumph paid them. Seen so many of these reviews

[@JORGE-jd9oq]

Bias & Awful diction

[@jimzenglish1]

I would go the BMW all day long

[@Yeahbuddylightweigh]

Disagree

[@pacifica6118]

talk to fast

[@RonRonin]

Comparing these bikes to each other is nonsense. R9T is state of the art. Thruxton is a Hipster Junkster

[@aljaztrdina142]

The BMW looks miles better than the poor Triumph and to be honest, that shows in sales. Beside UK nationalistic opinion orianted buyers, very rare amount of people would prefer the Triumph. And that has nothing to do with a "hipster" way of living. The BMW just have parts where they should be, not higher or lower... unlike Triumph.

[@fyorbane]

Bullshit.

[@Tom-jc2fq]

Boz You work for triumph?

[@fyorbane]

No.

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

I have ridden both, the Triumph by a landslide!! That BMW at best is only worth 8k. The BMW has 0 character. The BMW wont wheelie !! The Thruxston you can wheeli all day long

[@thr4sh6r]

What a crappy review... Brits goes for Brits... I owned a Triumph, very good bike! But now I ride a NineT and except the steering, whats pretty close, the Beemer is a bit better at every other point... But pure road use, the beemer all the way!

[@wolfgangmit]

Triumph copied the R Nine T even down to logo in headlight detail. Triumph playing catch up in the most non imaginative way possible.

[@duey1482]

Correction... R nine T copied the Speed Triple. That is the direct competitor in my opinion, and I would love to see a back to back with that (or the Street Triple). Like a previous commenter mentioned, it irks me how people consider the R nine T as a classic. Look at the rear suspension!

[@matthewdeepblue]

Help please. So here is the deal guys, I'm in my mid 20s and I want a bike. I've never had one before, want to learn. I want one to commute on mostly (about 20miles). Also I want, well put girls on the back of, and occasionally take on a day trip. I would rather a Triumph Bonneville, Thruxton, Scrambler, or Royal Enfield, continental Gt.... but what do I know? please give some advice thanks