2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 R: Café Racer Reborn with Modern Muscle
Modern Heart, Classic Soul
In a motorcycle market saturated with angular superbikes and plastic-clad commuters, the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 R stands out like a tailored suit in a sea of windbreakers. It's not just a motorcycle—it's a manifesto. A British gentleman in riding leathers, tipping his cap to the ton-up boys of the 1960s while reminding modern sport riders that sophistication and speed are not mutually exclusive. This bike doesn’t just evoke history; it reclaims it with force and finesse.
A Nod to Ton-Up Glory – The Origins of the Thruxton
To understand the Thruxton R, you have to understand where it came from. The name "Thruxton" first gained prominence in the 1960s, christened after the Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire, England—a proving ground for endurance racing and a battlefield for Triumph's early production racers.
During that golden era, the Triumph Thruxton Bonneville emerged as the weapon of choice for young speed demons. The "ton-up boys," so named for their obsession with breaking the 100 mph barrier, idolized machines that could merge rebellion with raw performance. The Thruxton became a symbol of speed, rebellion, and British engineering pride.
Triumph's decision to resurrect the Thruxton name in the 2010s wasn't nostalgic whimsy. It was a declaration of intent.
Evolution – The Birth of the Thruxton R
The 2017 Thruxton R isn’t a basic rebadge of the standard Thruxton 1200. Triumph took the base model’s beautiful form and injected it with components worthy of the race track. The result? A machine that wears a tuxedo but can throw a punch.
It all starts with the chassis. Fully adjustable Showa big piston forks at the front pair with premium Öhlins piggyback shocks at the rear, offering the kind of damping control more often seen in modern sportbikes. The 17” spoke wheels are shod with grippy Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tires, helping translate the rider’s input into graceful, confident lean angles.
Stopping power is superb thanks to dual 310mm discs and Brembo monobloc 4-piston calipers. Add in ABS, switchable traction control, and three riding modes (Rain, Road, and Sport), and you've got a motorcycle that may look vintage but behaves with 21st-century precision.
| Specification | Data |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1200cc parallel twin, liquid-cooled, 8-valve SOHC |
| Power | 96 hp @ 6,750 rpm |
| Torque | 82.6 lb-ft @ 4,950 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Suspension | Showa BPF (front), Öhlins piggyback shocks (rear) |
| Brakes | Dual Brembo 310mm discs (front), Nissin 2-piston (rear) |
| Weight (Dry) | 454 lbs (206 kg) |
| Fuel Tank | 3.8 gallons (14.5 L) |
| Electronics | ABS, traction control, ride-by-wire, 3 riding modes |
| Tires | Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa, 17” spoke wheels |
The Ride – Romance in the Rev Range
Twist the throttle and the Thruxton R speaks in a language more emotional than mechanical. The 1200cc high-torque engine doesn’t roar; it declares itself, with a deep, soulful growl that resonates from beneath its brushed stainless steel exhausts. It's the kind of sound that isn’t measured in decibels, but in goosebumps.
Throttle response is precise, but never harsh. There's a graceful urgency to the way power is delivered—linear, predictable, yet thrilling. In Sport mode, it sharpens the edge, quickening throttle input and allowing the bike's full personality to shine.
Lean into a corner, and the Thruxton R doesn’t flinch. It carves. It glides. It obeys. The Öhlins shocks keep everything taut, while the Showa forks soak up imperfections with buttery control. Reviewers often describe the handling as "telepathic," and it isn’t hyperbole. This bike seems to know where you want to go before you move.
"It rides like it looks—fast, lean, and elegant in the kind of way you imagine James Dean or Steve McQueen might have ridden through the Hollywood Hills."
This is not a machine for mere transportation. It’s a love letter to riding itself.
Reviewer Highlights
Cycle World: “Triumph didn’t just build a bike, they built a fantasy you can ride to work.”
MCN UK: “Beautifully balanced… it’s everything you hoped the café racer dream could be.”
RevZilla: “The kind of machine that doesn’t just get you there—it rewrites the road along the way.”
Industry Reception – The Gentleman’s Sportbike
The Thruxton R was universally praised as the apex of Triumph’s modern classic lineup. It wasn’t just about looks; it delivered real performance. Comparisons with the BMW R nineT and Ducati Scrambler Café Racer inevitably followed, but the Triumph carved out its own niche: a sportbike for those who appreciate heritage as much as horsepower.
Dealers couldn’t keep them in stock. Custom builders clamored for them. Even hardened sportbike fans tipped their helmets in respect.
Legacy and Impact
The Thruxton R set a new benchmark for neo-retro motorcycles. It didn’t just compete in the class; it defined it. It helped inspire Triumph’s later models like the Speed Twin, which offered similar performance with more everyday comfort.
Today, the 2017 Thruxton R is viewed by many as a future classic. Its blend of beauty, performance, and soul is rare—and increasingly sought after by collectors and weekend riders alike.
Interesting Facts & Stories
- Triumph offered a Track Racer Kit with a bubble fairing, clip-ons, and rearsets for true café authenticity.
- The engine shares architecture with the Bonneville T120 but features unique cams, a lighter crank, and revised tuning.
- Custom builders like Down & Out, Death Machines of London, and Deus Ex Machina turned the Thruxton R into a cult icon.
Is the Thruxton R suitable for long-distance touring?
Not ideally. The aggressive riding position and small tank make it better for short, spirited rides. Some owners modify seats or handlebars to improve comfort for longer journeys.
How does it compare to the BMW R nineT?
The Thruxton R is more focused and sportier in handling. The R nineT offers more comfort and slightly more power, but lacks the Thruxton’s café racer authenticity.
Is this bike beginner-friendly?
Not particularly. Its high torque and aggressive posture suit intermediate to experienced riders. That said, its electronics and forgiving engine characteristics make it manageable with proper caution.
About the Author
William Flaiz, passionate about European motorcycle brands, shares his expertise and stories on RunMotorun.com. He offers detailed insights and reviews, aiming to educate both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. Flaiz combines personal experience with thorough research, welcoming visitors to explore the rich world of European motorcycles alongside him.
