Triumph Thruxton 900 2009 — Specifications

Do you remember the Nortons and Triumphs that shook the paving stones of the Ace Café? Machines with sharp personalities, questionable reliability, that demanded a certain dose of bravery to ride? The Triumph Thruxton 900, launched in 2009, presents itself as an evocation of that era, but with the conveniences of a modern motorcycle. Is it an authentic café racer or a simple Bonneville dressed in sporty attire? That is the question that hangs over this machine with a deliciously retro look.

The base is that of the Bonneville, but the vertical twin of 865 cc has been reworked with new camshafts and, since 2008, injection that cleverly masks its modernity under the appearance of carburetors. The announced power is 69 horsepower, and the torque of 68 Nm arrives fairly early in the rotation. On paper, it’s not a surge, and on the road, this is confirmed. The engine is supple, docile, and frankly lacks the exuberance one might expect from a machine bearing the name Thruxton. It vibrates too, especially at high revs, where one would sometimes like to use it. The true joy lies in the mid-range, accompanied by the warm sound of its exhausts, a point often improved by owners via Triumph Thruxton 900 accessories.

The chassis has been adapted for a more sporty use. The geometry is modified, the seat height is 790 mm, and the 41 mm fork is adjustable. The result? An agile, lively motorcycle, notably thanks to its modest section tires, 100 at the front and 130 at the rear. This configuration gives it a surprising nervousness in the city and on winding roads. However, this agility comes at a price: a certain nervousness at high speed, where the Thruxton 900 does not feel as anchored as more contemporary machines. The braking, with a single disc at the front, is correct without being exceptional, the two-piston caliper requiring a bit of muscle.

Who is the rider of this Triumph Thruxton 900? The urban aesthete, the one who seeks timeless style without the mechanical hassles of the past. The traveler who prefers back roads to highways. It is not the machine of the track enthusiast seeking performance, nor that of the absolute beginner, due to its weight of 227 kg fully fueled and its fairly committed riding position. Its new price, around 9400 euros at launch, positioned it as a distinctive option, an alternative to the standard Japanese models. Today, looking for a used Triumph Thruxton 900 can be a good calculation to obtain this unique café racer atmosphere.

In conclusion, the Triumph Thruxton 900 is a motorcycle with character, but its character is mainly visual. It captures the essence of the 1960s café racer with remarkable fidelity, offering a vehicle for customization and stylish rides. However, under the seat cover and the clean lines, the engine remains too tame, too Bonneville. It is an excellent idea, a superb bottle, but the mechanical intoxication may not be up to the expectations that its name and style inspire. For those who want the authentic temperament, they will have to turn to more radical options, or invest in modifications after purchase.