Triumph Thruxton 900 2013 — Specifications

Can a motorcycle be too refined for its own good? That's the question that comes to mind when assessing this 2013 Triumph Thruxton 900. It perfectly embodies the resurgence of café racers, with its tailored look, sculpted fuel tank, and chrome end caps. It’s a far cry from the handcrafted nature of the 1960s; here, everything is machined, clean, almost too perfect. The 865 cm³ parallel twin delivers 69 horsepower, a power figure that seems modest on paper, but which proves perfectly balanced for the style of riding it offers. The technical specifications of this Triumph Thruxton 900 state a torque of 68 Nm, available relatively early, which gives it a nice suppleness in the city and on winding roads.

Yet, in the saddle, one feels a certain ambivalence. The engine is polished, reliable, and responds cleanly to the electronic fuel injection disguised as carburetors. But where has the slightly wild soul gone, the somewhat raw mechanical rumble that charmed the classics? At high RPM, some hollow vibrations set in, reminding you that this twin cylinder far prefers to play in the mid-range. With a kerb weight of 230 kilos, it’s not a featherweight, but its steel frame and geometry offer surprising agility. The narrow tires, 100 at the front and 130 at the rear, give it a sharp, almost mischievous steering response. That’s where its true talent lies: weaving with elegance, far from the expected heaviness.

Compared to a Bonneville, from which it is derived, the Thruxton aims to be more sporty. The riding position is engaged, with high footpegs and a low handlebar, but without excess that would turn the ride into a torment. The 41 mm fork and the two rear shock absorbers do their job correctly, without seeking the radical performance of a modern Japanese bike. The braking, with a 320 mm disc at the front, is honest, even if the two-piston caliper lacks a bit of bite when you really want to slow down. Its 16.6-liter fuel tank and a seat height of 82 cm make it a credible road companion, provided you don't aim for the highway. At a top speed of 190 km/h, it’s not in its element; stability becomes light, the wind buffets you.

So, who would buy a Triumph Thruxton 900 today? It’s a machine for the aesthete, the urban rider, or the weekend traveler who values style more than raw performance. Its original new price, around 9800 euros, made it a reasonable choice in the neo-retro segment. Today, searching for a used Triumph Thruxton 900 is probably the best way to get started. It forgives mistakes, seduces with its image, and accepts a multitude of accessories to personalize it, from the silencer to the handlebar, including a lower seat. It’s a motorcycle with character, but a civilized one. The bottle is magnificent, the intoxication is gentle and nostalgic. For those seeking pure, hard rebellion, you may need to turn to other models, or customize this solid base to give it a bit more bite.