TRIUMPH THRUXTON R
TEMPTED BY ANOTHER
Over time I expected to be seduced
away from my Thruxton, that I would
find the bike that did everything I
wanted; was fast, cornered well, stopped
perfectly, had excellent suspension,
didn’t leak, was totally reliable,
comfortable, had torque to burn. I
could go on, but in a nutshell we all
tend to look for the ‘ONE’.
However, after cheating on my ‘wife’
innumerable times, the Thruxton, she
has always welcomed me back. Every
time, without fail, I am reminded just
how good this bike is. Every time I have
said to myself, “Oh hello baby, I’m home!”
Only once have I been tempted to part
with her and it was for a very naughty
strumpet indeed. Avid readers of Kiwi
Rider may remember the sweaty fever I
got into over a certain litre bike, however
I knew that she would dump me for
someone younger, faster, stronger, and
richer than I – in a damn heartbeat
– plus injury to ego, limb and license
would have ensued. So I came back
home, and lo and behold! There my
beauty was, faithful to the faithless,
and just as gloriously capable as ever.
And plenty quick enough – a tick over
200 kays since you ask.
A BIT OF BACKSTORY
The question then is why is the Triumph
Thruxton R such a fine bike? Why do I
remain so enamoured? Enough heart and
purple prose, I’ll attempt to get to facts.
But first and foremost in my own mind
– the Thruxton delivery and style evokes
memory; indelible impressions, and
whether rightly or wrongly is immaterial.
I grew up with Bodgies and Bikies of
the 60s when I was around five years
old. I well remember the slicked-back
hair and black leather jackets, not a
helmet in sight. Just a comb in the back
KIWI RIDER 31