OUR BIKES
EXTRAORDINARY HEART
I get a kick out of the aesthetics of this
bike every single day I walk out my front
door. From the clip-on ‘Ace’ bars mounted
on gold forks to the shimmering silver
metal flake tank that invokes legendary
names like Barry Sheene, Brands Hatch,
and Silverstone, every time I fill up. But
the real genius is that extraordinary
1200cc water cooled engine, tucked
inside a small, solid frame.
John Bloor’s engineers at Hinckley built
a masterpiece with this powerplant.
I first encountered the long legs, endless
torque, and smooth growling delivery in
the 2016 T120 Bonneville on which I
circumnavigated the country.
Gentleman Jack, as I named him, was a
truly magnificent bike (now owned by a
Minister of the church and even more well
loved and maintained than by myself)
and was faultless from the moment I
turned the key. But somewhere deep
inside I hankered for a little more pep,
a bit more fire in the corner, and a bike I
could take to the track. And I waited until
that incredible engine was delivered in
the new Thruxton configuration, and then
waited until the R version arrived. Why?
Well… that Bonneville engine in HP (High
Performance) instead of HO mode, a
map that gave Rain, Road and Sport,
and nearing 100hp.
A small, compact bike with low centre of
gravity, offering Ohlins suspension front
and rear, and double Brembos up front,
all the fruit you’d add if you had the cash
– all built in from scratch. This bike is a
work of art, at the top end of quality
componentry everywhere and a thorough
joy to ride, on and off the track.
36 KIWI RIDER