that throttle at 3000rpm and a half , hauling arse through to 6500 into 4th , 5th and 6th , is like catching a perfect wave of power and propulsion . It feels like being pushed by the hand of god . Sure , at 97hp and topped out a snotch over 200km / h , it ’ s not the fastest bike on the road , but it doesn ’ t need to be . Because every moment getting there is great .
THE NOW Then , along came the Thruxton RS . In silhouette , it looks almost identical to the predecessor , and it is , mostly , except it isn ’ t . Triumph has changed some cosmetics , with coloured stripes on tank and cowl , but I preferred the original ’ s raised chrome lettering on the tank , to a decal on a paint job that is good , but not gamechanging . You buy a Thruxton for its looks , its heritage , its nod to café racers of the Ace Café scene , maybe even its historic performance connection back to Mike Hailwood , and you buy it because it rides as well as it delivers panache and style . Your dad and granddad will recognise it too , remembering the bike they loved in their heydays , and it turns modern heads everywhere too . It touches that part of motorcycling that retains the mystique – the danger ,
38 KIWI RIDER