Photo by Nina Glavin
| Well after owning so many BMW's that I have
lost count, a new bike appeared on the market
last year that really struck a chord with
me. The New for 2004 Triumph Thruxton! Named
after a a Triumph model made famous for winning
races at the fabled Thruxton circuit in England
in the 60's, Triumph took their Bonneville
and added another 75cc to the motor along
with higher compression pistons and hotter
cams. Then they did the all out cafe treatment
with clip on handlebars, rear set foot pegs,
seat cowl and a fly screen. Toss in a checkered
flag motif on the seat cowl, tank, and fly
screen and you have one of the best looking
retro bikes to ever come down the pike, IMNSHO!!!
This is the first English bike I have ever owned and I have to say that it is a total BLAST to ride!! Especially after I took off the Factory mufflers and replaced them with the Factory Off Road pipes! Fellow longtime member Mark Glavin hooked me up with his Triumph Dealer, who gave me an awesome deal and I was on my way! On the road the bike is a pure joy to ride! The clip ons, which feel tortuous around town, feel in perfect harmony with the rear sets as the road opens up and the pace increases. With the exhaust booming away, I am transported back to a time when big English bikes ruled the road (say like anytime before 1969 ) and were the best motorcycling had to offer. I don't plan to abandon BMW's anytime soon, but this was Step #1 of my DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM and a very good step indeed! Step #2 being my MAGNI MB2, but that is a story for another time. |
Phil Rose
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