Triumph loves to design bikes that echo the glorious '60s and '70s. First came the Bonneville T100; now, here's the Thruxton, the British brand's sportiest classic.

This authentic café racer from the streets of London sports a vintage, naked look, single seat, narrow fuel tank, minimalist gauge cluster (with analogue speedometer and tachometer), low-rise bars, aluminium-rimmed spoke wheels, and megaphone-style mufflers.

Gone are the radical, uncomfortable machines with sub-par reliability: Thanks to revised ergonomics, the 2013 Triumph Thruxton offers a sporty riding position that still proves very accommodating.


Moderately sporty
The KYB suspension delivers decent ride quality, while the Nissin discs and calipers make for safe braking distances. The 2013 Triumph Thruxton allows sporty riding in moderate fashion, if you know what I mean. Very nimble at low speeds, it lacks stability at higher speeds due to a different geometry from the more laid-back Bonneville. Of course, we're not talking about a Daytona 675R here, but expect to be pleasantly surprised with the Thruxton's handling.

Heck, I enjoyed some genuinely fun times on small, winding roads. The more you ride the 2013 Triumph Thruxton, the more you learn to appreciate its flexible engine, stiff frame, honest suspension, and competent brakes. A friendly chassis and narrow tires mean surprisingly good and effortless riding dynamics through twists and turns.

The 2013 Triumph Thruxton allows sporty riding in moderate fashion, if you know what I mean. (Photo: France Ouellet)

Decibels and torque
Derived from the current Bonneville, the fuel-injected, twin-cylinder engine (with fake carburetors) of the 2013 Triumph Thruxton has a 360-degree firing interval (instead of 270 degrees) for steadier operation. In this application, output amounts to 68 hp at 7,400 rpm, which is one more than the Bonneville and 10 more than the Scrambler. However, since the engine doesn't particularly like higher revs, just stay in the middle range and enjoy the sweet sound from the tailpipes, especially with the optional Arrow mufflers.

At full throttle, the parallel twin smoothly thrusts you forward with a nice, progressive torque curve that adds a hint of aggression near 6,000 rpm. The 5-speed transmission proves rider-friendly and is perfectly geared to make the most of the 51 lb-ft of torque (at 5,800 rpm).

Despite its rebel looks, the 2013 Triumph Thruxton remains civilized and extremely sound in day-to-day riding. There's decent power on tap, but not quite as much character as the syncopated, 270-degree engine of the Bonneville.

Despite its rebel looks, the 2013 Triumph Thruxton remains civilized and extremely sound in day-to-day riding. (Photo: France Ouellet)

Bottom line
As a sporty classic, the 2013 Triumph Thruxton builds on the success of the famed café racers of the '60s by elevating the riding experience and reliability to modern standards.

Pros

• Great styling
• Sound chassis
• Reliable engine with a retro feel
• Very nimble

Cons

• Lack of stability at higher speeds