Today the British brand Triumph launches technically
perfect vehicles which are able to compete with many moto producers. The wide model
range has an extraordinary line of motorcycles which can be characterized as
honor and solid respect to the company’s background. The Classics series is built on a tubular frame
with an air-cooled parallel-twin engine and looks almost like the models of the
1960s though is created using modern technology. Launched from the factory slipway,
Triumph Bonneville and its variations are absolutely fabulous. But in the hands
of a true connoisseur even such a piece of art will become an object of
improvement to a model with even more expressive features.
From
February to March 2012 the new Thruxton was being finished according to the
smallest details of its Café Racer style. A 900 power unit got a simplified breathing
system. To be more precise, the air filter was substituted to K&N of zero resistance
and direct-flow short exhausts with a thermo-band for temperature maintenance
of exhaust fumes elegantly repeated the frame’s outline profile descending
under the case and flowing together into one pipe cut along the line of the
footboard. The operation may seem simple but many changes followed it: from
standard installment and adjustment of Power Commander to the integration of a
modified system of burning and case ventilation. This in turn led to the
relocation of the accumulator, partially the wiring and the mains with the help
of special fastening- hidden structures of different producers which specialize
in British motorcycles. Instead of standard coils the motorcycles now have
high-voltage wires Nology Profire of another famous brand- Nology Hotwires.
Enhanced springs were installed for best coupling performance at this small
engine power increase. The chain drive on the gearbox was exposed and a body
made of transparent plastic fulfils the feet protection function. A simplified
version of the back star maintained its number of cogs and is placed on an
absolutely new spoke disk Kineo 5,5*17 which was manufactured using whole
milling of the wheel rim in order to install a modern tubeless tire Avon 160/60
ZR17 72 W Storm 2 Ultra. The front wheel was diminished from 18 to 17 inches
and was put into Avon 120/70 ZR17 72 W Storm 2 Ultra. Technical extravagance of
the suspension in the form of back dampers Ohlins TTX were developed specially
for this motorcycle by Andreani Group which was shocked by such an unusual
order because its products are used in the world of racing ultraspeed vehicles.
However,
leaving a telescopic front fork for maximum preservation of its appearance of a
classic Café, its gear was replaced by a system of Ohlins cartridges with a
full range of settings on the top traverse. The board-tracker handlebars which
are usual for the Thruxton model now has vintage grips made of brown vinyl. The
horizon-symmetrical dash reflects the angle of inclination relieving the
headlight which, by the way, is large enough. After taking off a few extra
details the final general outline inspired the artist Jura for unusual ideas of
stripped paint as if stripped by the airflow during speed competition. Even the
red back drift looks like a gushing body of flame leaving its track.
A light accent, a British flag on the left
rearview mirror, the fuel nozzle lid Monza on the tank- all this makes a great
outcry about the sport background of this steel tiger.
It’s a great surprise but the motorcycle was
able to maintain the style of classic 1960 street racing and to obtain much higher
technical characteristics in control and dynamics than factory ones. At the
same time it did not lose its comfort and reliability. That’s why it is absolutely
suitable for everyday use whether it be a city street with crazy traffic, a
long-distance journey or a track day.
I would like to thank Phillip Khalimov for
the provided motorcycle.