Opinions sought!

[Oxtail]

Hi All

I've ridden bikes for about 15 years overall, mainly a Yamaha FSZ600 (2002) for most of this time in Europe, but haven't been on a bike since moving over here a few years ago (hence being more of a lurker than a poster to date!). I'm keen to get back in the saddle on a cafe racer style bike, and just wanted some opinions really about a second hand Thruxton (Trademe link below)

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-2355660008.htm?rsqid=dc54e5b0390f47d2a00646a436086 d70-001

Appreciate the balance of service history versus mileage, but I could buy a new Royal Enfield for about 2k more with 3 year warranty etc., or go for a 10 year old Thruxton.....any opinions out there that could help me decide?

Oxtail

[F5 Dave]

Looks pretty but ride one as it will be very different to your last bike.

The Enfeild more so. I have a mate with one (the RE) which he bops about on occasionally but I think that's for giggles and he uses his other bikes much more. Not really an only bike I'd say.

[ellipsis]

...a newer bonne', would be a more comfortable thing, handlebars don't make a cafe racer...a brown seat and muffler wrap do all that shit it seems...there is a TS50, cafe, on trademe right now...or a sporty :woohoo:

[Beekeeper]

The Triumph is a better bike than the Enfield but you are dealing with high kms (relatively) in the old money its only 30k miles but still it all depends on how its been serviced so check it out. If you like Triumphs, perhaps save a few more shekels and get a lower km later model? Bike ownership is subjective so any bike that you like is perfect, but keep in mind the intended use. Commuting vs weekend riding, can you afford two bikes? The cafe trend is pretty naff, take an old crappy bike uglify it, make it very uncomfortable, then ensure it annoys the neighbours with a loud pipe...

[Voltaire]

The new RE 650s are getting good reviews. Had a 04 thruxton for about 6 months. Ok but dull.
F5’s is probably referring to a RE single.

[F5 Dave]

Yes I was .

[Oxtail]

Thanks, I might have to take a Bonnie out for a ride as well, so a Thruxton 900, RE Continental GT & a Bonnie....hmmm decisions....

[robajs]

I owned a 2014 thruxton for about three years...quite enjoyed riding it on weekends etc had ohlins rear shocks british custom pipes and it went well and made all the right noises.
it was in new forrest green with gold stripes , probably the prettiest colour scheme .
sold it as iwas constantly riding at around 140km and that wasn't good for my license ! on longer rides I found the edges of the seat cut into my inner thighs so got quite painful after a couple of hours in the saddle. I am six foot two and 130kg this may not happen to you .
the bonnies have a better riding position so will be more comfortable.
hope this helps:cool:

[Laava]

Have a look at a sv 1000n. It is a way better bike for the money. It will be substantially more powerful and also more comfortable than the Thruxton

[Oxtail]

So, the Thruxton was a great ride, sounded nice and loud and a powerful bike, felt heavier that I anticipated but it was the first ride on one of them. The Royal Enfield was a real surprise (interceptor), felt much lighter and powerful enough but wasn't sure whether it was powerful enough towards the top end in for overtaking. Really surprised me how good it was to ride, but I'll think about it and perhaps take a Bonneville out for a test just to be sure.

[sidecar bob]

If you're looking at Thruxtons, you really need to have a go on one of these too.
BMW R nine T Racer.