ITS BEEN A BIG couple of weeks for Triumph and new models. We went to the unveiling of the stunning looking Speed Twin in Paris, the launch of the Scrambler 1200 last weekend, and then a dealer managed to snag some shots of a potential replacement to the Rocket III that was recently killed off thanks to Euro4 regs.
Now it looks like there could be an equally awesome bike in the offing from the Hinckley factory as these pictures, originally posted on the Triumphrat.net show. Alleged to be the new Thruxton R the bike is nicknamed the TFC which stands for Triumph Factory Customs. The last time we saw that name on a bike was when Triumph tasked it designers to a biker build off back in 2014. The result of that competition was the widely lauded Bobber which has been a big hit for the factory since its launch.
So now we know the company has form for designing these bikes to be more than a mere concept, let's take a look at what we have.
The forks look to be Ohlins, although the model I can’t be sure. The rear shocks are the same looking as the ones fitted to the Speed Twin and Scrambler 1200 I rode last weekend. It’s a logical thing to do as Triumph and Ohlins teamed up to create the product so using it on as many bikes as possible is sensible.
To look at the engine looks the same as any of the current retro 1200cc lineup but it’s a safe bet to assume that the internals have a reduced mass, as did the new Speed Twin and Scrambler, and it’s likely to have a bespoke tune or some hot cams under its rocker covers for good measure.
The bike sits on black finished spoked rims and super sticky Metzeler RaceTec RR tyres, a clear nod to its performance aspirations and the cycle parts are finished with what look like Brembo M4 100 calipers but again, pointing out that this bike’s bark is going to be as big as its bite!
The whole bike is dripping with carbon fibre, from the beautifully swooping fairing to the neat looking seat unit, as far as mixing classic lines and modern materials I think they have got it spot on!
Pictures StefLA – Triumphrat.net
