Triumph knocked everyone’s socks off with the release of the new water-cooled Bonneville range back in 2016. But of all the models they unveiled that year, it was the Thruxton R that had us drooling. Powered by a 1200cc HP (high power) version of the new water-cooled parallel twin platform, it was the most performance-oriented motorcycle in the Triumph Modern Classics segment. Featuring drop-dead gorgeous styling and a long list of premium components it was the Triumph every retro bike nut wanted.
In 2020 Triumph replaced the Thruxton R with the Thruxton RS. Although not a lot changed in terms of styling, the Thruxton RS was lighter and more powerful than the outgoing R. That left envious Thruxton R owners with 2 choices. Trade in their first-generation water-cooled Thruxton R for an RS or upgrade the one they had. The owner of this bike chose the latter.
Built by none other than the Spanish Triumph experts, Tamarit Motorcycles, this bike is the 141st custom to roll out of their workshop. At the request of the bike’s owner, they’ve stepped things up in the styling department while retaining the Thurxton’s classic good looks. Then to compete with what the Thruxton RS has to offer, they threw in a spattering of modern components, shed a few pounds, and gave it a decent boost in performance.
Styling changes to the Thruxton R came courtesy of Tamarit’s own Triumph aftermarket parts catalog. Heading up the changes is a whole new tail assembly. Using a Monaco seat the Tamarit team converted the Thruxton to a permanent single-seater. Along with removing the ability to carry a pillion the new configuration has dispensed with the unwanted weight of the stock tail cover, full-length seat, and passenger footpegs. To keep the new tail clean a Tamarit eliminator kit replaces the original license plate assembly and lighting. The new unit includes an LED tail light which Tamarit has paired with Motogadget M.blaze pin LED tun signals.
Moving to the front end this Thruxton R is running a trick LED headlamp. The adaptive unit uses gyroscopes to ensure optimal vision at any lean angle. The remainder of the front-end lighting is handled again by Motogadget, but this time it’s a set of bar-end M.Blaze discs that manage signaling duties. Sitting beside them you’ll find Motogadget glassless bar end mirrors but the rest of the cockpit remains stock.
When designing the water-cooled Bonnies, Triumph did an excellent job of minimizing the visual impact of the radiator. Tamarit has taken this a step further with their Hummer Sump Guard. The guard follows the line of the radiator to remove the step it creates in the front of the frame as well as providing protection for the engine. Other styling tweaks can be found in the form of a compact Tamarit “Mr Kevin” front fender, Dakota side covers, and a Sombra chain cover.
To step things up in the performance department Tamarit has fit this Thruxton R with a tried and tested reverse intake system. Manufactured by fellow Triumph aftermarket specialists Free Spirits, the 180-degree bend inlets aim a set of Power filters into the wind for maximum airflow. To complement the changes to the intake Tamarit has built a one-off exhaust. The striking pie-cut stainless 2-into-2 system is optimized for both aesthetics and performance. The 2 pipes snake around the engine before meeting beneath the stator cover where they most likely breathe fire at one another. To make the most of these changes the fuel mapping has been suitably adjusted.
As is the case with all Tamarit builds, the finish on this bike is exceptional. A fresh paint job of gloss black and cyan accentuates the lines of the bodywork and gives this Thruxton R a unique look of its own. Tamarit tank badges and custom engine case emblems are the icing on this Thruxton cake which is sure to be the envy of every Triumph fan.
