Bonneville's Thruxton: Generations X
The Bonneville Thruxton propelled Triumph to the winner's circle during the 1960s and inspired the company's modern café racer
November/December 2005
Robert Smith
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Thruxton then: a 1969 registered Triumph Bonneville.
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Triumph Thruxton (1969)
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Years produced: 1965 - ?
Total production: 52
Claimed power: 54bhp @ 6,500rpm
Top speed: 140+mph
Engine type: Overhead valve, air-cooled, vertical twin:
Weight (dry): 157kg (350b)
Price then: $925 (est.)
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 71 x 82mm (stock)
Compression ratio: 9:1
Carburetion: Dual 30mm Amals
Transmission: Four-speed
Electrics: 12v battery and coil
Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Front suspension: Telescopic fork, no adjustment
Rear suspension: Twin shocks, adjustable preload
Front brake: 203mm (8in) twin-leading-shoe drum
Rear brake: 178mm (7in) drumFront tire : 90/90 x 19in
Rear tire: 100/90 x 19in
Wheelbase: 1,397mm (55in)
Seat height: 787mm (31in)
Fuel capacity: 23.7ltr (6.25gal)
BSA produced just 1,584 Rocket Gold Stars, the iconic pairing of Gold Star cycle parts and 650cc Super Rocket engines. It’s said that only about 2,000 still exist.
Those numbers don’t jibe, of course, and that’s because any time a factory assembles a special motorcycle using over-the-counter parts, unscrupulous shade-tree mechanics will try to make a fast buck by putting together their own. Such is the case with the Triumph Bonneville Thruxton, examples of which were created not only by private individuals but by Triumph dealers — at the company’s encouragement.