Triumph T120 v CB1100a

[LongRanger_imp]

I finally saw a Thruxton and a Thruxton R in person yesterday. Both are nice bikes. Smaller than I was imagining even after reading others comment on the same. I can't say that I personally found the radiator on the Triumphs to be any more attractive than the oil cooler on the CB1100., but they did a decent job of tucking it away. I'm surprised to read that the Triumph's radiator is actually smaller than the oil cooler on the CB1100 - it actually looked larger to my eyes, perhaps due to the vertical configuration. From my perspective, I classify both as visual disappointments on otherwise good looking bikes.

Understanding that the Thruxton's fins actually aid in cooling goes a long way with me. They definitely look appropriate. (But then they go and stick with the rather cheesy fake carb housings.)

The dealership with the Thruxtons also had an older Triumph on display which once again reinforced my appreciation for the design work behind those old bikes. Almost everything appearing on the bike was nice to look at. They didn't attempt to hide things, instead they worked to make what was there look as good as possible. The cumulative effect has a notable impact.

If someone could actually design a decent looking radiator they wouldn't need to try so hard to hide it. While no attempt was made to hide the oil cooler on the CB, it too could use some fresh thought. Fuel injection systems could easily be made better looking without trying to make them look like something that they aren't. Simply covering them up like Triumph did with the Street Twin is another option and it lends a clean look to things.

I realize that some of this is nitpicking which in a sense is a testament to how nice looking these machines are, overall. I also realize that there are performance benefits that result from these visual trade offs (aside from the fake carbs).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
One more thing to add...
In the past I felt that the pictures of the Thruxton R reminded me quite a bit of Ducati's GT1000. In person I felt that the Triumph was a far better looking motorcycle. Even though I do see some similarities, I didn't once think about the Ducati when looking at the Triumph in person. That comes as quite a surprise to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The difference here is that the oil cooler is absolutely period-correct, there isn't anything about it that suggests a more modern technology needed to be applied to get things to work.

The mere existence of the radiator is what could be off-putting to purists and necessitated the fins. From the images it certainly appears to be larger than the oil cooler on the CB1100, but that's an irrelevant point anyway. The bike needs it to function.

Do the throttle bodies have some kind of cover that makes them appear to be an old-school carb? I saw an image of the bike and it looks like they're trying to get the look of vintage Dellorto's.

Another plus to liquid cooling is that the water jackets deaden sound quite effectively, whilst the fins amplify it. Thus the bike can pass sound tests better and make more power.

I don't think there's a thing wrong with the liquid cooling, but obviously the Triumph marketing team didn't want to take a chance on not having the bike look mostly correct.

Amals, I believe, not Dell Orto's. Regardless, I like the treatment.

I find the Thrux R to be a stunning motorcycle, and even had a deposit on one a few months ago. I was overwhelmed when I finally saw the bike in the flesh, but at 6'6", it would have had fleeting utility and would have required that I sell the CB. I tried to rationalize the purchase but couldn't, especially considering I like what I have in the garage already. Still, I love the bike.