By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic
Triumph Thruxton (986ME) vs Bonneville T100 (986MF2)
Triumph Thruxton vs Bonneville T100: which one to buy once you're past the looks.
Roll up to the curb on the Triumph Thruxton and its clip-ons, sculpted tank and wire wheels say cafe racer before you've hit the kill switch. The Triumph Bonneville T100's two-tone paint, chrome and rubber knee pads aren't chasing that look at all. It's pulling glances all the way down the block.
So which one do you buy?
The Thruxton has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: Thruxton
Once the road starts to bend, the Thruxton noses ahead. Thank stronger brakes and a sportier chassis for that. Your own skill counts for more than a gap this size.
The Bonneville T100 has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Narrow edge: Bonneville T100
On sound and soul, the Bonneville T100 comes out a touch ahead. The reason: more distinctive styling and a purer look. Your own eyes and ears outrank this verdict.
Daily commuting & city riding
A touch ahead: Bonneville T100
Through rush hour, the Bonneville T100 is a little easier to live with. Only a little.
What makes each one tick
Thruxton
The Thruxton puts retro character ahead of outright pace. Its air-cooled twin pulls mellow and torquey, and there's a sporty crouch over low bars for corner entry. Basic servicing is all it asks. The overbuilt twin's still stacking up trouble-free miles.
Nils rode the Thruxton in 2014 (NastyNils Testride).
Bonneville T100
Torque shows up low in the Bonneville T100's twin, and it doesn't need revs to pass. The steering stays light through each bend. It won't hurry you. The peashooters thump out a steady rhythm.
Nils rode the Bonneville T100 in 2014 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Bonneville T100 has the lower seat: 30.5 in (775 mm) vs 31.1 in (790 mm).
- The Thruxton makes more peak power: 68 hp (51 kW) vs 63 hp (47 kW).
- The Thruxton makes more peak torque: 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) vs 50 lb-ft (68 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Look elsewhere
Both of these get tiring on a long day. A proper tourer will treat you better on big miles.
Don't look for a gap on running costs: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Thruxton
What owners say
Strengths
- Iconic classic cafe racer styling
- Solid and reliable engine
Bonneville T100
What owners say
Strengths
- Charismatic, torquey engine
- Timeless classic styling
- Easy to maintain
Known problems to check before you buy
Thruxton
- Rear suspension unit weld recall (2004) Recall 04V496000 A poor weld on the rear suspension unit body could cause the unit to fail, compromising stability and risking a crash. Triumph recalled affected 2004 models to replace the rear suspension units (NHTSA 04V496000).
Bonneville T100
- Electrical gremlins (coils, sensors, connectors) Older bikes can suffer from failing coil packs, corroded connectors and broken sensors (MAP, TPS) leading to rough running; often traced to poor grounds and vibration.
- Cam cover gasket leaks A common weeping leak develops from the cam cover gasket; usually an easy fix with a replacement rubber gasket.
What they share
- Displacement
- 865 cc
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Peak power at
- 7,250 rpm
- Fuel capacity
- 4.2 US gal (16 L)
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Rear tire
- 130/80-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Thruxton | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 30.5 in (775 mm) |
| Thruxton | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Air/oil-cooled |
| Power | 68 hp (51 kW) | 63 hp (47 kW) |
| Torque | 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 5,750 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
| Top speed | 115 mph (185 km/h) | 106 mph (170 km/h) |
| Thruxton | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 45 mpg (US) / 5.2 L/100 km | 43 mpg (US) / 5.5 L/100 km |
| Thruxton | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 320 mm | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 100/90-18 | 100/90-19 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Thruxton | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
