The Triumph Thruxton isn’t a bike you see a lot of on the pages of Pipeburn. Mainly due to the fact that most riders who pay the premium for this factory café racer don’t usually do that much to them after riding them out of the Triumph dealership. The reason for this is they look great as stock. You don’t really need to do anything to them unless you want to increase the performance or need to stamp your individuality on it. This featured Thruxton is the handy work of the talented crew at The Speed Merchant in southern California who target those people that want something a little more unique – without having to fabricate it themselves. They specialize in manufacturing parts for Hinckley Triumphs and late model Sportsters. So most of the parts you see on this Thruxton are actually parts they make and sell.

This is the latest Thruxton The Speed Merchant’s have built and has clearly been inspired by the street trackers of old with a modern twist. Starting with Speed Merchant “Speedbar” 1″ handlebars that have been custom stepped for 7/8 controls. The stock rear shocks were replaced with 14″ Ohlins and inverted 50mm Marzocchi on the front. The wheels are Sun Aluminum rims with Stainless Steel spokes, 17″ rear and 18″ front, with Bridgestone’s Battlax tires 160 rear and 120 front and dual Tokico four piston brakes for performance stopping power.

The battery and electrics have been relocated, with a beautiful little custom built battery box under the swingarm. Including a Ballistic lithium ion battery which helps minimise the space. Lazer star XS led tail lights round up the rear section of the bike and the custom front number plate with lazer star headlight dramatically changes the look of the Thruxton.

Then we have the hand made one-off race exhausts that perfectly balance the 865cc engine – they might be dangerously close to the riders legs but there’s nothing like a bit of pipeburn. The stock carbs have been replaced with FCR 39mm carbs for some extra responsiveness. The one thing that does define the original Thruxton shape more than anything is the cafe racer bump seat. This has been replaced with a handmade tracker styled tailsection and the rear section of the frame has been modified with a custom grab bar and a bit more some cutting.

To see more from the The Speed Merchants check out their blog or if you have a Thruxton or Harley then it might be worth visiting their store.

[Photography by Mark Kawakami]