I took an R1200R out with the same DOHC engine when it was released so knew that I would like the performance and delivery but I also found the bike to be a lot more comfortable than the R as well which surprised me. The 9T is quite a bit smaller than the R and even though the space between seat and pegs is less I was comfortable for the two hours that I was on it. It has plenty of power for the type of bike that it is (105bhp) and is as you would imagine, a doddle to ride. It's ideal for bombing around the back lanes and aside from the standard suspension being a bit firm and crashy on less than perfect surfaces the handling was great. The brakes are fantastic, much the same performance as the Thruxton R but with a little less feel than the Triumph. Riding these modern bikes with radial brakes is great until I get back onto mine and realise that what I have are a bit dead in comparison, and up until these test rides I was perfectly happy with them! Now I want radial brakes! The riding position is as upright as I have ever experienced and does a good job of keeping the speed down. It's a nice bike to ride around at 70-80 but the engine wants to keep going more than that. I feel they this bike actually needs a delivery like the Thruxton and the Thruxton needs this engines power and characteristics. I had a lot of fun over the two hours blasting around the Cotswolds but ultimately I found it a bit soulless. 'Can't quite put my finger on why but perhaps it's because it's just 'so' easy to ride that I miss having something awkward to deal with.
Would I have one? Well despite my concerns of blandness it was a hoot to ride and ultimately very comfy compared to the R which gave me proper bum ache after half an hour. There's over 40 used models for sale in the market place at present and prices start at 8.5k with minimal mileage. Thing is, despite the Truxtons lower power and 'thinness' of that power at the top end, I think it's the better bike for me as I had to put a bit more into it and I like that. Thruxtons are 11.7k though so I might have to wait a while.
In the mean time me and my S are off to the Alps 'next' weekend for a fortnight. I wonder if either the 9T or the Truxton would treat me as well on such a trip...
