I’ve been riding my Thruxton 1200 for a couple of weeks now and I really like it, one small criticism would be that it’s a little slow to turn in (or tip in) compared to my Ducati’s, I’m not expecting it to fully match their handling with its lower spec suspension and long wheelbase and higher weight but I wondered if a different profile front tyre might help, ref the photo below the Angel GT’s currently fitted have a shallower radius than the Diablo I just checked with the profile gauge, any thoughts?
Generally it is the width and height of a tyre that determines its profile. However, Bridgestone and Dunlop are known to be more pointy than other brands like Metzeler and Pirelli. The pointier the tyre, the quicker it is going to feel like it wants to turn in. A 180/60 tyre for example is going to give you a quicker turn rate over a 180/55. It also gives you a greater contact patch when leaned over and on the edge of the tyre, promoting higher lean angles and faster cornering speeds....... But, the downside is that it will feel more unstable in a straight line, twitchy even - not a problem on the track but on the road just a bit unsettled and skittish. Choice!
Im gradually increasing the preload, one below middle at present, when I first got it it was on it’s lowest setting, using my patented adjustment tool to avoid having to remove the silencers!
Yes at some point I’ll probably swap to a Diablo Rosso 120/70 on the front, that’s what I took the profile from ref the above photo, small gain perhaps we’ll see .
Just ordered the Diablo, £56 including delivery from Demon Tweeks, bit disappointed nobody has asked to see my patented preload adjuster tool though :-/
Finally! (I’m thinking of selling the rights to Snapoff). Note, anyone copying this terrific design would do well to protect the silencers with a thin sheet of plywood as I did in case of catastrophic failure, works perfectly but there’s a fair bit of strain going through that Allen key! (Note: I shortened the short end of the Allen key to give more clearance to the silencers).
