Triumph announces ‘TFC’ Series
Triumph Motorcycles is taking their range upmarket with the announcement of a new range of ultra-premium limited-edition motorcycles – the ‘Triumph Factory Custom offer’.
A Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) initiative is not new, with the TFC label first appearing on the Bonneville Bobber and Scrambler in 2014, but this new “TFC offer”, announced in February, is taking the idea to a new level.
The new TFC offer will consist of motorcycles that “embody the absolute pinnacle in custom Triumph design, with a unique level of enhanced performance, technology, engineering, specification and exquisite finish.”
While based on existing models – at least, initially – each member of Triumph’s TFC series will be specially crafted, with hand-finishing and bespoke parts. Each will offer a higher degree of either performance, specification or finish, too.
Every TFC model will be limited to just 750 individually-numbered units worldwide and once each model run is sold out, it will not to be repeated. The TFC series will be officially launched in May, with the first model released to be the Thruxton TFC.
Thruxton TFC Spec
Based on the current Thruxton 1200 R, the Thruxton TFC will feature more power and a high level of standard equipment.
Final output figures had not been confirmed at press time, but the Thruxton TFC is claimed to feature a 7.3kW power increase on the liquid-cooled 1200cc parallel twin. That should mean around 80kW maximum power, with listed maximum torque of 115Nm at 4850rpm. This compares to 72kW max power at 6750rpm and 112Nm max torque at 4950rpm on the existing Thruxton 1200 R.
While maximum torque is reached earlier in the rev range on the TFC, whether the same applies to the extra power is yet to be revealed.
To match the increased engine output, the Triumph riding modes – Rain, Road and Sport – have been upgraded, with each mode controlling the throttle response, ABS and traction control intervention. The recalibration of the Thruxton TFC’s riding modes is claimed to be unique to this model.
Also matched to the more powerful engine are Vance & Hines titanium exhaust silencers with carbon fibre end caps. Described as one-of-a-kind units, these lightweight silencers are ‘co-branded’ with the V&H and Triumph logos.
The suspension package has been upgraded, too, now featuring Ohlins gear at both ends. On the current Thruxton R, the front end uses a Showa 43mm tele fork. This has been replaced on the Thruxton TFC with an Ohlins NIX30 USD fork. The twin-shock Ohlins rear set-up remains but has been upgraded and identified by black RSU springs – part of an overall ‘blackout’ treatment that defines the TFC. Both front and rear suspension units are also fully adjustable.
Also upgraded is the Brembo braking package. The twin floating front discs remain, matched to Brembo M4.34 4-piston monobloc calipers on the TFC. Rear brake specs (a single 220mm disc with Nissin 2-piston caliper on the Thruxton R) have not been revealed. Making braking easier is the addition of an adjustable (span and ratio) brake lever, while a Brembo radial master cylinder has also been added.
The clutch lever is also adjustable, with the other notable upgrade being the adoption of stickier Mezteler Racetec RR tyres in place of the standard Pirelli Diablo Rossa Corsa hoops.
Thruxton TFC look
The black treatment on the Thruxton TFC starts with black anodized wheel rims and extends to the engine covers, tail tidy and most of the tinware.
Breaking up all that black is a dark brushed metal finish for the knee indents of the tank, racing fuel cap and air intake finisher, while hand-painted gold coachlines feature on the tank, tail and seat hump. There’s also a smoked-finish screen, but the most notable appearance upgrade is the tasteful use of carbon fibre.
Featuring on the bikini fairing, front mudguard, seat hump and heel guards, as well as the aforementioned silencer end caps, the carbon fibre not only looks good, but is part of a weight-reduction regime on the Thruxton TFC that makes it a full 5kg lighter than the Thruxton R.
Other weight-saving measures include the use of a lighter battery, numerous lighter engine components, aluminium engine cradle rails and deletion of the rear mudguard.
Labelled ‘Carbon Black’, this distinctive finish is the only colour scheme offered on the Thruxton TFC. A billet-machined upper steering yoke carries each Thruxton TFC’s identification and individual build number in the 750-unit model run.
Thruxton TFC purchasers will also get a ‘handover pack’ that includes a personalised custom build book, Thruxton TFC-specific bike cover and an owner’s document signed by Triumph CEO Nick Bloor.
Australian pricing, and indeed availability, for the Thruxton TFC has yet to be confirmed, but expect a handful of these exclusive, high-specification modern café racers to be released locally, with a starting price likely to be somewhere in the $30,000 range. These units are sure to sell out, so contact your Triumph dealer to order and place your deposit.
Rocket TFC
When announcing the TFC offer and releasing general information on the Thruxton TFC, Triumph also revealed a Rocket TFC will be the next model in their exclusive programme.
The Rocket TFC is described as still being in the concept phase, so virtually no details were provided, but Triumph have indicated this exclusive Rocket variant will feature a new frame and new inline three-cylinder engine, as well as upgraded braking and suspension.
Whether the 2.3-litre capacity of this engine remains is yet to be confirmed, but Triumph says the new engine will continue to offer class-leading performance in what they’re describing as “the ultimate motorcycle”.
In images released so far, the Rocket TFC looks to have many of the same blackout appearance touches as the Thruxton, but with a different look to the seat – including an interchangeable dual or solo saddle - and side covers, a bobbed tail unit and low-slung number plate carrier.
Images also show modified indicators and handlebars, unique wheels and an all-new exhaust system, as well as what appears to be a small instrument fairing. No other details on the Rocket TFC were available at press time, but this unit will also be limited to 750 units globally. Full specifications will be released in May.
