2016 Triumph Thruxton

Recalls

3 recalls name the 2016 Triumph Thruxton. Newest first.

• Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/center stand

  Jan 15, 2020NHTSA 20V0150003,244 vehicles

  Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Thruxton, 2016-2019 Thruxton R and 2020 Thruxton TFC motorcycles. The side stand spring may fracture, possibly allowing the side stand switch to activate and shut off the engine.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand spring, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2020. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SRAN 570.

  Full recall details →

• Electrical system › Software

  Jan 31, 2018NHTSA 18V0840002,824 vehicles

  Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Thruxton and Thruxton R motorcycles. The engine may stall if the throttle is open or closed quickly while the clutch lever is pulled in.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is 33.

  Full recall details →

• Service brakes, hydraulic

  Jun 13, 2016NHTSA 16E057000119 vehiclesEquipment

  Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain accessory Adjustable Brake Levers, sold as part of an aftermarket lever replacement kit, part number A2021334. These brake levers are intended for installation on 2016 and 2017 Thruxton 1200, Street Twin, Bonneville T120, and Bonneville T120 Black motorcycles. Under certain conditions, the…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  Without the ability to apply maximum front braking, the distance needed to stop the motorcycle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake levers, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2016. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Service brakes17
2. Exterior lighting2
3. Electrical system1
4. Structure1

Latest complaints

• Oct 18, 2024OR
  Service brakes

  the front brakes are inconsistent when engaged. the first squeeze of the brakes are spongy and almost completely squeeze down and then subsequent braking with completely clamp in 1”. The problem does not go away even after bleeding the brakes. This has occurred since ownership of over 1 year. I only came across other owners with the same issue after a google search and there is an forum thread on the issue.

• Nov 30, 2022MN
  Electrical system
  The wire harness has torn under ignition. The traction control stops working, needles bounce, and at times will not start. The wire pulls when the handlebars are turned to the right. I brought it to Moto primo to have it fixed. There was a recall for this issue and they want to charge me over…

  The wire harness has torn under ignition. The traction control stops working, needles bounce, and at times will not start. The wire pulls when the handlebars are turned to the right. I brought it to Moto primo to have it fixed. There was a recall for this issue and they want to charge me over $700 for an issue that they are obviously aware of. I had the bike in AZ over last winter and brought it in on a different recall. Moto primo said that the dealer looked at the issue in Phoenix but did not replace the part. They told me that I have to deal with the dealer in Phoenix which is 1800 miles away. This is a very dangerous thing. The needles initially started bouncing when I was driving from Phoenix to Minneapolis. It was doing it again when I was in MN. I went to blogs and read that there were issues where the wires stretch and tear when the bars are turned to the right. I looked at the wiring and it was torn and stretches when the bars were turned.

• Jun 10, 2022CO
  Service brakes

  Brakes feel spongy or grinding at times. The grip on the front brakes is not good.

• May 1, 2022OR
  Service brakes

  The front brake requires a first 'pump' to become effective. On subsequent application the brakes work as expected. After a short time I need to 'pump' the brake again (when first applying the brakes I can almost pull the lever to the grip). This is a known problem on many owner forums. Due to the safety hazard this should really be addressed.

• Aug 24, 2021TX
  Service brakes
  Very time I push the front breaks, it feel spongy. First push the leveler goes almost all way down. It becomes more firm once you push it two or three time more, however, it vanishes after that. I took it to the dealer but they said that the breaks are working good. I have also changed the break…

  Very time I push the front breaks, it feel spongy. First push the leveler goes almost all way down. It becomes more firm once you push it two or three time more, however, it vanishes after that. I took it to the dealer but they said that the breaks are working good. I have also changed the break fluid and bled the system according to the maintenance schedule but it has not worked at all. I have read on Triumph groups that this has been existing problems on Thruxton and speed triple models between 2016-2020. However, Thriumph hasn’t published a recall for it. It has been a serious safety problem on my bike. Fortunately, I have not had a serious accident but I had some close calls. I am writing from Mexico City, Mexico. Thanks and regards

• Aug 13, 2021CA
  Service brakes

  Front brake lever has an issue wherein it is soft and requires multiple pulls or deploys to full engage resulting in both inconsistent and unsafe operation. It has been ongoing and apparently widespread with other owners and not something repair shops have been able to localize or remedy.

• Aug 10, 2021PA
  Service brakes
  I have had this motorcycle since new in 2016 and have put 20,000 miles on it. It has for most of its life had a problem with the brembo front brakes where they do not fully engage until you pump the brake lever twice. I had taken it to the dealer multiple times while under warranty and had the…

  I have had this motorcycle since new in 2016 and have put 20,000 miles on it. It has for most of its life had a problem with the brembo front brakes where they do not fully engage until you pump the brake lever twice. I had taken it to the dealer multiple times while under warranty and had the brake fluid replaced and bled multiple times. While inititially the new fluid helps, nothing seems to be a permanent fix and the problem returns. More recently I had the front brake calipers disassembled, cleaned, fluids changed and it is still just as bad as ever. I had to replace the stock brake lever with one that is adjustable to get more leverage so that the brake lever does not bottom out against the handlebar. When that happens you need to quickly pump the brakes to actually stop. It can be very scary. The service manager at my local Triumph dealer apologized that they were not able to make the brakes work properly. Also with very inconsistent brake response it can be challenging to properly judge stopping distances and required reaction times.

• Jul 28, 2021CA
  Service brakes

  The front brake lever first pull has always been soft, since the motorcycle was new. The second pull is firm and as one would expect. I brought the motorcycle to the dealer where I purchased it and had them inspect the brakes and perform a bleed operation, which I had to pay for. The technician found nothing wrong and there was no change in the first brake pull. This issue remains to the present day.

• Jan 14, 2021IN500 mi
  Service brakes

  The brakes do not have pressure on the first pull. The pressure IS built by pumping the brake lever but will then lose pressure again within 15 minutes. In the event of an emergency the brakes could take too long to engage. This IS a common problem on all 2016-2019 triumph thruxton 1200 r motorcycles.

• Jan 14, 2021FL800 mi
  Service brakes

  The first squeeze of the front brake lever IS soft and mushy. When released and squeezed again, the lever firms up and has less travel. The front brake IS inconsistent and thus dangerous. This IS a constant problem in all riding situations.

• Jan 14, 2021WA2 mi
  Service brakes

  When using the front brake, I have to press the lever in once, then press it a second time to experience its proper braking potential. This has been an ongoing issue since owning the bike. I've noticed how jerky the brake would react. Very "squishy" when pressing the brake lever first pump, then reacts immediately with subsequent brake pumping. This has the potential to cause harm to me, my bike or someone else.

• Jan 13, 2021CA6,000 mi
  Service brakes

  Brakes are soft at first pull. Second hardens. They seem very mushy and unsafe most of the time.

• Jan 13, 2021TX4,000 mi
  Service brakes
  Operation of the brakes IS inconsistent and unsafe. on first application, it feels like there IS no pressure in the system so the brake lever has to be squeezed almost completely back to the handlebar before the brakes apply. on subsequent applications immediately afterwards, the system feels…

  Operation of the brakes IS inconsistent and unsafe. on first application, it feels like there IS no pressure in the system so the brake lever has to be squeezed almost completely back to the handlebar before the brakes apply. on subsequent applications immediately afterwards, the system feels pressurized and lever pull and brake application become normal. the pattern repeats again after the brakes have not been applied for a several seconds. this occurs whether the brakes are applied while moving or at a standstill.

• Jan 13, 2021TX2,800 mi
  Service brakes
  My 2016 triumph thruxton r has always had issues with the front brake. Since purchasing the motorcycle I have noticed that while riding it and coming to a stop using the front brake it does not stop as effectively as it should. Upon grabbing the front brake and squeezing the lever the brake IS slow…

  My 2016 triumph thruxton r has always had issues with the front brake. Since purchasing the motorcycle I have noticed that while riding it and coming to a stop using the front brake it does not stop as effectively as it should. Upon grabbing the front brake and squeezing the lever the brake IS slow to stop the motorcycle and has a spongy feeling. However, when I double pump the brake (or squeeze the lever once, release, and squeeze it in a second time) the brake IS instant and quick to brake and stop the motorcycle. I have tried different brands of brake fluid as well as bleeding the brake system and replacing the brake pads. None of which has solved the problem. My only conclusion IS that there IS a manufacturer issue or problem with the braking system that causes this. If I were to grab the brake lever one time in an emergency stopping situation I would not be able to stop as effectively compared to double pumping the brakes. I have experienced this issue many times while approaching red lights and stop signs and IS an every time occurrence while riding the motorcycle. In summation the initial brake grab proves to be slow to brake and spongy in feel. While releasing the initial brake grab and grabbing the brake lever again proves to much greater stopping power and safer braking.

• Nov 28, 2020CA14,100 mi
  Structure › Body
  I have had 3 side stand springs fail during this calendar year 2020, in less than 3,000 total miles. 2 of the failed springs have been upgraded parts from a triumph internal safety bulletin replacement. This last spring failed 900 miles after it was installed only a month and a half ago. All…

  I have had 3 side stand springs fail during this calendar year 2020, in less than 3,000 total miles. 2 of the failed springs have been upgraded parts from a triumph internal safety bulletin replacement. This last spring failed 900 miles after it was installed only a month and a half ago. All installations were done by the authorized triumph dealership. All 3 of the spring failures occurred at freeway speeds, top gear, in traffic - when it fails, it activates a kill switch that cuts power to the motor, leaving me in highway traffic at speed with a non-responsive motorcycle. After the second occurrence, I emailed triumph after sales customer service team and their head of customer service peter carleo, my email was not responded to, I replied again - and no response. I have now emailed them a third time. My dealership said today after installing the 4TH spring on my bike this year that they called triumph customer service and they were dismissed and that I am on my own to deal with this issue. This IS a major concern as I could have been killed in traffic 3X due to a side stand spring, a $6 part failing 3X. This IS the most simple of parts and one that in my 13 years of riding nearly every day on 3 different triumph motorcycles, I have never encountered before. Triumph needs to be held accountable and rectify this issue completely before someone IS killed - if they haven't been already. My springs failed on 1/30/20, 6/17/20 and 11/28/20, over the course of less than 3,000 miles travelled.

• Nov 5, 2020AZ900 mi
  Service brakes

  The front brake needs to be "pumped up" by pressing at least twice before the full power of braking IS applied while the bike IS in motion or stopped. this has been addressed by the selling dealer at least on three separate occasions without any change in problem

• Oct 29, 2020CA2,950 mi
  Service brakes

  The front brakes since the beginning have felt spongy and I had a few close calls when I had to apply the brakes hard, the motorcycle still kept going I have to double pump to have them actually work properly.

• Oct 28, 2020CA10,200 mi
  Service brakes

  Soft/spongy front brakes while riding.

• Jun 26, 2020CA4,000 mi
  Service brakes
  The front brakes have a very spongy feel and require multiple pulls or 'primer pulls' for the front brakes to engage correctly. In emergency brake situations, I do not get full braking power out of the front brakes when the lever IS pulled in quickly. The lever goes all the way back to the…

  The front brakes have a very spongy feel and require multiple pulls or 'primer pulls' for the front brakes to engage correctly. In emergency brake situations, I do not get full braking power out of the front brakes when the lever IS pulled in quickly. The lever goes all the way back to the handlebar grip. Dealers and shops have tried bleeding my brakes numerous times to fix the issue but the lever response does not improve. They all suggest that I change the whole system. I thought the issue was only my bike until a community of riders with my same bike experienced the same issue. This issue occurs when in motion, stand still, street, highway and turning. *tr

• Jul 14, 2017PA
  Exterior lighting

  The instrument cluster that displays the speed and rpms IS dimly lit because of opaque paint used on back of board containing the numbers. For riding at night the numbers are too dim to read driving speed or engine speed.

• Dec 4, 2016FL600 mi
  Exterior lighting

  New motorcycle and first night out with it. instrument panel at night IS not legible. the lighting on the instrument cluster (speedometer and tachometer) IS too dim to be able to read the numbers making it imposible to determine speed and rpms.

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Extended Stopping Distance

  PE21017Opened Jul 9, 2021Closed Jan 15, 2025
  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE21017) on July 9, 2021 for model year (MY) 2016-2019 Triumph Thruxton and Speed Triple model motorcycles based on allegations of loss of front braking performance.Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) indicated riders were experiencing a soft…

  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE21017) on July 9, 2021 for model year (MY) 2016-2019 Triumph Thruxton and Speed Triple model motorcycles based on allegations of loss of front braking performance.Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) indicated riders were experiencing a soft front brake lever that could result in an unexpected extended stopping distance. On July 28, 2021, ODI sent an Information Request letter to Triumph to learn more about the subject components and alleged defect.On September 24, 2021, Triumph submitted its response, which ODI analyzed.ODI learned that the majority of the VOQ incidents occurred two or more years after the motorcycle was manufactured. The manufacturer recommends changing the brake fluid every two years, regardless of mileage. As the manufacturer’s warranty lasts for two years from the date of sale, many dealers covered the complicated brake fluid replacement procedure under warranty. However, most of the motorcycles involved in these incidents were overdue to have their brake system serviced. Triumph conducted testing of the brake system to better quantify what riders were experiencing.Triumph found pulling the lever a second time immediately after an initial pull did result in less lever travel for the same force exerted on the lever.This reduction was two millimeters or less.Additional testing was conducted to ascertain the caliper force generated relative to various lever forces.Triumph found that the caliper force varied +/- 2% between the first and second pull of the front brake lever and any given applied force. Triumph claimed that the lack of proper maintenance was the cause of the soft brake lever.Triumph conducted additional testing to quantify this claim.The lever travel between the first and second pull increased 150% on an improperly maintained system versus a properly maintained system.However, the caliper force only decreased 2-3% on average with this increased lever travel, further indicating that the subject motorcycles are capable of fully stopping. ODI located and evaluated a subject motorcycle.Measurements were taken and confirmed there was a small decrease in lever travel between the first and second pull.ODI then conducted a series of hard braking events, which did not produce evidence that the difference in lever travel resulted in an extended stopping distance. ODI also considered Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) data.ODI identified six fatal events that involved a subject vehicle.The service history records were reviewed for each motorcycle, however,none of the records included any mention of braking problems and thus there is no indication that the alleged defect may have contributed to the fatal crashes. As of this time there are no VOQ or manufacturer claims reporting an injury, fatality, or crash arising from this issue.Based on the available information, including the absence of such events after nine years of service on the oldest motorcycles, ODI is closing this investigation.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11011144Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-13 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11008179Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-12 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11006921Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-11 and that dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11005458Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-10 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11005456Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-09.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11005455Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-09 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11003732Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-08.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11003730Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-08 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11000794Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-07 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10253644Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-04 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10253642Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-03 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10252943Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-02 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10251740Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-01 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10249307Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-08 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10247139Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-06 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10239437Dealer notice advising of a bug notification affecting calibration download function on certain systems.
• 10239435Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-02.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10236782Technical Bulletin 230 provides instructions that applies to Electronic Systems Commissioning and Motorcycle Unlocking, Introduction of New Instrument Hardware, Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2023-02 Update - Calibrations Removed From Service and Encapsulated Fixings.
• 10236781Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-02 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10236780Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-02 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10236313Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-01.3 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10231157Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-08.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10231156Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-08 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10231150Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-07 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10228576Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-11.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10228572Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-11 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10228571Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-10 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10212877Triumph has released diagnostic software version 2022-01
• 10212078Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-03.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10210482Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-02 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10192922Crackshaft position sensor/ignition pickup, front brake hose p-clip, headlight fixings, reed valve cover torque fixing, engine bar plugs, lower yoke wire guide, front fork oil level and volume, motorcycle assembly guide update-backrest bar, rear bevel box parts kit, and pannier frame.
• 10192901We have identified a need to re-route the clutch cable as it has been incorrectly routed over the main wiring harness in the headstock area.
• 10192898Internal quality audits have identified a need to replace the left and right hand silencer assemblies as an ongoing improvement to emission control.
• 10186191Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-12 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10182506Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-10 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10175253Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-05 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10173774Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-4.3 available and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10173770Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-4.2 available and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10173767Technical Bulletin 206 provides instructions that applies to Electronic Systems Commissioning and Motorcycle Unlocking, Triumph Diagnostic Tool - Internet Connection and Minimum Equipment Requirement.
• 10172477Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-3 and dealers should begin using it immediately.

Every Triumph Thruxton model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.