2017 Triumph Thruxton

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.

The front brakes on my 2017 Triumph Thruxton r have developed a need to pull twice in order to get a bite. The first pull on the lever comes back very easy with little stopping power. The second pull engages and stopping power is restored. This seems dangerous when a panic situation occurs. This issue was first noticed 2 years ago and I have had the brakes bled twice, had the calipers and pistons cleaned and some relief was noticed for a short time then the issue returned. I had the bike in for a Triumph recall on the side stand spring and asked the mechanic after he test rode the bike what he thought about the brakes… he said they seemed a little spongy, needed the system bled. I told him that they were just bled and he thought maybe try again. This seems a little ridiculous to me as there seems no fix.

NHTSA ID

11568303

Incident

Jun 25, 2022

My bike has the same issue as many other Triumph Thruxton 1200Rs with a soft initial brake application. The first time that the brakes are applied, there is extra travel and a softer lever feel. After the first application, a subsequent application has a shorter travel. I reported this to a dealer early on, and they stated that they did not find anything out of spec. This is not a normal thing as none of my other motorcycles have ever had this issue. The brake system is supposed to be consistent from first to subsequent brake applications.

NHTSA ID

11493397

Incident

Nov 13, 2022

This vehicle has a dangerous flaw while downshifting and holding in the clutch lever. The engine will stall ! It is dangerous because I am relying on the engine braking to help slow down the motorcycle in a turn. Because the engine stalls the speed of the motorcycle increases. It is a worldwide problem BUT I do not see a recall listed in the NHTSA's website. Please have this matter resolved before someone is hurt.

NHTSA ID

11487651

Incident

Oct 2, 2022

The front braking system on my 2017 Triumph Thruxton R has excessive brake lever travel that has gotten progressively worse. This has resulting in 'double pumping' the front brake lever to achieve adequate braking power, which in an emergency situation may not be possible. The brakes have been maintained at the appropriate intervals, new brake pads have not solved the issue. The brakes have been thoroughly bled out per the manufacturer's procedure.

NHTSA ID

11438226

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

THE MOTORCYCLE STALL WHEN DOWNSHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 1ST GEAR, ALSO FROM 3RD TO 2ND GEAR. WILL STALL WHEN SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT AND YOU GIVE A LITTLE THROTTLE YOU HEAR AND CLANK SOUND AND IT STALLS. WILL STALL WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES AND AT INTERSECTIONS. HAVE TAKEN IT INTO DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY CAN NOT FIND THE ISSUE. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON FACEBOOK. I HAVE A VIDEO OF IT STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I CAN EMAIL YOU THE VIDEO, YOUR WEBSITE WILL NOT ACCEPT VIDEOS. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS 6/20/2017, IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 20 TIMES PRIOR TO THAT.

NHTSA ID

11002600

Incident

Jun 20, 2017

Mileage

80 mi

Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2026-07 and dealers should begin using it immediately.

Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2026-06.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.

Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool version 2026-06 and dealers should begin using it immediately.

Dealer notice announcing the availability of Technical Bulletin 264.

Technical Bulletin 264 provides instructions that relates to: Triumph Diagnostic Tool - New Motorcycle Connection and Diagnostics Workflow, Triumph Diagnostic Tool - End of Support for Microsoft Windows 10.

Dealer notice advising the availalbility of TDT version 2026-05.2 which resolves the ABS as Not Connected issues in SmartScan, on Tracker 400 & Thruxton 400 models.