2014 Triumph Thruxton 0.9L Petrol · YN64 RBO

The defining mechanical story of this Thruxton centres on a pair of recurring issues that have surfaced across consecutive MOT tests, namely a steering headbearing that the examiner noted as slightly stiff or notchy and a pattern of headlamp aim failures. The most recent test on 31 October 2025 resulted in a pass, but only after the vehicle had failed on the same date for a headlamp aim reading too low, a defect also recorded as a fail at the previous test on 4 November 2024. Between these two PRS-level lighting failures, the headlamp aim problem appears to have been corrected on each occasion only to recur within a year, suggesting either a recurring adjustment issue, a worn or sagging front end, or simply an alignment sensitivity that the previous keeper has not addressed at source. The 2025 pass was accompanied by two advisories, one for the steering headbearing and one for nearside rear brake pads approaching minimum thickness, while the 2024 and 2023 tests returned clean sheets with no recorded defects. The overall trend is therefore one of broadly stable roadworthiness with a stubborn and now twice-demonstrated lighting issue, alongside the first appearance of wear items on the suspension and braking systems. Against an age of approximately twelve years, the recorded mileage of 11,848 miles equates to an annual accumulation of just under one thousand miles, which is exceptionally low even for a leisure machine such as a Thruxton. A test was recorded annually from 2023 onwards, but there is no MOT history available before November 2023, which combined with the very modest annual mileage suggests the motorcycle has either spent significant periods unaccompanied on the road or has been used only sparingly for short rides. Mechanically, such low usage carries well known implications for a modern classic: rubber components in the suspension, brake lines, and cooling system tend to perish before they wear, fuel system seals and diaphragms can harden, the 12V battery is likely to have needed regular replacement or conditioning, and the chain, sprockets, and brake discs may show surface corrosion even if they retain adequate material. Equally, the engine, clutch, and gearbox will not have been fully exercised through their working ranges, so any test ride should be long enough to bring everything fully up to temperature. Given the advisory on the steering headbearing, particular attention should be paid during the test ride to the feel of the steering through the full lock-to-lock arc. Any notchiness, binding, or irregular resistance as the bars are moved off centre, or a tendency for the front end to drop into a self-steering position when the handlebars are flicked from side to side, would suggest the bearing has deteriorated further since October 2025. A motorcycle propped on its centre stand with the front wheel clear of the ground should allow the forks to fall freely to either side without catching, and any tight spot or audible graunching should be taken as a likely replacement requirement. It is also worth inspecting the headstock area for any signs of weeping from the upper or lower bearing races, and confirming that the steering stop is not the source of the resistance. The nearside rear brake pad advisory means the pads are within the last millimetre or two of usable material and should be regarded as a near-immediate replacement item, ideally with the discs measured for wear at the same time. On the road, listen for any metallic squeal under light rear brake application and check for a binding feel that might indicate a seized caliper slider following extended periods of low use. The recurring headlamp aim failure is most commonly a simple manual adjustment of the dipped beam, but on a Thruxton it is worth checking the mounting integrity of the lamp units themselves, the condition of any supporting brackets, and whether the rear suspension sag or a heavily laden tail is pulling the beam down. Finally, given the low annual mileage, a thorough inspection of tyre condition including sidewall cracking, chain and sprocket corrosion, brake fluid age, coolant strength, and battery health under load is essential before committing to purchase, as these are the components most likely to have suffered from extended standing rather than from wear.