But technology has moved on. And while you can still buy a classic Manx racer, you’d need to look elsewhere for equivalent performance by today’s standards. Which is exactly what Sacha Lakic?accomplished designer and founder of Blacktrack Motors?has done.
Blacktrack broke onto the scene last year with the BT-01, a limited production version of Sacha’s own CX500 cafe racer. For their second special, they set out to build a modern Manx.

?It’s not to say that the Thruxton looks bad,? he continues. ?But because it’s a great bike, a lot have been sold?and we wanted to created something with a strong aesthetic soul, that will not be seen on every corner.?
With 96 bhp and 112 Nm on tap, fully adjustable Öhlins and Showa suspension, and Brembo brakes all round, there’s not much to upgrade on the Thruxton R. So Blacktrack were free to focus all their energy on aesthetics.
Other custom bits include new side covers, a new front fender, and a Manx-styled headlight and fly screen. Sacha also designed gorgeous new triple clamps that fit the Thruxton without any mods, and a matching pair of clip-ons.
The exhaust was another key piece. Blacktrack wanted to replicate the Manx’s sharply angled headers, and unmistakable sound. So they designed a whole new stainless steel system, terminating in a pair of Spark mufflers.

The speedo presented another challenge. The idea was to have a classic, round dial?but Triumph’s new gen electronics ar...