Triumph creates the ‘ultimate gentleman’s motorcycle’ with British GQ and Barbour International
Triumph Motorcycles GB has won a prestigious GQ Car Award for a custom version of its acclaimed Thruxton R motorcycle.
The stunning bike, built by London’s Untitled Motorcycles in partnership with British GQ and Barbour International, was awarded the snappily titled ‘Best Custom Motorbike We Built (Ok, commissioned) Ourselves’ prize at the GQ Car Awards 2018 ceremony last night (Monday, 5 February).
Resplendent in stylish black, complete with powder coated gloss black wheels, black headlight trim, engine cover, tank and side panels, the GQ bike is also fettled with smart one-off Barbour International briefcases, fitted to bespoke rear mounts.
Dubbed the ‘ultimate gentleman’s motorcycle’, the bike was designed to reflect the two sides of the GQ-reading man – an individual who harbours a love of speed and adventure but is also conscious of style and image.
Accepting the award on behalf of Triumph Motorcycles, global Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud said: “GQ is one of the world’s premier lifestyle and fashion media brands so we are honoured that they have chosen one of our motorcycles to reflect the ultimate ride for their audience.
“With a 1200cc high-power Thruxton R engine at its heart, the custom GQ machine certainly delivers on performance and the thrill of riding. And, just like the rest of our modern classics family, it also provides plenty of panache for the style-conscious man about town.”
GQ said: “The big question on GQ’s mind was: how do we decide on the best motorcycle of the year? Then we had an idea: why not build our own? A collaboration was born between GQ, Barbour International and Triumph Motorcycles. With the GQ man in mind, we wanted style, sophistication and a hint of rebellion in our bike design. But, of course, we couldn’t do that ourselves, so we gave the job to custom bike builder Adam Kay, the man behind Hampstead-based Untitled Motorcycles (UMC).”
Paul Wilkinson, Global Marketing and Commercial Director, Barbour International said:. “Barbour International clothing is inspired by our motorcycle heritage since 1936 and appeals to those who love style, functionality and authenticity. Through the partnership with GQ, Triumph Motorcycles and Untitled Motorcycles, we’ve been able to inject this aesthetic into the customised Thruxton R and the result is a unique motorcycle that looks stunning and is bound to attract attention.”
Among the GQ bike’s other key modifications are upgraded front forks, CNC handle bar mounts fitted with Motogadget switches, rubber hand grips, bar end indicators and a new seat unit adorned with a leather diamond-stitched cover.
The Triumph Thruxton line-up starts at £10,800 and represents the ultimate in modern classic café racer bikes.
To find out more, find a dealer or book a test ride, visit: http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classics
Meanwhile, the GQ-Barbour International Triumph Thruxton R by Untitled Motorcycles will feature in the March issue of GQ, which hits the shelves on Thursday this week (Feb 8).
