The Thing: a fast bike in summer—the purest form of cool

The Triumph Thruxton is a screaming mass of curves and chrome and undeniable retro cool—the amped-up automotive equivalent of a straight razor shave. It looks like the famous café racers of the 1960s, a direct descendant of the kind James Dean and Steve McQueen rode (or at least straddled for photo ops). And while it looks great, its styling cues—skinny wheels, low-rise handlebars, minimalist body—are built for speed. The 865cc eight-valve DOHC parallel twin engine is big and loud and capable of taking you from Dark Horse to Dark Horse in unheard-of time. Then again, this bike will also elicit lustful stares parked in front of said cafés on a sunny afternoon. Riding it is just a bonus. $10,799. Ride Motorcycles Toronto, 7730 Islington Ave., 905-851-8000.