The quintessential cafe racer is back. Lighter, more powerful, yet with all the style, attitude and key hallmarks of its predecessor, the all new Triumph Thruxton RS is better than ever.
Triumph have long set the benchmark for the modern classic motorcycle. The team from Hinckley have seemingly discovered the winning formula and managed to produce many desirable machines of late, almost at will.
The Thruxton first came to market in 2003 as an air-cooled 900cc twin. It ran in this configuration until 2016 when it was replaced by the current water-cooled 1200cc twin. An instance success, the relaunched Thruxton 1200 and Thruxton 1200 R layed down the gauntlet to its competitors. Now, in 2020, we get the all new Thruxton RS – more of the same, yet better.
Performance
The Thruxton RS produces six more bhp (5kW) than last year’s Thruxton R, now up to 103bhp (77kW). Whilst it does produce the same amount of torque as the Thruxton R – 112 Nm – it now delivers that torque 700rpm lower in the rev range – meaning you have more down early where you need it.
Significant weight savings make the Thruxton RS six kilograms (13lbs) lighter than the Thruxton R for an even more dynamic ride with you consider the performance upgrades. The weight savings have been delivered by engine component refinements such as a magnesium cam cover and thin walled engine covers, as well as a lighter battery.
Ride
Fully adjustable, and with 120mm of travel, the Showa 43mm upside down big piston forks provide relief upfront, whilst the rear is supported by fully adjustable Öhlins twin shocks with Piggyback reservoir and 120 mm rear wheel travel.
Braking is taken care of by twin 310 mm Brembo floating discs and Brembo M50 4-piston radial monobloc calipers up front, with a single 220 mm disc and Nissin 2-piston floating caliper at the rear
Keeping you stuck to the road are the all new Metzeler Racetec RR super sticky tyres.
Electronics
Ride-by-wire, switchable traction control and 3 rider modes – Sport, Road and Rain, now adjust throttle map, ABS and traction control settings to better suit the riding conditions – add some modern convenience to a retro motorcycle
Add LED lights, a USB socket under the seat and twin ‘retro-inspired’ instrument clusters displaying everything from range to empty to a gear position indicator, and you have a package that is convenient without ruining the classic aesthetic.
