Triumph has given its popular retro sportster, the Thruxton, a serious update for 2020 with the sharpest version yet – the Thruxton RS.
Coming in above the existing £12,400 Thruxton R, the RS (for which prices are still to be released) has an even higher specification, with upgraded tyres and brakes.
Brakes come in the form of Brembo M50s, the Italian manufacturer’s new monoblock caliper design introduced earlier this year, while the Metzeler Racetec RR rubber comes straight from the race track. The fully adjustable suspension is shared with the R but is already at a very high level, with upside down Showa front forks and twin Ohlins shocks at the rear.
The Euro5 compliant engine has been revised with a low inertia crankshaft, new balance shaft, pistons and alternator. Combined with a number of small changes, the engine (shared with the Speed Twin) now revs higher and has almost eight more horsepower than the previous generation Thruxton, at 103bhp. Torque too is up, with 112Nm at 4250rpm. The engine modifications also go a long way to reducing the bike’s overall weight, shedding 6kg for a 197kg dry weight. Although Triumph have not confirmed it, we would expect most of these mechanical changes to transfer to the lower specification 1200cc models in Triumph’s modern classic range as well, as they all move to Euro5 standards.
As much as the performance, the Thruxton has always been about the look which, as always, remains right on point. The RS has been built for one, with a bullet style solo seat, although Triumph will sell you a dual seat and footpeg kit out of their accessory brochure.
Indeed a big part of the Thruxton ownership experience is attacking the parts brochure and modifying the bike to really make it your own. Triumph make 80 accessories to customise the Thruxton RS, and have what they call an ‘inspiration kit’ which is a pre-selected range of suggested parts that complement each other to create what they call the Track Racer, resplendent with a beautiful half fairing (as pictured). Other parts include stainless steel silencers from Italian tuners Arrow, carbon fibre parts, a number plate elimination kit and various alternative seats.
Otherwise the Thruxton is a beautifully detailed machine. It might look like a 1960s classic motorcycle but the whole thing is thoroughly modern, with 10,000 mile service intervals and a full suite of rider aids that includes three rider modes and switchable traction control.
Triumph haven’t yet announced a price or availability date for the Thruxton RS, but you’ll be able to see it for yourself at Motorcycle Live, which kicks off at Birmingham’s NEC this weekend.
