Previewing the 2020 Triumph Thruxton RS

[MotoNews]

The Triumph Thruxton has long been a favorite for riders that want a solid factory café, and in 2016 when Triumph introduced its [highly revised parallel twin platform] (https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2016-triumph-bonneville-thruxton-r-first-ride-review/), it became a powerhouse. [Triumph] (https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/new-triumph-motorcycles/) offered an R-spec for riders that wanted even more, and for 2020 it goes a step further with the Thruxton RS.

More Power Please

The 2020 Triumph Thruxton RS brings power and performance to a new level. (Triumph/)

The 2020 Thruxton RS retains the liquid-cooled 1,200cc twin that has redefined the brand in recent years, but the mill has been refined to provide more pull and power than ever. It offers up 103 hp at 7,500 rpm and 83 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. Peak pull comes on earlier in the rev range than with the R-spec, and the RS provides eight more ponies, thanks largely to new high-compression pistons, revised ports and cam profile, a secondary air system, and numerous weight saving measures. These include a low inertia crankshaft, lighter clutch, balance shafts, alternator, and engine covers.

Less weight and higher-spec components improve handling of the Thruxton RS. (Triumph/)

The mill’s redline is 500 rpm higher than the Thruxton R, and the engine produces 20-percent less inertia for a more responsive feel. The power delivery is managed by a ride-by-wire system that communicates with three updated ride modes: Sport, Rain, and Road. These adjust the throttle map, ABS, and traction control settings to suit conditions.

In total, changes to the engine and other elements of the RS make it 13 pounds less than the Thruxton R.

Improving the Ride

The ultimate modern classic. (Triumph/)

The lighter weight promises to make the RS more agile than its siblings, while new Brembo M50 radial mount calipers and twin Brembo discs offer improved stopping power. Metzeler Racetec RR tires will come standard on the RS for optimal road performance.

The package is suspended by a fully-adjustable Showa USD BPF at the front and fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension at the rear. It also features a torque-assist clutch, and LED lighting throughout.

Looks Might Not Be Everything, But That Doesn't Mean They Don't Matter

Built to shred. (Triumph/)

The RS also gets a complete overhaul in the aesthetic department. That includes a long list of improvements including black powder-coated engine covers, black Öhlins springs, black side panels and sprocket cover, and black anodized wheels.

Other elements that have become a mainstay of the revised Thruxton line include a stainless steel tank strap, Monza-style fuel cap, sculpted Thruxton tank, Triumph badging, clip-on handlebars, and high-quality detailing throughout.

The revised 1,200cc engine provides more power and pull. (Triumph/)

Two colorways will be available, either a Jet Black or Matte Storm Grey and Matte Silver Ice.

Plus, there is a huge selection of bolt-on upgrades available from Triumph including Arrow exhaust, race fairing, fender eliminator, pillion seat and footrest, and much more.

Metzeler Racetec RR tires come standard. New Brembo braking hardware is included, too. (Triumph/)

2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Specifications

Price	TBD
Engine	1,200cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin; SOHC, 8 valves/cylinder
Bore x Stroke	97.6mm x 80.0mm
Compression Ratio	TBD
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate assist
Fuel Delivery	Multi-point sequential EFI, ride-by-wire
Transmission/Final Drive	6 speed/chain
Frame	Tubular steel
Front Suspension	Showa 43mm BPF fork, fully-adjustable, 4.7-in. travel
Rear Suspension	Öhlins twin shocks, fully-adjustable, 4.7-in. travel
Front Brake	Brembo M50 radially mounted Monoblock calipers, dual 310mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake	Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, 220mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear	32-spoke, 3.5 x 17 front, 5.0 x 17 rear
Tires, Front/Rear	Metzeler Racetec RR Tires, 120/70-17 front, 160/60-17 rear
Rake/Trail	22.8°/3.62 in.
Wheelbase	55.7 in.
Seat Height	31.9 in.
Claimed Dry Weight	434 lb.
Warranty	N/A
Available	TBD

Detailing on the tank showcases the Storm Grey and Matte Silver Ice colorway. (Triumph/)
Black springs adorn the Öhlins shocks. (Triumph/)
The RS can be fit with a pillion if you want to give a passenger a thrill. (Triumph/)
Straightforward instrumentation. (Triumph/)
Black anodized spoked wheels looking sharp. (Triumph/)
The only Thruxton you’ll ever need. (Triumph/)
The Thruxton RS in Jet Black colorway. (Triumph/)

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