Previewing the 2020 Triumph Thruxton RS

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, it became a powerhouse. Triumph offered an R-spec for riders that wanted even more, and for 2020 it goes a step further with the Thruxton RS.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.